MetalPhone by Calen Morelli
Created by: Calen Morelli
Key features
No sleight of hand or switches required
Expertly crafted gimmick made in Portland, Oregon
Suitable for beginners
Works within a 120° range but can be performed 360° surrounded once the card is placed down
Comes with a 7-minute tutorial covering handling, prep, and performance tips
Visual impact is even better in person than on video
Pros
Visually stunning and highly deceptive
Easy to perform with minimal effort
Clean execution with no complex moves required
Great for close-up, social media, or stage performances
Cons
Gimmick may need replacement every 2-3 months with daily use
Cannot be examined by spectators
Spectators directly behind may catch a glimpse of the method
Effect
The MetalPhone trick involves a playing card with a hole that spectators can see through. When placed on a surface like a phone or wallet, the hole visibly moves or shifts position. The effect is direct and requires no sleight of hand or switches.
Full Details
The gimmick is handmade in Portland, Oregon, and designed for durability. With daily use, it may need replacement every 2-3 months. The trick works within a 120° range, meaning spectators directly behind the performer might see the method. Once the card is placed down, it can be performed 360° surrounded. The gimmicked card cannot be examined, but a simple switch can be used after the performance if needed.
The trick comes with a 7-minute tutorial covering handling, preparation, and performance tips. Additional variations for different objects are included. The price is $60, making it accessible for beginners.
Who Should Consider the Trick
MetalPhone is ideal for magicians who want a visual, easy-to-perform effect. It suits close-up, social media, or stage performances. Beginners will appreciate the lack of sleight of hand, while experienced performers can use it as a quick, impactful piece.
Difficulty
The trick is beginner-friendly. No advanced techniques are required. The main challenge is managing angles during performance. Once the card is placed down, angle restrictions disappear.
What Magicians Say
Beau Kremmer from MurphysMagicSupplies calls MetalPhone a "modern classic" with "visual impact and deceptive simplicity." He notes that the effect looks even better in person than on video. The gimmick is well-made but may wear out with frequent use. The tutorial is concise, covering essential handling and variations.
Beau recommends the trick for its directness and strong visual appeal. He suggests letting the effect speak for itself rather than worrying about examination. The trick has fooled experienced magicians and works well in various performance settings.
What people are saying about MetalPhone
Beau Kremmer says...
Quantum Aperture is a modern classic—visually stunning, easy to perform, and highly deceptive. [...] Beau, who saw it live at Magic Live, was thoroughly impressed by its clean execution and fooling power.
Review videos
The BEST moving hole effect? | Quantum Aperture by Calen Morelli | STUMPED review
MurphysMagicSupplies mentioned this magic trick in this video.