Magic Tricks

Here are some specific thoughts pertaining to each of the main items taught in the download:

U.M.O.S.
This BEAUTIFUL move is my favorite of the download. I absolutely plan on putting in the work to make this smooth (that's not to say that it's difficult, just want to be 100% confident in execution). This reminds me of Richard Busch's "Zen Billet" (sort of), though Julien's handling is much more efficient and requires less finger movement - mainly because the work is split between both hands. "U.M.O.S." also boasts better angles than the "Zen Billet". There is no switch in play here. You can view the entire surface of the card though I'd only be comfortable using this for drawings due to the speed of the peek (a lot of people have atrocious handwriting).

I'm not a 'hat guy', but for those who are, the variation using a hat as cover is wonderful. I feel like the box variant is best suited for a bizarre presentation (perhaps where the box is used to house a special 'relic' or similar).

Palm Reading Peek Plot
First of all, the switch that Julien uses to get into position is SO good! Unfortunately, he doesn't teach it in this project. Looks like I'll be picking up the "[S]Witch" download (available on Penguin). Not to worry though, most classic switches (Annemann, Baker, etc.) will work as long as the billet ends in a certain finger position. The choreography is best suited for palm reading (which I don't do) so I won't be using this one. The angles on this are solid though. You do, of course, have to switch in AND out if you want to hand the billet back so it's less direct than U.M.O.S..

Julien also shares a variation that doesn't require a switch but rather a wallet for a steal. To be honest, if I'm going to introduce a wallet I'd rather just use it to get the peek directly. Personal preference though.

Hold My Wrist Peek
This shares a very similar handling to the previous technique but the choreography doesn't require a Palm Reading premise. This one I might use - it's GREAT, but the directness and naturalness of U.M.O.S. is hard to beat. Unlike the previous technique, though, you aren't switching billets so, in my eyes, that's a plus. Coin guys/gals will smile at a few of the moves used in this one.

Through a Glass Reading?
Pretty self-explanatory name. This is a classic way to get a motivated peek. I've often seen this used by Docc Hilford and Barrie Richardson.

I Need to Focus Peek
So... I don't much care for this handling. Even in Julien's hands the move used to open the billet feels "off" and unmotivated to me. My other qualm with this is the way the billet is held in the hand - it just feels unnatural.

In Hand Focus after a Switch
This one appears more natural than the previous technique but I still struggle to justify using this over U.M.O.S. because, again, you have to switch the billet in and out. If you're proficient with the necessary moves (and can appropriately motivate them) this is a solid strategy though. I simply prefer more direct peeks.

CLOSING THOUGHTS - Although I plan to only practice/use 2 of the 5 main peeks taught, I'm still extremely impressed by this download. I'm VERY much an advocate for learning from books (in most cases), but the timing and choreography required of billet work lends itself better to video instruction. It was a joy to see ALL of the moves in Julien's (extremely capable) hands. For me, $30 is fair for two new techniques to perform direct mind reading using nothing more than paper and a pencil/pen.

Congrats Julien - it's a fantastic project!