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Three Way Force Bag Review

One bag, three sections, $18 bucks and one Three Way Force Bag Review. Is it gem or is it rubble? Stay tuned to find out.

Effect/Method

The effect? Well . . . it's not so much an effect as it is a method. A force bag is a utility prop that, generally speaking, is very popular amongst mentalists. It's an ordinary looking bag that allows you to control what section of the bag the spectator reaches into. But, from their perspective, there is only one compartment. It's just a regular bag that they can see through.

This bag has three compartments which means that you can force two different items. Take a moment to read the ad copy. It gives you an idea of what you can do with the bag. One compartment is the "proving" compartment. The other two are for the items to be forced. If you've watched the video review for this, then you'll know that this is the first time I made a review video before making a written review.

As you'll see in the video, my first attempt at handling the bag and accessing the compartments was super easy. The bag does its job perfectly and smoothly with no problem. Anyone at any skill level should be able to use this prop with little to no problem.

Ad Copy Integrity

The ad copy is simple and accurate. It merely describes the prop, and it does so with 100% accuracy.

Product Quality

The bag itself is very well made and looks (and handles) great. It's durable and will last a very long time. The only negative about product quality is the actual instructions. They were poorly written and vague at best. However, if you need a force bag, you already know what it is and how you'll use it, so the instructions are almost moot anyway. However, if you're going to provide some instructions, provide some meat too.

Three Way Force Bag Review

Final Thoughts

If you need a force bag, or a way to force a slip of paper (or anything suggested in the ad copy), then you'll be very happy with your purchase. Even though the instructions are poorly written, there still are some very good ideas (vague though they may be) that you will likely appreciate.

Three Way Force Bag Review Final Verdict:
4 Stars with a Stone Status of Gem.

Available at your Favorite Magic Dealer. Dealer's see Murphy's Magic For Details.

4 Comments

  • Ed Wilde says:

    Ahoy Jeffro!
    Regarding your rating system. Don’t fret over it. It is perfect the way it is. I can not think of one thing I would suggest that you change or add. The five star (gem) system is great.
    The ratings will always be subjective. They are being done by a human judge. But that is how they should be done. And the judge is fair and uses clear rules and guidelines. Perfect system, all things considered.
    Your readers/viewers understand where you are coming from, so don’t agonize over whether you are giving an illusion a correct rating. Use your gut and run with it. As you have been doing.
    You have a difficult task rating these tricks. On one hand you can have the perfect trick that has funky ad copy and no instructions. Resulting in a score of two stars/gems. The next trick can be junk but have honest ad copy and super instructions. It garners a score of two starts as well. Are they equal? Well, no. But your viewers/readers understand that, due to your thoughtful and fair critique. We get where you are coming from. Just keep doing what you are doing and don’t sweat the ratings. Just judge as you have been doing, bring down the gavel, and keep up the great work.

    “Wild Ed”

    • Jeff Stone says:

      @Ed – Thanks for the feedback brother. I love the visual of “bring down the gavel.” It makes me want to change the whole format of the show . . . start wearing a judge robe and a parliament wig. 🙂

  • Ed Wilde says:

    Hi Jeffro,
    nice review on the 3-way force bag. I have a couple of comments for those viewers/readers that are looking for a forcing device. The 3-way that you review here has some twins in the marketplace and some siblings that may be considered “new and improved.”
    Richard Osterlind has a clear “forcing envelope” product that is similar to the one you review here. He calls it “Transparent Forces”. It is a bit more formal and may be an option for those readers who want something more professional looking than a plastic bag. It may be more appropriate for corporate work or trade show gigs where you are dealing with a business clientele. (Osterlind is a genius by the way) I am sure that there are others on the market besides Osterlind’s.
    Both these products have one thing in common. They must be controlled by the performer. The segment of the bag that you want the spectator to select from must be “activated” by the performer and normally the performer must hold on to the bag while the spectator’s selection is made. It is a time tested method and works well for tons of effects.
    Besides Osterlind’s and the 3-way there are a number of force bags that I will refer to as “self working”. I call these bags “self working” because the performer can hand them to the spectator and be completely hands-off while they reach in and make their selection from the bag. This gives added credibility to the effect the performer is claiming to do because the performer never touches the bag after handing it to the spectator. Ray Carlyle has a couple different sizes in both 2-way and 3-way. They are not cheap but appear to be well made. Luck Of The Draw by Liam Montier, available from BigBlind Media is another. Liam’s bag comes with props for a number of tricks and his video trailer has a great effect on it that is worth checking out.
    While not a “bag” I need to say a word about the AmazeBox. It is a forcing box that is pretty nifty. It is another of the newer style force devices that the performer never touches. I would recommend that anyone in the market for a forcing device check it out as well.
    Be it a box, bag, or envelope I can’t see why a working mentalist wouldn’t have a use for all three styles of device. A force bag or box may be one of the most useful tools a mentalist can have. They open up endless possibilities for effects.

    May the force be with you! (Sorry, couldn’t help myself)

    Wild Ed

    • Jeff Stone says:

      @Ed – Thanks for the great information. I like the “plainness” of the plastic bag because it screams “normal” even in more formal settings.

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