“The Ash Trick” is a magic classic that has long surprised and bewildered spectators. In “The Ash Trick,” an ash mark mysteriously transfers from the hand of a magician and onto a spectator’s palm. D’Lite’s The Stampede System offers a new and powerful twist on this effect.
Developed by Rocco and Nick Savva, The Stampede System replaces ashes with stamped images. The system supports five images and comes with two ink pads (black and red), the simple gimmick that stamps the image, instructions and a hard plastic case that makes it easy to carry around-you can simply toss it into your magic case.
The gimmick is easy to use, and it’s a simple matter to change the images that include: a pair kissing lips, a fly, a happy face, king of diamonds and water (H20). The instructions provide at least three routines that may be performed with each image. The system offers lots of possibilities to fit almost any magician’s persona and presentation.
Most effects involve making an image or object disappear and having it reappear on a spectator’s palm. But there are other plots. A spectator can catch a blown kiss and end up with an image of a kiss on his or her hand. The H20 symbol can appear after brushing real water on the back of a spectator’s closed hand. And, of course, the king of diamonds makes for a powerful card revelation. Personally, I prefer the effects that resemble the plot of the original “Ash Trick.” An object or image disappears, and somehow ends up on the spectator’s hand.
The gimmick is effective, hides nicely and easily adjusts to fit your hand. In use, you may inadvertently stamp your own clothing, but the ink is washable, as well as child-safe. In addition, the provided ink has a handy delayed dry time that keeps the ink wet between the time you ink the stamp and use it.
I encountered no situations where I waited too long and the ink had dried. However, in strolling situations, you will have to secretly ink the stamp before you approach spectators. And because of the ink, Stampede will have to be your opening effect. If you are working from a table, on the other hand, you can secretly ink the stamp right before you begin the trick in your act.
Optional DVD
Most importantly, the DVD explains the misdirection that will help novices learn and perform the effect. Magicians who already perform the “The Ash Trick” or its variants will have no problems using the Stampede System right away, and can probably pass on the DVD.
I have long performed a variant of “The Ash Trick” and received great responses from spectators. The Stampede System definitely takes “The Ash Trick” in new directions. For the future, D’Lite may offer custom stamps, invisible UV ink that appears with a mini UV black light and different colored inks. There are lots of amazing possibilities here.
-Wayne N. Kawamoto
Vendor: www.dlite.com
