I perform magic in a medieval setting (I'm a historical reenactor, and a member of the SCA). A lot
of modern props are simply unsuitable for the style of presentation that I do. I've been looking for
a nice wood or metal set of cups for this effect, and these looked simple enough to work - with the
potential to decorate further myself later.
They arrived today, and I'm very pleased with
the overall quality. All three cups stack straight and evenly, and the coloring is a sort of
yellow/maple. There were no cracks, chips or damage to the finish on any of the cups. The balls
provided were of good quality, and I was able to perform with them immediately upon removing the
cups from the bag. There was also a one page (folded) set of instructions on how to perform, that
aren't really adequate for a routine, but most people aren't buying a set without already having
some other reference on what to do.
There are a couple of minor flaws, some of which are
not really an issue for me, but I wanted to mention them. The finish on the cups is very glossy and
slick to the touch with dry fingers. You may want to scuff them up slightly or moisten your hands
with lotion before performing. The interior of the cups are unfinished, but sanded smooth. You will
want to rub some furniture oil (etc) into them to condition the wood and ensure a longer lifespan
for the cups. The bag that the cups are stored in is a thin, red velvet and the fit is very snug
getting the cup sin and out of the bag. I hope that it will stretch out a bit with use, and this is
really the only thing that kept me from giving it 5 stars.
Overall, I'm very pleased with
the purchase, and with the quality of the cups. For twenty bucks, I consider this a good bargain for
someone looking for basic set of wooden cups.