I went to Owen, but could not find it...what category is it under?

I don't believe the reel is on their website; their website is pretty limited. Better to give them a call.

Ron

Thanks Everybody, you've been lots of help!
-Max Darwin

If you are going to use a reel all the time, you will need to be able to open it, and fix it.

I recommend buying any of the stronger, smaller Key Reels, change out the chain for a piece of heavy monofilament, and get used to doing what it takes to fix it backstage, with no light, and 30 seconds before you are supposed to go on.

Otherwise, it doesn't make a difference

Hawkbird,

All I find is I.D. holder reels for your reference at ebay. These are not 35" long threads.

They do not work for professional 24" silks.

Beginners use 12" silks for magic tricks.

Bill

Ron,

After doing extensive research, the Owen Reel is most likely the best one for use today...my Kirkendall is very old, and I'd like to put it away, and get the Owen for regular use...the spring has only broken once on my Kirkendall, and it was easy to fix, but I doubt I could find a spring to fit it, if it breaks again...

Owen has my vote! Paul Diamond's I have not seen, nor can I find reference to it anywhere. Just the video Vol 1

I use one of these...


But replaced the fishing line with black elastic cord and greased the action. Its now quiet, a touch slower and reaches 6 foot.

Max:

There are many different types of reels out there today.I would highly suggest that you stay away from electric reels. They're nothing but trouble.

There is only one reel that I would suggest that you purchase. It is the Vernet Universal Reel. It's actually more of a pull than a reel. It works on a different principle than a reel and it is not expensive like some of the overpriced fancy modern reels.

The Universal Reel is an inexpensive pull that uses an old simple principle for vanishes, etc. Many famous and old-time magicians have been using this type of pulls for many years. It has stood the test of time. Vernet's Universal Reel is a basic simple pull that will not let you down when you need to use it and the pull will last you forever.

Gerard

If anyone needs/wants a good, reliable original P & L reel, please PM me for information...

Merry Christmas to all!

You can get good reel pulls at places that do key cutting,locks etc (people use them so they don't lose their keys )

Hey Silverfire, I'm in Jackson Hole right now! I will check albertsons soon

Humm.... how about the new Lassen reel?! Swiss Jewel Bearings, super silent, strong, and adjustable tension. Wow.

Not under $100 that is for sure, but it looks like the last reel you would ever need to buy. What a beauty!

Stevens Magic has a couple of nice reels. The first is the Tim Star Reel:

http://www.stevensmagic.com/shopping/shopexd.asp?id=8844

The other is the Swedish Reel by ElDuco:

http://www.stevensmagic.com/shopping/shopexd.asp?id=1043

Bob Phillips

Does anyone know how good the ultra reel by Tannens is?

If I remember correctly, this is what was SUPPOSED to replace the Kirkendall...this is it here:

http://www.tannens.com/shop/cart.php?m=product_detail&p=4689

The Star Reel looks similar, same price:

http://www.stevensmagic.com/shopping/shopexd.asp?id=8844

I think you'd be fine with either one!

Doug

I'd like to see a comparison review of the two if possible. Forget about the kennedy electric reel for what you want. It has it's purposes but it uses IT and lacks any torgue...couldn't pull a greasy string out of a cat's ***.

Is very difficult, get a strong and good reel.Maybe in fishing store.

Paulo

The Tim Star one at stevens should be a food one for sure.

Hi Pete,
Do you now the Tim Star reel?

Paulo

Not seen, but if you go to his website you will find out more. What I do know is that everything he makes is perfection.