Editor's Note: This review first appeared in July '07. Brian Rodgers, the creator of "Phantom Band 360" contacted me the following month with an offer of a newer handling, a variation actually, of his effect. This variation addresses some of my issues with "Phantom Band 360" as pointed out in the following review. Brian Rodgers has made this variation, as all other updates to "Phantom Band 360", available free to anyone who has purchased this disc. Simply write him here. Also, he's made a better quality demo available which you can view here. This review stands as it does discuss the actual product available for sale. However, with the variation in handling, I can't help but feel "Phantom Band 360" is a better product. A quick personal note: for my money, Brian Rodgers attention to my concerns, his desire to continually improve his product, and his quick action to get those improvements out to consumers makes him a true professional, and I thank him for that. -- Shane

"Phantom Band 360" DVD by Brian Rodgers
Suggested Retail USD$16.00
Available from your favorite dealer
In a Blink: 6 Out of 10

"Phantom Band 360", an effect by Brian Rodgers, attempts to be the be-all-end-all of band-and-bill penetrations, and does a credible job of it, but has little that makes it stand out from the pack of such effects.

You can catch the demo video here. Essentially, it's a two-phase penetration routine. A bill is borrowed, then folded in half lengthwise and then in half again, around a rubber band so that one strand of the band is outside the folded bill, the other inside. Slowly, the rubber band is pulled so that both strands are inside the folded bill. Next, the bill is shown on both sides to show the band is inside the bill. One strand of the rubber band is removed from the bill and then slowly the other strand is pulled through the bill, leaving them separate.

Rodgers also shows a method of accomplishing a penetration using his idea with a bill and needle, match, or other similar object. Think "Misled" in miniature.

Now I have to say this before we get to the nitty and the gritty: "Phantom Band 360" is not a bad trick. It's neat, in its way, and as an impromptu piece certainly adequate enough. The handling is simple, the working fairly easy, and, considering there are no gaffs or gimmicks, as practical as it gets.

The problem is that there is nothing to truly set this one apart from other rubber band penetrations. True, it can be done surrounded (the main selling point for this, evidently) but that's not saying much: some of the clutching and maneuvering done in "Phantom Band 360" is done so close to the chest, obviously designed for a few spectators, that the requirements for a "surrounded" performance cover a great deal of other penetrations.

Maybe it was the hype that got me. After all, when you say something like "the only band and bill penetration effect out there that can be done completely surrounded, no gimmicks, totally impromptu", expectations get a little high. However, you find out quickly that, yes, Virginia, there are other such penetrations out there that meet the same "requirements" as "Phantom Band 360", and probably more if you give it a little thought yourself.

And they might not suffer from the descrepancy this one does. Due to the nature of the working, there's no getting around this one, but there are ways of dealing with it. You're own your own there, though; Rodgers blows it off, assuming all your spectators will as well. The problem is that, yes, it will go past a lot of spectators, maybe most of them, but all it takes is one that's paying attention just that much more than everyone else, and you're pretty much busted.

All in all, "Phantom Band 360" is pretty neat, but it's far from the be-all-end-all of band-and-bill penetrations. If you're looking for such a thing, then "Phantom Band 360" is good enough for you to whip out when you want. Deal with the issues, such as they are, and you're got a good little trick.

"Phantom Band 360" by Brian Rodgers
In a Blink: 6 Out of 10

Material: 5
It's a neat effect, quick and visual, but it would be suffers from fairly weak displays and cramped handling in spots, making this one definitely for smaller audiences. As a piece of a larger routine, though, this could play much better.

Practicality: 10
A bill, a band, a pair of hands, and somebody to watch you... that's pretty much it for the requirements on this one.

Quality of Production: 10
The production values here are excellent. A great job all around.

Quality of Instruction: 10
Rodgers does a great job teaching his material, covering all the bases as he goes. The added plus of throwing in a version without a rubber band was an excellent addition.

Presentation: 5
It's all about the visuals with this, and it's got some good ones. However, the demonstration of the penetrations aren't strong enough to make this anything more than an average effect.

Shane

Available direct from your favorite dealer. Dealers, please contact Murphy's Magic Supplies, Inc. toll-free at 1-800-853-7403 or visit Murphy's Magic Supplies website.