Tally-Ho No.9 (Fan Back) Deck Review
Where to buy: $2.05/pack http://www.theory11.com/playingcards/tallyho-fan.php
Other threads discussing Tally-ho vs. Bicycle:
http://www.penguinmagic.com/discuss/vie ... 31776b7c22
Explanation of my reviewing methods:
http://www.penguinmagic.com/discuss/vie ... 0&t=156760
Initial Impression: This is definitely my most intimidating review. Tally-Ho decks have been a favorite amongst magicians and flourishers alike for a long time. Indeed it has been the standard by which high quality decks seem to often be measured. Daring to review these and attempt to remain objective might border on heresy for some. Never the less I will give it a shot. I am happy, and relieved, to say it was one of the top performing decks but a little nervous to point out that is was by no means the top performer. Perhaps the best way to describe this deck is to call it a Bike on steroids. Indeed, with the exception of fanning, it seemed to perform slightly better than the 808 in all categories.
The Look: Not much needs to be said here as the Tally-Ho deck is almost as well recognized as the 808 in the magic community. It seems to have strong powerful lines that seem to give it a clear distinction next to the flowery patterns that surround the angels on it’s cousin, the Bike 808. The court cards look almost identical. There is only one Joker in the deck, the other being more of an advertisement card. The ace of spades is 2nd to none. A classic in card magic that still holds it’s own paired up against the new improved Ace of spades from the Bike Masters decks.
Card construction: The stock is stiffer than the 808s but doesn’t seem thicker. The same dimples pattern common in most USPC decks is present here as well. While I can’t “feel” the difference between the linoid finish of the Tally-Ho and the Air Cushion of the 808 it does seem to impart different characteristics in handling. Overall the card came in at 15mm thickness which made it about 2 cards thinner than a bike.
Durability: TBD. It scored a tad better that the Bike on the Crimp hold test but we will see if that equals a longer life.
Handling:
Fanning: 8.5
Not quite as smooth as an 808 but pretty close.
Spring Moves: 7.5
This card was just a tad stiffer than a Bike and various spring moves performed as one would expect given this.
Dribbles: 8
The stiffer stock seemed to make springs a bit more clumpy but I expect as the cards break in it will actually do better in this category.
Crimp hold and recovery: 8
One of the best performers in this category. You will have no worries about passing your cards out for a shuffle, your crimp will be secure.
Single card glides: 8
The stiffer stock seemed to help these moves remain secure.
2+Card Obfuscations: 8
Again a strong performance in this category. Obfuscations in which opposing corners are held were very secure as were corner displays from push-off doubles however, it was about on par with the 808 with a Diving Board Double.
XCM cuts: Obviously this is a well loved deck by Flourishers. The added stiffness should help with packet cuts but no other category seemed to indicate why this is. Consciously or unconsciously I think most of it’s popularity in this field stems from the bold back design. The distinct backs are still visible while packs are twirling between hands and spinning in the air.
Card Splitting and Gaff construction/availability: There are gaffs available for Tally-Hos…You might check this thread if you are interested.
viewtopic.php?p=847373
As for splitting? TBD
Who should not buy?: Can’t think of a reason not to buy these.
Who should buy these?: As with the Arrco decks, Talley-Ho decks are similar enough to Bikes that there is no reason not to check them out. You won’t find super cheap deals on them as you will with Bikes but they still have a high performance bar for such a low price.
Final Thoughts: We will see how these age. Supposedly they are a very durable card which has been cited often as one of the reasons some magicians swear by Tally-Hos. Quite honestly these feel a whole lot like the UV500 stock( a stock I hold in high regard). Indeed when I first opened the pack I suspected that E might have just requested a bunch of black bike designs to be printed on Tally-ho stock. A quick measurement of the decks proved this to be incorrect(Tally Hos are much thinner) but the feel is very similar. If you are a UV500 fan looking for some good practice decks you might start using these as they are sold about $1.00 cheaper than the cheapest UV500 deck. Overall a good deck but on initial examination I wouldn’t say it has lived up to the hype. Perhaps the longevity review will make me eat my words?
Where to buy: $2.05/pack http://www.theory11.com/playingcards/tallyho-fan.php
Other threads discussing Tally-ho vs. Bicycle:
http://www.penguinmagic.com/discuss/vie ... 31776b7c22
Explanation of my reviewing methods:
http://www.penguinmagic.com/discuss/vie ... 0&t=156760
Initial Impression: This is definitely my most intimidating review. Tally-Ho decks have been a favorite amongst magicians and flourishers alike for a long time. Indeed it has been the standard by which high quality decks seem to often be measured. Daring to review these and attempt to remain objective might border on heresy for some. Never the less I will give it a shot. I am happy, and relieved, to say it was one of the top performing decks but a little nervous to point out that is was by no means the top performer. Perhaps the best way to describe this deck is to call it a Bike on steroids. Indeed, with the exception of fanning, it seemed to perform slightly better than the 808 in all categories.
The Look: Not much needs to be said here as the Tally-Ho deck is almost as well recognized as the 808 in the magic community. It seems to have strong powerful lines that seem to give it a clear distinction next to the flowery patterns that surround the angels on it’s cousin, the Bike 808. The court cards look almost identical. There is only one Joker in the deck, the other being more of an advertisement card. The ace of spades is 2nd to none. A classic in card magic that still holds it’s own paired up against the new improved Ace of spades from the Bike Masters decks.
Card construction: The stock is stiffer than the 808s but doesn’t seem thicker. The same dimples pattern common in most USPC decks is present here as well. While I can’t “feel” the difference between the linoid finish of the Tally-Ho and the Air Cushion of the 808 it does seem to impart different characteristics in handling. Overall the card came in at 15mm thickness which made it about 2 cards thinner than a bike.
Durability: TBD. It scored a tad better that the Bike on the Crimp hold test but we will see if that equals a longer life.
Handling:
Fanning: 8.5
Not quite as smooth as an 808 but pretty close.
Spring Moves: 7.5
This card was just a tad stiffer than a Bike and various spring moves performed as one would expect given this.
Dribbles: 8
The stiffer stock seemed to make springs a bit more clumpy but I expect as the cards break in it will actually do better in this category.
Crimp hold and recovery: 8
One of the best performers in this category. You will have no worries about passing your cards out for a shuffle, your crimp will be secure.
Single card glides: 8
The stiffer stock seemed to help these moves remain secure.
2+Card Obfuscations: 8
Again a strong performance in this category. Obfuscations in which opposing corners are held were very secure as were corner displays from push-off doubles however, it was about on par with the 808 with a Diving Board Double.
XCM cuts: Obviously this is a well loved deck by Flourishers. The added stiffness should help with packet cuts but no other category seemed to indicate why this is. Consciously or unconsciously I think most of it’s popularity in this field stems from the bold back design. The distinct backs are still visible while packs are twirling between hands and spinning in the air.
Card Splitting and Gaff construction/availability: There are gaffs available for Tally-Hos…You might check this thread if you are interested.
viewtopic.php?p=847373
As for splitting? TBD
Who should not buy?: Can’t think of a reason not to buy these.
Who should buy these?: As with the Arrco decks, Talley-Ho decks are similar enough to Bikes that there is no reason not to check them out. You won’t find super cheap deals on them as you will with Bikes but they still have a high performance bar for such a low price.
Final Thoughts: We will see how these age. Supposedly they are a very durable card which has been cited often as one of the reasons some magicians swear by Tally-Hos. Quite honestly these feel a whole lot like the UV500 stock( a stock I hold in high regard). Indeed when I first opened the pack I suspected that E might have just requested a bunch of black bike designs to be printed on Tally-ho stock. A quick measurement of the decks proved this to be incorrect(Tally Hos are much thinner) but the feel is very similar. If you are a UV500 fan looking for some good practice decks you might start using these as they are sold about $1.00 cheaper than the cheapest UV500 deck. Overall a good deck but on initial examination I wouldn’t say it has lived up to the hype. Perhaps the longevity review will make me eat my words?