I did not buy this from penguin, but when i saw it here i had to write a review for it. this is the best thumb tip in the world in my own opinion. it is a little longer then most other thumb tips, but i use it everyday on the streets and in one on one situations and have never been caught with it. since it is longer it can hold a larger load and because it is metal you can even vanish a lit cigarette without it discoloring. you will have to repaint it every now and then but you can find paint at any hobby shop, or even make up will work in a pinch. i have had mine now for a few years and only had to paint it once. also it will not crack or split like a plastic thumb tip so it will last you a good long time.

I had to return mine. It hardly looked like the photo. You should note the base flairs out. On the one I had the nail did not look like a finger nail shape as the photo. The underside had an odd crimp. I could pound a piped of soft pipe to do match what I saw. It appeared mine was defective and they maker knew it and just sprayed flesh paint over their mistakes.
Very disappointed. I would not even attempt to buy one again unless I saw it in person.

This would have to be the worst thumb tip I have ever purchased. The vernet ones are much better to use and more natural. Feels clumsy and awkward.

TL;DR?

Pros:
-Mandatory if you wanna do vanishing match/vanishing cigarette effects
-Can hold larger loads (refer to above ^)
-Sturdy

Cons:
-Looks terrible (see below)
- specs of flesh paint will be missing, showing silver. Very minute/small.
-Thoughts of buyers remorse will ensue.

5 STARS??? WTF? WHY?

Its based on context, really. If you're looking for a realistic thumb tip you can flash heavily for regular thumb tip effects (You're not SUPPOSE TO...but meh) keep walking. You TRULY won't like it.

The other reviewers ARE RIGHT, just imagine, "a piece of hollowed out metal that gets narrower to the tip, covered in flesh paint." When you see it, you will feel jipped. And NO, it will not look anywhere near the colored photo displayed on penguin. The fact that its still up makes me laugh.

Upsides: Once you see the construction, a local metals specialist can create you copies for a lifetime...if you have flesh colored paint...

BUT...if you feel that way, why the heck 5 stars?
Again, Context. I created a 5 holder system on the side of my belt, 1 on each side, which has 10 loads total...for thumb tips. 1 of them, I wanted to be reserved for vanishing cigarettes and matches like in Dan Harlans Tarbell 6: Thumbtips. I DIDNT WANT THE EXTRA PREP...to attempt to save a vernet thumb tip. Why not just buy a metal one and save yourself the hassle?

Goblin = Metal Thumb tip, people. They are pretty rare.
You wanna vanish cigarettes and matches specifically, get this tip. (a)

Why I bought it? For the above reason, and if I can do something organic to upcoming clients who smoke and impress them, THATS ANOTHER GIG LINED UP. This thing pays for itself. (b)

If it makes me money, gives me a simple way to connect with people (that are smokers), I give it 5 stars.

-Dan

P.S. I got this exact product for a friend, still new, case anyone asks. This should not affect the integrity of my review.