Is a hank ball only suitable for stage...or could one be used in more close-up situation? (Say, sitting across a table from the spectator.)

The reason I ask is...I've seen these used on stage, and the productions look good from that distance. But, would the 'moves' and hand positions be more noticeable close-up?

Would something like a Sanada gimmick be better suited in that situation for silk productions?

Thanks,

Adam

I've seen Duane Laflin do silk vanishes at his booth using one, and I was just three feet away. Looked great!

Thanks for the reply...I was actually considering getting Duane Laflin's hank ball DVD.

I have his Palmo DVD - that's excellent!

Hmmm...would you recommend a Palmo over a hank ball?

For productions (especially close-up), I'd use the hank ball. While the Palmo could be used for productions, it would be more difficult because it's open on both ends. The Palmo is primarily used for color-changes and the like.

Best

For me, the hank ball is easier to manipulate and ditch than the Palmo. The Palmo will hold more cargo!

Good Luck!

Bob Sanders
Magic By Sander

I use the Palmo more than the hank ball. It is probably personal taste and the size of the hands using the gimmick.
Max

You do know that a Gobblin Tip manipulated like a cigarette works well, too?

Bob Sanders
Magic By Sander

Hey Bob,

Please excuse my naivete, but what's a "Gobblin Tip"?

Hi.. somebody tell me what material is the hank ball ? Is it plastic or metal?

Michael,

Sorry I never saw your question. This is just an exaggerated thumb tip. Think HUGE!


Indomagic,

Good hank balls are made of metal. The problems is that most are painted high gloss. I don't know the reason for that. They are slippery and may flash.

What I really prefer using is the good ceramic egg gimmick from Silk to Egg. Most pros prefer the brown egg to the white one. The audience never sees it anyway. It is just easier to hold and handle, a better color and who would not rather be caught with an egg than some obvious gimmick?


Once you master any of these items you can vanish 18" square silks close-up as well as on stage. (I use this in walk-around.)

Bob Sanders
Magic By Sander

Dick Gustafasin has some nice close up moves in his lecture notes..Howard

Bob, thanks for your comments. So do you know if Laflin hank ball is metal ?

I'm not Bob, But yes the Laflin Hank Ball is a metal ball.

ChrisG

What does it matter if it is plastic or metal??? Howard

Closeup work with a hankball or palmo definitely, if you know how to handle them. The steal of a hank ball or a palmo can be undetectable.

Wish someone made a metal one that was not gloss painted.

Bob's Brown Ceramic egg idea works good with some small adjustments in the handling. He is marketing a walk-around resettable version of silk to egg.

I thought metal should be more durable than plastic. I agree mat finshised will be better.

I personally prefer Laflin's hank ball as it is so versatile. I use it with sponge balls as well as silks. I own the palmo too, and it is great for color changes. It is most likely a personal preferance though.

Has anyone tried spraying the super-glossy hankballwith testers dullcote or similar? I'm wondering if it would cause problems sticking on the silks?

G.