Super Needle Balloon

Type: Walk-around, Parlor

Skill Level:

Retail Price: $10

Effect: A clear balloon is blown up and a large needle is passed visibly through the center of the balloon, without it popping! A length of ribbon or yarn on the end of the needle may then be threaded through the balloon. The yarn is removed and the balloon tossed up in the air and popped with the needle.

Performance Time: 2-4 minutes

Reset Time: None

Angles:

Quality: This is a steel needle of unusual length. Straight out of the box, it's beautiful.

Dr. Mitch: The needle must be kept extremely clean and extremely sharp. This is one of those things that requires an immense amount of care. If the tip gets even the slightest bit dull or bent, the trick don't work. If you ever drop it forget it, buy a new one. If it ever gets any wear or rust, you have to sandpaper the entire needle. The balloons that you pass the needle through look like condoms. Personally I do not enjoy this trick, and after buying my THIRD one, I finally gave it up.

Mike Maione: We differ on this one. I like this trick. Yes, you do have to care for the needle. But, it's not so difficult. You can buy or make a sleeve to store the needle that looks like a magic wand and also lubricates the needle with vasiline, which is necessary to perform the illusion. I had lots of trouble at first because I was over-inflating the balloons and they would pop. Now that I know not to over-inflate the balloon, I have no problem. It's really pretty easy. Also you don't have to use clear (condom colored) balloons. You can use any latex balloon. It's just easier and more striking to see the needle inside the baloon.

Some kids know how to put scotch tape on a balloon as a way to pass a needle through it. So when you perform the trick let someone take a good close-up look. Finally, you need some good patter for this trick, none is provided.

M&M Magic Review © 1996