I know this item has been discontinued, but I still have mine I ordered 4 years ago & amazingly works fine. I ordered some more thread for this neat little A.T.R. and can't wait to get it going again. I also ordered the new Reel Watch by Uday, which is a regular reel. I am planning on using both reels together! I can use the watch on my left and the wonder atr on my right arm or under my shirt or jacket with maybe velcro & black very sticky tape. Then I'll be able to use both either together or separately. After watching some video reviews on reel watch, I decided to take a chance & give it a try. I think it's a neat idea. Who knows, maybe if they'd come back with this w.a.t.r., they could some how be able to incorporate it into the reel watch. Let's get creative & just do it!

I tend to prefer the reels that are suspended by bands in a plastic tube which you affix to your clothing. This was a bit different.

It is strong, and relatively “invisible” but that is where the advantages end.

It is a bit noisy. Fine for a crowded area, not fine for an intimate setting.

Although the thread is fine for some areas, it is a bit shiny, and not as fine as others. It does appear to be strong.

It is hard to handle. It is much larger than it should be, and awkward to hold (for my hands) AND access the “special place.”

The withdraw tension is a bit tighter than I like... but that is a matter of preference. It is usable, but not as easily flowing as most “rubber band” ITR’s.

My biggest irritant was that the unit I was sold came with two dead batteries. I was disappointed, because usually things from penguin are flawless. Fortunately i had plenty of spares from other tricks.

Lastly the instructional video is TERRIBLE. There are not spoken words (in any language) or explanation on how to do the effects, care and feeding etc.

That does not mean you shouldn’t buy this..it serves its purpose, but it is not without some significant drawbacks.

You can make magic happen with this little reel. Although there is a little trick to retriving broken thread & is explained in the downloaded video. I have'nt had this much fun since I received my first magic kit almost 50 years ago! For the price you really can't beat it, no worries about breaking small elastic bands inside of the manual type reels, because there is none to worry about with auto reels, like this one. If your into thread work do yourself a favor and buy one or two. Hopefully you will have as much fun as me.