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Hot Rod Effect by Eric Stevens and Alakazam Magic

Created by: Eric Stevens, Alakazam Magic

The **Hot Rod Effect** in *Stixx* by Eric Stevens is a visually stunning close-up magic trick that revolves around color-changing and transposition illusions with specially designed sticks. Spectators witness seemingly impossible transformations, such as a stick appearing blue in a mirror while remaining its original color in reality, or sticks switching places entirely in their hands. The set includes five custom-made rods (clear, omni, color spectrum, shrunken teal, and two gaff sticks) that enable a variety of baffling routines. This is ideal for magicians who want to perform highly visual, interactive, and commercial magic that feels organic and impossible to decipher.

Key features

  • Comprehensive 3.5-hour tutorial covering core routines, sleeving techniques, and performance tips

  • Instant reset, making it perfect for table-hopping or close-up shows

  • Custom-designed rods with multiple built-in gimmicks for versatile effects

  • No DIY required—rods come ready to use

  • Works for both live performances and social media due to its visual nature

Pros

  • Highly visual and baffling for audiences

  • Extensive tutorial with detailed instruction and live performances

  • Practical and commercial—great for close-up or table-hopping

  • Affordable price point for the quality and content provided

  • No clothing restrictions if sleeving is avoided

Cons

  • Initial difficulty removing rods from the box

  • Minor flashes possible with certain moves (though unlikely to be noticed by spectators)

  • Sleeving techniques may require practice for beginners

Effect

The Hot Rod Effect involves the visual manipulation of colored sticks to create impossible color changes and transpositions. A magician shows a multicolored stick and a teal stick, then makes them switch places or change colors in the spectator's hands. One version includes a "mirror dimension" illusion where a stick appears blue in a mirror but remains its original color in reality. The effect is highly visual and leaves audiences baffled by the sudden transformations.

Full Details

The Stixx set by Eric Stevens includes five specially designed sticks:

  • A clear stick
  • An omni stick
  • A standard color spectrum stick
  • A shrunken teal stick
  • Two gaff sticks

The sticks are custom-made and allow for multiple effects, including color changes, vanishes, and transpositions. The tutorial is 3.5 hours long and covers core routines, sleeving techniques (optional), and performance tips. The reset is instant, making it suitable for table-hopping and close-up performances.

Who Should Consider the Trick

This trick is ideal for magicians who:

  • Want a visual, commercial effect that plays well in live and social media performances.
  • Are interested in color-based magic with strong audience interaction.
  • Prefer tricks that reset quickly for repeated performances.
  • Are open to learning sleeving techniques (though not required).

Difficulty

The difficulty depends on the routine. The main effects are manageable for beginners, but some techniques, like sleeving, require practice. The angles are generally good, though a few moments may require slight adjustments. The tutorial provides detailed instruction, making it accessible for most skill levels.

What Magicians Say

  • SaturnMagicShop highlights the "mirror dimension" effect, calling it a striking optical illusion. They praise the custom-made sticks for enabling "previously unimaginable visual magic."
  • BAM_magic considers the $40 price a "steal" and rates the trick 90.8%. They emphasize the practicality, instant reset, and strong audience reactions, calling it a "worker" that surpasses older versions of the Hot Rod effect.

The Hot Rod Effect in Stixx offers a fresh, modern take on a classic concept, making it a strong choice for magicians looking for visual, interactive magic.

What people are saying about Hot Rod Effect

BAM_magic says...

For $40, *Stixx* is a steal. The rods are 100x better than old hot rods, and the 3.5-hour tutorial is worth the price alone. It’s visual, happens in the spectator’s hands, and resets instantly—perfect for workers.

SaturnMagicShop says...

Stixx is the most comprehensive project on the hot rod ever released, with tricks, tips, and moves previously kept private. The mirror dimension effect is a standout—it looks blue in the mirror while staying its original color in reality.

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