So, let me start off by saying, this is a gaff deck more than a gimmick. Definitely not a gimmick. A
gimmick by definition is a device used to attract people, in magic, it's a specially designed single
device to fool people (like, Smooth by Nicholas Lawrence. Which is incredible by the way.)
Fragment is disappointing in so many levels (literally), it's not something you can go out and
perform to laypeople at all. You will not get away with performing any of these effects that show
you in the trailer. The handling of the gaff is so finicky. You will struggle to perform this in the
real world as a close-up magician.
But, saying this, you may be able to get away with this
for stage and cabaret... maybe. As vanishing and appearing decks go, this is at the bottom for me
because there are so many different workable variations of this classic that can be used.
The only thing this will be good for is social media, you'll use it once for a decent video, but
that's it. which is why this is a one-hit-wonder and why I gave it 3 stars.
As a gaff
produced deck, its really well made (of course it would be though, due to the way its made) and I do
think there is potential here through the concept. The idea around it is pretty awesome if I'm
honest. But, I personally don't think anyone would perform this as the effect its design for, except
for social media and video calls.
Now, the product itself is...well... a lot of money for
something you can make at home if you want to spend the time doing so. $30... come on guys.
Seriously though, like I can spend $3 on an actual deck. Then to receive the Fragment Gaff is like
getting kicked hard in the crotch area. It feels like someone walking up to you saying "Wanna be a
magician? Well, keep spending money on over-priced products that you will only use once."
The teaching, the video download, and specifically the lighting are just not that great. They
don't perform a trick to laypeople and they don't really perform the trick anyway. The instructions
were so bad because of one of the lighting situations, I had to turn it off.
This is also a
big problem too, please state "Social Media Magic" on products that are designed for that reason. No
one can't use this trick in real-life circumstances, but please if anyone does use this in live
performance, drop in a link on the product page somewhere. Prove me wrong, please just do that.
It's getting to the point in the magic community where we are starting to run out of new
original ideas like "Hollywood" and bringing out bad versions of classics. Now, I have been pretty
harsh so far, so let me shed some light. You can't perform this in real life, but you can perform on
camera and it looks amazing. What you receive, is what you get. Like I stated before, its a nice
addition to a gaff deck of cards, I feel like there can be more created with this and it would be
interesting to see different ideas.
So, if you're looking for a vanishing/appearing deck,
its best to check elsewhere because unfortunately, this isn't it unless you want to have a unique
gaff to work with.
Sorry Abstract, but this isn't a great trick. It's overpriced for what
it is. I understand, selling magic is production +(gaff/gimmick) + Idea = Price & Profit. But this
is a waste. Between $10-20 is reasonable. Not $30, overvaluing your products will ruin trust to your
consumers.
So much excitement for an unfinished overpriced product. Also, I forgot to
mention that you cant hand them out and its really bad angles. Sorry guys.
12 of 12 magicians found this helpful.
To start off, I'm a huge fan of the Other Brothers. They have a vast variety of killer tricks. Tons
of workable inventions...this unfortunately is not one of them. Super angle sensitive and only
useable on video (even video shots will take a few trys to get the right setup/angle).
Flashy trailer and a VERY disappointing gimmick.
2 of 2 magicians found this helpful.