This is a REALLY nice close-up pad, and it is only 13 dollars?

BUY one now. Then finish this review.

Got one? Okay. Now let me tell you WHY I rated it 5 stars.

Basically, close-up pads aren't ALL THAT different. Some of them have different felts or materials at the top, some are different shapes, some are made to different aesthetics, but all of them have the same purpose- to keep your cards, coins and other magic props from going everywhere while allowing all of them to be displayed in an aesthetically pleasing way.

Because of this reason, it really comes more down to durability than anything else in my mind, and these pads are DURABLE! These (like said in the ad) DO NOT tear (unless you took a knife to them) and they DO NOT slide. The bottom has JUST enough friction to ALWAYS keep this pad ON your table while still allowing you to remove it at a moments notice.

I like this pad, and it is reasonably priced. The reason however I give this five stars is because if you DON'T have a close-up pad, pick this up NOW (if you didn't like I told you to earlier). You will NEVER see cards, coins, cups and balls, sponges or other magic props the same way again.

The Pad does well what it should do and I like it very much.

However, according to the product insert "one should not fold it inwardly, but roll it up leaving the soft surface on the outside" to prevent creasing up. Therefore, after delivery you probably should roll it out as fast as you can: At least my Pad was rolled in the wrong way. But it survived!
;-)

Excellent product! This is a well made close up mat and is only $13.00 for the 23X16”. That’s such a good deal compared to the other brands available. This defiantly has my recommendation.

WOW! I did not use pads until now. I just got mine and it is so great. It is good to have this bog size, there you can spread the cards very nicely without lack of space.

I did not know how useful it is until i got it and tried it.

It stick very gel and is real pleasure to work on.

It looks like it really could last a lifetime. I will just have to make some kinda case so that it doesn't get dirty and doesn't catch some small parts on it since you are supposed to roll it up with the inward part up.

I have two close up pads. One I pack in with my portable case and the other I have on my desk. From the first day of getting a close up pad, I realised that I could never go back to using my cards, cups and balls or sponges etc on any other type of surface.

From the card point of view - A close up pad does 3 really important things. 1) it stops the cards sliding about on a smooth surface, 2) it keeps your cards clean in as good a condition as possible (assuming you keep your close up pad clean and your hands clean) and 3) it focuses the action.

I think point 3 is the most important reason to get a close up pad - I've noticed the difference between having a pad and not. When I have chosen to leave it at home, I don't feel as professional and I don't feel like the audiences attention is focused as well as it could be.

This is a good step in the right direction - get one now!

This is made of really good material and has a top layer which is very comfortable and is also perfect for cards and coins. Highly recommended!

Perfect!!

This PAD is amazing. Professional and high quality. Every magician that performs close up should own one of this.

love it! a must have for training on your routines & show, highly recommend A+

This great and exactly what I was looking for. I will be back for other purchases.