The Linking Finger Rings is, quite simply, one of the most impressive effects in magic. Cooked up by the brilliant Persi Diaconis back in the swinging '60s and given the Richard Himber seal of approval, it’s the kind of trick that has audiences scratching their heads in disbelief:
Picture this: three rings are borrowed from your unsuspecting friends. You link them together into a delightful chain of three, then, with a flick of your wrist, you unlink them and hand them back. Easy peasy, right? (Not quite — but it looks it!)
What truly makes this a miracle is the audience members' absolute conviction that their ring is indeed linked with the others. Magic, folks!
Now, over the years, some clever chaps have fiddled with the gimmick, but let’s be honest, they haven’t always been built for actual performances of The Linking Finger Rings. Enter David Regal's preferred gimmick, specifically designed for this classic effect. Here’s what you want your gimmick to do:
- No unnecessary fidgeting (nobody likes a fiddler).
- Instant orientation knowledge (because who has time to think?).
- Be as silent as a ninja (don’t wake the baby!).
- One-handed operation (for when your other hand is busy doing jazz hands).
Regal's unique gimmick ticks all those boxes. In a routine often bogged down by excess fiddling, he’s stripped away the unwanted movements that can ruin the moment.
So, what's fresh about this release?First: Quality. A new manufacturer has come onto the scene, crafting a finer product than a few of the previous contenders — these rings are ones you’ll actually want to show off.
Second: Key improvements.
- The rings aren’t just gold-plated; they’ve gone through a snazzy enameling process that darkens the engraved area. This means you can instantly tell how to orient the gimmick in any performance situation (no more guesswork!).
- The Regal design with its magnetic closure has been reengineered for durability (because you’re not a delicate flower).
- The "work area" of the gimmick has been enhanced, making handling a breeze — you’ll feel like a pro in no time.
Third: The price. Regal gold-plated sets have been hanging around the $300 mark for yonks. But thanks to this new manufacturer’s precision, you can snag it for just $195. What’s included, you ask? Well:
- Regal's new-design Himber gimmick.
- A matching un-gimmicked ring (because who doesn’t love a spare?).
- A matching locking ring (the classic method — old school cool!).
- Gimmicks to perform the jaw-dropping Koran climax, where two rings hang from a pencil, linked, and one visibly unlinks, dropping into your open palm. And guess what? They get their rings back, no switches involved.
- A pencil and video instruction (because we all need a little help sometimes).
The Regal routine only requires one gimmick, with the other rings included to give you the freedom to perform any version of The Linking Finger Rings that tickles your fancy.
In short, a delightful set of props to pull off one of the finest effects in magic, without any of the faff!
