What is in your opinion the best close-up linking rings routine (with pattern) ? I decided to move onto the linking rings world as I think they could be a tremendous effect for lay people during a close-up act. Any other suggestion on how to move into this are appreciated.

Thanks
Metius

I currently like the McAbee Rings. I'm not sure if you meant "with pattern" or "with patter" so I can't comment on that yet.

The McAbee's have a nice look, involves spectators at least twice during the routine, and if you stop at the three ring unlink, it has a beautifully visual finish. If you choose to go on from there, you then have the option to have each ring examined when you're done.

Shoot's routine is excellent... however, as I always "preach" the best routine will be one you come up with that fits you and your style. Get the rings and just start playing with them. Work on ideas, think outside the ring! Be creative and at the same time learn the basic classic moves.

Learn to handle them like an expert. This may take a year, but in the end it will be worth it.

I use a no-table variant of the Ninja Rings routine constantly.

I am aiming for a large rings routine soon, however.

It was "patter". Sorry for that, but was about 2AM here in Italy and my translation ability was a little down.

Metius

Ahhh, Italy. Buon Giorno, Metius - e benvenuto.

There are so many things that you can do with the rings. First, how close up is close up? If you are going to be standing within reaching distance then we are talking about 5 inch rings. The Ninja routine is good for that, but you can use the Royal Magic 5" rings, you get a complete set, then you can do almost any kind of routine that you want.

If you are a little farter away then you can use 8" rings and use traditional routines.

As for patter. There are some really good ones. Of course one shouldn't ignore Symphony of the Rings but personally I do mine silently, to music.

I didn't like linking rings until I saw Murry Hatfield perform them. He has a really good routine in synch to music.

I like El Duco's close up ring's. You get many moves that you can build into a routine of your own.

MM

For linking Ring, I have always heard positive comments on Ninja Ring from Shoot Ogawa. What do you guys think?

I do Ninja Rings and they are great fun to practice and perform.

Chris Capehart's routine is great. It is done close up, but you you still use large rings. His routine is out on DVD, it is well worth checking out.
Also Dan Fleshman has a good table hoping routine for the Ninja Rings On vol 3 of his restaurant magic DVD's.

I'm shocked that no one has mentioned Café's own Whit Haydan.

His four ring comedy routine ranks up their with the best of them this can be found on VHs not sure if it is out on DVD.

the godfather

Thanks, Vinny. My routine, "Whit Haydn's Comedy Four Ring Routine," is on DVD, but it is ten minutes long and is best as a standup and stage routine.

I would prefer Shoot's Ninja Rings for close-up and walk-around, though personally I never carry anything bigger than a deck of cards for walk-around.

I just puchased Ninja rings after selling my 10" rings. I never felt comfortable with the 10'' rings. Just me probably, but the Ninja rings feel better. It may just be that I like the feel of control I have with the smaller size.

I am not sure how the Ninja rings can be used in a larger setting as some posts have mentioned but I don't think I'll be playing the Palace any time soon. I'm just learning the moves and looking for ways to "personalize" it all.

I myself like Sankey's three ring circus. It's done with key rings, which are examinable, and make for a much less suspicious routine.

Cellini's 2 ring routine should also be mentioned. It's beautiful. Done to music, it's hard to beat. A tear-jerker.

I personally didn't like Sankey's routine at all.

Believe me, there's nothing suspicious about a "crash link" when someone is holding onto one of the rings.

Just check out the reaction Whit gets on his DVD with the spectator holding one of them.

There are few better moments in magic than the crash link. Especially the blocked crash link, right before your eyes.

Solid thru solid baby!

Jay Sankey's 3 ring circus is great!

Shoot Ogawa's ninja rings is great.

I'm another vote for Shoot and the Ninja Rings

Chris Capehart gets my vote. Great routine no matter what situation your in.