SleightfulAito Box by Mario Lopez
Created by: Mario Lopez
Key features
Includes a brass aito box and gaffed coins for the effect.
Comes with an hour-long tutorial teaching two tricks.
Designed to be accessible for magicians not specializing in coin magic.
Performance tips cover pocket management and angles for optimal presentation.
The effect is largely self-working, with the box and coins doing most of the work.
Pros
Visual and captivating effect that appeals to spectators.
Accessible to magicians of all skill levels, especially those not specialized in coin magic.
Includes a high-quality brass aito box and gaffed coins.
Comprehensive tutorial with performance tips and a second trick.
Cons
One gaff coin cannot be examined, requiring a switch for added realism.
The tutorial video is lengthy (an hour) for only two tricks, which may not appeal to all.
The price point ($165) may be considered high for some buyers.
Effect
The Aito Box trick by Mario Lopez creates a visual and engaging coin magic effect. The magician uses three coins: copper, silver, and a Chinese coin. The spectator hears all three coins drop into the brass Aito box. When the magician opens the box, one coin is missing and appears in their hand. This repeats until all three coins have seemingly traveled from the box to the magician's hand one by one. The effect is clean and surprising, with strong audience reactions.
Full Details
The Aito Box trick includes a brass Okito-style box, gaffed coins (a Chinese coin, a Kennedy half dollar, and a brass Okito box coin), and an hour-long tutorial. The main effect involves the coins visually jumping from the box to the magician's hand. A second trick is also taught, which uses the same gaffed coins but without the box, focusing on rapid coin changes and misdirection.
The method relies on gimmicked props rather than advanced sleight of hand, making it accessible. The tutorial covers performance tips, pocket management, and angles to maintain the illusion. One gaffed coin cannot be examined, but the rest can be handled naturally.
Who Should Consider the Trick
This trick suits magicians who want a visually strong coin effect without needing expert-level sleight of hand. It is ideal for performers who enjoy prop-based magic and want a reliable, repeatable routine. Those who appreciate Mario Lopez's style or collect unique coin magic will find value in this release.
Difficulty
The Aito Box trick is rated as beginner to intermediate in difficulty. The gimmicks do most of the work, reducing the need for complex sleights. The tutorial provides clear instructions, though some may find the pacing slow. The second trick involves slightly more handling but remains manageable for most skill levels.
What Magicians Say
David from Magic Orthodoxy praised the trick's visual impact, saying, "Even after knowing the method, Lopez's performance is still captivating." He noted that while the tutorial is lengthy, the teaching is thorough. He also mentioned that the trick is accessible, stating, "This is a Mario Lopez effect I could do, and I'm not a good coin magician."
The main critique was the video's length, which some may find excessive for two tricks. However, the quality of the props and the strength of the effect make it a worthwhile consideration for interested performers.
What people are saying about Aito Box
magicorthodoxy says...
This is a Mario Lopez effect I could do and it's beautiful... even after knowing what the gimmicks were and how they worked, still going to watch his trick, he still blew me away.
Review videos
Magic Review - Out of the Box by Mario Lopez
magicorthodoxy mentioned this magic trick in this video.