This is the first set of cups and balls I ever got. While I like the effect and watching it is a blast, these aren't phenomenal.

They look really good and they're really shiny. The balls are of course the regular crochet cork balls with a shim in one of them. After a few years of use, these have really started to show wear. They are getting a little yellowish and dirty. On top of that, they are getting really scratched and scuffed up to the point where they don't look good anymore. The instructions were also really bad. They didn't really teach much and they were pretty unclear.

On a little final note, my cups came with a black velvet bag, not a red one. There are cheaper cups out there if you are going for cheapness. I would suggest going for higher quality though. The size and weight of them are really good though.

Yes there are nicer (and more expensive) sets of cups out there. But these get 5 stars for two reasons:

1) They are a fine set for the price and a great start for anyone who wants to learn the cups and balls (or who wants to graduate from the plastic beginner sets)

2) And most importantly these cups work perfect for David Regal's "Cups and Balls and Cups and Balls routine." These are actually the cups he uses for it himself so if you ever want to take on the arts and crafts to make a set like David uses for his killer routine, this is the set for you!

The Aluminum variety of the Cups and Balls is a nice start if you are beginning your journey with C&B routines. They are well made and they give that distinct metal sound when you do the pass through moves or stack them. The size of these cups are quite good and the crocheted balls are of a really high quality.

I say they are a good start because they just feel a little light and perhaps a little cheap. Interestingly, the heavier cups (the brass uday ones) are cheaper ($15 as compare to the $25 for these). Although the brass ones feel more solid and have a much greater resonating sound, they also tarnish over time - so you'd have to be prepared to clean them.

All that said - this is a great product, worth buying. I would recommend the brass ones purely for their weight but, as they say, each to their own.