Grip is great, and the look is awesome. the only complaint I have is a tiny bit too big for all grips (for me) and the low "ceiling" in the shells, close to the edges.
otherwise they are superb.

I have to admit I'm really tempted with the La Maggiore new classic shell's could someone tell me if you can use these shells on a table top or do they require a mat to work effectively

These are as close to perfect as I’ve ever used.
They are the 3shells top shelf shells.

They do look amazing.....Frank could you give a basic run down as to why you think these shells are close to perfect and also the same question again ie can these be used on a bar surface or do they require a mat ?

Thanks for your time

1. Perfect outer size. Not huge overall but big. This maximizes the odds of the pea not hitting an edge when in play.
So basically a good large footprint on the inside.

2. The inside has near vertical walls all around which minimizes the pea touching the ceiling of the shell and moving as you let it go. In fact I don't think a pea could
hit the ceiling of these shells at all. No other shell I've seen can do this, except perhaps Vernet, but I don't have a set to check. The lip on these shells is also designed thoughtfully.

3. The exterior looks marvelous. Color, texture, realistic. All great. They even look as great as the famous La Maggiore shells, which I also like very much.

4. Height. The shells are tall-ish. This makes v-grip and others easier.

5. The shells are not metal so the weight also keeps the shells easy to pick up via v-grip. I actually like the feel of a heavy shell, e.g., SFS golden shells but they are difficult to pick up v-grip. Maybe that shouldn't matter to me (or you) but it's something to consider.

6. These will work with basically any shell trap, e.g., shot glass, whatever. You don't need anything specific.

7. They come with the 3shells soft peas which are extrordinary peas. I use the larger supersoft peas.

8. The shells have none of the typical features that allows a pea to escape the shell (notch,dip). I really don't care about this but if someone thought that you needed a notch for the trick to work, you can have them examined. (Adding this item just because it's a fact. Not because I care.)

These will work on any surface and especially if you use the supersoft peas. These will also work with a cork ball on a padded surface.
For a hard surface I'd recommend the smaller supersoft peas with these shells.

If it wasn't for the supersoft peas, the SFS shell shape might be best for "any surface" due to the notch,dip features. Using SFS shells plus the smaller supersoft 3shells are a fabulous match. I tried it. It's amazing.
But I like these shells enough that when using supersoft peas, the other benefits outweigh the notch,dip trade-off. You really just don't need those features when using the supersoft peas.


These are not the bottom ridge shells. I like the bottom ridge shells also and there are certainly advantages to them but I'm not as confident
with those shells yet.

A really detailed and informative post. Thanks. I like my Black Fox shells but if I were looking for a replacement, these would be high on the list.

Thanks for getting back to me so quickly I shall certainly have a closer look at the top shelf shells based on your recommendation.... I'm also sending you a PM with another question.

Here's a prototype shell case.
Fantastic leather and wool lining.

Will try to upload later.

Click here to view attached image.

I presume the shells hold still in the case once it's closed so that they don't move around ?

That’s exactly right.

Is that prototype shell case going to be available on your website soon?

Yes. I altered the design but the new prototype should be available this week for me to look at.

Here's the altered design. Tried to make it as slim as possible for several reasons.

With SFS Street Shells


With 3Shells Top Shelf Shells

Wonderful.

I love these cases. Will they be available prior to the end of the year?

Thanks Pop!
Jack, I hope so. Just waiting on pricing.

Another very similar case is underway that will be slightly taller (less slim) for taller shells.

Frank,

Very nice leather shell case.

Also, thank you for your detailed review of the Top Shelf shells.

I got pricing and have added this item to our website.
It will be on sale til year end for $49.

http://www.theambitiouscard.com/aitem.cfm?itemid=80


Thanks for asking.

I think that many of the shells mentioned are excellent. My personal favorites are the Black Sea Shells by Michael Stehle in Germany. You can find him on the The Gentleman Shell Game on Facebook. These shells are available in Natural walnut looking Resin, Bronze and Sterling Silver. He also makes a variety of other styles such as hats and coconuts.

What I like about the Black Sea Shells, is that they are taller, so they are easier to grip, if your hands are dry. You can do the "Billiard Ball" one handed grip very easily. The metal shells are lighter than School for Scoundrels, so they are easier to hold. They "work" on hard surfaces as wells as close up pads.

His shop is closed for the Holidays, but will start shipping again in January. Check them out.

Christmas came early again, this time from The Ambitious Card. I just received my case for the 3 shell game. I am very pleased with how it turned out and if I end up getting the present I asked for I will end up buying another case. I give it two thumbs up!