After getting back into the fraternity after a long vacation, I've been dissapointed with the quality of the pads that I've seen offered at my local shops. I purchased the only mat they had for $16.95. It's very thin, with a smooth foam top and backing. I picked the maroon color thinking that cards and coins would both show up well.

It's difficult to pick a pad from an internet or mail order source without actually handling the item.

In the past, I had a black pad that I think was marketed by Johnson. It had a nice, heavy rubber backing, and the surface was almost like a synthetic fur. I found it very easy to work on.

Here are my questions:

What is your favorite brand and model of pad?

What is your favorite color, and why?

What is the best color to use with invisible thread work?

Thanks for your input!

Jeff

Dean Dill makes gorgeous two-sided pads. Mine is a soft velvety black material on one side (great for coin assemblies, etc.) and a tougher red cloth with less padding on the other side (great for spreading cards). He also makes a model that holds loads (cards, jumbo coins).

These pads don't roll up or fold, however, but they do wear well. The one in the Magic Castle library has been there for years and still looks pretty much new.

Go to http://www.deandill.com.

Jerry

Folding Close-Up Pad - Bob James

I love it because it is easy to be carried and it's so durable.

I like black color, it make my cards more sharp and good with invisible thread work.

Dave Martinez close up pad.

http://stevensmagic.com/summertext/tools......p#trick1

Does not fold. Great surface. Super high quality. Only available from Steven's Magic in Black or Green but I got the one that is in the photo..sort of a burgundy.

Black is probably best for IT work.

Mitch

Check out the Magician's Choice Performance Mat. These are used by David Roth, Eric DeCamps, Bob Fitch, Simon Lovell, Dan Fleshman, Doc Eason, Johnny Thompson and Lennart Green and the mats come with a lifetime guarantee.

Click here

The best one I have ever had was a homemade one made from a rectangle of foam-backed bathroom carpet covered with black velvet (sewn round the edges).

Most any of the Apollo brand or Gibsons, are good. Neither will let you down. Vegas green is a good all around color for all types of cards and coins. I like the bright red and use blue cards on them, but have green and black as well. The thin foam cheapie one you got is ok. I have a couple, and they can go through the washing machine, maby twice depending on who made them. Some of them, once is too much.

If you want a realy good one check the trickery for their gimmicked one. I think it made by Dean. Does a four ace assembly, and other gaffs are built in.