Hard Stretch by Roman Armstrong

Effect

Hard Stretch is a visually stunning magic trick that leaves audiences in awe. The magician starts by stretching a rubber band, while a spectator holds a ring. In an impossible moment, the rubber band loses its stretchiness and becomes solid, while the ring transforms into a stretchy, rubber-like material. The effect is clean, surprising, and perfect as a finale for rubber band routines.

Full details

Hard Stretch is a rubber band magic trick created by Roman Armstrong. It involves a transposition between a rubber band and a ring, where the band hardens and the ring becomes stretchy. The trick requires no table, uses examinable props, and has an instant reset, making it highly practical for walk-around or close-up performances. The project also includes a bonus routine called 'Mini Me,' where a rubber band breaks into tiny pieces, adding an extra layer of strangeness and surprise. The tutorial teaches multiple rubber band routines, making it suitable for both beginners and experienced magicians.

Who should consider the trick

Hard Stretch is ideal for magicians who perform close-up or walk-around magic and want a strong, visual finale for their rubber band routines. It’s also a great choice for those looking to add a unique and surprising effect to their repertoire. Beginners will appreciate the detailed teaching, while pros will find the trick’s practicality and impact valuable.

Information on how difficult it is to perform

Hard Stretch is designed to be straightforward and accessible. While it requires specific props and some practice to master, the method is simple enough for beginners to learn quickly. The tutorial provides clear instructions, making it easy to understand and perform. Experienced magicians will find the trick’s mechanics intuitive, allowing them to focus on presentation and audience interaction.

What magicians say

Craig Petty describes Hard Stretch as a "game-changer for rubber band magic," comparing it to the jumbo coin in coin magic or the Omni deck in card magic. He praises its commercial appeal, noting that it requires no table, uses examinable props, and has an instant reset. The bonus routine 'Mini Me' is highlighted as a Paul Harris-style moment of strangeness, adding extra value to the project.

AlakazamMagicUK calls Hard Stretch a "jaw-dropping finale" with strong visual appeal and surprise factor. They emphasize its suitability for Christmas performances and its ability to generate strong audience reactions. Roman Armstrong’s development process, which took six to seven months, is also noted as a testament to the trick’s quality and impact.

Overall, Hard Stretch is highly praised for its simplicity, practicality, and strong visual impact, making it a must-have for magicians looking to elevate their rubber band routines.