A few questions on cards...

1. I am just wondering how long does your cards last? (last as in it can still be fanned normally). Mine usually last 2-3 months.

2. And how come after a period of time, the cards tend not to fit the box anymore? I will have a hard time putting the deck in, and it further damages the deck.

3. Any tips to make the cards last longer?

4. I heard that Tally-Ho is better than Bikes, is it true? Which deck you all prefer? And any views on Aviator Deck?

1. Fanned normally? Mine goes out within 7 days if use them to practise and perform constantly. I don't really care about whether my deck can still fan or not. Because I am not a flourisher.

2. Never came across such things. Must be your palms perspiring greatly causing the "stock" to expand alot.

3. Don't drop them. Practise with one, perform with another. Fanning powder. Don't perform/practice with even slightly dirty hands. Refrain from letting people ptake your cards for card games. Perform/practice only in clean surfaces.

4. Tally-Hos are BETTER than Bikes. Because of their better finish and better "stock", allowing them to be less likely to hold crimps. Aviators are generally almost the same and Alladin, but thinner than Alladin.

I actually experience this only with my BEE decks but not my other decks (Bikes, Tally-Ho).
Maybe it's because I use my BEE decks to train more?
Or maybe the fanning powder helps preserving the cards in some way because my BEE decks are the only ones which I dont powder.

1. What do you mean fanned properly? A fan with even spacing showing just the value and suit of each card? Lol, I can't do that with a good deck so I wouldn't know. A fan that laypeople see and think looks cool? This can be done with lots of decks, so I don't think the condition of the cards here really matter. I can do this with my 5 month old Aladdins which have been used for card games, armspreads and many other flourishes which have caused it to drop many times. They are really in very bad condition.

2. Never came across this, and hopefully I won't. Maybe tear your box abit to make it bigger?

3. Most things have already been said, but I find that it helps if you don't practise or perform in non-airconditioned environments. The heat will usually make your palms sweat, and if not, the humidity is also very damaging to the cards.

4. I prefer Tally-Hos. Not sure if they are really better, but I've read that they are thicker and heavier. May be just psychological though.

1. mine last for as long as i wanna keep them. B)

2. i come across this all the time. so i just leave it in a card clip overnight and put it into the case when it is still that compressed shape. must be the moisture. :P

3. use a card clip, replace in case after use, no heat, no rain, don't drop, no oily hands OR don't use them!! ^_^

4. tally ho is nicer in that the backing is nicer, linoid finish suppose to be better though they feel the same to me, thicker card stock, harder to bend out of shape. i have 2 lying at home and they last for super long because..i don't use them. they are a bit too expensive to use. :D (no wonder they last longer.)

Aaron

1) How long does it last, it really depend on your useage on the cards. Mine can last about 2mths? and after that i dunno what to do with my deck. =( :off:

2)what do you mean? i haven come across with this kind of problems before. ^_^

3)Buy Joe poper Clip =PpppPp Put it under a stack of books?

4)I like bikes better.

(1) I have sweaty palms so mine don't last very long as well. Usually its about 2-3 months as well if I practice constantly. I have 1 Aladdin I practice alot with it and I have it for like 2 years. It still fans but it can't do a complete one hand fan close anymore as its not that smooth.

(2) I've experienced it before. This is due to the prolonged practice in one session. The deck become warm and it expands the deck. Its more prominient like me. Just wait for the deck to cool down and it'll fit back snuggly in the box. Don't force the dek in, you'll end up ruining the deck and box.

(3) Just like what llamalamer said. Practice with one and perform with another. Practice in an air-conditioned room if you have sweaty palms like me.

(4) I've yet to buy a Tally deck but I've heard its actually about the same. For now I would go with my Bikes and Black Tiger :P

(1) I have sweaty palms so mine don't last very long as well. Usually its about 2-3 months as well if I practice constantly. I have 1 Aladdin I practice alot with it and I have it for like 2 years. It still fans but it can't do a complete one hand fan close anymore as its not that smooth.

(2) I've experienced it before. This is due to the prolonged practice in one session. The deck become warm and it expands the deck. Its more prominient like me. Just wait for the deck to cool down and it'll fit back snuggly in the box. Don't force the dek in, you'll end up ruining the deck and box.

(3) Just like what llamalamer said. Practice with one and perform with another. Practice in an air-conditioned room if you have sweaty palms like me.

(4) I've yet to buy a Tally deck but I've heard its actually about the same. For now I would go with my Bikes and Black Tiger :P

erm jeromefang u are doing a repeat post?

1)my cards go dark and fat after 2 months so thats its lifespan because i dump dem when dey reach that state

2)they cant fit because of dirt and sweat that sticks on to the card making the deck thicker. Im not so sure about the heat part as to whether it expands the deck.But a sweaty palm is definitely the cause.when it happens i spread or spring the cards to stop dem from sticky as well as to air dem

3)do not practise wif sweaty palms?practise in air condtioned areas.

4)tally hos to me are better for fanning.but price wise bicycle more than enough unless you've got extra money to spare.if you use gimmicks most card gimmicks are built for bicycle brands

1. My cards last preety long, i don' know for sure how long it last, sometimes 3-5 months, sometimes as little as 3 weeks. It really depends on how you use your cards and how you maintain them. You can try to air your cards overnight via a ribbon spread. This should allow the cards to last longer.

2. Cards not fitting into the box.... Hmm... thats a situation that i have never encoutered. Can't say or help you much in that.

3. Tips to maintain your cards, like what llamalamer says, try not to drop your cards. Always have a practise deck and a performance deck. Restrict access to you cards, never play card games with them.

4. Tally hos are better in qualty in terms of card stock and finish, but bikes will just do. Unless you are a card extremist, or your prefer your cards to be hard and sturdy, then use tallys instead of bike. As for aviator, i can't give any comments on it. Haven't used it yet

Hi vennomz, you can call me Jerome. Opps.. I must have hit the "Add Reply" button twice unknowingly. My apologies. Thanks for highlighting. I'll be more careful next time. Moderators feel free to delete the thread if necessary. Apologies again for the inconvenience.

Thanks for all the tips!

I have tried the "airing" method, I think it works. Also, I think the part about heat expanding the deck is also quite true, because my cards usually can fit into the box in an air-con enviroment.

Anyway, just another question on cards...

I bought an air-cushioned Aladdin Deck before, but subsequently, all the other Aladdins I come across is plastic coated. So has the USPCC changed the finish of Aladdins? Or like a friend mentioned, the aladdins now are pirated goods?

Air-cushioned Aladdins are a rarity, and you should keep them carefully if you are the collector kinda guy.

Apparently, there was a batch of Aladdins that were mistakenly printed on Air cushion stocks but the "mistake" had been rectified. There were some speculations about how you can tell if a pack of aladdins is air cushioned but most of it has been proven inaccurate. So the only way to really know is to open up the deck.

I've got 1 deck of air cushioned aladdins too, but when i went back to the same shop and bought all their aladdins decks, non other turned out to be air-cushioned.

Haha.. Oh no, that Aladdin deck had already suffered a horrible end under my hands... I used it to practice and signed-card routines, as I didn't want to spoiled my precious Bikes... Should've kept it nice and well since it's a collectors' item...

I always thought card protectors are the best thing to help keep your cards in great shape. Those shiny metal casings. Anyway, anyone has lobang to get protectors?

the Porper Card Clip you mean?

I heard it is good, but I just settled for the ordinary silver card clip. I found out this card clip can actually holds any type of playing cards, especially those special decks with a thicker stock (e.g. Ghost, Tigers etc)

Unlike the Porper, you need to get another clip just to hold down your Ghost Deck, that will set you back for another SG$60? :blink: In my own humble opinon, its crazy to spend so much on a piece of metal.

The situation of unable to keep in the cards back into the card box is too exaggeratting (did I spell it right?). You mean the cards actually expand by so much?!

When your hands starts to get too sweaty, go wash your hands before you continue with your practice, or just apply fanning powder onto the cards. Else, get a card clip and clip it after usage, it should extend the lifespan of the cards.

:off: By the way I think the Ghost deck lasted a pretty long time, do any of you guys think so? I am still using the deck I bought 11 months ago. And it is still good, except that the sides are a little dirty la. <_< :P

You want to keep your cards clean and in good shape always? I just learnt this recently...

Try using microfibre cloth to clean each one. REALLY. It works. REALLY.

Keeps your bikes shiny and good as new. REALLY. It works. REALLY.

-_-

You're too evil... too evil...

Wow! cool Shade. Thats very interesting. Microfibre cloth...hmmm any idea how much does 1 cost and where can I get it? Thanks ^_^

From what i experience, preventing from all the problems u have u should not leave ur card out of box if ur not using it and if u wanna do table magic, make sure the table is clean and dont drag the card from table or it will get dirty easily. thats y close up mat is used in table magic. Dont drop the card coz u will damage the side, and dont ever let spectator play with ur cards coz i realize that non magician hold decks in a diff way and they hold it real tight till my card get bent... :P :P

Hope this helps... :!!:

NOOO! Don't listen to me. I was just kidding Jerome; I never tried it - just heard from Ning that a certain Magician does it and swears by it. I won't do it myself man. At the cost of the cloth you might as well buy a new deck.

However, seriously - I go through more 200 decks of cards a year. After a while it doesn't really matter how to keep it clean - cards get dirty; it's an exercise in fultililty trying to keep them clean. It's like trying to keep toilet paper clean after you use it.

BUT... I have found that the best way to STRETCH its longevity is just to ensure you put the deck back into the box after you're done and leave it someplace DRY. A dry box with Silica gel might work. I just leave mine in an air conditioned room. Then switch decks. After a few days you would find that the deck you left in the dry place (in the box) actually loses moisture and regains some of its previous pliability. Of course, there are limits to this, but I don't believe in Card Guards and stuff. I just use mine the way they are and change to a new deck after a while.

Are you serious about the 200 decks a year?

And the second part seems to work, as in, the cards become stiffer than they were previously. But they don't become as nice as they first started.

Darwin Ortiz goes through more than 500 decks a year. I seriously wonder how that is possible. On average, he uses 1.36986 decks in a day.

Anyway, 200 is equally crazy. :) I usually use only 2 decks in one year.. at most 3 to 4 decks. I thrift and stinge until my cards are SO SO SO old when you try folding the card, they either shatter under pressure or make loud, cracking noises.

When you bevel them, they make squelching noises.

HONEST.

And the deck case has been covered in about 5 layers of scotch-tape.

I have been trying to get a card clip. Looks nice.

By the way, I am not exactly too obsessed with keeping my cards clean. I just use it whenever I want to, whether the air is humid or not. usually after a blow of the air-conditioning and some powder... back to ownage standardssss. :D

I used to clean my cards everyday, but the more I cleaned, the more I saw the small specks of dirt that I never noticed. That led to an obsession of cleaning cards for up to 2 hours, and I gave up.

- harapan ong aka panpanpan

If you want to get a Card Clip, go for Porper. The ordinary card clip is better used as a holder, that's all. With the porper, The size is made specifically for the type of cards you are using. It squeezes the cards close together and therefore helps to restore cards. I do tricks like mind bender, ambitious and other tricks that seriously warp and bend your cards our of shape. With the Porper Card Clip, just put it overnight and the next day, the cards look likie new again. Warp cards become straight again. Sure beats buying a whole new deck.

As for using 200 decks a year, do you use a Porper clip? If you do, I find it hard to believe you can use up that many packs - even if you are a full time performer who demands top quality cards for all your performance.

A few questions on cards...

1. I am just wondering how long does your cards last? (last as in it can still be fanned normally).

If I use them for a few hours each time everyday, placed in my pocket, one week is enough to ruin them.

If I replace them in the Popper Card clip and use better quality cards, not do any crimping of the cards, a long long time. I am still using my Viper Deck after 4 months now. Still in very good condition though the surface isn't as smooth as it used to be. (still very smooth though) That's what happen when you perform tricks on chairs and coffee shop tables.

If it's those free SIA cards that I always ask for when I'm on the plane, they last for 2 days max. Probably due to me using them for lots of ambitious card practise and for learning new tricks. I'm not a flourisher or a very good handler of cards - so imagine flying cards scattered everywhere everynow or then. These cheap cards warp very easily.

2. And how come after a period of time, the cards tend not to fit the box anymore? I will have a hard time putting the deck in, and it further damages the deck.

Not fit into the box? Are your cards warped or a little out of shape? Do you have sweatly palms? A popper card clip might help get them back in shape.

3. Any tips to make the cards last longer?

Use a popper card clip. Not just any card clip. This not only acts as a metal card holder, but it presses your cards firmly together, removing crimps or irregularity in the cards and they feel close to new.

When doing tricks that require cards to be bent, use your old cards that are already wore or use free cards that you can get from Airlines. (Just ask any air stewardess. They usually won't mention that cards are free unless you request for them. Ask for 2 packs.)

Keep your cards in a dry place, use the edge of a card to pick up other cards on the table instead of dragging them about on the surface. Use pads designed for playing cards when practising at home. If you are going to use it outside where you cannot find a proper pad, perform on a clean surface. Cards will warp if left in a humid enviroment.

4. I heard that Tally-Ho is better than Bikes, is it true? Which deck you all prefer? And any views on Aviator Deck?

Tally-Hos are definately better then Bikes, though I really love Bikes too. Like Bikes, the Tally-Hos are very very smooth and no not stick. Tally-Hos however, give a thick, richer feel. Sort of a creamier touch to it. (can't think of a better word to describe. Buttery feel?) Probably just due to its thickest.
They last a little longer then Bike probably due to their thickest. I love the texture of both the Tally-Hos and the Bikes. My viper deck however, looks too nice, cannot bear to use it for the ambitious finisher. So I usually just use Bikes, which complement my finishing move best.

I don't know about aviators if it is like the "Queens Slipper" playing cards (highest quality casino slip), Yuck! Don't use them. The Queen Slipper cards they sell in Australia are not cheap, looks ordinary, and definately do not feel slippery at all. The cards stick together at the wrong time too. '

Ghost decks are very beautiful and I prefer them to the Tigers. Still like the Vipers the most. They feel and look really nice and if you can afford it (I can't), when doing signed cards effects, get the spectator to sign on it using a silver sharpie. Looks so beautiful and it makes a wonderful soverneir.

You got me there Shade :lol: I really thought you use it. The description of Microfibre Cloth sure don't sound cheap :P Indeed it would be better off buying new decks... :D

Wow! 200 decks a year. That's a lot of decks man. Well, guys if you've seen Shade's sleights and killer moves. You'll realise why he uses 200 decks a year. Our friend here is damn pro I tell you. Those who were at CCF this year would know ^_^

I guess we are all keeping USPCC alive with our passion and as they come out with more beautiful and exquisite decks to come and tempt us. We can't resist but reach into our pockets and own one :P

tell me about it. I just wonder, "how much do they actually earn per year?" They are tricking magicians with fanciful designs. haizz. But what can we do? They may all feel the same and look the same, but the back is different.

Say, i can't wait for the new Masters deck. ;)

Aaron

Joel, are you being paid to advertise for Porper? ^_^

:off:

Anyway, my Ghost Deck i bought 7 months back just started to get a little sticky during fans (without powder). I didn't really take proper care of it. Visible specks of dirt. can be seen at the sides. And my faro practices made some of the corners like, slightly peeling off? :ph43r:

But i use the old deck in an air-conditioned room and it feels pretty smooth.

Sweaty palms affect the condition of your cards too. In air conditioned rooms my palms get sweaty sometimes and i stop practising. Anyone got any ideas to prevent sweaty palms?

I think they've discussed this somewhere.
If I'm not mistaken, there's a powder which you can get from pharmacies.
Its a special powder to prevent sweaty palms.

Oh okay thanks, I'll keep my eyes peeled at pharmacists :rolleyes:

I've always found fanning powder to be a viable (cheaper) alternative to a card clip. It's kept my Bike alive for almost 2 months now, and I usually go through decks in two weeks.

:g: I think that there is not much of a diff in terms of quality for bikes and tally ho, just that tally ho is more ex.

I would like to share an example,

i always charge my phone only when the batt turns really low, as the result, my phone is often dead when i am out of my home, as told by my friend, the battery life will last longer, but by doing so, it brings alot of trouble to me, i cant listen to the MP3 as my cell phone cannot last to the end of the day because i didnt charge to at night as it is still not empty.

At the end of the day, i manage to "extend my battery life" but i got lots of trouble and problem because of this habit, sometimes, to think about it, i would rather buy another battery that cost me $30+ the save up all the trouble of maintaining it for the past 7/8 months,

Conclusion, why bother to really take care of your cards where a deck of cards is only like $3.50-$5. :g:

I dont have sweaty palm, thats why mine can last to like 6 months and got to change another one as i do too many signature trick. :g:

Anyway, i heard that uspcc is really gonna produce air cushion alladin.

Oh, no kidding, an official air-cushioned Aladdin? Hmm... can really keep our costs down, provided it doesn't cost the same as Bicycle after the change.

But again, I always prefer to use bikes as the design is nicer and have a more "magician" look to it.

Anyway, just to share that i bought a Bee deck recently, and I don't really like it. Borders really do make a diff, if you know what i mean.

Hope the air cushioned one is cheaper haha. And tallys are different from bikes due to their finish. the tallys are also thicker and thus good for flourishing. bad for our pockets though. ^_^

Get a one way force deck and when doing a signature trick, force the card that can easily be replaced. You'll save a lot that way.

haha, thanks for your suggestion bro, to think about it isnt a one way force deck cost more? :)

I was told that the price will mark up after the air cushion thingy. <_<

Well... you can replace the cards 50+ times. Saves you 50 decks.

you can do this with an ordinary bike also right?

its $3.50 a pack, comparing to don't know much for a forcing deck.

Just use your old bikes for the cards to be signed. Recycling is the word.

Anyway, I agree with what Lefty said, its only $3.50 per deck (less than $3 if you are using Aviators or Aladdins). Why spend $60 on a card clip to preserve papers when you can use that kind of money to buy another 18 decks of brand new Bikes?

Now i get what you mean joel. haha, i dont have the habit of having 52 cards in a deck, normally my effects doesnt need a full deck. :g: Thanks anyway. :)

The only reason why i buy a card guard is to make me look more professional. hahaha image freak.....

ANyway i got my card guard engrave!!! :g: