I'm trying to pick the best close up pad/mat. I'm mostly going to be doing the cups and balls, chink-a-chink, some cards, some coins, and maybe 3 shells. Seems like most people in the threads I have read recommend one of a few brands so I'm hoping someone has more than one and can compare some of them. Also let me say I know I'm sure there are others out there but I'm not looking to spend top of the line money. Some of the main brands that people are recommending that I have been looking at are; https://www.pattricksmagic.com/magical-mats , https://www.murphysmagic.com/product.aspx?id=61151 , https://www.tccpresents.com/collections/......56812589 , https://www.propdog.co.uk/Propdog-Close-up-Pads , I'm open to any advice reviews or recommendations anyone might have. thanks in advance.

The Gibson Close-Up Pad has always been the recommended pad for magic performances.

https://tricksupply.com/woocommerce-sear......ct,p_sku

I really like the pad I purchased from Patrick. Top notch service and close up pad to match. Don't be shy in contacting him and asking questions, he is helpful.

Thanks for the input Bill that’s a name I hadn’t heard yet.Wravyn mind if I ask which one you got & what material?

For myself, I purchased a pocket mat
https://www.pattricksmagic.com/store#!/P......tegory=0

I don't like to take up a lot of space and this size works well for me. I have used a standard size mat from Patrick that a friend has, which is the same material as the pocket mat and it was what sold me on getting mine.

I've got the TCC mat & it's pretty amazing for how little they cost! Really nice smooth feel on the soft side, & sleek faux leather on the hard side. Very tastefully done.

If you got money to splash though, I just came across these... https://www.newtonwoodcraft.com/store/c7......-up-pads

WOW! <3

Those are beautiful Jonmaddgician bit more than I'm looking to spend at the moment but maybe down the line. I think I'm stuck between tcc and pattricks now I just need to choose and pick a color

Yeah definitely out of my budget atm as well, especially with no more gigs lined up until after this Covid-isolation situation blows over...
Still, probably one of the most beautifully made tables I've seen on the market so far...

As for mats, I have the TCC mat, & it is also very nicely made, especially considering the very affordable pricing!
Unfortunately, can't seem to fold like Patrick's though. I don't own one so I can't speak for the quality, but the general consensus is that it seems to be the people's choice.

TCC mats just haven't been around that long enough to establish that kind of word of mouth credibility though.

I just have a sneaking suspicion that I’m going to wish the tcc pad was just a touch bigger, also leaning towards the green and they seem to be unavailable

Have you tried direct from the TCC website?
https://www.tccpresents.com/collections/accesories

They have green in 3 sizes;
Small is 30x20cm
Medium is 40x27cm
Large is 50x34cm

Thanks for the link. Yea the large is the one I’m worried I’m going to want just a bit bigger lol

TCC is running a Kickstarter on a new 'luxury' mat (different surface fabric)

https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/185......tions-p1

Have you considered the V&B pad from Vanishing inc?

https://www.vanishingincmagic.com/close-up-pads/

or on the website from V&B

www.vorstandbosch.com

The TCC wood backed board are excellent. The price is very good and the quality is superb.

Before ordering a V&B pad, I recommend reading my comments here (particularly my reply dated June 27, 2020):

https://www.themagiccafe.com/forums/view......orum=113

Mark

Just received my Kickstarted TCC luxury pad to add to my other 3 TCC pads. The larger size is exactly what I wanted in the first place, although certainly much less portable compared to the medium sized ones. The embossed surface texture is lush & absolutely stunning to look at, albeit distracting perhaps compared to the stark plainness of a standard smooth felt mat. Might have to think about the back design of cards that you might be using a little bit more, or the ball selection in any cup routine. Not a huge deal, but just nuances to consider.

I'm sure there are higher quality bespoke close up mats in the market, but I don't think anyone can beat TCC in the price/quality ratio at the moment... /2c.

Gibson Close-up pads have been around for 30 or more years. They are the choice of many magicians. Comes in many sizes and colors, and very reasonable prices.

tricksupply.com has them in stock.

Hi. So a tad off topic, but I’m hoping someone can relate to this. There are basically two different feels to pads. I don’t claim to know the exact materials. What I do know it this: One kind it soft to the touch, not shaggy, but smooth and comfortable. The other is, and the one I have most often experienced, may look nice and are well built, but there is “something” about the texture that is completely different from the one I described above. It instead has tiny fibers that snag the slightest of dry skin, like dishpan hand in a way. Running my hand across it snags tiny bits of dry skin that make me cringe, but on my superior pad, no such problem exists.

Can anyone relate to this, and if so, can you please explain the difference in fabrics so I can stop wasting money and annoying dealers on commercial stuff that makes me feel like a need a tube of O’Keef’s hand creek so I won’t snag a bloody hangnail? I wish I could remember who crafted my last beautiful pad. It is large, black, plush.... made by a gentleman who solid on small qualities. It was $80 about 7 or 8 years ago and took a hell of a beating and stool feels great. Just getting a bit worn. I wish I could remember the person’s name. Can anyone help a fella out here?

The first mat you described is a velveteen ( which I don’t care for) or an upholstery velvet ( much nicer). This has individual strands that stand in and move with your touch. This is why sometimes you see a trail from your fingertips on the mat. This material feels great. The other mat has tiny loops of material which gives it cushion as the loops are depressed. Think tiny sturdy rubber circles that bend and flex. This material is pretty sturdy. It is these little loops that catch on your skin rough spot or little hangnail. This mat helps to remind you to manicure often. This material works well in restaurants table hopping as it cleans nicely. This type mat also rolls better if you need to do that. I carry both material at www.pattsmatts.com I hope this made sense.

Is anyone aware of a billfold type close-up pad. That is, it looks like a Jewelers Pad but maybe a little smaller. The idea being you pull a wallet, open it up and now a close-up pad.

Steve