Here's a feature comparison of the most popular magicians magic smoke devices currently on the market.
Which magic smoke device is best?
That depends on what you need from the device. There tends to be two main camps of magicians, each needing something different from their magic smoke device. Some magicians look for practicality and a no fuss solution to producing smoke during a magic trick. Other magicians seek a fully customisable device that they can adjust to the specific requirements of the magic tricks they are working on. Looking at the devices currently on the market, it seems that both camps are being catered for. Devices like Pure Smoke and VAPR provide a fully formed, commercial solution that has a 'load and go' approach. Devices like Magic Smoke and SSS are more adaptable, but require more set up or refill procedure.
VAPR and Pure Smoke are designed to be 'clip on and go'. Magic Smoke needs to be fitted to your jacket, but as a result, you get a device set up specifically for your own individual needs.
VAPR is the new kid on the block and adds a great deal of additional features to a smoke device system. A self healing smoke tube, remote control, ability to produce smoke over a long period, and small rechargeable power unit make VAPR attractive to working magicians. However, the need to use official refill carts adds an additional ongoing expense.
Reliability issues.
Pure Smoke is the current market leader in magicians smoke devices. It's simple set up, use of standard batteries and excellent aftercare warranty have really helped it corner the market for smoke devices. However, some units were plagued by technical issues, so some magicians had to use the warranty to have their units replaced. E (The maker of Pure Smoke) has been excellent in replacing faulty units of Pure Smoke, so their customer service record is very good.
VAPR is made by Sans Mind who do not currently have a consistent track record of customer support for a device like this, so we can't be sure at this point how good their after care will be. That's not to say it won't be awesome, we just haven't tested it yet.
Both Magic Smoke and SSS are self service devices. The parts used for these can be sources cheaply online and replaced as required.
Pure Smoke and VAPR are sealed units, so self repair is more limited than magic smoke and SSS.
Hands off Smoke.
Only two devices have seen specifically designed to allow remote smoke. VAPR and SSS. If you want to create smoke from a close up mat or from an object that is away from you, then these may be your best choices.
Refills
VAPR and Pure Smoke require refill cartridges that need to be purchased from the magic shop. SSS and Magic Smoke can be refilled directly from a bottle of cheaper generic PG or VG liquid. Which option you choose is a matter of your budget and how 'plug in and go' you need the device to be.
Customisation
SSS provides allows the most customisation, but as it is only a DVD teaching how to make the device yourself, it may not be attractive to magicians who do not want to source parts and build their own device.
Price.
The cheapest option is SSS. However, it comes at the cost of your own time and effort to build the device. Magic Smoke is a more expensive option as an initial purchase, but the cheaper refill system will save you a lot of money over time. Pure Smoke and VAPR are more expensive than the 'build it yourself' options, but still great value for magicians that plan to use them. However, the refill cartridges will be an ongoing cost to factor into the decision.
What do you think? Do you agree or disagree with our comparison? Let us know your experiences using any of these devices in the comments section below:
