What Marked Deck Do You Recommend?
Hey everyone! Currently, I don't own any marked decks, and I'm looking to get one. I'd love something easy to read, like the Bicycle Ultimate, but the price is holding me back on that one. I've seen the Phoenix is pretty similar and half the price, so I'm leaning towards that one, but I'd love to hear your opinions.
For my daily use, I typically use Bicycle Rider Backs, but it wouldn't be an issue if it wasn't a Bicycle deck, as I switch up my decks quite often.
If you have any recommendations, and it's not too much trouble, I'd love to see a photo of the marking so I can get a good look at the details. Thanks a million in advance! Cheers!
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Greetings Iván,
The most affordable marked deck I know that actually works is the Penguin Magic edition.
It's only 5 bucks and it's really good.
I have both the Ultimate and the Penguin decks.
The advantage of the Penguin deck is that since it's so inexpensive, you can use it as a regular deck, with the marks available when you need them.
You can also create your own marked deck using a Bicycle deck. There are tutorials on YouTube for how to do it, but the marks aren't as easy to read as those on commercial marked decks.
Good luck.
Hey there, Mario! Thanks so much for the recommendation! I wasn't familiar with that deck. I just checked the Penguin website, but they're completely sold out. I'll definitely keep an eye out, and as soon as they're back in stock, I'll grab a few to try them out. What a great price! Quick question: I've never ordered from that site before, mainly because of the distance. Do you happen to know if shipping to Spain takes a long time? Thanks a million again, all the best!
Hey @ElMagoIvan, aside from what @mario_garcia_diaz told you (and please send him my best) about the Penguin Magic deck, which is what I usually use for the reasons he mentioned. I'm a big fan of marked decks and always carry one on me, along with a regular one.
The Penguin deck is a Reader Back, which means you can read the value directly. Others are coded, meaning you have to learn a system. Of those, my favorite is Alex Pandrea's Bicycle Inspire. Even though you need good eyesight, nobody will catch you.
Start buying a few, or look up Sean Devine or Magic Orthodoxy online.
Here's Sean Devine's video where he talks about his favorites; the Penguin deck is featured there.
In this other video by David from Magic Orthodoxy, he talks about a few more. The Penguin deck is also featured (and I'll stop plugging them now... LOL).
I'm attaching a tutorial on how to make a marked deck (though it's not a Reader Back like the Penguin).
Cheers
Good morning, Carlos.
Thanks so much for taking the trouble.
I can't find the Alex Pandrea Bicycle Inspire deck you recommended in any Spanish magic shop. Do you remember where you bought it?
Honestly, marked decks never really grabbed my attention. Gimmicked decks, on the other hand, I have plenty of (Invisible, Radio, Milagro, Quantum, 52 to 1, Covernat, among others...). But I've read a lot of comments on this forum from you guys saying they're essential, so I've decided to give them a try.
I've just recently gotten back into magic. I'm 36 now, but I started when I was 15 or 16 at the Círculo Magia y Música de Sevilla, alongside Mario El Mago and Vicente Canuto. Too bad I put it down after a few years... But here I am, with more gray hairs but with a ton of enthusiasm!
Thanks a lot, and I'm thrilled to be here with all of you!
A heads-up about Penguin Magic:
When shipping to Spain, you can expect to be charged around 6 Euros in customs fees. These are mandatory taxes you'll have to pay on top of your order before your package can be delivered.
Then there's the import duties. Unless you snag a killer deal, it's honestly better to get their products here in the States.
What @mario_garcia_diaz mentioned is true – shipping is free if you spend over $100. But between those import duties and the customs fees @Zeta brought up, you'd really need a fantastic offer to make it worthwhile.
Back in the day, they used to declare decks at $1 each, and if the total was under $25, it typically zipped right past customs. Nowadays, that trick doesn't work.
And @mario_garcia_diaz's friendship is a treasure to hold onto!
Here we have the Phoenix!
https://tienda.magiaycardistry.com/producto/phoenix-marcada/
This deck is incredible!
It features a one-way design on both the backs and faces, and it's also marked on the backs.
It's a bit pricey, but a marked deck is an essential tool no magician should be without.
Thanks Cento.
Hey! For the price, this is the one I was originally planning to get. Thanks!
Hey everyone! Has anyone tried the Daredevil deck? Thanks!