Ben asks The Merchant of Magic: 

I’m looking to buy a Scotch and Soda set, and I have seen you have the locking one, and the magnetic one. Are they both completely different in that that they do different tricks, or can the same magic tricks be performed with both types?

Which one is better?

Also the book/DVD that you sell that’s called 25 Amazing Tricks with Scotch and Soda, can this be used for the original version and magnetic?

Hi Ben, there are lots of different versions of Scotch and Soda, they all allow the same type of magic tricks to be performed. Which one is better? Well that really depends:

The Difference
The main difference between the original version and the magnetic version is the reset. You can reset the coin set quickly using a magnet with the magnetic version, the original version has a little gimmick you carry around to help with the reset. They both have pros and cons. The magnetic version is easier to reset, and the magnet helps the coins lock. However, the original Scotch and Soda version would stand up to a VERY close inspection, as the coins lock together so tightly. The magnetic version is ever so slightly looser when it is locked together.

The Limy Version
On a side note, the Coin Unique is the UK name for the same trick. You will find a £1/1p version, a 2p/10p version and a £2/50p version most commonly available in magic shops. There are several types on the market of varying quality. The Merchant of Magic has, until recently, always rejected the £2 versions because the bi-metal coins tend to fall apart.

Coin Unique are magnetic locking, and are good to have in UK currency.

About the DVD (You don’t really need it)
25 Amazing Tricks with a Scotch and Soda DVD or Booklet is a decent introduction to using the set. Because the basic tricks are the same for both scotch and soda original amd magnetic, both are compatable with the DVD. The production values on the DVD are not that great. It was made back in the 1980’s, and shows it’s age, but aside from ‘looks’, the tuition is sound and helpful. 

Coin Unique comes with several routine ideas in the instructions for the set, so you probably don’t need the DVD if you’re going for Coin Unique.

I hope this helps you make a decision. 

Got some advice for choosing the best Scotch and Soda or Coin Unique set? Share your thoughts in the comments section below: