When you've been involved in magic for any length of time, you come across a routine that requires a
deck switch. Most Magicians skip over the trick because they don't feel comfortable switching decks
while performing for real people. It's too bad, because there are so many fantastic routines you can
do with a deck switch.
Christian Engblom has solved the problem with "The Cooler". Now
this deadly, sneaky sleight can be done right out in the open thanks to The Cooler.
No more
fear, or "Magician's guilt" to stop you. You can now perform miracles of card magic thanks to The
Cooler.
24 of 26 magicians found this helpful.
This is just an overrated, actually unpractical product. There was a big talking about it (wizard
product review) but only for advertisement. This product is not good!! It is so obvious, if the
spectator isn't blind he sees that the box looks soooo unreal! It is so big, makes sounds, you have
to be very careful about moving it, you can't lift it off the table, so many limitations! Don't get
this, get a deck shell, or switch the deck in your pocket in the off-beat, which is the easiest way
to do a switch. Overpriced, overrated, you won't use it, maybe on tv or in a parlour show, where the
people are not close up...
23 of 27 magicians found this helpful.
I come from a background where a deck switch... See Dean Dills Blizzard. The panic I had every time
I performed this effect was obvious but I still got away with it... On monday I got my cooler and
the day of panic ended!!! If you are coming from an expert move you will like this effect you will
like this. If you are coming from a beginner state this is probably not for you.
Imagine
doing an invisible deck and forgetting it at the table, imagine doing Bill Malone's 654 club and
ACTUALLY have the spectator shuffle the deck, the same deck you have been using the whole entire
time.
I have used this deck professionally 5 times minus the numerous times on family and
friends and it has never failed. This is truly awesome and just listen to bonus Explanation you
receive soon after to iron out those bugs.
21 of 23 magicians found this helpful.
After watching the trailer for The Cooler, I made whatever sacrifices in my budget to make sure that
I got it that very second. After recieving it, I was slightly disappointed because I thought that it
would have been slightly more "clean", but that doesn't mean that I don't love it, I do.
Since I primarily use artifice decks, I spray painted "the gimmick", to fit the particular color
scheme that went with the artifice decks. It looks much more clean and visually examinable with
black decks than with white decks due to shade complications.
I do agree with one of the
previous reviewers that you cannot display it for too long or it will probably be noticed. I also do
not agree with the creator's own applicatioin on numerous fronts in his own presentation. I do agree
that the creator wasn't that creative in giving a variety of routines and applications. He could
have done one of the most visual color changing deck routines ever, but he didn't even entertain the
idea.
15 of 17 magicians found this helpful.
The Cooler is a great idea that isn't nearly as bullet proof as the ad and glowing testimonials
suggest. The actual handling on the table is fine, EXCEPT that you don't want the gimmick near a
spectator or on display for long. Any spectator who looks at the card box for more than a few
seconds will begin to wonder why it looks so strange. Am I being paranoid? Just a bit, but no amount
of misdirection will compensate for a gimmick that looks less than innocent and a spectator who is
extra inquisitive (we've all had them, right?) That said, I really like the in-the-hands deck
switch. The gimmick is in play for just a few seconds and the switch happens on the offbeat and away
from the table. I wish Christian had spent more time thinking about and explaining in-the-hand
switches, as I believe this is a better use of the gimmick. Just my opinion, but based on performing
professionally for corporate audiences for 30+ years. Cheers.
15 of 18 magicians found this helpful.
hi, it,s my first review but surely not the last because i,m sure i will buy many other items from
penguin. I think the cooler is a great device and a great way to change a deck in full view of the
audience, but, on the other hand, it takes a lot of practice to take the most from it,which it is
not bad at all. I would recommend this if you are ready to spend time in practice
6 of 6 magicians found this helpful.
The gimmick is new and unique. However you need to create your gimmick when you buy it along with
purchasing some little extras to finish making the already $50 gimmick. For stage it works great but
sadly even being $50 it is not made to be preformed close-up. Just the design of the gimmick itself
looks fake. It does work but its bulky. It will last you forever and you will be able to do amazing
effects with it just keep the spectators as far away from the gimmick as possible. If you can do
that get it because it is a great idea.
6 of 7 magicians found this helpful.
A neat concept, but poorly made. Surprised Blaine would put his name behind it to be honest.
8 of 12 magicians found this helpful.
Put the Cooler and a regular Bicycle deck side by side and, yowsa, there is a big difference. It
is not something that I would risk close up. The fit and finish of the Cooler just doesn't measure
up and Bicycle deck parts are too small to fit the large skeleton.
However, in a standup
routine it works pretty well. Just coreograph the move properly and it is indeed a smooth switch.
I always am skeptical about pro endorsements and this one by Mr. Blaine is no exception.
Mr. Blaine says it is "the most beautiful deck switch I have ever seen." Big woop. What exactly
does that mean? Has he ever used it in his act?
Anyway, realize what you are getting, and
cool your jets!
5 of 6 magicians found this helpful.
If you watched the trailer then you know what it does and it does it well. If you think you have a
use for it, then get it.
6 of 9 magicians found this helpful.