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The Magic Cafe Forum Index » » Ever so sleightly » » Sponge Balls.. Why do they cost $35 bucks (0 Likes) Printer Friendly Version

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Kevinr
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Anyone know why a set of Tenyo Sponge Balls cost $35?? Anyone own them?
MickeyPainless
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I have no idea but at that price they'd better do the work as well!
Kevinr
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They sell the Tenyo Super Softs on Ebay for $23 but taht still seems high!
MickeyPainless
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A bulk bag of 50 Goshman Sponge Balls is about 25 bucks!
Scott F. Guinn
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It's a combination of factors:

1. They are MUCH higher quality; more compressible, brighter, deeper colors, longer life
2. Manufactured in Japan (dollar exchange rate is weak right now)
3. Shipping from Japan

I have a couple that I've had for about 15 years and they still look almost brand new--of course, I rarely use them. They are expensive, but they're REALLY nice!
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gaddy
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They are much nicer, but hardly worth the price...

One thing I've noticed about them that I've never noticed with Goshman's is that the darker balls dye (the blue and red ones anyhow) has a slight tendency to bleed...
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Alan Munro
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I'd stick with Goshman sponges. I have some super soft ones that have lasted almost 20 years and still look great. Just avoid bringing them in contact with objects that could snag or wear away at them. I always store them in smooth containers and wash them regularly in cold water.

When I hear about someone's sponges wearing out, it's often because they have their keys or coins in the same pocket.
Rainboguy
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Alan, I agree with you completely. Goshman super softs are the way to go. I always store mine in plastic bags, and soak them in cold water, then squeeze them out prior to performing. They also compress beautifully!

Mine seem to last forever.

I'm sorry....but $35? $25? For sponge balls? C'mon! I don't think so!
critter
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Spongeball is a spongeball. All it has to do is squish.
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Bill Palmer
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People who use genuine Jerry's Nugget cards are the kind who should use the Tenyo sponges.

So, why do they cost $35.00? Because someone will pay that for them.
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RevJohn
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Related question... about Goshman.

Do you have to specify supersoft for Goshman Sponge balls or are they supersoft as a standard?

Thanks,

RevJohn
Dave V
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They sell both kinds, so I assume you would need to specify. Supersofts aren't always what you need for some routines. Sometimes a little stiffness and shape-holding ability is preferable.
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Tom G
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Frank Garcia once told me if you get the regular sponge, you can pinch it and pull and it rips the center of the sponge. This does make it much softer, but not
as good as buying soft from the start.

Tom
Bill Palmer
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As Dave the Fifth pointed out, soft is not always good.

Personally, I have never seen a need for supersoft sponge balls.

I would agree, however, that Nerf balls are a bit too stiff for most magical uses.
"The Swatter"

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Eddie Torres
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Dave the Fifth, that's great, heh. I too don't think that super softs are necessary unless you're loading a large amount of sponges. I use ten 2 inch and if someone hasn't held them in their hand before they often think they're only holding two balls. I don't think I could get away with that using regular sponge balls.
Eddie Ivan Torres
Alan Munro
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If you're going to make many balls appear from someone's hand, use the super softs. That's why I use them. If you need super softs, it's best to specify what you need. Most dealers won't ask you and will grab whatever is closest to their hand.
RevJohn
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Thanks. I primarily ask, because a while ago I got a "lot" which was specified to be Goshman. There were differences in the "softness" of the sponges, so I was wondering if it was mixed, Goshman and some not.

My guess is that it was mixed with some supersoft, and some regulars.

Appreciate the information.

RevJohn
Michael Baker
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I typically use supersoft. Regular balls spring open like little rockets. If you do them in a restaurant, in a spekkie's hand, even with careful verbage, you'll find yourself fishing them out of salad dressing, drinks, and all over the floor.
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gaddy
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Quote:
On 2009-05-22 14:03, Bill Palmer wrote:
People who use genuine Jerry's Nugget cards are the kind who should use the Tenyo sponges.

So, why do they cost $35.00? Because someone will pay that for them.



...speaking of which there are Nugget's for auction on "The Site That Will Remain Unnamed" going for 150$ and 102$. each of which with multiple bids and a few days left!

P.T. Barnum is smiling, somewhere...
*due to the editorial policies here, words on this site attributed to me cannot necessarily be held to be my own.*
fccfp
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Quote:
On 2009-05-24 16:32, Michael Baker wrote:
I typically use supersoft. Regular balls spring open like little rockets. If you do them in a restaurant, in a spekkie's hand, even with careful verbage, you'll find yourself fishing them out of salad dressing, drinks, and all over the floor.


Michael,
Thanks for the tip about the Supers not springing out of spectator's hands. I use 2" w/kids. I always emphasize "sloowly open your hond's, slowly". Usually it works. I think for my next table hopping/strolling gig I will try the supers. I will want to play with them first, of course. Just to make sure the feel does not throw me off. Smile

P.S. I usually have xtra balls in my case in case one gets too far afield or too "icky".
A.K.A. Jay The Magician
www.jaythemagician.com
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