Magic Tricks

I finally got my reel in today. First I have to say that I've been using, designing, and building my own reels for about 12 years now. Both electronic, analog, and loose thread. And I've always loved IT.

So when I saw this product I was excited. It was small. It had magnets. What more can you ask for? =D
Well, a lot but still.

I like the open design of this one. I love how easy it is to repair when you snap. I love that it uses magnets to attach itself. That allows for more than most people realize.

Because of its size, I can easily hide the reel under the collar of my shirt. I can hide it under my rolled-back sleeves. I can hide it in between the buttons of my shirt, and vest. Which is fantastic. It's also easy to adjust the tension without the fear of the elastic unhinging itself and make you disassemble the entire thing to fix it.

Also. No longer will I look like a meth addict as I try to get the thread out of the housing. So that's a plus in my book. =D

SOOOOOO:
why the 4 and not the 5.
Unlike most people, I don't nitpick at stupid things and complain that wohs me, its not perfect and cheap at the same time. Not at all. =). I understand what I bought. And I'm well versed enough to not need someone to spoon-feed me how to use the thing.

So here is my nitpick =).
The moment I opened it. One of the magnets popped off. No biggy, I got super glue. I can fix =). The magnets could have been a little smaller. But no biggy. I have magnets I can replace them with =). The ends are difficult to pop off to adjust the tension. No biggy. I will use a dull knife to pry it off a few times to loosen it up.

So what's the big deal mate? Why the less than one star if this thing is exactly as it advertised and people shouldn't complain because it's not perfect and cheap?

Well dear reader it is the video. The video just plain stinks.
It goes over a couple of points about how to make sure when using it, it faces the right way as to not mess up the system. Cool beans!. It goes over how to fix it if you snap a thread. Cool beans!. But it doesn't show any hookups. Which for newbies, that's wrong. The little buggers need a few ideas on how to hook the thing up to do different effects. Not to mention creative ways to hide the thing. Not only on the body but show it being hooked up to a mic stand, under a table. On to different things.
Then there are the tricks. Basic I get it. This is kind of an introductory reel. But there seemed to be no thought put into it. Hell even in this day and age with the Instagrams and the YouTubes. You can teach methods that look good for cams. Like attaching the wax to the camera for a hook-up. But all that being said. The video is lazy, took no effort in supplying the viewers with anything worthwhile.
For such a cheap device. The number of people it can be reached is a lot higher. So higher profit. Sooooooo invest in the video. You can shoot videos soooo much easier these days. hell, I can produce A full-hour video right now that would have loads more content than this turd. That includes edition, graphics, music, etc. And if there was a discussion page for this thing, I would. For free!

So yeah. That's why the 4, not 5-star ratings.
You get what you pay for.
It's a good starter real.
Use common sense and learn to fix issues on your own.
This reel requires different skills than an electric. So it's not that it's bad, it's just different. Don't measure reels based on that. Each style has its pros and cons.
IT work is hard. A reel is just a tool. Learn to use it well, and it will serve you well.

The video stinks!