|
|
Go to page 1~2 [Next] | ||||||||||
Billy Whizz Special user Plymouth, UK 576 Posts |
I'm looking to buy the chair suspension. Before I buy anything this big I always have my concerns. I can see the obvious benefits in this trick, but what are the disadvantages? Have you ever had a child sit up during the routine, or can the children see the workings in any way. Can it be used from all angles? How long does the routine last?
Your help before I finally decide to buy it would be appreciated. Thanks. _______________________ I've just noticed the plans are for sale on ebay for this. Has anyone ever built their own, and is it easy enough to build? Thanks again. Billy |
|||||||||
magic4u02 Eternal Order Philadelphia, PA 15110 Posts |
Billy, I own one and probably perform this illusion more times then any other effect I own. I believe so strongly in it that I use it every chance I get. Let me try and give you some honest information and try and answer some of your questions and concerns.
Benefits: - You can piratically perform this effect totally surrounded without anyone catching on to the workings. - You can perform this in any lighting condition and even outdoors. - It packs down flat and makes for easy carry and travel. - It weighs less than a lot of the suspensions like a flying carpet. - It sets up very fast and breaks down in literally seconds - in fact you can even set it up during the show if you had to. - Floating of the b-day child is an excellent selling point to any parent. Disadvantages: - The board is long so you may have to have room in your vehicle to account for this and the chairs when folded up. - It will take you a trip or two to bring it in from your vehicle to the show. - You must be careful with getting a child who does not exceed 90lbs. It says it can handle 150 but I do not go over 90 to be always on the safe side. Other Notes: - I have never had a child sit up during the effect in the hundreds of times performing this. I think it is because of the way in which I perform and present it. I make the child feel comfortable first through my talking with them in the beginning of the routine. - I make it easy for them to get on it by using a step stool in front. This allows for them to step up and sit right down on the board. - I ALWAYS tell the child what I am going to do before I do it. This eases their minds and gets them to know I am going to have to touch them in order to help them up or move them into place. At this day and age I ALWAYS ask if it is OK if I help them up. I get their permission to do so, so I earn their trust. It is also a way for me to tell if the child is scared or is excited about doing the effect. In all the years of doing this, I usually can pick the perfect helper. - The child has no idea of the workings of the trick and sees nothing at all. That is what is so strong about this. As long as they follow your directions to 1) not move 2) keep their eyes closed throughout the illusion and 3) use their imagination, you will not have a problem at all. - I also take a Polaroid picture at the exact moment the child is suspended on the chair. This makes for a great souvenir from the show for the child to keep and show around. - The routine can last anywhere from a minute up to six minutes or more depending upon how you routine it for your show. Personally I use it as the ending for my b-day shows as it is just that strong and it makes the b-day child feel like a star. - I have never built one as it seems just way too hard to do the welding needed and the modifications to the folding chairs. I think by the time you went out to spend the money on materials, etc., it would be cheaper just to buy it. Besides a few good paying gigs pay for the entire thing. Let me know if you have any other questions. I use this so much I certainly can probably answer them for you. Hope this helps. Kyle
Kyle Peron
http://www.kylekellymagic.com Entertainers Product Site http://kpmagicproducts.com Join Our Facebook Fan Page at http://facebook.com/perondesign |
|||||||||
mysticalmike Special user Saratoga Springs, NY 509 Posts |
The chair suspension looks good. So where can I find a good one? How much am I looking to spend? I have seen it done before. I like the type that the board comes out from underneath them. Does anyone know where I can get that type?
Mike |
|||||||||
magic4u02 Eternal Order Philadelphia, PA 15110 Posts |
I bought mine at an auction, but I think they run around $400-$450 last time I checked. For me I would still say it is well worth the investment. I could be wrong, but I think all chair suspensions, of the type I am talking about, come with the board being removed from underneath. This is what is such a powerful thing for the routine. It is amazing that the board is suspended and then even more impressive when the board is removed entirely.
Kyle
Kyle Peron
http://www.kylekellymagic.com Entertainers Product Site http://kpmagicproducts.com Join Our Facebook Fan Page at http://facebook.com/perondesign |
|||||||||
Billy Whizz Special user Plymouth, UK 576 Posts |
Mike, the one I'm looking at cost $425 and can be found at
http://www.hocus-pocus.com/magicshop This is the one where the board is moved. Kyle, lots of very useful information, thank you. I've decided to buy it instead of making it. I'll PM you if I have any more concerns. Thanks again. |
|||||||||
Dennis Michael Inner circle Southern, NJ 5821 Posts |
Hi Kyle and Billy,
I too use the chair suspension a lot. Some of the problems I encountered have to do with weight distribution. Like Kyle, I limit my weight around 75 lbs. Since I can't weigh the kid, I know my son's weight is 80 lbs., and he is my guide to determine weight. The heavier child butt must be overtip over threshold. You find that out after the first couple of practice runs. This is why you see a lot over heads hang over the end. This is an important point. There are several brands out there, and I like the MAK magic because I can remove the board. My biggest concern is the fear in the child. Some have no problems, twice they chickened out, one cried, and I immediately placed the chair back. There is that fear factor as Kyle stated above, calming them down beforehand. If I see this is even going to be a problem I adjust my wording. I have the child close his eyes and I tell him what I am GOING to do as I am doing it. Before he knows what happens it's over. I've never has it fall, tip once and my foot stopped it and I repositioned. The heavier child and it went OK. It is an extra trip to the car, and worth the price. Like Kyle, I bought mine used in exchange for some web design work. Here is a link to a video with a stage presentation using an assistant as opposed to an audience member: http://www.unistarproductions.com/magic_hypnosis.shtml Hope this helps.
Dennis Michael
|
|||||||||
Billy Whizz Special user Plymouth, UK 576 Posts |
Thanks, Den. With regard to the weight, what age would you say the maximum average child could be? The reason I ask this is because I only do shows for age 4 to 8 years. I know a lot of you in the US do older shows.
|
|||||||||
magic4u02 Eternal Order Philadelphia, PA 15110 Posts |
This age should be fine. You just may have the fear factor with the four-year olds though, so you may have to be careful with that. I tend to find a girl age 5-8 when I have a choice as they tend to be lighter in weight and tend to cooperate much better. However, with my routine and the way in which it is structured, I usually do not have a problem with any child as long as they are the proper weight.
Kyle
Kyle Peron
http://www.kylekellymagic.com Entertainers Product Site http://kpmagicproducts.com Join Our Facebook Fan Page at http://facebook.com/perondesign |
|||||||||
Dennis Michael Inner circle Southern, NJ 5821 Posts |
Kyle pretty much said it all. I advertise that the Birthday child floats. Now, if given a choice, I would float a girl before a boy for the reason Kyle said above.
Also I have a hula hoop which is sparkily instead of the old yellow/red stripe ones. Recently, I got at an auction a Merlin cane with a big lighted ball that makes noise and it looks magical, so I now use that. Wave it over the top and bottom. I altered mine so I can take the first chair away and the board stays in place, (first applause), then I remove the board (second applause and "Kodak moment").
Dennis Michael
|
|||||||||
Rupert Bair Inner circle ? 2179 Posts |
I don't know if this is the version a magician near me uses, but all the kids saw how it was done and shouted out when he removed the board. I'm thinking about building a flying carpet. It looks more practical in my opinion, although saying that a clown friend has offered to give me his chair suspension.
Matt |
|||||||||
Starrpower Inner circle 4070 Posts |
I used mine all last summer for a resort booking. Nice trick with a kid, but I wouldn't do it at a birthday party. I am not as sold on it as Kyle and Den. The gimmick can be seen pretty easily if someone looks for it ... and it's not a stretch to think that someone will.
Now, all of what I have said is my personal assessment, as I have never performed it in a party environment in relatively close proximity. But, I have my doubts as to it's ability to keep the gimmick hidden. |
|||||||||
Billy Whizz Special user Plymouth, UK 576 Posts |
Theres lots of negative thoughts going through my head as well as positive thoughts on this. I'll have a really good think about it before going ahead and buying it. Thanks again for your comments.
|
|||||||||
Dennis Michael Inner circle Southern, NJ 5821 Posts |
Keep in mind there are several versions, and I know mine cannot be seen, as a matter of fact when the board is removed the roundness of the red cloth gives the illusion of his body floating. I do it at all my birthday parties without ever having anyone seeing anything.
Billy, see if someone has one and look it over, once I saw it I knew it would work. You asked for the negatives, the positives overweigh the negatives.
Dennis Michael
|
|||||||||
Starrpower Inner circle 4070 Posts |
I, too, have seen and worked with a variety, from the cheaper $400 units (which I have right now) to some very expensive versions costing several thousand dollars. The bottom line is, it needs a gimmick, and the gimmick is a pretty substantial piece of metal. I'm nor referring to the support metal as much as the actual hook mechanism -- that's what I meant, Den, when I said it could be seen. It's very difficult to mask entirely the piece that attaches to the chair.
|
|||||||||
Billy Whizz Special user Plymouth, UK 576 Posts |
Den, there's someone local who has this. I'm going to ask him if I can have a look at it. This'll make my mind up, I think. Thanks.
|
|||||||||
Dennis Michael Inner circle Southern, NJ 5821 Posts |
One of our local SYM members, where Kyle assists in training, performed this at our last month's Christmas party show at our SAM meeting.
Not only did he do an excellent job, I learned from him, and made a slight revision to mine so the board could be locked in the floating position. This appears to be the way the effect works, until you remove it, and then it becomes a powerhouse effect. A simple move (addition) in making this illusion better.
Dennis Michael
|
|||||||||
Amazing Magic Co Inner circle 1711 Posts |
I really appreciate this thread, as I have used mine for many years and was thinking about retiring it. I've since reversed this plan after reading many of your enthusiastic comments. My biggest complaint was due to the chairs no longer being level with each other. A simple hardware modification to the removable chair and it's as good as new. Yes ... it is a suspension and not a levitation ... but it really does look cool and makes a great souvenir picture.
I have to laugh as I'll share an embarrassing but funny story. When I first bought this, I was so excited that I ran down to my basement and immediately set it up. Well, next I had to recruit a volunteer to float, so I invited my son to join me. Needless to say that I should have read the directions closely before attempting on my first victim, as I did not center the board to the support chair correctly. Yes, my son went crashing to the floor. This complicated some subsequent public venues as their fearful expressions were occasionally contagious when seeking other unsuspecting volunteers. I learn well and am delighted to report this was an effective lesson as hundreds of subsequent children and my liability insurance had been spared. Dan. |
|||||||||
magic4u02 Eternal Order Philadelphia, PA 15110 Posts |
Mark,
I once thought people would see the gimmick, but they really do not. The reason for this is because of the way I handle it in several manners: 1) I angle it so the back chair is slightly further back towards me than the audience. This keeps the chair not dead on but allows for a clear view of the suspension when it takes place. 2) If you wrap the cloth properly, the cloth covers the gimmick that connects to the main chair. This cloth covers it completely. 3) The girl or boy that is on there I position properly, so that their shoulder blades are farthest up on the board towards the chair. This is proper placement of the weight, and it also allows for them to simply lay their heads back and close there eyes. This does two things as well: 1) the head itself covers the gimmick and the position prevents them from moving easily or prematurely. It does not hurt as the neck is still supported. I do this at every single birthday party, and I have never ever had anyone even notice anything at all. It really is that deceptive even up close. I think pratically because of the above reasons in my presentation of it. I also think I have a version of what Den has. With mine, I can remove the first chair and the board will remain attached to the bottom of the child. I then remove the final board and the loose wrapping of the cloth really indeed looks as if the child is totally floating. The effect is so great that it always gets the adults and kids alike going.. oh wow woah.. look at that. Mark, when I spoke above, I was also referring to the attachment metal. I have never had a problem with anyone seeing it, and I do this every birthday party I do as well as festivals. The ways I mentioned above just cover this from happening, and no one sees anything at all. To this day I have not had one person state anything at all but pure amazement. It is funny that Den mentions the SYM child. I am his co-leader and teacher, and it was I who worked with him on the illusion and making sure of the modification so the board stays suspended and so that the gimmick is properly covered. It was just a shame that I had to work late that night so did not get a chance to see how well he did with it. It takes time to really understand this illusion, so I really say to PLEASE practice and rehearse this a lot before ever doing it to a volunteer. There are ways in my routine, and the way it is structured that ensures the child feels comfortable and safe and wants to perform it. This is critical for me, and I only learned this from constant practice and revamping the routine I now use. Kyle
Kyle Peron
http://www.kylekellymagic.com Entertainers Product Site http://kpmagicproducts.com Join Our Facebook Fan Page at http://facebook.com/perondesign |
|||||||||
Dennis Michael Inner circle Southern, NJ 5821 Posts |
Also, test it out with various weights (different kids), so you get a visual of your limitations.
Can you have a 100 plus on it? Yes, but that person would be a regular assistant and we would have practiced the right position. Her head and shoulders would be over the top end, so the effect would look straight and not sag. Five to eight age group is best for selection providing the star is not a daily consumer of a dozen donuts. If you choose to go with this, keep us up to date! Let us know your experiences. It doesn't require a big learning curve, and music does enhance it! _______________________ On a scale of one to five stars: (Five being the best)
Dennis Michael
|
|||||||||
magic4u02 Eternal Order Philadelphia, PA 15110 Posts |
But of all the illusions you can do, this one is a five in the fact that you CAN do it at a kid's show or in birthday party situations. Because it packs down flat and is easy to set up, I use this and think it is a better option for me then flying carpet. Just my opinion is all.
Kyle I would really recommend anyone to get one who does kids' performances. Take a picture of them the moment they are floating, and give it to them after the effect is over, and you really can do some great marketing and leave them with something they will be showing everyone. Kyle
Kyle Peron
http://www.kylekellymagic.com Entertainers Product Site http://kpmagicproducts.com Join Our Facebook Fan Page at http://facebook.com/perondesign |
|||||||||
The Magic Cafe Forum Index » » The little darlings » » Chair suspension (0 Likes) | ||||||||||
Go to page 1~2 [Next] |
[ Top of Page ] |
All content & postings Copyright © 2001-2024 Steve Brooks. All Rights Reserved. This page was created in 0.07 seconds requiring 5 database queries. |
The views and comments expressed on The Magic Café are not necessarily those of The Magic Café, Steve Brooks, or Steve Brooks Magic. > Privacy Statement < |