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Anthony • Canada • 03/10/13
The gimmick is very well made and easy to use. If done well, this is a reputation maker.
George • Peru • 03/07/13
Awesome trick. The two methods are pretty good for street.
Jared Loi • Malaysia • 03/06/13
Unbelievable!
Sam • Chicago • 01/19/13
I think Eric did a great job with the trick. The gimmicked version is so clean and the reactions you get are amazing. I like both methods though the ungimmicked one isn't as powerful as the gimmicked. Though it has some perks that can be better than the gimmicked. All in all this trick is great for street magic and leaves a great impression on the spectator.
Mr. Rui • Portugal • 11/18/12
This trick is ideal for street magic. I like the method. It's quite nice.
Wei • NYC • 10/17/12
I like the premise of the trick, but the two methods used to achieve this is ok at best.
Arman • Illinois • 10/14/12
This trick is great for street magic. You can do this trick right after FLOW by Dan Hauss and blow your audience away. This is a hard hitting effect that can be used with any bottle. The un-gimmicked version is just as good but the gimmicked version looks so clean. Great effect for street magic.
Tuval • Israel • 10/03/12
Great for street magic, plus the ungimmicked version is very simple and great looking!
G. • Germany • 09/07/12
Like how it works - gimmicked version is nearly impossible to be figured out; not as unpractical as I thought before buying it. Ungimmicked version was like - oh.. Yes. Of Course! The DVD itself - beautiful. Lots of performances. Everything taught step by step and in-depth! All in all, one of the best effects I've ever tried out!
Louis • NY • 07/29/12
I hate to be THAT guy, but this effect isn't theory11 material. Not the slightest bit practical for either method. You can never do this in school and I don't even see anyone doing it at a gig. The only place you can really do it is on the street.
Achan • NYC • 02/21/12
This effect is not practical. You cannot carry the gimmick with you because is uncomfortable. Also the gimmick creates a lot of noise. Maybe its useful if you do the effect in the subway. The video is misleading.
Marlou S. • Philippines, Las Pinas City • 07/03/11
Magic is the art of using super natural powers, extraordinary powers, illusion, influence and sleight of hand. I'll give 5 Star for Crush.
James R. • Elkhart, IN • 02/20/11
This is one awesome effect. Both methods rock. I had to turn my head like a dog and say WTF to the ungimmicked version. This is a must have...so go get it!
Jose • Florida • 01/28/11
This one of the best tricks I've bought in my entire time doing magic. There are two completely different methods to the trick, each capable of being sold separately, yet it's all here in one package. The gimmick is very simple, practical, hard to detect, and as the trick claims, it offers complete control over every single crush the bottle undertakes.
The ungimmicked version is sinister and even easier to perform and perhaps even more hard hitting since it can be done on the spectator's hand. I honestly feel like this trick is under-priced. Regardless of what type of magic you perform, this is for you! Buy it! You won't go wrong.
Johnny T • Athens, Greece • 10/18/10
Simply wonderful. Both methods are really clever and even they've got pros and cons, both are awesome! Well done, 5 stars.
Criss F • Canada • 09/07/10
Love the effect, its so visual and straight forward. The impromptu version will blow peoples mind, because it happens in there hand. The gimmicked has a nice crush to it! All I have to say is that Eric Ross did a phenomenal job. It can't get better than this. Crush is now my new number uno effect to go to, you will love this effect, whether it be the gimmicked or ungimmicked version. What ever suits you!
Jeffrey • New York • 09/01/10
The basic idea of the effect is extraordinary. Being able to crush a bottle or can without touching it is just awesome! After I first saw the trailer, I was going nuts trying to figure it out. Thankfully, I now own it and love it.
The first method taught requires an interesting gimmick. The gimmick is clever, but isn't as versatile as I wanted it to be. But that's just for me, so don't let that give you second thoughts about purchasing this. This method allows you to borrow a spectator's bottle, but you yourself have to hold it.
The second method, or gimmickless method, is absolutely terrific. Unlike the first method where you can borrow the bottle, you have to supply the bottle for this method. This is not a problem. The justification for having a bottle is great, and the spectator should not have any thoughts about the bottle being a "trick" bottle. Also, you can have the spectator hold the bottle, or pretty much put it wherever you want.
All in all, this effect is truly terrific, allowing innumerable performance ideas. The simplicity of this effect is what makes it so great.
I highly recommend this effect. You should definitely be able to fit this easily into your performances!
Alexander L. • San Francisco • 05/21/10
I have just received my CRUSH package today, and it was extremely easy to setup. I had some minor setbacks because of some missing material, but I could still perform the trick with no problem.
It's a great trick and I have tried it in the mirror, almost fooling myself!
Steve H. • Southern California • 05/17/10
This has been one of the most incredible magic effects and purchases I have made in quite some time. After watching the countless teasers and waiting for the final release date, I cannot remember the last time I ever felt so anxious to purchase a magic effect. Another great feature for Crush, is the ability to do it either with the Gimmick (which is very smart and also very simple!) and the Ungimmicked, impromptu version which hits just as hard, if not a little more because of the complete hands off nature, or the fact that the effect happens in the spectators own hands.
I have found many applications for both versions, and although the gimmicked version has a much more dramatic crushing effect, I still prefer the impromptu version which really could not be any more simple! Which is also a perfect example of how a simple effect hits incredibly hard, which is what I absolutely love about Eric Ross's Crush effect.
So if anyone happens to be reading these reviews and watching the video and pondering if it's worth purchasing, then I would like to reply with a resounding, "YES! Purchase this effect!". You'll have an absolute blast performing either of the versions, and your spectator(s) will swear that you have some sort of ESP power because of the extremely visual nature of the effect, as well as the fact that you can borrow any and all of the water bottles you might come across that your spectator(s) may already be carrying.
Ever since preforming Crush, it has been one of my most requested effects at the moment whenever I perform at my local Pool Hall and Pub which just so happens to carry the water bottles used by Eric Ross, but also some other water bottles that I have tested at home, that work absolutely PERFECTLY when performing the impromptu version.
So what are you waiting for? Purchase this effect and add it to your routine and you'll be so glad that you did because the reactions you will receive makes you proud to be a Magician and really takes your whole performances/routines to a whole other level you never thought possible.
Jacob M. • Windsor, Canada • 05/17/10
Amazing effect. I find the noise of using the can with the ungimmicked version to be amazing. This is a gem.
Blake R. • Yakima, WA • 05/15/10
Amazing, to say the least.
Ricky F. • New York • 05/11/10
This is, in my opinion, one of the most simple yet hard hitting effects that I have seen!
Jon A • Connecticut • 05/07/10
Crush is simply great! Eric goes through a thorough explanation of both methods. The gimmicked method is so easy that literally anyone could do it. The ungimmicked method is self-working, and also unbelievably simple. Here are some pros and cons:
GIMMICKED METHOD PROS
-Bottle can be borrowed
-Can be thoroughly examined before and after the effect
- Simple
-The crush itself is totally under your control. You control how much it crushes, and at what speed it does so.
- Great for big crowds, but can be done for any amount of people.
GIMMICKED METHOD CONS
-A jacket is required
-Not self working but still simple
- Will not work for EVERY bottle because some bottles are manufactured differently
UNGIMMICKED METHOD PROS
-Self working
-Amazingly Simple
-Practically Impromptu
-Bottle is examinable after the effect
-Crush is slow and suspenseful
- Can be applied to certain cans
-Works on ANY bottle (not borrowed). Actual crush may vary depending on the bottle
- Can be done with any size crowd. (I think it works best with an intimate one or two person crowd)
- No clothing restrictions
UNGIMMICKED METHOD CONS
-Bottle cannot be borrowed
-Setup required
-You only have about 30min after the setup to perform the effect. With a can, you have about 45min after setup to perform.
- Not really examinable before the effect
- Actual crush is not as intense as the gimmicked crush
-You do not have control over the crush. The bottle usually crushes slowly, but the amount it crushes is not up to you.
Overall, i give CRUSH 5 stars. Great, great effect you will use over and over again. My new favorite trick. and for only $30, its a steal. Buy it... You will not be disappointed. Choose the method that works for you, and you'll be performing in no time. ORDER TODAY!
dadswell • The Magic Cafe • 05/03/10
After watching the DVD, I tried out the ungimmicked version and it is an absolute killer - but as a worker I think I will be performing with the gimmick.
Just a couple of tips for you guys: if you are in the UK, another great bottle to use is Buxton Plastic Water Bottle. I was trying this outside my house using this type of bottle and my neighbor was looking over at me. The noise of the bottle cracking made him flip out!
If you haven't got this yet and are looking for an outstanding modern piece of magic, add this to your repertoire. Great work Eric.
Xiqual • The Magic Cafe • 05/03/10
I want to say that Eric always comes up with some small elegant solution to a problem that just makes it all work. The ungimmicked method has been thought of before, but Eric has added one small brilliant point that makes it simply magical.
When you find the right bottle for the ungimmicked version you will be killing people. I fooled an old pro magician badly yesterday. He thought it was a chemical, so I gave him the bottle. He said, "In the cap" - I handed it to him. Oh, the pleasure of it!
Thanks Eric and theory11 for a great trick and reasonable price.
Marc Spelmann • The Magic Cafe • 05/03/10
A wonderful piece of PK that is different and original. I love the ungimmicked version best - but both are great. The video and trailer are superb. I love theory11's style of shooting and editing. Sleeves are required for the gimmicked version, but with a little thought it could be done sleeveless (although it would be angle sensitive).
Well done Eric, for a lovely piece.
J. Slade • theory11 forums • 04/29/10
It's a really good effect and I love both methods. Buy it. You won't regret it. Eric Ross did a great job.
Milian • The Magic Cafe • 04/28/10
Got mine yesterday. It's been years since I've been caught up in the hype of a new trick and ordered without waiting on reviews. I went ahead and took the plunge with this one. I have to say I'm not disappointed.
Ordering was quick and easy and shipping was FAST even with the cheapest option. DVD instructions are simple and to the point. Crush is very easy to perform, either version. Both versions look great. The gimmicked version is a bit more visual, but the ungimmicked one looks just as amazing.
Gimmicked version:
The gimmick looks sturdy enough and should last a long time. However, mine was coming apart (not breaking, just coming apart) with very little use. An easy enough fix but shouldn't be necessary for me to fix a brand new gimmick when a simple test before packing would prevent me having to do so.
The DVD shows the items that come with the gimmick. My package was missing 2 or 3 of the items. Nothing that prevented me from trying it out and I can easily make the items myself, but just another detail that should be paid attention to before packing.
There are 3 items you will need besides what comes with the gimmick, but you should have these around the house. If not, they are easily attainable and I can understand why they weren't included in the package.
You need a jacket to do the gimmicked version. Other than that, you can pretty much do this anywhere, anytime, with your own bottle or a borrowed one. The spectator can examine and keep the bottle and lid after the effect. Cleanup is so minor it barely even needs to be mentioned and cleanup also resets you.
I would suggest trying this with as many different bottles as you can (at least the most popular ones in your area) as there is a little something with some bottles that may cause a problem with the effect and you will want to know this ahead of time.
Ungimmicked version:
Can not really be done with a borrowed bottle because there is a setup. Setup is quick and easy and once it is ready the effect is self-working. After setting up, you can perform right away or you can wait awhile. The spectator can examine and keep the bottle and lid after the effect. Nothing to clean up.
All in all, I like it a lot. Kudos to Eric and T11.
E. Caulfield • theory11 forums • 04/28/10
Okay, so I received Crush yesterday, practiced it throughout the day, and decided to take it to school, with both the gimmicked and non-gimmicked version in mind.
Gimmicked Version
So, there have been a couple of groans about the gimmick, and what sort of environment it was suitable for. I comfortably wore it throughout my entire day and used it around 4-6 times. This gimmick is in no way hard to manage, very easily and well concealed, and required no setup besides putting it on before I left for school. For those complaining about only being able to borrow certain kinds of bottles, I performed with a few bottles of varying size, shape, and color and suffered no suspicion about it with the gimmick. J.B. sent me a very helpful PM about ways to slightly modify the gimmick, although it is unnecessary, only boils down to personal preference. And, modifying the gimmick to that personal preference can be done in 10 seconds out of sight. Final word - very practical and useful gimmick, although it may not seem it at first glance.
As for the method, it was among the safest possible methods ever. It's practically sleightless, and the misdirection for the moves (despite the fact that the move could probably be performed without misdirection) is flawless, motivated, and other nice words. There are about 2 moves that you will have to do that I put no effort into misdirection (as it practically did it itself) and came under no suspicion and received stellar reactions.
Clean up is equally simple. There's not much I can say about it - the clean up happens with totally motivated actions that will capture all the spectators' attentions and you're left clean.
The gimmicked version of the effect could be adapted to nearly any sort of environment. The only precautionary advice I could give is that it might not be great for a 1 on 1 situation in a small closet. Other than that, you're pretty good.
Ungimmicked
I laughed my ass off when I learned this. It's the simplest thing and in a way I already knew it, I just never put 2 and 2 together. It's great.
No, you can't borrow a bottle for this one, it has to be you're own. While I can't see this coming under any suspicion, as there isn't much to be done to a clear plastic bottle, to make it seem more "random." I took some advice I received from J.B. and planted the bottle around the room and and would state I needed to use a bottle, look around, spot it, and casually walk over and say "this one's fine". I asked around if it belonged to anyone, as no one had seen me plant it, and after a few head-shakes and shrugs I "decided" to use it. Couldn't be easier.
The set-up can be done in thirty seconds, easily done and I had the majority up the class period to wait and perform it. The time limit, I'd say, would be around 20-30 minutes.
Depending on your conditions, the crush for this will vary. Sometimes, it's not as dramatic as the gimmicked Crush, although it frequently was or came close, but this small factor is canceled out by the fact that you don't have to touch the bottle, it can be in a spectator's hands (with the tiniest bit of audience management) or on a table. As for the varying degree of the "crush", no one cares. You're crushing a bottle with your mind, no one will ask "Can't you do it a little more?".
Conclusion
Both methods are fantastic. I've got no preference over either way and perform both equally. This is from the point of view of a 17-year old who has never ventured outside of card tricks before this. This is the simplest and most effective trick ever, you will not come under suspicion unless you try to. Definitely glad to have purchased this and is definitely something I'll perform every day. This blows peoples' minds.
Blindside462 • theory11 forums • 04/28/10
These are my first impressions, not a full review because I haven't performed it yet!
I got crush in the mail today. The gimmick is well constructed. The only thing that saddened me is that I didn't receive everything that was said in the DVD. It doesn't limit me to performing it but it limits me in a small way that hopefully theory11 can fix for me.
Other than that the impromptu version is splendid, and the gimmicked version is crazy awesome. This is practical magic folks. I will be practicing this and hopefully within the coming week I will post a performance review to family so I don't weaken the effect, and then later on I'll perform it live to real random people. I haven't had all the time to look at the DVD but I played through a few parts and you see full performances of the ungimmicked and gimmicked version.
Honestly if you watch the reactions of the people it's breathtaking. There is that silent moment of astonishment there. That is the best reaction!
T11 gives you 2 methods so you are ready for pretty much any situation. Minimal sleight of hand. Gimmick probably takes anywhere from 5-10 minutes to setup and you are set forever. The clean up is clever and awesome as hell. A new favorite effect. Awesome possum.
The last tidbit you guys need to remember is that... we do magic. There is going to be a secret so if it's simple or extravagant. Don't be discouraged that you know the method.
Blake V. • Purdue University • 04/27/10
Just got this in - and I'm totally stunned by the method! The gimmick is creative (although not my style) and now I FULLY understand all of theory11's comments about how each method is situational. I am so floored by the simplicity and versatility of the ungimmicked version! I will be performing this immediately! Thank you for your out-of-the-box thinking Mr. Ross.
J.K.H. • Florida • 04/23/10
CRUSH crushed my brain! The Red Bull cans and water bottles at the club I work at don't stand a chance. EPIC win!
