"Flaunt" by Titanas
Suggested Retail USD$15.00
Available from your favorite dealer
In a Blink: 7 Out of 10

"Flaunt", a new effect by Titanas, is a clever take on the classic "Rising Card" plot, with a clean (and simple) handling and a great appearance going for it, both of which may just make this your new favorite "Rising Card" routine.

There's nothing new with the plot here, though I will point out that, after the card is chosen and returned to the deck, it is partially wrapped in an opaque handkerchief and, while the wrapped deck is held by the performer, the card rises from the middle of the deck.

But Titanas wasn't going for a new plot; he was looking for a solution to his problem: he wanted to be able to do a "Rising Card" anywhere, anytime, repeatedly. In other words, he was after what he considered a "real world" version of the classic.

"Flaunt" is his solution and it truly does solve his problem. "Flaunt" can be performed surrounded, the reset is instant… all that good stuff. In fact, other than carrying the gaffed deck and a handkerchief around, and possibly managing the spectator's examination of the deck (if you so choose to let happen), there seems to nothing to concern yourself with when it comes to this deck.

As well there shouldn't: it's only been around for ages and you've probably already got one or two laying around the house.

I'll put this in plain English: there is no new device here, no new gadget, no new widget, gimmick, gaff, or any other mechanical or pseudo-mechanical machinery here. If you plan on buying this because of that, stop right now and leave this one be.

Yes, Titanas includes a deck with this (and, by the way, he should be thanked for that because, at this price for the deck and the handling, this is a steal) but it's nothing new. The handling, though, the method Titanas came up with (with a nod and a credit to others), is damned clever, outright sneaky, and I'd bet this is the product that wins an award for producing the most head-slaps this year.

"Flaunt" is good stuff, period.

But the question is more apt to be is "Flaunt" going to replace your favorite method of doing a "Rising Card" than whether it's good or not. For that, we don't need to look any further than the ad copy itself, which asks the right questions: "Already do a rising card routine? Do you actually USE it?" with the implied, "And if not, why not?"

If the reason is something that "Flaunt" corrects - you're afraid the thread might break or the magnet not work or the angles are too harsh or the like - but you want to do a "Rising Card", then "Flaunt" is made specifically for you.

Me, I'll be sticking with my favorite for the most part, and leave "Flaunt" floating around in my mind for some future performance that is more restrictive than what I usually run into. Why?

Flexibility mostly. I like being able to do a "Rising Card" more hands-off. I like not having to touch the deck. I like being able to set the deck on the table, put it in a glass, place it in the box… you get the idea.

But that's just me and I found that lack of flexibility too restrictive in "Flaunt" and my own performance style and venue not needing what "Flaunt" brings to the table.

For yourself, ask the key questions mentioned above. If you don't actively do a "Rising Card" but you want to, and you want to use a method without a lot of baggage, "Flaunt" is the perfect solution.

"Flaunt" by Titanas
In a Blink: 7 Out of 10

Practicality: 8
It's a trick deck that most folks have but don't use (especially in this way), so you'll likely give up some pocket space but it's an all-purpose kind of deck so no major problem there. Other considerations: you'll need an opaque handkerchief of some sort and you probably don't want your spectators hanging onto the deck too long.

Workmanship: 5
The deck is nothing new, so it is what it is. It will work with the routine just fine.

Documentation: 6
The documentation is sparse, provided on DVD, but you really don't need a lecture here: Titanas covers the basic handling, plus a bit more; you'll have no problem learning this effect.

Effect: 9
It's the Rising Card, and in this case a damn fine one: that always equals an effective blast to the brain of the spectators.

Presentation: 8
Titanas' idea is a good one: it allows for a very open handling of the deck which seems to really pack the power here. Visually, it looks as good as any rise and better than some, though its lack of flexibility can be worrisome.

Shane

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