If you have purchased many different decks from Ellusionist or other various websites, here is a guide that will help you know when to use those decks instead of basic bicycle decks.
Basic Bicycle decks
These decks are standard quality, and are great for both practice and performances. When performing street or close up magic, I recommend using these cards. They enhance the effect because most people have seen basic bicycle decks. Therefore, it eliminates any suspicion of a gaff or set up deck.
Ellusionist Decks
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These decks have extremely good quality. However, when performing with them, it does raise some suspicion; mostly because the spectators have never seen a deck like that before. I recommend using these decks for color changes, flourishes, and XCM. I very rarely use my Ellusionist decks for performances. You can use them for practice, but I suggest that you don’t because they are quite expensive for a deck of cards.
When buying a gaff deck, should I buy it in regular bicycle deck form, or Ellusionist custom deck form?
When buying a gaff deck such as the rising deck, invisible deck, or gaff deck (with all the specialized cards), I highly recommend purchasing it in regular bicycle deck form. The reason is because when using a gaff deck, you can perform tricks that regular decks of cards can’t do. It may be extremely suspicious do an incredible effect using a deck that is rare, or not common (ex: black tiger deck). Therefore, if you have a gaff deck that’s in regular bicycle deck form, people will not be suspicious as to whether you have a fixed deck, simply because they are used to seeing a regular bicycle deck. Hence, it will enhance the effect greatly.
