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Sharpie Bug Writer Review
One page of instructions, one gimmick, one bottle of ink, $60 bucks and one Sharpie Bug Writer Review. Is it gem or is it rubble? Stay tuned to find out.
Sharpie Bug Writer Review: Effect
This is less effect and more method. It's a method for being able to secretly write something in front of your spectators. Straight out of the instructions, here's a list of resources for effects where this tool would come in handy:
- 13 Steps to Mentalism (Step 1) - Corinda
- 25 Years Wiser - Billy McComb
- A Boon for all Seasons - Eric Mason & Barry Richardson
- Al Koran's Professional Presentations - Hugh Miller
- Annemann's Practical Mental Effects - Ted Annemann
- Tarbell Course in Magic Vol. 4 & Vol. 6 - Harlan Tarbell
Those resources aside, here is the simplest most basic scenario of how an effect might go. You start by openly writing (apparently) a prediction on a business card with a Sharpie marker. Then you clearly put the Sharpie away. Next you have the spectator name any 3 digit number (for example). You then turn the business card around to show that you had predicted that very three digit number.
Sharpie Bug Writer Review: Method
My guess is that if you're interested in this product, you already know what it is. Let's talk from that perspective for a moment. If you already know, then you're asking what's different about this one. Here are a few bullet points to get the idea across:
- It's permanent marker rather than lead or grease
- You get at least a hundred uses before you have recharge
- It comes with a carrying case that keeps everything together, yet easily accessible
- Don't worry, the ink won't get all over you pocket, etc.
For the rest of y'all, let's assume you don't know what it is. Well . . . I kind of told you in the effect section. It's a special simple little gimmick that lets you secretly write something right in front of your spectators. If you read the basic effect described in the effect section, the method for that was accomplished by not actually writing anything with the Sharpie. Then secretly writing the answer with the Sharpie Bug Writer gimmick after they announce the number they're thinking of.
Does this method work? Yes. This type of gimmick is very old and has more than proven its worth via the test of time method. So the question is, does this one work? Yes. The system is clever, simple and works perfectly. It's very simple and easy method of loading and unloading the gimmick secretly right in front of the spectators.
You need to go to your pocket for a second to load the gimmick. This can be done while you're putting the pen away or for any other reason you can contrive. The system works perfectly, is simple and compact and will last a very long time (more on this in the product quality section).
Legit? Yep. Doable? Yep. Practical? Yep.
Sharpie Bug Writer Review: Ad Copy Integrity
The ad copy is 100% accurate. It tells you exactly what you're getting, and you get exactly that. No outrageous claims were made. Solid.
Sharpie Bug Writer Review: Product Quality
The gimmick itself works perfectly. It's well made and very clever. It's a hard plastic rectangle box that is roughly the size of an Okito Coin Box (ish). It holds the Sharpie Bug Writer and keeps the sticky tape from getting dirty — the tape is how you secretly adhere it. It also keeps the ink tip charged in an ink sponge, yet contains everything in such a way that ink will not spill anywhere or get all over the place. Further, the lid is a super simple wing style lid (think Lamborghini Doors).
While in your pocket, you slide open the door, adhere the gimmick and you're all set in two seconds. While the gimmick is in place, you can use it about 20 times before putting it back in the box to recharge the ink.
Additionally, you're supplied an extra double stick adhesive pad for when the existing one wears out. You're also supplied a bottle of ink. Between those two things, this should last you forever. Everything is super well made.
The instructions teach you what you need to know to set up the gimmick, but that's all. They pretty much assume that you already know what to do with it. They do recommend a bunch of resources (listed above in the Effect section). Just know that you're buying a utility device, not a routine or a presentation.
Sharpie Bug Writer Review: Final Thoughts
If you are a mentalist and you use this type of tool or are considering using this type of tool, then you'll be very happy with this. It's a little on the pricey side at $60, but if you have a use for it, I think you'll feel it's worth it, especially if you've been looking for a solution for doing this with permanent marker.
Final Verdict:
4.5 Stars with a Stone Status of Gem.
Available at your Favorite Magic Dealer. Dealer's see Murphy's Magic for details.
11 Comments
Is that a Lamborghini in your pocket, or…
I have a slight issue with the phrase ; ‘openly write a prediction’, but it still sounds like an updated version of the old classic, thanks for another cool review.
@Bob – Thanks for the post. Can you clarify your concern about “openly write a prediction.” I don’t know how else to say it. I will very openly write something down as opposed to “I wrote something down before I came here.”
Maybe because of familiarity with Curry’s Open Prediction effect, “openly write a prediction” might imply that the spectators know what you’ve predicted, which is clearly not the case here. Perhaps a better wording would be
“openly write a secret prediction”…. nah, that sounds stupid…..
Meh! How many pinheads can dance on an angel?
You have issues with the metric syst1 cm and I struggle with the English system…
But you got it right – the larger marks are centimeters. 1 centimeter is 10 millimeters or 10 of the smaller marks, 2 centimeters is 20 millimeters and so on. Base-10, if that means anything to you.
Great job as usual on the review, but tired Jeff is also a funny and almost slap-happy Jeff!
And a bit of trivia that nobody asked for, since it unknowingly popped up in this review: 419 is a Toledo, Ohio area code (I used to live in that area), 313 did not appear in this video but it was in the ‘Cabbages and Kings’ book and that is my current area code from the greater Detroit area, 713 is Houston, Texas and 314 is Missouri (St. Louis, I think) and 919 is in North Carolina.
Somehow I think there is a great mentalism routine in here somewhere using the bug writer and predicting area codes.
@Dr.J. – Or maybe . . . just maybe . . . Jeff has been stalking you and secretly knows all of your addresses and area codes. That’s more likely. 🙂
Great review, as ever! Just wondering how well the ink will last between shows. I’m thinking if using it in a standoto show I do, but I only do it at certain times if the year, so would it all dry up if left for a few weeks/months? Thanks Jeff.
Or even a ‘stand up show’! Darn my mini smartphone keypad.
@Oliver – Hey man! It’s good to “see” you. It’ll last just fine, no problem. Right before your show, check it. If it’s dry, just add a couple of drops of ink to the container. However, it’s designed to keep for long periods of time.
Hi Jeff. I’ve used their other bug products many times (stands for boon ultra grip FYI) and eventually stopped ordering replacements due to the holder.
The door sliding open and shut wears down over time and has broken on me a few times in a row. I’ve been looking for a new device but have yet to find something as stable and secure as the bug lineup of products.
I’d much rather the door snap shut or somehow stay fixed in place. But the Lamborghini style sliding just doesn’t hold up over time. Thought I’d let your readers know my experience.
A late question: after I open the “case” to put it on, will the case itself leak in my pocket? And, does the case have the magnetic(?) “help” to hold the bug/get it off when replacing it?