SleightfulSleightly Unhinged's Review - 30/06/2025
🧙♂️ Alright, you cheeky lot — buckle up for another romp through the rabbit hole of card shenanigans, mentalism gadgets, and unboxings that’ll make you question whether you’re the magician or the assistant in a disappearing act. Let’s crack on.
TL;DR
This week’s haul includes a brainy ACAAN review, Daniel Madison’s slick new deck, a mentalist’s ultimate multitool, a mystery unboxing that’s light on spoilers, and a beginner card trick so simple it’ll make you wonder why you ever bothered learning the double lift. Plus: Craig Petty answers questions about everything, from sensory magic to tax deductions. Spoiler: the tax bit’s the real rabbit-out-of-a-hat moment.
Videos Reviewed
🎩 Infinite ACAAN by Lloyd Barnes | magic-tv
Craig Petty and his son Ryland dissect Lloyd Barnes’ reimagined Any Card at Any Number — a trick so classic it’s basically the black turtleneck of magic. They demo, debate, and dish on whether this version deserves shelf space next to Berglas and Tamariz.
The Unhinged Take: ACAAN is the steak dinner of card magic — filling, reliable, but easy to overcook. Barnes’ “Infinite” twist sounds like a Netflix reboot: same plot, shinier graphics. Craig’s review is the critic’s verdict you actually trust. Bloody brilliant for theory-heads, but if you’re still using a rubber band to hold your deck together, maybe start with something less… existential.
Watch here → Infinite ACAAN by Lloyd Barnes | Review Show Special
🃏 BLACK TRIBUTE + GAFF Playing Cards | DANIELmadison
Daniel Madison’s latest deck is all sleek black minimalism with gaff cards lurking like cheeky accomplices. Designed for workers who’d rather not fumble with flashy designs mid-routine.
The Unhinged Take: If Penn & Teller’s wardrobe had a baby with a CIA operative, this deck would be it. The gaff cards are the real MVPs here — no-nonsense tools for tricks that go “pop” in the night. Just don’t lose the gimmicked joker. Last time I lost one, it turned up in a friend’s pocket six months later. Coincidence? Sleight Club members might know…
Watch here → BLACK TRIBUTE + GAFF Playing Cards
🧠 Mind Spy II by Peter Nardi | MurphysMagicSupplies
A notepad-style peek wallet for mentalists, now with 20% more “how did you know that?!” and finishes fancier than a detective’s trench coat. Comes with tutorials from Nardi and Marc Spelmann.
The Unhinged Take: This thing’s the Swiss Army Knife of mentalism — if Swiss Army Knives could read minds. The “Baker Street brown” finish practically whispers, “Elementary, my dear spectator.” Limited edition? Of course. These’ll vanish faster than a magician’s dignity at a family reunion.
Watch here → Mind Spy II by Peter Nardi | full performance
🎁 Unboxing Package from Henry Harrius Presents | YinHoweMagic
A mystery box from Henry Harrius — equal parts Antiques Roadshow and Scooby-Doo. No spoilers, but the creator’s excitement is contagious. Affiliate links included, because magic doesn’t pay the bills (unless you’re David Copperfield, obviously).
The Unhinged Take: If you’ve ever enjoyed tearing into a surprise package like a caffeinated squirrel, this is your vibe. Light on details, high on suspense. Next time, maybe throw in a Ouija board to up the drama.
Watch here → Unboxing Package from Henry Harrius Presents
🧙♂️ Give Me A Break(down) EP.24 | Reid Ferry
Reid Ferry dissects his propless mentalism routine, offering coaching, courses, and the kind of patter that’ll make audiences think you’ve hacked their brains.
The Unhinged Take: Propless magic is like doing stand-up with no mic — it’s all on your chops. Ferry’s breakdown feels like a masterclass in “how to look profound while secretly counting in your head.” Worth a watch if you fancy yourself a psychological ninja.
Watch here → THIS is the BEST PROPLESS Mentalism Trick!
🃩 Intuition Test - Beginner Card Trick Tutorial | AMillionCardTricks
A color-change/card-control trick for newbies, served with a side of David Blaine-inspired grit. Ideal for kids’ parties or sober family gatherings.
The Unhinged Take: “Beginner-friendly” usually means “boring,” but this one’s got flair. It’s the magical equivalent of a PB&J — simple, satisfying, and unlikely to make you cry (unless you’re allergic to fun).
Watch here → Intuition Test - Beginner Card Trick Tutorial
🍾 Gentlemen's Magic Bottle Pocket | EverythingMagicPro99
A gimmick that lets you vanish rings into bottles, penetrate coins, and reset faster than a rebooted iPhone. Examined post-show, so it’s sneakier than a magician’s handshake.
The Unhinged Take: The Bottle Pocket’s more versatile than a bobby pin in a spy thriller. Just don’t let your audience get too curious — curiosity killed the cat, and also approximately 73% of magic tricks.
Watch here → Gentlemen's Magic Bottle Pocket Pocket
❓ Q&A With Craig Petty | magic-tv
From tactile tricks for the visually impaired to the existential crisis of learning the top change, Craig Petty answers it all. Also: the origin of “butt magnet.” You’re welcome.
The Unhinged Take: Craig’s Q&A is the magical version of a pub quiz — random, informative, and slightly tipsy. Who knew tax deductions could be this riveting? (Answer: Accountants. But they’re not fun at parties.)
Watch here → Beginner Mentalism, Tricks With Senses & What Is A Butt Magnet?
Farewell
If this week’s videos prove anything, it’s that magic’s all about adaptation — whether you’re tweaking ACAAN for the 21st century or making tricks accessible for sight-impaired audiences. Oh, and always read the fine print on tax deductions. Trust me.
Sleightly Unhinged
“The world is full of obvious things… which nobody by any chance ever observes.” — Sherlock Holmes (but I stole it).