hey guy, i am looking for a close up pad. Was looking through the little magic shop and there were so many.

I heard from many that the VDF one is the best. But what is the difference between the standard VDF and the professional VDF? they are the same size.

What other close up pads are you all using. Any problems like peeling or wear and tear.

ZiAn

I bought 2 different close-up mats from TLMS, namely the bigger Trevor Duffy ($40) one and the smaller VDF ($22) one.

If I'm not mistaken the standard VDF refers to the smaller sized one while the professional VDF is the bigger one.

First you might want to consider the size you want, and secondly what you are going to be using it for mainly. The big VDF is bigger than the big Trevor Duffy mat.

I think you've seen and tried both the VDF and the Trevor Duffy before. The one I brought out the last few times when you were around was the Duffy one. The ones that Shade and Gordon usually bring along are the big VDF. Some say the VDF is better for card work while the Trevor Duffy is better for coin work because of the surface of the mat and the amount of friction (the Trevor Duffy mat is somewhat 'smoother' and has less friction), but at the end of the day it all boils down to personal preference.

To conclude, I'd say you wouldn't go wrong with either the VDF or the Trevor Duffy mats, and I recommend getting a bigger sized mat while you're at it. ;)

AdrianLee

Adrian's more or less covered the gist of it. But honestly, any pad will suffer from wear and tear after a year of constant usage. I'm personally not particular with the surface of the pad or the softness either - I like being able to work on any surface. But coin workers tend to prefer a softer and smoother surface (so I heard).

The VDF pad I got from Ning at JC's big micro convention is the largest I've gotten so far (next to the outrageously large tablecloth). I'm very happy with it - at least no coffee stains or anything yet - the cards run very well over it. Don't think on it too long or you'll never buy it (like some other book I know... *COUGH*).

Shade

*grin* The VDF pro close up pad is the way to go!!!! It's the best deal really, good quality at a super reasonable price... kudos to Uncle Bob really, who told me about it. He swears by it for his close up work :lol:

ning

Yes Ning

I was using "Magician Choice" Close Up Mat for a long time until the VDF came into the market. It is half of what I paid for the former.

I have been using the VDF mat for all my closeup shows and it works very well.

I have tried Apollo Mat, Gibson Mat but VDF by far is the cheapest and value for money.

Uncle Bob

I am using VDF mat too... I think that is the right choice and is also cheap.

I still think that the best mat is the Trevor Duffy's. I think this can outlast the rest of the mats. You may pay more but this can last longer. So, its actually more value for money. Highly recommended.

hey guys.

Just my two dollars worth. I usually dont use a mat and just for curiosity I went to Art Friend (in Taka i think) to buy a PVC pad. Its about 3 or 4 dollars and its pretty alright to use as a card mat because there's a little bit of friction and it allows your cards to spread pretty well. Give it a try and see if you like it.

CSjoshi

wah! Good find! Do they sell by measurements? Or pieces by pieces in assorted sizes?

wah never say earlier. i purchased the vdf mat already. haha

ZiAn

Hi, which is the pad you bought from art friends? can choose colour? :)