Sponge Balls

Type: Close-up, Walk-around, Parlor, Stage

Skill Level:

Retail Price: $5.99

Effect: Sponge balls are made to multiply or travel from one hand to another. Most routines call for this to occur in the magician's hands then in the spectator's hands

Performance Time: About 2-5 minutes (or more, depending upon the routine)

Reset Time: None

Angles:

Quality: There are basically two types of sponge balls...regular and super soft. The super soft are more fragile and a little more expensive than the regular type...but you can compress the super softs much more than you can the regular ones. If you want to work with balls 1 1/2 inches or larger in diameter, especially if you have small hands you may be better off with the super softs. Sponge balls come in many different colors and sizes usually packaged four to a box.

Mike Maione: If you don't do sponge balls you are missing out on one of the best tricks in all of magic. That's a pretty strong statement, but I believe it with so much conviction, that I will say it again. If you don't do sponge balls you are missing out on one of the best tricks in all of magic. There, I feel better now.

Until you see the reaction you get when sponges multiply in the spectator's hand or disappear from your hand and reappear in the spectator's hand, you just won't know how very effective sponge balls are. The routines that are packaged with the balls are usually a little simple or too elementary to be any fun, but there are lots of books with great routines in them...Bill Tarr's, "Now you see it. Now you don't." or "The Complete Mark Wilson" to name just two. But, there are good routines everywhere.

When you get your set...and you should...keep the box they come in for storing them. It will keep the balls from flattening out and getting misshapened. From time to time wash the balls with warm water and soap, and they will look brand new.

Dr. Mitch: Sponge balls are one of my favorite props. I have used them in close up, walk around, parlor, kid shows and stage shows. I think with a little thought and a good patter a simple sponge ball can be a strong addition to any magician's repertoire. NOTE- this takes practice. Practice everything, but make sure you practice in front of a mirror. Don't be sloppy, take the time to get the moves down and it will be powerful.

M&M Magic Review © 1997