By Dominic Reyes

The Merchant of Magic are just about to release Deceptus by Jimmy Strange. It's one of the best object penetration effects I've seen in a very long time.

The gimmick allows you to throw common borrowed objects straight into a soda can. Rings, signed coins, lighters, folded playing cards etc.

As you see in the demo, you can show the can completely, take an object, slam it in, then show the can as you rattle the object inside.

They have been keeping this to themselves for quite a long time now at the MoM as they perform it commercially. However, feedback and requests for its release at Blackpool this year, together with interest in the effect for TV lead the MoM team to agree its release.

The borrowed object really is inside the can, which is able to be inspected before and after the penetration. The spectators can see their item through the drink hole, the only way to get the item out? Cut open the can!

Ben Williams presents and teaches multiple handlings for all skill levels, including an instant reset taught where you melt the borrowed item out from the can without having to cut it open.

It includes extra presentations if you want to wear a PK ring, but you don't have to. I actually prefer the methods without using a PK ring myself.

The DVD that comes with the gimmick includes a "60 second" overview, so you can start playing with it right away. You can then watch the full DVD to get all the extra tips, techniques and presentations. I'm a huge fan of that, as it's frustrating having to watch a full DVD before you can start playing.

Do you need sleight of hand? Nope! If you can throw an object at a soda can, you can perform this.

We had great feedback from Alan Rorrison (Consultant for Dynamo and Troy), who was performing this with us late at night in the Ruskin at the 2014 Blackpool magic convention. After playing with the gimmick for just a few minutes, this is all he had to say: "I fricking love this thing!"

Here's a video I took late at night in the Ruskin at the 2014 Blackpool Magic Convention. We told Alan Rorrison about Deceptus, showed him the gimmick and this is what he did with it:

Check out the guy reflected in the mirror behind Alan. He physically jumps back. That's not what magicians do 🙂

Merchant of Magic are releasing it at the end of the month. Expected retail is US $39.99 UK £29.99 (Inc V.A.T)

I'd love to hear your opinions