Penil

Effect

Penil is a smart pen that allows a magician to secretly receive written information from a spectator in real time. The spectator writes on a piece of paper, a business card, or even their own hand, and the magician instantly knows what they’ve written—without any visible technology or suspicious actions. The pen transmits the writing to the magician’s phone or smartwatch, making it perfect for mentalism, predictions, and mind-reading effects.

Full Details

Penil is a commercially available smart pen modified for magic. It uses infrared camera technology to track writing movements based on a dot pattern embedded in the supplied paper or cards. The pen connects via Bluetooth to a smartphone app, displaying the spectator’s writing in real time.

Key features:

• Works on standard paper, business cards, or even a spectator’s hand (with a card placed underneath).
• Includes 100 blank cards with subtle dot patterns for clean performances.
• Rechargeable battery with up to 20 hours of use.
• Comes with 20 professional routines to integrate into performances.

Mark from Saturn Magic notes that while the technology itself is not new, the magician-friendly modifications—such as the discreet dot-patterned cards and performance-focused routines—add value for performers.

Who Should Consider the Trick

Penil is ideal for:

• Mentalists looking for a clean, tech-assisted method for predictions and mind-reading.
• Close-up and stage performers who want a modern twist on classic billet techniques.
• Social media magicians who can use the instant transmission for engaging video content.

Mark points out that the high price (£339) may be a barrier for some, as the core technology can be purchased separately for less. However, the included routines and specially designed cards make it a convenient all-in-one solution for professionals.

Difficulty

The trick is easy to perform from a technical standpoint—once set up, the pen does the work automatically. The challenge lies in:

• Handling the pen naturally to avoid suspicion (the pen must be held at the correct angle).
• Integrating the technology smoothly into routines without drawing attention to the method.
• Managing the app discreetly during live performances.

Mark mentions that while the pen is designed to look normal, its slightly tapered shape may require spectators to hold it a certain way for optimal function.

What Magicians Say

Mark from Saturn Magic shares mixed thoughts:

• Pros: "The effect is strong—spectators write freely, and you know exactly what they’ve written instantly. The blank cards are a great addition, making the method nearly invisible."
• Cons: "The price is steep for what’s essentially an off-the-shelf smart pen with magic-friendly extras. If you’re tech-savvy, you could source the pen separately for much less."

He also highlights that the included routines provide solid performance ideas, though experienced mentalists may prefer to develop their own presentations.

For magicians willing to invest, Penil offers a powerful tool for modern mentalism. However, those on a budget may explore alternative methods or wait for potential price adjustments.