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puffinmonkey
Veteran user
Seattle
377 Posts
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Posted: Mar 16, 2009 10:50pm
REVIEW:
After playing with the tarantula, I was very pleased. I have concluded that this gimmick is as versatile as TT! Great product that Yigal released. I've been using the spider pen for three years now and have been having difficulties with it. There are endless possibilities with tarantula.
Quality of the gimmick- I would give it 8.5/10 due to the durability, could be better. Had issues with the motor spooler falling off while taking the spool out. BUT do not let that deter you from purchasing this. Nothing is perfect. Therefore you can easily fix this with a little superglue or I prefer some rubber cement glue. I forgot to mention one more thing, the gimmick, when you stretch it out to fit, BE CAREFUL! I stretched mine a little too far and ripped the gimmick a little. Make sure you don't over stretch it. 8/10
TRICKS:
floating ring/Hovering- Great effect that requires audience management and takes LOTS of practice to perfect it. I'm currently still working on it and trying to find the perfect ring for this. I would suggest using a light wedding band for this. Wow yigal came up with the break system which is truly a great innovation to thread work that combines with Steve Fearsons' hookup. This is a truly captivating effect. It is almost like REAL MAGIC. The psychology behind this plus the new applications can be used with different objects besides a ring. The trick speaks for itself, you can see this trick in the demo video. 9/10
Money Magnetism- This trick is hard hitting and simple. Great trick to apply to your act if your a strolling magician/ close up. Basically borrows a bill from the audience and having the bill fly upwards to your other hand. This trick truly defies gravity with a borrowed bill! Like yigal said, "focus on your magic" the tarantula pretty much does the magic for you. All you have to focus on here is the patter. I going to go off topic but if you have read "strong magic" by Darwin Ortiz you can come up with a stellar presentation for this piece. Even if your not a thread worker, I still highly recommend this. 8.5/10 due to the amount of time you need to put into this to be able to perform smoothly.
Haunted Pack- My favorite trick in the whole DVD. I have been doing spooked for about four years now and came across Yigals' haunted pack with the application of the tarantula. Whole new concept due to the new function that the tarantula provides. The trick starts out with the audience member shuffling the deck of cards and selects/signs a card.
The magician cuts the deck in half and asks the audience place back the card. The magician then tells the audience member to focus on their card and then places the deck on the ground. Slow the deck starts to cut in half, then a card shoots out of the deck and it is their selected card.
In my opinion, it is the best trick on this dvd along with the hovering. The handling to this trick could be better, in a sense that I do not like the way he handled the thread with the deck in this trick as much as Spooked. Great for strolling/close up magic. 9.5/10 due to the handling or else I would give it a 10 haha
Magic pen-Great trick for the bars/ strolling magic. Borrowed pen placed it on the table, with no physical contact you make the pen roll all the way off the table and on to your hand. When I do this trick, people go crazy over this. End clean. 9/10
If you are willing to put in the time and effort to master these effects, then you should go out and invest $70 into the tarantula, I guarantee that you will not only be fooling layman but magicians as well. Do not be discouraged with the looks of the gimmick or how it works. Give it a try, practice at least two weeks with it before making a judgement. The tarantula is worthwhile.
This is my first review. I'm still getting a hang of writing them. Please let me know if I left anything out. Thanks for your time!
-Alex
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Douglas Lippert
Inner circle
E Pluribus Unum
2319 Posts
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Posted: Mar 17, 2009 12:30am
Nice review Alex. Hopefully this will help people that are on the fence still.
Best,
D.L.
Douglas Lippert
I.B.M. Ring #8 Secretary
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puffinmonkey
Veteran user
Seattle
377 Posts
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Posted: Mar 17, 2009 12:33am
HAHA well sorry for the bad grammer. Didn't have time to proofread it.
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homegrown
New user
Toronto, Canada
85 Posts
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Posted: Mar 17, 2009 1:04am
Nice review! Thanks for being very clear!
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raphaelwj
New user
3 Posts
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Posted: Mar 17, 2009 6:06am
Good review dude. Keep it up. Mine will be with me in 2 days. Can't wait.
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Kipp Sherry
Elite user
Boise, ID
472 Posts
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Posted: Mar 17, 2009 9:38am
REVIEW:
I just received my Tarantula in the mail and immediately opened it up with great anticipation. I will start off by saying that Yigal Mesika has another hit on his hands, or should I say on your hand. Yigal's engineering has developed yet another great utility device for I.T. workers. Even if you suffer from Arachnophobia (the fear of spiders) you will find great joy in having this Tarantula in your hand. However, it will not relieve your fear of I.T.
Be forewarned, if you are buying the Tarantula because of the promotional video only, you may be disappointed. The finger ring floating through the air and ending up on a spectators finger looks very impressive, but even Yigal admits in the instructional video that this is the riskiest move that he teaches. I think that particular effect is best left to be used with a confidant and not a random person from the crowd. Yigal does teach many other effects that are much more practical in every day performances and these are the real redeeming values of the Tarantula.
I.T. is an advanced art so I would not recommend this for the beginner, but if you are a fan of I.T. then you will find this a nice addition to your arsenal of utility devices. I say an "addition" since the Tarantula will not allow you to pull off all of your favorite effects, but it does have some unique features that "add" to the effects you can pull off.
One of the things I really liked about Tarantula was the switching system, it is totally well designed, totally undetectable by the audience and totally under your control to be activated at your will. Another thing that really impressed me is that the parts are interchangeable with the Spider Pen. Great job on that Yigal.
The DVD came with great instructions and several effects that can be accomplished with the Tarantula. There were no new I.T. effects introduced that could not be accomplished with other I.T. methods and devices, and to Yigal's credit, he gave credit to all of the people who had inspired the development of the Tarantula and the effects accomplished with it.
So, do you really need to spend $75 to accomplish these amazing effects? The answer is NO. Other sites are already selling at discounted prices. But do you even have to spend that much to accomplish these amazing effects? Again the answer is NO. Okay, so do you "want" to spend that much money? If you have never worked with I.T. before, then I would say "probably not", but if you are already comfortable and accomplished with I.T. then the answer would be a big resounding YES!
In my opinion, Yigal Mesika did a fantastic job creating the Tarantula and I will be using it in some of my routines. I think it compliments the Spider Pen very well. Therefore I will keep a Spider Pen in my shirt pocket and a Tarantula in my pants pocket at all times.
Until we appear again,
Kipp Sherry
What is Kings Fool?
The only business card you'll ever need!
http://www.kippsherrymagic.info
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Darren James
Inner circle
Ontario, Canada
1626 Posts
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Posted: Mar 17, 2009 10:21am
Great review guys thanks.I own the spider pen as well but useually end up useing loops all the time..This is something I'll prbably invest in the future.
Thanks again for the reviews,
Daren
Darren James
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ovationkc
New user
29 Posts
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Posted: Mar 17, 2009 10:40am
Kip,
Based on your review I assume you are an expert with IT. What type of ITR would you recommend for somebody just starting out or wishing to explore the realm of IT.
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kissdadookie
Inner circle
2540 Posts
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Posted: Mar 17, 2009 11:02am
Close up or stage/parlour? If you were to use it in close up environments, nothing beats a Thread Boss for overall versatility (I've only had to replace mines ONCE after years of use, I replaced it not because the initial one was faulty or anything but because Spooked came with one and I decided it was time to replace my beat up looking original). If you're performing in a stage/parlour environment you would be perfectly fine with a standard Sorcery ITR. They are both about $20 cheaper than the Spider Pen and the Tarantula. The BIGGER issue that you should deal with first instead of worrying about which reel to get is how to USE the reel. For that I recommend picking up BOTH the LeClaire video (Who's Afraid of IT) and the Ammarr IT video Volume (2). Volumes (1) and (3) are not all that useful.
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Kipp Sherry
Elite user
Boise, ID
472 Posts
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Posted: Mar 17, 2009 12:35pm
Ovationkc,
I think kissdadookie has answered your question about as well as I could. The only thing I would add is that you don't even start with an ITR. Just start with IT. Get yourself a "Hover Card", learn it and you will get a feel for IT (both it's strengths and weaknesses). If you decide you like IT, then invest more.
Until we appear again,
Kipp Sherry
What is Kings Fool?
The only business card you'll ever need!
http://www.kippsherrymagic.info
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kissdadookie
Inner circle
2540 Posts
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Posted: Mar 17, 2009 12:38pm
Great point Kipp. Hover Card/UFO Card is quite inexpensive as well so you really can't go wrong. You get years worth of **x and IT as well.
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ovationkc
New user
29 Posts
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Posted: Mar 17, 2009 12:50pm
Thanks Kipp and kissdadookie, my local magic shop has both the UFO card and the Hover Card. The hover card looks like they only have it in the jumbo size, so I'll go with the UFO card.
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puffinmonkey
Veteran user
Seattle
377 Posts
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Posted: Mar 17, 2009 12:53pm
Hmm. I started out learning the hard way. I learned to use a ITR before learning how to use a regular IT. Regardless of starting out with ITR or IT, they both require a fair amount of practice and dedication. You will be frustrated with the Tarantula if you have no experience with an itr of some sort. Just because you'll experience the IT breaking on you if you aren't used to handling IT's in general. I still believe that anyone can learn to use Tarantula, no matter what level your at with IT'S. Just remember one thing, commit yourself to learning the tarantula if you are going to purchase it. Please do not practice only a couple of hours and then go out expecting to perform like a pro. Like I said before, it is definitely worthwhile to take time and learn it.
I still agree with Kipp Sherry. Start out with something basic like the "hover card". Personally I'm not a big fan of just regular IT. I'm more a reel person.
-Alex
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Mind Melter
Regular user
Australia
179 Posts
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Posted: Mar 20, 2009 9:57pm
Just got out of hospital. Have been playing around with the tarantula.
It's a great gimmick. Very versatile and easy to conceal. My only negative on this is the consistancy of the motor.
I couldn't always get it to operate 100% of the time (which is a big annoyance) I think it has something to do with the manufacturing aspect and probably the reason why ellusionist have decided to stop selling them, at this stage.
All in all, a worthy purchase and my favourite amongst the reels I own. Great to play around with and the thread is really strong IMO.
6/10 Construction of actual gimmick
8/10 Ease of use
9/10 Portability and versatility
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Douglas Lippert
Inner circle
E Pluribus Unum
2319 Posts
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Posted: Mar 20, 2009 11:11pm
Quote:
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On 2009-03-20 21:57, Mind Melter wrote:
I couldn't always get it to operate 100% of the time (which is a big annoyance) I think it has something to do with the manufacturing aspect and probably the reason why ellusionist have decided to stop selling them, at this stage.
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I might be able to help you. PM me for details.
Best,
D.L.
Douglas Lippert
I.B.M. Ring #8 Secretary
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edh
Inner circle
4702 Posts
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Posted: Mar 20, 2009 11:11pm
If doesn't operate 100% of the time, aren't you taking a risk performing with the Tarantula?
Kipp, thanks for your review.
Magic is a vanishing art.
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Douglas Lippert
Inner circle
E Pluribus Unum
2319 Posts
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Posted: Mar 20, 2009 11:22pm
Quote:
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On 2009-03-20 23:11, edh wrote:
If doesn't operate 100% of the time, aren't you taking a risk performing with the Tarantula?
Kipp, thanks for your review.
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Nothing is 100%. But, the Tarantula works 99% of the time for me.
Best,
D.L.
Douglas Lippert
I.B.M. Ring #8 Secretary
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puffinmonkey
Veteran user
Seattle
377 Posts
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Posted: Mar 21, 2009 12:30am
Ya, I would suggest checking your gimmick before you use it everytime you perform. Just incase it fails. But like Doug said, it does work 99% of the time.
-Alex
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milez
New user
72 Posts
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Posted: Mar 21, 2009 9:29pm
My tarantula doesn't seem to be as powerful as Yigal's in the video. It couldn't even lift a dollar bill... anyone else having the same issue? perhaps the stock battery is depleted?
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bmagic
New user
3 Posts
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Posted: Mar 21, 2009 10:35pm
Just getting started in the Café. I appreciate all of the great reviews for the Tarantula...but...they all seem to have a common thread (pardon the pun). It appears there are several "kinks" that are yet to be worked out with the Tarantula. I owned the Spider Pen and finally gave up due to thread breakage, motor issues, and spool problems. It sounds like the Tarantula is simply a more sophisticated Spider Pen. I guess that is my biggest fear...dropping $75.00 for a utility item tht isn't quite ready for prime time.
Thanks,
Brian B.
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Douglas Lippert
Inner circle
E Pluribus Unum
2319 Posts
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Posted: Mar 21, 2009 11:01pm
Quote:
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On 2009-03-21 22:35, bmagic wrote:
Just getting started in the Café. I appreciate all of the great reviews for the Tarantula...but...they all seem to have a common thread (pardon the pun). It appears there are several "kinks" that are yet to be worked out with the Tarantula. I owned the Spider Pen and finally gave up due to thread breakage, motor issues, and spool problems. It sounds like the Tarantula is simply a more sophisticated Spider Pen. I guess that is my biggest fear...dropping $75.00 for a utility item tht isn't quite ready for prime time.
Thanks,
Brian B.
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Thread will break often if you are new to IT work.
This is not the Tarantula's fault, it's the buyer's fault.
Take care,
Doug L.
Douglas Lippert
I.B.M. Ring #8 Secretary
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puffinmonkey
Veteran user
Seattle
377 Posts
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Posted: Mar 22, 2009 2:43am
Thread work does take a lot of practice. You will get frustrated, but I am sure that if you put in some sweat into it, you will get the results that you desire.
Best wishes,
-Alex
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Todd Bernard
Loyal user
266 Posts
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Posted: Mar 22, 2009 12:37pm
A few of them have already been resold here on the Café'. Tarantula has it's problems just like the spider pen. We've seen many of those for sale here on the Café as well.
Be careful when reading reviews because several members here received their tarantula for free in exchange for giving it a review. Most test pilots always give a positive review so they can continue being a test pilot for the inventor. Not all beta testers work this way, but most do. Just keep your eyes on the tricks for sale section and watch to see how many people are getting rid of them.
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PatrickGregoire
Inner circle
1171 Posts
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Posted: Mar 22, 2009 6:19pm
Yeah, but make sure you know WHY they are selling them. It's not always because the product is no good... Tarantula is great and I am not a beta tester.
Original magic PDF's for sale:
www.pgmagicproductions.synthasite.com
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Todd Bernard
Loyal user
266 Posts
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Posted: Mar 22, 2009 7:41pm
Aah, let me guess? It didn't suit their performance style.(lol) I predict that more will be for resale pretty soon.
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PatrickGregoire
Inner circle
1171 Posts
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Posted: Mar 22, 2009 7:49pm
I wasn't suggesting reasons, I was simply saying that there are more reasons than one to resell a product.
Original magic PDF's for sale:
www.pgmagicproductions.synthasite.com
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Todd Bernard
Loyal user
266 Posts
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Posted: Mar 22, 2009 8:12pm
True, but neither did I. No matter what the reasons are, the fact that people are already selling their Tarantula's is a clear sign that they don't want it. I still predict more resales to come. Keep an eye on the for sale section if you want to buy it cheap.
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voe
New user
59 Posts
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Posted: Mar 22, 2009 8:54pm
When I sell some stuff I have sitting around, I will be purchasing the tarantula. I do have a question though. I had a spider pen so I'm familiar with r**l work and am 99.99% certain I know what the tarantula is that makes it unique.
Now my question... do you guys think that these returns are people who were not familiar with r**ls and IT in general or workers like myself who were still disappointed with reliability or other unforeseen issues with the device?
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jackstevens
New user
87 Posts
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Posted: Mar 22, 2009 9:04pm
Tarantula is the superior device in this genre.
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Todd Bernard
Loyal user
266 Posts
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Posted: Mar 22, 2009 9:25pm
Quote:
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On 2009-03-22 21:04, jackstevens wrote:
Tarantula is the superior device in this genre.
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Isn't that what they said about the Spider Pen? 
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