First of all, if your flesh has the same color as this reel, you ought to go to a doctor. This reel is more yellow than anything else.

The reel is not very strong. So it will not be fast enough for silk through mike stand.
for animations and other effects it is OK, but it does make some noise.

I bought this one on a whim as an add-on with another order. It's cheap but still not worth the price. I had to take it apart and try to improve the smoothness and reliability of the reel. I managed to get it into a usable shape but chipped a bunch of the paint off in the process. My son likes to play with it but we didn't end up using this in his act. I'm not sure we'll ever use it in a performance.

Mr. Magic had produced a cheap reel advertised to be able to perform the Serpentine Silk effect. This reel is small and can easily be concealed in the hand. The clips on the reel are easily bendable; however, the flesh-colored paint on them did chip off (this is not a real issue for me). The reel can't be used close up as it does make some noise, but on stage if, light music is playing or regular audience chatter is going on, it shouldn't be an issue. If you are planning on doing the Serpentine Silk effect, I would recommend doing it with a 24'' silk. In Jeff McBride's At the Table Lecture, he goes over this effect and it is an additional resource you should check out. If you are planning on using this reel for a silk through the microphone effect I suggest using an 18'' or 12'' silk. Overall, this reel is good for its retail price range. Aside from the paint and noise, it would be a nice reel to use and explore with. So buy one, or not, the choice is yours.

Control Reel tips for real.
My most reliable reel broke and I wanted solutions fast. These reels are affordable.
I bought three not knowing and guessing what its performance and limits would be like.
The first of three reels line snapped within a few hours of rehearsals of silk though a Microphone stand. Now two are left. I've had a few different types from moderately expensive to inexpensive. No matter what range the line will wear out. Replacement line should be available. But I'm not aware of it if it is. But this reel is at a price you can live with to get though your shows. If your new to working with reels I recommend buying three control reels (brass) by Mr Magic. One to learn and practice with. The others for your show. Until replacement line is available to repair maybe a send it back for repair options or recycled exchange for a new on should be available by Mr Magic.