Repo by Tobias Dostal

IThis is a bit unusual for me, but I wanted to post my first impressions of this product having just watched the tutorial. Typically I like to have the prop in my hands and spend some time with it before writing a review, but I wanted to try a new format where I write the review fresh off of watching the tutorial. It won’t be my typical in-depth look at every single idea. Instead, it will be the main things that stuck with me.

First, I bought this as soon as I saw that it was available for purchase because I think the effect is beautiful. It’s a unique effect that feels unlike any other trick I’ve seen. There’s something about the manipulation of metal that feels alchemistic and otherworldly.

It’s hard to describe the trick because it’s not just one thing, and there are multiple ways it can be presented.

But essentially this allows you to:

1. Make a chain appear or disappear at the fingertips

2. Transform the chain into a key, or vice versa

3. Make the key magically link on or off the chain

4. Make the key vanish or appear

Those are pretty much the four elements that are at play in any of the routines. You are provided with two chains, three keys (one gimmicked, one ungimmicked, and one already on one of the chains), and the special gimmick that makes it all work.

My first impression is that the method is exactly what I imagined it would be, but that’s not a bad thing. It’s an old idea that Tobias has taken to new heights. Your angles will certainly need to be heavily considered as you perform. It would be best for a small group. If you decide to perform it for a larger group, you’ll have to consider the different heights of the spectators as well as how wide the group is. I think your best bet will be to step a few feet back to get better angles if you’re performing for a larger group. And just know, when I say the angles are sensitive, I really mean it. The chain and key just barely fit in their hiding spot, so if your hand is a little too high, or if you tilt it a little too wide, you’ll expose the chain/key. You will also have to consider your hand size when you purchase this as you must be able to hide the chain and/or key in a place that will be affected by hand size. Smaller, thinner hands may struggle.

The extra gimmick must be worn, and it attaches via a putty (like Blu-Tack.) Tobias does cover a couple of options for storing the gimmick before you put it on in a performance. Both of them will require you to make/acquire some additional items. I don’t think either of them is particularly clever, but they both work, and I am happy that he at least provided some options.

There are a few different routines provided and some additional ideas that aren’t full-fledged routines. I would say the main routine is the “mystery room” routine that you see in the trailer. The routine with the key penetrating on and off the chain around the spectator’s wrist requires a switch of the chain, and while the switch taught is very clever, it’s a bit impractical.

As for the practicality as a whole, it’s not something I would take to every gig especially since it’s best suited for one-on-one or a small group. I definitely wouldn’t do it table hopping because the other tables would get a full exposé if they happen to look over as you perform it. I plan on having the key on display in my office with the gimmick close by so that when someone asks about the key, I can grab the key and gimmick and go right into the routine. I feel this routine works better in this casual setting than at a working gig.

Now if you just want to perform the key linking on and off the chain, that is the most practical effect you can do with the set. You could come up with an entire routine that doesn’t even use the extra gimmick and you’d be set. But let’s admit it: most people are buying this for the visual appearances, disappearances, and transformations—not for the key linking on chain effect.

Overall, I’m happy with my purchase as of now, and I’m excited to get the product in my hands to play with. I will report back with an addendum if there are severe quality issues or if there is anything that's worth noting once I have the project, but I think it’s safe to assume the quality will match my expectations.

UPDATE: I have now received the project and I can say it's great and visual, but it's not easy! It takes a lot of practice and the angles are even more sensitive than I imagined. I filmed a performance for Instagram and that took about 50 attempts to get a video where I didn't flash or where the gimmick didn't fall off during the routine. So I don't think this will be added into my set unfortunately. Part of the issue could be that I have smaller hands, but for me, it's definitely a max of 1 or 2 people that I would feel comfortable performing for. More than that and I would have a hard time not flashing. I would also need to find a stronger substance for the gimmick (maybe some glue dots?) When I first stick it on, it feels okay, but the longer I wear it, the more sweaty I get and it has a tendency to fall off. Especially when the chain and key are attached. I will say you also recieve an additional key than what I mentioned above and you get a red envelope that can be used for transport.