I was wondering how much a GOOD shell game would cost me and what do you recomend I get.

A good one would probably be from 70 dollars up. I would suggest the School for Scoundrels set.

Well I have the SfS street shells that cost me $45 and I think they could definately be classified as a good set of shells.

I guess it really depends on how you define "good". I perform a routine that does not require anything too special when it comes to the construction of the shells. So, I simply purchased a set of Vernets (mainly to get the peas I needed) and then created my own set of shells using miniature oriental tea cups. All in all, I spent about $20.

If you're a beginner, I would HIGHLY suggest you get the Vernet plastic shells. They're so inexpensive, and they simply get the job DONE. I can't imagine a better value for a beginner. Don't start with the golden shells. Leave them for later.
PM me if you'd like to get any info about these shells. They're amazing.
Michael

Street Shells and Black Fox shells are both in the $40-45 price range.

Depending on what you're doing, you can even use plastic bottle caps, but they don't make much of a magical impression. It all depends on the venue, but for $45 you can't go wrong. Save for the more expensive stuff only after you know you really want/need them.

If you plan to use a better shell, I wouldn't bother with Vernet or their Magic Takers copy. The game depends on "touch" and the weight and balance is too far off to even use them as practice shells.

Or, it's been said many times before, pay a buck or two for a bag of walnuts and make a set of your own, plus a few spares. I'd still spring for the SFS "Perfect Pea" though to make life easier.

The street shells are a very good value.
Anyone owns the SFS Golden Shells?
I'd love to hear your thoughts about them.
Best,
Michael

I own and use Black Fox Shells from SFS. They are an excellent prop that serve me well. They were also reasonably priced.

I purchased the school for scoundrels golden shells as my first ever set of shells and I am really glad I did, I learned the bob kohler routine and have picked up a move here and there since then and I can't begin to tell you how smooth these shells help make your routine. They helped define what I was looking for from my own real shell sets which I have been using for more of an impromptu setting.

If you're a beginner, go for the Vernet model first. They're plastic, yes, but not "cheap" plastic, and as others have said, they get the job done.
If you want to take it further from there, SFS, Black Fox or La Maggiores are the way to go.
Whatever you do, STAY CLEAR of Magic Makers "Gold Shells" !!!

Bjørn

La Maggiore shells give you a learning advantage right out of the gate, with excellent grip, good size, deep texture and solid heft.

If you are a beginner looking to see if the shell game is your "con of choice" you could certainly buy an inexpensive set that will give you a sense of the choreography, but in the long run you may do yourself a disservice by trying the shells with a set that may actually make performing the moves more difficult potentially forcing you to abandon the game as unworkable. Far better to try the game out for yourself with the best equipment you can get which will actually enhance the learning process while diminishing frustration.

For those of you interested in wanting to see the difference, I want to provide you with an opportunity to compare two sets of shells for yourself! When I began threeshellgame.com I considered carrying the Vernet shells as an inexpensive way for people to try their hand at the game. I ordered several dozen shell sets, and when they came in I was somewhat disappointed by the quality so I never added them to our store.

In the interest of giving a few lucky souls a chance to try both the Vernet and La Maggiore shells, I am offering to give away a free Vernet shell set (a $12.00 value) with the purchase a La Maggiore shell set from threeshellgame.com (at which time you’ll get also get a free Finale Glass, another $5.00 value).

I am so sure that you will fall in love with the La Maggiore shells. In the likely event that you don’t, simply return the La Maggiore shell set (and glass) within 45 days for a full refund of your purchase price (less shipping) and keep the Vernet shell set as my gift just for trying La Maggiore.

Quantities are very limited and this offer will expire soon. To take advantage of this offer add both sets of shells to your shopping cart and simply enter “Vernet” as the coupon code.

Andrew

I recommend S4S Magnetic Street Shells for 100 dollar: they have a very unfair advantage for the performer.

Thanks for all of your very good coments this has help alot. I have decides on the VERNET vesion of the shells. But thanks for all other ideas people suggested.

Go with the VERNET. They're cheap shells, but they simply get the job done.
Best of luck,
Michael

Hi

I really can't choose between La Maggiore or the street shells and may be I will buy both
But now I'm going with the street shells because they are less expansive and because themagicwarehouse.com sells them (I live in France and themagicwarehouse has low international shipping cost.)

do you know if this street shells set:
http://themagicwarehouse.com/closeup11.html#sb2448
(scroll down to the middle of the page)
is the same that School for Scoundrels sells?
is there a full set (5 Working, 2 Straight) of perfect peas in the pack?

thank you

Yes. Those are the S4S shells, and should contain the full set of perfect peas.

I bought both. I use both. They're both brilliant. Don't deprive yourself

Riley

I stand corrected....I thought they were more..I am sorry.

I am sorry, too, Astinus. I wish they were more expensive.

There are a lot of really great shell sets available on the market today, each with their own unique advantages and in many different price ranges. This is a good thing.

Do your research, try to play with as many different sets as you can before you choose. But honestly, the routine and the moves are the important things. Certain sets work better for some people, other sets work better for others--depending on your hands, your performing situation, taste, and presentation.

Andrew Pinard and I are often quibbling over the various merits of the School for Scoundrels Street Shells vs. his La Magiorre Shells, and we each prefer our own sets for various reasons.

But don't mistake this natural bias for a lack of respect. We both would agree that each of these sets is unique and that each offers a fine quality set of shells that is well worth what you will pay for them.

His offer above is a great offer.

I also feel that the routine and the moves and the entertainment value that you get from performing this classic effect - for an audience is the important thing.

Because anyone can do a shell game routine with bottle caps, sea shells, thimbles etc...

If you like shell game routines you can check out my routine at my web site below! Many have considered it one of the better shell routines in magic.