Don't Buy It. Read more. Penguin Magic has been absolutely horrible with their Customer Service.
In fact, it's basically non-existent. I bought this Flash Wand and out of the package it was dead.
I reported it to Penguin who told me that it may be the Glo-Plug? After looking for a replacement
Glo-Plug for this Flash Wand, it was found out that Penguin cannot provide them any longer. This
means that even if you manage to get a Wand that works? After 20 or so uses, the Glo-Plugs wear
out, needing to be replaced. Now, the instructions that come in the bag with this Flash Wand,
specifically say that you cannot buy Glo-Plugs from anywhere else, such as Hobby Stores, etc.
Because, the ones used are specifically designed for use in the Flash Wand.
Only problem is,
Penguin doesn't, or cannot, get them any more. So, if you do get lucky enough to get one of
these that actually work? It will have to be thrown away very soon, it's disposable in the eyes of
Penguin, because they can't help you.
Not only that, but when I wrote them, asking them
about this problem. Telling Penguin that if they'd share with me the particular information on the
Glo-Plug? Maybe I could help them. Because I own a heating and air conditioning company and have
access to various vendors, such as Grainger Supply and Johnstone. But, that's when everything
stopped. Penguin stopped all communication with me and has refused to honor any refund on the
product.
I've sent numerous emails and called every phone number they have listed, everything
falls upon deaf ears and I never receive a reply.
My recommendation!
Don't buy this
item from Penguin, they're not giving anyone the truth regarding its operation or future usage
ability.
Penguin Customer Support is basically non existent.
And be careful with anything
else you purchase, because it's clear that Penguin doesn't like to stand behind the items they are
selling.
Let's see if this review even makes it to you?
From a verified buyer.
On October 8, 2017
8 of 9 magicians found this helpful.
( From a Verified Buyer )
Anyone thinking about buying this Flash Wand must
"Be
Aware" of the following problems with it. Unfortunately, Penguin isn't updating the sales
information on this Flash Wand, and I had to learn about it the following, The Hard Way.
1). FLASH WAND. Uses a "Glo-Plug" as the ignition source for
the Flash Cotton/Paper.
2). "Glo-Plug's" wear out/break, after about 25 to 30 uses
and must be replaced.
(According to the instructions).
3). The Instructions that come with this Flash Wand,
CLEARLY
STATE: "When the replacement of the glo-plug is necessary,
be sure that you
only use the glo-plug's offered/sold by
Penguin Magic." The instructions continue saying:
"The
ones sold in Hobby Stores and other places Will
Not Work."
4).
Upon looking for replacement Glo-Plug's here, in the
PENGUIN website, I found the
Glo-Plugs, but also found
that Penguin is "Out of Stock" and cannot get them
anymore.
Which means that You cannot get Glo-Plugs either!
Now, if you believe Penguin? In that these are "Special
Glo-Plugs" being used, that are more
powerful and proprietary to Only Penguin Magic.
Then, what you are buying is a
Disposable Flash
Wand. Because with the inability to purchase any outside sourced Glo-Plug,
coupled with Penguin's inability to acquire the proper Glo-Plug. After you fire this unit the 25 to
30 times, that you're told the Glo-Plug will last, you will end up with a Dead, non functioning,
inoperable Flash Wand.
I guess, in a sense, I was lucky, in that the Flash Wand that I
purchased, came D. O. A.; (DEAD ON ARRIVAL). I'm not sure what was wrong with it, but after
assembly, (according to the instructions), it would not work.
That's when I learned
about everything I listed up above.
I'm not sure why Penguin Magic isn't offering some
kind of
Pre-Buy Notification; (in the area where you would Add this to your cart). Letting
everyone know about the non-existence of the Glo-Plug? My only thought would be that Penguin must
have hundreds of these Flash Wands in Stock and with a notification that these are now a Disposable
Unit, they wouldn't sell any, getting stuck with them all, or having to basically give them away -
and hey... they're not cheap, right?
So, if you go with the above theory? Then that
lends to unethical sales practice. Personally, I don't want to believe that Penguin is selling
anything unethically, do you?
So hopefully, after reading this review, Penguin Magic
adds a note to this Flash Wand. But, I already emailed them, asking them "Why no disclaimer?" I
got no reply!
I even tried to help Penguin locate a new Glo-Plug. I informed Cathy, in
Customer Service, (via email), that I own a Heating and Air Conditioning company, with access to
numerous vendors who are able to supply the Glo-Plugs. All I needed was the specifications on the
one they used? But, it seems that Cathy, and others, at Penguin, all had emergencies hit them, all
at once. (We did have those huge Napa, No. Calif. Fires), that devastated thousands of people. And,
giving the benefit of any kind of doubt, maybe they lived in that area?
Nobody ever
got back to me, ever. . .
All I got was a prepaid, FedEx Shipping Label, to return the Flash
Wand.
So, I guess I had my answer, regarding my helping Penguin!
I would
have loved to have this Flash Wand, and I think that if it wasn't for the Glo-Plug issue, I'd still
have it.
It did have good weight and a good feel to it.
Since this issue I've done
a lot of research on flash items and unless you absolutely Must Have a Wand type?
You
might want to take a look at "PYRO Mini"?
I own it now and actually go everywhere with
it.
It's so easy to load, inconspicuous, and the cool thing is.
I'm now
Shooting Fire, Out Of The Palm Of My Hand.
(Double Loads Too)
Sorry Flash Wand, you're a great idea but have a very limited shelf life... 25 to 30 loads, to be
exact!
So, it's a case of Buyer "Be Aware", not buyer beware.
If
Penguin steps up and places a disclaimer near the, Add To Cart, area; Then I'll change my review
from 2, to 3.
And, if they ever get the Glo Plug issue sorted out,
I'd even
go up as high as 4.
Thanks for reading.
4 of 4 magicians found this helpful.