Tim, I thought you *can* show the card inside the Tivoli box prior. DO you mean prior to it being taken out? Surely, you pick it up off the table, lift off the lid and there is the card?

The Destination Box is larger than most but as for 'not easily carried' I beg to differ. It is not something that fits into your jacket pocket to be brought out at the beginning of a card trick. Likewise, I don't need to wheel it round on a trolley! I carry it between tables/groups and the first thing I do is hand it to someone or set it down on the table in front of them. (As it is padlocked, there is no worry it will be prematurely opened.) The size of it is a non-issue. I actually make a feature of the box and base the performance around it which cannot be done with other boxes. It seems that Bob's box is also large enough for it to be a feature item. What is the diameter of the box?

I just used the Lightining box in my show tonight, and I just have to say anyone who is doing this craft professionaly will know the value of it. When ever I read most of the threads on here of people speaking on a product I simply ask myself, are they really workers. Not just hobbiest or part-timers, but really workers Bob thank you once more and you as well Jon, I use your Double back religiously in my show.

I'm going to apologize in advance to Bob Kohler for this review because it is not flattering for his Lightning Box and I'm sure he will be reading this. I have a large collection of similar boxes that can be used for predictions, billet switches, signed card in box, etc. After all of the pre-release praise for the Lightning Box and the video teaser, I took the plunge and pre-ordered mine a few months back. The package arrived this week and I've had a chance to play with the Lightning Box over the past few days. Several things struck me as disappointing right out of the box.

First, the outside of the plastic was not smooth and polished as I expected since it was described as something that might pass for a beautiful little jewelry box. Rather, there were scuffs that appear to be from machining during the manufacturing process.

Second, without giving too much detail due to the secret, the box includes the use of some small pices of soft black cloth material that is not supposed to be seen by the audience. Unfortunately, the material on my box was not installed very well and hangs out quite a bit--making it obvious and visible to the naked eye.

Third, this trick requires smooth and concise motion of certain parts, and my unit consistently snags so that the trick does not work properly. The instructions indicate how to lubricate the unit for easier movement, but I feel like it should have been pre-lubricated and tested before shipping (or come with a small supply of lubricant) rather than requiring me to go out and buy lubricant upon arrival before I can make the trick work properly.

IMHO, these are all indications of a lack of quality control in the manufacturing process, which is disappointing for the large price tag on the Lightning Box.

Now, in all fairness, let me add that Bob Kohler's design and mechanics used in the Lightning Box are truly novel and represent an ingenious improvement on a utility prop that can be used for a very wide range of close-up miracles. Once perfected a bit more, this will be a must-have in every close-up worker's arsenal. Ultimately, I just wish a little more quality control had gone into the final manufacturing process before it arrived at my doorstep. Hopefully future product runs will address the problems I've raised.

I am troubled by the post by MagicLaw. I was considering treating myself to this. I realize as far as the effect goes, take it or leave it. I am surprised however for there to be a question of the quality of a relatively simple prop at this price. I hope Bob addresses these concersns.

I will replace this defective Lighting Box for one that works perfect.

Quality control is a major factor in all of the magic we've produced over the years. The Lightning Box is no exception. I apologize that a unit that has flaws was shipped. I'll certainly take care of any customers that have received a Lightning Box that is not up to our standard.

The Lightning Box is designed to be a workhorse for professionals. There are a few points I'd like to clarify.

The finish on the Lightning Box was chosen for two reasons.

1)The matte style finish isn't polished on purpose. There are two reasons.
The first is so that fingerprints don't show up as much. We tested polishing the finish and performers would have to constantly clean the outside of the box to remove the fingerprints if we had polished the box.

The second reason is to provide some amount of grip so it's easier to hold the box.
A polished the box is simply more difficult to hold onto. Add in some perspiration during performance and you'll really appreciate the way the Lightning Box is finished.

I obviously need to see this Lightning Box to determine if the aforementioned scuffs are part of the machining process and are normal or if the box was damaged.

The black felt is used to dampen the sound. Installed correctly it's out of sight.

This Lightning Box has a mechanical problem. I will fix it.

The Lightning Box comes completely prepared and lubricated. The lubrication is really just there to help the parts in the beginning during the break in process. The more you use it the better it will get.

My prototype was made last November and has not needed any further lubrication. I've used it extensively during the testing process. The included instructions contain information about where to get the lubricant just in case it ever becomes necessary. It's a very common product available in any bicycle shop or on-line for $2.50. Most will never need it.

This Lightning Box is the exception not the rule. We will learn from this experience.

I've been making high end magic now for 14 years. I'm not going anywhere. I strive for perfection but it's impossible to get it right 100% of the time. Occasionally I do make mistakes. But I take care of our customers and any problems they have. The feedback from this first batch has been very rewarding. There are now 100 in the hands of magicians world-wide.

Thanks for the response, Bob. This is my first time to purchase one of your products, but I'm certainly aware that your reputation for excellent quality precedes you. My wife is due to give birth to our new son any day now, but after things settle down I'll get in touch to coordinate the return/exchange. I really appreciate that you are standing behind your product like that, which is extremely important to me as a buyer. The method, concept, and potential range of effects with your Lightning Box is fantastic, so I definitely look forward to receiving and using a properly working model that I can integrate into my performances! Thanks again for incredible customer service!

I know this is a public forum but that was the kind of answer I was hoping for as a potential custome, my order goes out today.

Im waiting mine (to combine with "Q") as I have some important gig of close up magic in the next months. Im sure that Bob will take care of me if I will have some problem.
In my live mind show I perform the Human Phone Number from years now and never had problems.all the products that Bob put out are all for working performers, so Im sure sure that also this one will be good as the other ones.
I will post my review as soon I will get it!
:)

This tool is a fantastic addition for every working performers repertoire. As you need basically only two sleights which should be in the arsenal of any serious close-up magician it can go right into your show. I use it as a finale for my ambitious card routine and showed it about twenty times during a job last weekend. The box works perfectly and fooled everyone. You did once again a great job, Bob.

I got the box last week and replaced my "normal" Box with it.
What can I say? Its a worker, it fools everyone and there are so many new possibilities.
The best investment I have made for a long time. Found the way in my program within few days.
It is so good I shall not take it to my next magic circle meeting...... ;-)

I'm attending the Mindvention Convention in Vegas. Lot's of great stuff. The mentalist crowd is buzzing about using the Lightning Box with Cosmo Solano's Q Quantum System. Together they are a very powerful combination for any mentalist. The routine on the training DVD is quickly becoming the most used routine because using the Q eliminates the need to master the Mercury Fold or any other folding method. All you need to do is one simple move.

Thanks for the kind words Ingo. Glad to hear of your success with the Lightning Box.

The best investment I have made for a long time too! Really!
many possibilities.


simon

belgium

I remarked early on that the Lightening Box in the photos on Bob's site showed exactly as MagicLaw describes. Since Bob didn't address this, I presumed it was his own prototype or something that he wouldn't be shipping to customers.

It sounds like a nice tool, however I guess I'll wait until I start hearing that this nasty bit has been rectified.

Just received today!
So, the props is VERY professional and works wonder there are many little touch that make this a piece for worker performer.
The dvd is amazing and explain everything you need to know (and more...) in details (included great routines!).
Few extra stuff is also included and the packaging is perfect.
I bought this to use with Quantum Connection (from Cosmo Solanao) and is like a dream!
10/10
Luca Volpe

Anyone seen Tony Miller's new index? I have heard that it is much cheaper than the Q and easier to access, however I have not seen the workings.

Oh... Well, both work... A.I. Is much more flexible. But The Q is more durable but the cost can be prohibitive to some. A.I. does not require a performer to wear a jacket or work out of your pants pocket. Both can be used very effectively. I hope that helps.

Tony

Any other reviews for the Lightning Box?

Bob K. reports that many have been sold, so if you owners want to chime in with thoughts, discoveries, and opinions, it would be welcome.

Thanks!
Jerry

Will a future version be made with a 'square' design like a jewelry ring box?

I don't think the square box will work good as this one.
This has a very good grip and also this one can be a kind of "ring box".
Honestly I use this for close up mentalism and using with "Q" I present as mystery black box and I leave on the table during the performance. Is quite nice as looks like a misterious box...

My order was with the first batch. I haven't received my as yet.
I contacted Bob and he was quick to reply from Mindvention.
He will look in-to the problem after the convention.
Tricky Ricky