Flight Deck by Steve Gore and Penguin Magic

Effect

The Flight Deck is a marked deck that allows magicians to instantly identify any card in the deck. The markings are placed on both the long and short edges of the cards, making them easier to read than some other marked decks. This means a performer can quickly locate a selected card, even after the deck has been shuffled. The deck looks like a standard deck of cards to the audience, keeping the method hidden.

Full details

The Flight Deck is manufactured by USPCC, ensuring high-quality card stock and durability. It includes a double backer, adding versatility for certain routines. The design is simple and resembles a standard deck, making it less noticeable in performance. The markings are placed on both the long and short borders, providing more visual information for quick identification. Unlike some marked decks, this system allows for direct reading of the card without needing to rely solely on edge markings.

Who should consider the trick

This deck is ideal for magicians who want a reliable marked deck with clear, easy-to-read markings. It works well for performers who need quick access to card information during routines. However, those who strictly use Bicycle-style decks in their performances may find the design too different for seamless integration. Alexis mentions that while he appreciates the quality, he wouldn't use it in his gigs because it doesn't match his usual setup.

Information on how difficult it is to perform

The marking system is straightforward, making it accessible even for those new to marked decks. Alexis rates the difficulty as 2 out of 4 stars, indicating that the learning curve is minimal. The main challenge comes from integrating the deck into existing routines if the performer prefers a different design.

What magicians say

Alexis praises the Flight Deck for its clear markings and high-quality construction. He notes that the system is more user-friendly than some alternatives, like the Butterfly series, due to the additional marking space. However, he points out that the deck's unique design makes it less suitable for his performances, where he prefers standard-looking decks. He gives it a solid 3 out of 4 hearts for quality but acknowledges it may not be the best choice for everyone.

Other marked decks, such as the Butterfly series, DMC, and UMD, offer similar functionality, but the Flight Deck stands out for its ease of use and clear markings.