I dimly recall being told once that size 16 and size 19 were suitable rubber bands for things like "Crazy Man's Handcuffs" (anybody know the name Arthur Setterington originally gave the effect, btw?) and effects involving wrapping a RB around the deck. But which bands for which application? Opinions? Other thougts?

The biggest difference between 16 and 19 is just their length. (19 is longer.) Pick whichever one you like better, either will work fine.

The reason these are best is because of the cross-sectional shape. Wide rubber bands don't work since they look visibly different when they're stretched- which means it's more obvious when two pieces of band that have different amounts of tension are next to each other. No good. These are fairly small around (and square) so it's much harder to tell.

My understanding is that people sometimes like 16s for CMH, since they're a bit shorter and easier to put under tension, and 19s for things that go around your wrist and/or need extra length for complicated setups. But it doesn't matter as much then, unless you have more ideas you want to get started with.

Thanks very much for that.

Penetrating Rubber Bands (CMH)
Arthur Setterington
New Pentagram, Vol. 2 Published as, “Getaway”

Thank you VERY much!

Joe Rindfleisch sells his recommended bands over at Penguin. I like them, they last a long time and the size is perfect for me.

Or you can order them directly from Joe's site:
http://www.rubberbandmagic.com/


Dave

Thanks guys for mentioning my bands.

Joe Rindfleisch

Do the Rainbow and Executive Black bands come in size 16 or only size 19?

Only #19 which is the industry standard in magic.

-Joe

Industry standard? There are no standards...we all use what is best for us...

Too bad they are only #19. I was going to buy both Rainbow and Executive Black but my hands are small I need #16 to do CMH properly with effortless confidence. I suppose I could learn other band effects I would use #19 for. Am wondering do these bands feel slightly oily like something that has Armor All on it since it says they are shiny after the solution has been applied. Do they need to be treated often or by the time it wears off are the bands ready to break from wear anyway?

I've never had to re-treat any of the bands I've bought from Joe.

Are they shiny/oily like Armor All, nope, not that severe (if at all).


Dave

Ok I am placing an order for both Rainbow and Executive Black Thanks.

If you find they're not for you, you'll have no problem unloading them to us.


Dave

The reason it is the standard is because the newer tricks that are possible require your to stretch the bands further then ever before. Using regular #19's will work but they break very easily. My bands hold up well to the stretching and pulling that is reqiured for modern band effects. there is still a place for size #16 for example some like CMH done with smaller bands or boomerang band. but I don't carry them. I would have to have 100's of pounds of bands made and there isn't a big enough market to support the risk to making a rainbow pack in size #16's

I hope you understand.

Joe Rindfleisch

Just picked up some of Joe's Executive rubber bands (fantastic bands) and a bottle of Elastraflex to use for renewing the bands and for some of the Alliance band's I already have. I would really appreciate some advice on proper application of the product to non-treated and also to previously treated bands. Can they be put in a plastic bag and shaken with a few drops or better to apply individually?

Thanks, Andrew

When I have applied it to untreated bands. For just a few bands - I grab the bunch that I want to treat (maybe 20 or so) and stretch them across my fingers of one hand, then put a drop or two on my finger tip and thumb and apply it all the way around rubbing gently. Then I store them in a ziplock baggie.

For a large amount, I do the same multiple times as it assures even distribution in my opinion.

I also try not to treat some because the treatment is detrimental in some effects (like a basic thumb penetration) they can be too slick to work on some methods with any treatment. If I know I will be doing those type effects, I keep a few bands that I have "removed" the treatment (or not treated at all) handy. To remove it, just pinch the band with your finger and thumb (dry) and run the whole band thru it a few times. You will eventually wipe off enough to do those moves.

Joe -

Ah thanks for that clarification. You are right, there are tons of rubber band tricks out there. I only do CHM and for that use the #16, so forgive my focused view. I would love to see you (someday) come out with the #16 in yellow. Maybe there is a market?

David

Thanks Poof-Daddy. I will give that a try.

Andrew