Doug, Fab is not directly linked to Abbott's but the Abbott family is partnered with them. I remember when Rick first started FAB magic. There was a lot of controversy but Rick has grown FAB into what Abbott's used to be.

Glad to read you're happy with the FAB ball.

I've noticed in the past there has been discussion ad nauseum on the Café about metal balls vs. plastic balls. I doubt anyone is going to change their minds on that point. However, to me the main thing is whether the performer has mastered the floating moves to present this effect , rather than the material the ball is made from. (I would draw the line at using a ball that is obviously made of styrofoam or a large sponge ball. A hard surface styrofoam ball or paper mache ball could be faux finished in such a way as to disguise what they are made from ... but that's another topic.)

In the past I have used a metallic-finish plastic Christmas Tree ornament and from stage distance I don't think the average person can tell that it's plastic , it looks like a metallic ball. If the performer handles it as if it has some weight and has the floating moves down pat it will be perceived by the audience as a "metal ball". But even if it's a floating plastic ball , who cares ? The floating ball is the effect, not what the ball is made from. Floating light bulb can be an impressive effect , too , but people know it's a light weight glass bulb. The metal z-balls have a seam , too. But if the seam is minimal (either on a metal ball or plastic ball) it's not visible from a distance.

Raymond Crowe recommends using a plastic ball in his "Naked Zombie Ball" routine. At no point when I'm watching him performing am I thinking: "oh, yuck, it's a cheap looking plastic Christmas Tree ornament."

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XVukDF0lmIU




I suspect this performer is using a plastic ball:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IA94WVZdRco






.

Beautiful performance

Scroll down a bit and look for the Dream Zombie GIANT - $79.95

https://fabmagic.com/products?keywords=zombie

Doug

Does the barehand floating (last part) come with the routine or it is david's touch.

That's his touch.

Zombira, the new silver floating ball, without the cloth

If you can tell my plastic ball from the metal one from the stage, then you're the greatest magician in the world!

https://youtu.be/3FAjYC0nI0w , Zombira starts at the 1:45 mark

www.jimmyfingers.com/products

I recall seeing a really good floating ball effect, using a zombie head.
Bits kept falling off the floating head ... it had a great routine patter.

Unfortunately, I can't remember where I saw it though or who the creator was.
Any help on this one please?

It was right here on page 2 of this thread. Here ya go, enjoy. Hopefully this is the video clip you were referring to. It's a great routine and done very well. https://axtell.com/zombie/

Nothing to see here folks! Move along...(hee hee)

Doug

This is probably the best zombie routine out there, well done jimmy!

Using contact juggling in the middle was a smart touch.

I walked outside and did it for the mailman. Broad daylight! Zombira is EPIC!

Doug

Wow, thanks for THAT, that means a LOT to me, thank you thank you thank you!!!

Jimmy
jimmyfingers.com/products

Thanks as always for the nice words, Zombira is a huge hit in my show!

jimmyfingers.com/products

In 2023 if anyone is looking for a good metal ball, Viking Magic has this available:

https://vikingmagic.com/products/zombie-ball-italy

"Formerly imported from Italy, we have finally decided to make our own Zombie Ball. Weighs in at an incredible 2.5 ounces! The lightest aluminum Zombie on the market. Highly polished CHROME finish. The only Chrome finished ball on the market.

NOTE: Our Zombie Ball is considered one of the best on the market. It weighs only 2.5 ounces and is the only Zombie Ball that has a CHROME FINISH. Never needs polishing.
You are supplied with a highly polished (chrome finish) aluminum ball, measuring 4 1/2" in diameter; an aluminum stand and our deluxe gimmick (breaks down for easy transport and storage). The sphere is designed to split in two, so that you can perform the 'ball to flowers' ending if you choose to do so."

Click here to view attached image.

If anyone is looking for a good quality 5" Morrissey ball (I have 2), PM me.