I wonder has it always been the case, but I think a few years back, there were not many special edition decks around (eg, Black Tiger, Ghost, Split Spades etc). Everybody is contented in using the regular Bikes.

But now, it seems that there is a new deck coming out into the market every few months. REgular bikes and air-cushioned finish is not enough for us anymore, we need some Uv500 finish and something that is black light sensitive (actually, how many of us really do tricks under black lights?).

Magicians are tempted (yes, including me) every time a new deck comes out, and when you see people like Wayne Houchin or Daniel Garcia endorsing it, our money just transpo magically to the dealers' pockets.

I have nothing against all the "special" decks, just that I see too many teenagers spending too much money on them. It's just like many years back, parents were complaining that Man U keep changing their jerseys every season and their kids ended buying a new kit every year too. If you notice, Man U now wear the same jersey for 2 seasons before changing into a new one.

I mean, no matter how good the deck looks, it's only poker cards and for all practical purposes, you only need a good old bike.

*clap clap clap*

Couldn't agree better.

- harapanong aka panpanpan

Hmm ya, but most of us love cards and when we saw something new we will surely get it no matter we use it or not, example me. those cool decks i have are onli for display, i cant help it seeing new nice n cool deck. :g: :g:

Of course we don't need them. But needs are not wants.

And I really couldn't care less about the black light sensitivity. I just like things that look good.

I agree with you, muscleaxl.

I started magic not long ago.
In the first few months of magic, the temptation of new decks being released was so strong I can't help it. :P
I don't even use those decks!

The so-called special decks also looks suspicous to the spectators, thus less impact. :(

Well, now I just stick to the 'normal-looking' Riders. :D

Well, i am sort of a card collector, so its a must for me to get them, haha, anyway, i still think that performing with a normal bike is more cost wise and practical and also it dont look like a gimmick deck. :)

I just think the decks looks great. But, I don't perform with these special decks because it's just out-of-ordinary and not very common to see these decks. Might add to the false idea that I rigged everything :huh:

But even so, I have friends who has never seen a Bicycle deck before... so, it don't really make much of a difference with them. (They still think I have something funny in those decks, but they are partly right :P)

Back to topic though, to some it's just a hobby to have these cards. Like some kind of collection. It's like admiring cars, but in this case... the decks are affordable ;)

Agreed!!

Most of the time, these special decks can only be for collection since they are really not common enough. :)

Special decks can be a huge 'attraction', esp if one is new in card magic.
After a while, unless you morph into card collectors (As most of us do) then the lure of the 'oh-so-beautiful' cards wear off. :P

A. :g:

If what you say is true, then any type of playing card can be used, doesn't have to be Bicycle.(assuming you don't use gaffs.) Afterall, all the faces are the same. It's the finish or brand that makes a deck special. And other decks are a load more cheaper. ^_^

Then again, since these decks are nice, it's hard not to resist them with strong emotive words used by the E team. :lol: I think they get paid handsomely each month. B)

Aaron

my personal opinion.

I have been using my 1st Ghost Deck that is already 11 months old. And it still handle as good. I have yet to powder it. I use it almost everyday, sometime keeping it in the drawer for a week or two before taking it out again.

Although there are lots of special edition decks around, but the quality of the deck is unquestionably good.

I hope to expect the same quality from the new Master deck, if its as good as the Ghosts, I will be more then willing to convert to it. Although slightly more expensive, but with extended lifespan, why not?

We may be debating here about the needs of these decks. But we are still going to buy it isn't it?

Truthfully, the question is not about how many special decks there are out there but, can we force ourselves not to buy them?

It all boil down to cost, if a Viper is $3.50 per deck, will this thread still exist? :lol:

I think decks can be used so long as they do not attract too much "negative" attention. And so far, I feel that all the black tigers, vipers, etc are just too weird. You would not want your magic to attract attention through the use of props would you? In the first place, emphasis should not be placed on props as they should act as mere tools for the magic.

The only deck exception I can think of is the new Bicycle Masters Edition as it does look pretty normal yet sleek in design. And if it's as good as it is claimed to be, I may even make a permanent switch to using it.