Magic Tricks

I own the original Wow sleeve, and like most of you, thought that Wow 3.0 would be a definite improvement over the original. . .even if the "improvements" were less than substantial (which they are). The only differences between the original version and Wow 3.0 are a *very slightly* thinner bezel, A *slightly* improved resolution, and it's manufactured from a better material. The price reflects the original version.

Now, many of you will be disappointed with these "improvements" if you owned the original version first, because you just spent another $40.00 and discovered. . . minimal differences. I contend that you knew that right out of the gate, but you probably hoped you'd be thrilled with the purchase anyway in spite of that discovery, only to rediscover, upon having item in hand, that you're just not as okay with it as you had hoped you'd be.

The bezel IS thinner, the material IS better, and the resolution IS improved to an extent, but, because it's "improved" (and I admit, I go back and forth on this), it almost appears to be *darker* than the original because of the "higher resolution," if that makes any sense. More, and smaller *dots*, means more of them (though smaller) which *seems* to have a bit more *darkening* effect than the original Wow--and that's precisely what we were hoping to move away from, if I'm not too badly mistaken. But, again, it's NOT so obvious as to be definite--sometimes I believe I see improvement, other times, perhaps not so much. Might just be me!

Nevertheless, we all raved when we got the original Wow in spite of this *setback*, because it just looked so phenomenal! It STILL looks just as phenomenal regardless of its possibly appearing slightly "darker," and if you had never purchased the original Wow, and only received Wow 3.0 for the first time, you would likely have the same reaction to Wow 3.0 that you would of had with the original Wow. In other words, you'd probably, without comparison, be just as blown away by Wow 3.0, if not more so!!!

To update, or not to update, that IS the question! Are these *minor improvements* worth another $40.00? I updated simply to have "improvement," and I could afford it. Some can't, or won't, see the value in these minor changes and will therefore disagree with my review, and that's a good thing! I can honestly say that I feel Wow 3.0 IS an actual improvement over the original. I've seen online comparisons between the original and Wow 3.0 as well, and I feel that they are pretty accurate, so one CAN see the difference before purchasing, if researched. I highly recommend that you do research and make the decision for yourself as I'm sure opinions will vary widely. In the final analysis, YOU have to be comfortably satisfied with what you present. I'm very happy with Wow 3.0!!! I wish discount consideration would have been given to those who purchased prior versions of Wow, but life is short, and I'm willing to absorb the additional cost and move on.

Based on the fact that I gave the original Wow a 5 star rating, and, considering that BOTH versions leave a little to be desired, I intend to use Wow 3.0 just as happily as the original version (FOR CLOSE-UP ONLY), and feel only slightly put off that the "Wow gimmick," in any iteration, can only handle "so much" improvement satisfactorily. And, if you've never owned the Wow gimmick in any form, and you're interested in performing it, I wouldn't hesitate at all in making the purchase--I confidently doubt you'd regret it!!! It's simple to perform, extremely visual, and gets HUGE reactions!!! Additionally, if you perform it close up, with typically adequate lighting, spectators should find no difficulty in seeing and appreciating the effect!

Many magicians find the sleeve difficult to justify, many don't bother. If you're one who believes this is necessary, or you're simply more comfortable explaining the sleeve, imagination overcomes this problem. Simply tell the specs: ". . .This transparent sleeve is a *collectable card or picture* protector with shading to prevent light damage. I use it to ensure that you know my boney fingers can't employ *shenanigans* instead of magic!"

Now, once the sleeve IS justified, the crazy little thing STILL. . .simply withers *smart* minds!!!

Your mileage may vary. . .