Vernet soft......
never going out, without this best gimmick.....

I've had a few thumb-tips since I bought my first one (50 years ago!) from Abbott's. I have always agreed that technique will get you by and is all that matters when using a TT until recently, when I bought a Thumbs-Up (soft) TT. Of course technique still counts for about 90% or more of how you use a TT, but the Thumbs-Up tip gives me greater confidence in case I accidentally flash it. It looks totally realistic. It's also easily size adjustable with hot water and then an ice bath to lock it in.

They aren't the most expensive TT, but they sure do look real and the load they will take is incredible. I'm going to try their "Hard" model next and see if I like it better with a magnet in it. The soft version kind of folds up a bit and seems insecure with a magnet. I'll continue to use my trusty old hard-as-a-rock Vernet for magnet TT effects until I get a hard version Thumbs-Up.

A tip: Buy your Thumbs-Up (if you decide to) from a reputable dealer instead of directly from MagicEffex. I used MJM Magic and had it in days. I tried getting one directly at first, but it turned into a mess because of reasons I don't care to comment on. Sometimes a dealer, instead of a maker is a much faster and more reliable way to go.


dsalley13

PS: A little bit of "Blusher" make-up (dry powder) works wonders for matching a very rosy pink skin like mine. Just brush it on until you get a good skin-tone match and wash it off when you put the Thumbs-Up away.

Vernet is the best!!!!!!!!!!!!

In the first few posts some people said that it doesn't matter which TT you use, it matters that you know how to use one so the 'best' one is irrelevant. I agree mostly.
I have been using a vernet medium for over ten years and it has become discolored so I ordered two for $5 on ebay. I compared the new ones which have a mold line against the Vernet and guess what? They all work equally well. And to think I almost ordered an expensive ThumbsUp.
I love doing a voodooesque psychic surgery on a creepy doll and there's just no better apparatus for me than the good ol' TT.

:)

Vernet hard tips are the best for me for bill switches (soft have too much friction). Vernet soft are the best for other things, such as salt pour.

Bob Phillips

Flesh colored ones however are a good safety net, and allow one to show the thumb quickly while gesturing. Personally I would find it quite idiotic to wear a bright red TT, unless you are trying to show off in front of magicians. Accidents can happen, and you would just be begging to be busted. I prefer not be "limited" simply because of ego. I also like to point the TT directly at the audience, and it almost 30 years I have yet to hear anything about it.

It is also allows you to move a lot more naturally, and place your hand down at your side, moves that would be impossible with one of a contrasting color, and would draw more speculation to the hand being it looks so unnatural and rigid. The flesh color allows you to show your hand more freely and confidently. I use the XX TT for bigger loads, and being I have big knuckles.

My wife found a set of Vernet fingers on that auction website e*a&. I'm not sure they are Vernet due to the mold lines and the color is very light.

I used crafting chalk and rubbed it in and in side lighting they look phenomenal. It's the same with the sixth finger as a regular TT as far as color goes with the EXCEPTION of the color. With many tricks, the spectators do not know what you're getting ready to do and probably aren't burning your hands. If the color is too light with the sixth finger it IS very noticeable.

I think the Fredi-Up is beautiful but due to the peeling paint and nature of silicone rubber I am hesitant to buy one but I may if they resolve those issues.

I really can't think of any other prop that does so much and has so much potential.

Vernet makes the best TT in my opinion.

Last year I made the mistake of trying the FrediUp silicone tip as I was wondering what the fuss was about.

Yes, it is very realistic-looking but unfortunately it is also too delicate. The outer detail is a very thin film which almost immediately began rubbing off from the action of getting the tip on and off from my pocket.

I tried to cut the offending "flap" of peeling silicone/latex/whatever and the whole tip split down the middle!

In my opinion, this tip is useless in the real world. I went back to my Vernet and never looked back.

That said, if you are going to use this tip for something that is outside the normal performing parameters of a standard thumb tip, then maybe (if you handle it gently) you can take advantage of it's "movie prop" qualities.

Douglas M.

I would recommend vernet soft. I use it all the time and it has a nice snug fit.

They've improved upon this issue recently.
The "coating" used to peel off - starting at the nail and then eventually bubbling across various other parts of the TT. The newer models don't have that same coating and the nails are done much different now. The improved Fredi-Up TTs I have have lived through much more rigorous activity, for much longer, than the original. I still use a standard Vernet for bill switches most of the time and my favorite non-Fredi-Up TT is the Vernet soft; but for nearly everything else outside of a bill switch, I use my Fredi-Up. I've bought Fredi-Up TTs for a few fellow magician friends and they, too, have elevated the Fredi-Up to their most-utilized TT.



Green camouflage?! That's hiliarious! I'd love to have one of those.
But when I first learned TT technique, I painted one a kind of neon purple color and practiced in the mirror until I didn't see it anymore and could keep it out of sight while moving naturally and not thinking about what I was doing. I performed with it ONCE outside the house to prove I was good enough on technique not to get caught by others and not just myself in the mirror.

After that, it was the Vernet standard for bill switches and the Vernet soft for everyhing else. However, since hearing about the Fredi-Up TTs, I've bought a few of those over the last few years, (they've improved them), and wouldn't give them up for anything; using them for everything but a bill switch and by adding a little contact paper on the inside, even a bill switch isn't a problem with the Fredi-Ups.

My point here is that Christopher has the right idea: practice - and master - proper technique. However, unlike those here that continue to arrogantly suggest that the use of more realistic tips is not necessary or, even worse, wrong or that "professionals" don't use such things; I think that magicians should use the best tools available to them. Master the technique so that you don't NEED the more realistic ones for STANDARD TT work; but then UTILIZE the realistic ones. It's a tool. And using a better tool only enhances the performance of a talented professional. Why people on this board, (not you, Christopher - I simply used your post as a springboard), continue to find it necessary to act arrogantly and/or insult those who seek to find/utilize a more realistic TT - a better tool - frustrates me. I find it to be extremely rude and presumptuous.

Fredi-Up TTs have been improved over the last couple/few years and they rock - even for those of us who are properly trained in the proper use of standard TTs.
Carry on.

I second this comment!

As stated above in so many words, get a TT that fits what you are trying to do with it. I would suggest that no one goes another minute with thoughts of using a TT without watching Alex Decova's DVD on the TT. I have never seen anything better on it's use.

Blaine and Bob Smith recommended someone to me for a routine with my sixth finger.

I don't have the details now but he makes a mold of your thumb and replicates it so pretty much its your thumb.

I reccomend looking into now.

Six

What are we looking into?
Get back to us when you have more details, please.

It's fun to search for the perfect TT. Same goes for wallets, etc. It's not necessary, but fun to do.

Vernet hard, nuff said.

Apparently not...

True. The "Examining The TT" DVD by Alexander de Cova is a great resource and a great springboard for thinking up new and/or unique ways to utilize this wonderful apparatus. Watch that DVD and you'll never look at a TT the same way again.

One of my favorites is an old P&L Goblin Tube TT. It will hold a BUNCH of stuff.