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John Mendoza Profile
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Hip Pocket Bendix Bombshell


If you know me, you know that I rarely do "endorsements." It's a subject for another thread, but I will simply say it's because I pretty much believe they are worthless. The only two things that I have willingly endorsed over the past couple of years are Joe Porper's Cylinder and Coins and Paul Wilson's Mind-O-Matic and the reason for that is that I actually use them and have performing experience with them. Often, magicians that read "endorsements" are really not looking for a worker because sometimes that entails skill both presentationally and mechanically. The Porper item, for example, does require that, so many might not agree with my hearty endorsement and recommendation. And, of course, price considerations come to mind. At $1250, I think the Porper item was a steal, but most magicians, especially those not working it, might find that too big a dent in their magic budget. Defintely, understandable.

My feelings about endorsements can be summed up in one simple question: when was the last time you saw "Big Name Magician" perform Hole in the Head? Or, do you really believe "Big Name Magician" has never been so badly fooled as he was by Dean's Box? Yes, it's a killer trick, but any moderately well-read magician would recognize the work just from reading the ad description. So, unless someone really uses and has experience with an item, I find the endorsement to be pretty much worthless.

So, this is one of those rare exceptions. I not only love this thing, I now actually use it. At a convention a few months ago, Anthony Miller showed me his new Hip Pocket Bendix Bombshell. I think it is the best variation of the classic Bendix Bombshell ever created and I think I've owned all of them. Rather than try to keep the classic configuration and mechanics, and simply re-design it to be smaller or thinner, this version has been completely re-worked and it is a beauty.

First, it is a hip pocket wallet. You could literally use this as your every day wallet. Secondly, it does not use a Himber type switching mechanism. There is no close-left to right-open right to left, etc. And, most importantly, it beautifully eliminates the clumsiness of the removal of the card or cards from the closed compartment. If you know the Bombshell, you know it can be awkward, by the very nature of the design, to get the chosen cards out and if you are not careful, you can accidentally flash the work at the ends of the wallet. No such problem with this version.

If you do my routine with it, from the Book of John II, you will have two cards chosen, signed and returned and then remove the AS and 9D from the deck for an observation test. You will put the AS into the wallet, since it is an easily remembered black card going into a black wallet. The 9D will be inserted sideways into the deck so it protrudes perpendicularly from it, easily remembered as red card in red deck. Both hands shown clearly empty and the deck set aside nowhere near the wallet.

Now you remove the card from the wallet and it is the 9D and sideways in the deck is the AS, an effective transposition by itself. But, now you show both hands empty again and open a snap closed flap compartment and immediately seen in view are the two signed selections. It's a killer.

I have already done it for dozen or so real people and it plays. In formal situations, I will still use my classic Bombshell, probably out of sheer force of habit and because a bigger wallet doesn't look strange when wearing a coat, but for any other situatiion, this is my new no-palm, no envelope, card to wallet of choice. For the envelope I am still a Lee Noble LePaul wallet fan, with the Busby-Corin Jennings Wallet and the Forbes Portfolio both running a very close second.

And, the new wallet is moderately priced. Do your own research and judge for yourself, but I think you'll be very pleased with this new item. It's a worker, it's affordable (I think it's around $70.00) and it's just plain a fun trick to do as you are so far ahead of your audience.
10/7/2006, 1:57 pm Link to this post Send Email to John Mendoza   Send PM to John Mendoza
 
Magicands Profile
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Location: www.garyhaigh.co.uk
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Re: Hip Pocket Bendix Bombshell


I fully agree with your comments on endorsements. The problem being that whats good for one is useless to an oher.
I could endorse many a prop and routine but thats because they fit my style and personality & I become at ease when working them. I realise however that my personality and style are unique to me and that only a chosen few may see it as I do.
As a young magician I purchased many props at the advice of another, I still have them, they are all mint and unused.
............................Any offers (LOL)
10/11/2006, 5:34 am Link to this post Send Email to Magicands   Send PM to Magicands
 
Robert McDaniel Profile
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Re: Hip Pocket Bendix Bombshell


Hi John - I was wondering if you could post a video of your performance using the Hip Pocket Bombshell wallet? I'd be interested in seeing how you handle the discrepancy and the turnover move, etc.

Thanks,
Robert

  

  
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Bill Abbott Profile
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Re: Hip Pocket Bendix Bombshell


Robert,

You have to see John slay the L & L crowd with the Bendix Bombshell on his set of DVDs. It's not the hip pocket version BUT it will give you most of handling and more importantly see the EFFECT of the thing.

One of the many memorable moments of the DVD set to be sure.

Thanks for tipping your routine John.

Sincerely,

Bill Abbott
12/11/2006, 10:26 pm Link to this post Send Email to Bill Abbott   Send PM to Bill Abbott
 
Robert McDaniel Profile
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Re: Hip Pocket Bendix Bombshell


Hey Bill! Yes, I have the new DVDs. And, John's Bendix Bombshell routine has been a favorite ever since it appeared in John - Verse 2.

I was just interested in seeing how John handles the new hip pocket Bombshell wallet since it is different than the RAR Bendix Bombshell.

Thanks,
Robert
12/12/2006, 8:14 am Link to this post Send Email to Robert McDaniel   Send PM to Robert McDaniel
 
John Mendoza Profile
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Re: Hip Pocket Bendix Bombshell


Sorry to have taken so long to reply but, yes, I do perform the Hip Pocket exactly the same as the regular one. The insertion of the card(s) is, of course, different simply because of the physical differences in the wallets, but the routine is exactly the same. I believe Anthony Miller published my work on the Hip Pocket model somewhere on his site. That description explains the insertion technique. Thanks.
1/8/2007, 10:23 am Link to this post Send Email to John Mendoza   Send PM to John Mendoza
 


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