DragonScale by Penguin Magic

The first time I saw a similar effect to DragonScale was ten years ago with E.S.P. by LabcoMagic and I was suitably amazed with Soren Harbo’s beatuiful effect.  DragonScale has more features for about half the price but that is because you get to use the full power of your smartphone (iPhone or Android are supported).  The two biggest criticisms of DragonScale I have read are:

1. It should come with a custom reader, not just a smartphone. The price would sky-rocket.
2. I can do everything with a stacked deck without DragonScale. Good luck doing the described effect with a stacked deck and not once looking at the cards 🙂

I’m not a big lover of anything to do with electronics but you have to give this effect its due. If you are performing more formal close-up, as opposed to walk-around where I’m not sure I would recommend this effect, you can create some outstanding miracles that could not be done simply with a stacked deck (even if you are lucky enough to remember one!).

One of the routines in the tutorial that took my eye was when the performer leaves the deck on the table and looks away.  The first spectator cuts a portion of cards off the deck and you can tell him what card he cut too.  The next spectator cuts off a portion and you are able to tell them how many cards are in their hand.  Finally the third spectator cuts off a third portion and you are able to tell them how many clubs, hearts, spades and diamonds are in the packet.

In no instance do you turn around or need to see the cards.  Zero memory work too and you could even use your own stack if you wanted.

I did found you should not use a close-up mat when performing this – it works best when on a hard surface like the table or bar.  But if your close-up pad is stiffer then it could also work, but my mats are fairly plush and I found it a little less accurate.

So if you are looking for that one killer effect this could easily be it.  Use a new deck, keep your battery charged and go for it 🙂

Effect: Prepare to know everything. You’ll know how many cards people are holding, how many are red, black, the suits. You’ll even know the sum of the cards in their hands. Know which objects are where. The routines possible are so strong that they could astonish people who have seen creatures of myth and legend. This is DragonScale from Penguin Magic.

A top-secret project at Penguin Magic for five years, the DragonScale is a patented smart scale hidden inside of a card box that is so sensitive it can detect the slightest differences in weight down to a single card. The information the DragonScale learns is sent to a companion app that converts weight into details that create unreal revelations. This precision-made prop operates in stealth and feeds you real-time information so that you can focus on your presentation. It’s the closest you will ever feel to having actual magical powers.

How does it work?

Inside the card box, a durable tuck shell designed to look just like a standard deck of Bicycle cards, is a precision-engineered smart scale that communicates directly with our custom application available on iOS and Android. The app is preloaded with popular card stacks like Mnemonica, Aronson, and Si Stebbins and allows for custom stacks and arrangements. Place the stacked deck on the box and have your spectators cut off packets of cards, then wait for the information delivery.

You read that right, spectators. Plural. Multiple people can remove packets of cards, and precise information about each packet is delivered to your smart device (we included watch support for people who really want to fly under the radar). Then reveal the exact information you want at your leisure. Whether it’s the exact card they cut to, the number of cards in their hand, or even how many cards are red or black. Information delivery is discreet, and the supplied tutorial video will teach you how to get the information with your audience none the wiser.

You aren’t just limited to cards.

DragonScale can be set up for custom weight arrangements. That means three objects can be placed on the card box. You turn your back, and when a participant removes an object, you will instantly know which one is taken. The applications with this incredible device are limitless.

Included with DragonScale is Penguin Magic’s legendary customer support. Every device is guaranteed free from defects for two years. That means if you have any problems with it, just let us know, and we will fix it or replace it at no charge.

Tip the scales of astonishment in your favor with DragonScale by Penguin Magic.

iOS app requires iOS 13.2 or later

Android app requires Android 7 (Nougat) or later

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