Any comments on Yigal Misika's Loops and presentations that he is currently offering? I like the idea of being able to float things, but wonder if the set-up for the card reveal trick is too complicated.

Loops are good if you're good at it. I have a hard time keeping them intact (or I lose track of them). The card reveal is pretty simple, and very surprising to the spectators. It just takes a couple of simple moves. Again, I don't do it on a regular basis because I can't keep track of my gimmicks. Jim

Are you referring to the haunted deck ?
This routine can be done with loops OR a conventional Invisible Thread Reel.

@Rich you can find reviews on his dvd if you search up the name on here/ in google.

Yigal's loops are great for things mentioned above, and other mentalism bits. I find they take some time to get used to, hold them, play around with them and get used to the breaking point. Be prepared to lose/break them, thus I would suggest getting a spool and making your own loops. I found it to be awkward and a little off putting at first, but I am really starting to make good progress now. I think part of the reason is once I know how it's done, I feel others may easily know to (although not the case at all, it's just me over thinking things). Additionally, when we see the pros doing it, they make it look so darn easy and flawless, which is not really encouraging (but very motivating) when you first pick it up and realize how much work they've actually put into what they do. For me, part of the issue was solved when I used the correct type of material for the correct type of effect/ levitation... The rest just comes over time.

As for Yigals presentation and suggested performances, it is a solid video if you are just starting out. There are also a few other solid names who work with IT, search through the forums and I'm sure you will come across of them.

Setup/Reveal/Cleanup in most cases is pretty well. You mostly have to understand how it shows in different conditions (exposure of loop), and know its limit in terms of the breaking point. "B.C." likes to do effects where he is completely clean at the end. I would suggest looking into some of his work, I really like the way he teaches -easy to follow and entertaining, and he has some really nice effects. He also has a Penguin Live Lecture I believe. Some of his things are surprisingly simple but very strong, however the keys are in his presentation and subtleties. If you can't figure out who that is, feel free to PM me. (:

If your using Loops....MAKE THEM YOURSELF. So much cheaper..plenty of threads on this topic.

Greig.

Make them, I mean tie them yourself.

Greig

Any tips on making them yourself Greig?

There are a lot if different instructional videos, penguin has one, theres the million dollar knot, yigal goes over it in one of his instructional dvds, most dvds about loops go into making them before showing effects.

It's really not that complicated, if you can tie a normal string or elastic, you can figure out how to tie loops. (:

Using a little piece of wax on both ends of the elastic help.

Make them by yourself will save you a lot of money

Good thread about loops. Ha.

What is the recommended or preferred loop size?

Incredible deal and product can be found at eddieraymond.com

I also recommend Eddie's site.

Get the 3pk(15 bands) for $12 or even better 10pk(50 bands) for $30.

He also sells thread if you want to tie your own, or need IT for some other reason.


Dave

Just ordered Bands from www.eddieraymond.com

The Price is right.

I also recommend Eddies loops.
If you want to make them yourself,I recommend "Million Dollar Knot" from Penguin Magic.

I ordered his steel Morgans, they're unbelievable.


Dave

Eddie I.E. is okay, and you can tie your own loops, is even cheaper then the cheaper, but all my I.T. are more invisible then the I.E., and I.T. is stronger, so for the haunted deck I personally prefer I.T.R., but if you want to learn to tie them search on youtube ( 'Disturb reality' have a nice video on the how to tie your own loops)
And get some fun with the size of the loops

Cauan / brazilian

I use loops, and have made my own, but honestly, purchasing them in bulk from Amazon...

I also purchased several Tarantula knock-offs for less than $5, and they are very decent.

However the BEST are the small iboss (wooly) reels from Penguin or anywhere else. They are really good.

I generally wear my reels in the cuff of my sleeve and keep the putty on sleeve button.

Note, I gave up on wax a long time ago. I use the poster putty instead. It is always ready (no need to rework), doesn’t seem to get as yucky, and one huge advantage:

If your thread breaks, you can roll it up and stick it up really thin and stick it in the thread egress holes, and nearly always pick up the broken end.

I really like loops but I do them myself and just use them when I don't have no other invisible thing which is normal because they are really portable and is easy and fast to get ready