I've sent inquiries to Murphy's and to some shops, but thought that someone here might know.

http://www.murphysmagic.com/Product.aspx?id=38470

There seems to be a lot of confusion because some time ago, several places had announced that Alan Wong would not be making any more bananas. Then it looked like he released some medium sized ones, which some places advertised as the full size ones. Even Murphy's had incorrect listings about the size, and I'm still not sure it's correct.

So, can anyone confirm that these are indeed the full-size sponge bananas that people have known and loved from Alan Wong? Did he make a new batch?

Yes, there are new ones. They're terrible. For stage, it may not matter much. For everything else, they're worse. They don't look as real as the old ones. They're made from a much cheaper sponge material that looks like sponge. The cells are much larger, meaning people can see it's a sponge much closer.

It's frustrating that he changed materials (much cheaper) but didn't adjust the price. So not they look worse, but you pay the same!

His ice cream and carrots are the same way. They look less realistic, but I'm sure they're much, much cheaper for him to make.

Hopefully someone is going to release a better line of sponge items that look better.

Hope that helps,
Kevin

Kevin,

Thanks!

There are several other brands, each made differently, and some are made with latex. One or 2 kinds were slightly too big for me but looked really good. Randy Rain and Magic Latex make latex ones. I forgot the names of the other makers but someone will name them I'm sure. Oh, here's one: http://www.dangarrettmagic.com/magic-for-magicians-only.html

I always liked Dan Garrett, but by having cartoon illustrations instead of photos it's impossible to have any idea of quality. It'd be nice to have feedback on quality in addition to links.

Dan Garrett told me in February at Blackpool that he's not making any more. If you find some of his available, I'd get them while you can. The Wong ones were always less compressible to my mind.

Garrett's don't look real either, though. They do use smaller celled sponge but they are in no way realistic. They suggest banana's but don't actually look like them.

Also look for Peachy Keene's sponge magic http://www.peacheykeene.com/food%20props%20cart.html David Ginn recommends those.

I like Dan Garrett's and have never used them so close to an audience that they see anything. They are designed for stage, not close-up.

And I like Alan Wong's original ice-creams. Never needed to replace mine (now seven years old).

Davud Bonsall (propdog) can organise carving of particular sponge fruit if needed. The sponge strawberries are brilliant.

The vinyl ones look best and they have a nice snap when they open. They were just a little big for me.

Anybody seen any smaller "baby" type bananas out there?

Some places still have the Alan Wong Sponge Bananas Junior (one dealer on Amazon says that they have 3 sets left).

I've also seen places now advertising a multiplying bananas which is 2 large (approximately 8 inches according to an answer on Penguin) and 3 small (approximately 4 inches).

Thanks Barts!

Glad to help when I'm able. Someone on Penguin just replied to my question about quality and manufacturer of the Multiplying Bananas:

"I'm not exactly sure who the specific manufacturer is, but they're not bad quality! I'm not sure I'd compare them to Alan Wong, but they're very good. "