[Long] Multi-Deck Review - 7 decks reviewed (in progress)

[RobotsEatCookies]

Introduction:
This thread contains reviews and observations of decks in my possession. It is meant to be a quick reference for those that need a point to start looking into decks they would like to buy. The observations reflect my personal experience with each earphone and should be taken as such as everyone has their own opinions.

Ratings:
My ratings are based on how well think each deck performs in that category, on a scale listed below. A perfect score indicates that it is a perfect deck.

The categories reviewed are:

-Durability (out of 5): How long does the deck last with use?
-Handling/Flourishing (out of 10): How smooth is the cardistry performed by the deck?
-Design (out of 10): How well was the deck designed? (Visuals, performance)
-Magic (out of 5): How well is the deck suited for magic?
-Gaming (out of 5): Can the deck stand rigorous games?
-Perks (out of 5): What are any bonuses included with this deck?


Table of Contents:

(A1): Ellusionist White Arcane
(A2): theory11 Artisan
(A3): Ellusionist Purple Artifice V2
(A4): Bicycle/Ellusionist White Ghost
(A5): Bicycle/theory11 Guardians
(A6): theory11 Monarch
(A7): Ellusionist Rounders by Daniel Madison
(A8): Ellusionist Sultan Republic

[RobotsEatCookies]

(A1) Ellusionist White Arcane

[pic here, I'm at the library lol]
reviewed July 2013

Current Price: $6.99 from Ellusionist.com
Additional Cards: Ellusionist Ad Card, Double Backer, 2 Jokers (3 Hearts reveal)
Finish: Performance Coating
Other Editions: Gold Arcane, Black Arcane

Durability: (4.5/5) - Very flexible and easy to adjust, used rigorously but yet works well

Handling: (9.5/10) - Easily one of my best decks to handle. They need to be broken in a little, but works very well afterward.
                Shuffling: Faros and riffles smoothly, works very well
                Spreads: Smooth and excellent spreading, pairs well with back design
                Cuts: Cuts smoothly and easily, fake cuts well. Separates without hassle
                Fans: Easily one of my best fanning decks, smooth fans that almost never clump
                Springs/Dribbles: Flexible for corner springs, bend easily without wear, smooth springing

Design: (9/10) - Ellusionist clearly put a lot of effort into making the design of this deck. They are excellent when used in situations where it could scare your audience.
                Packaging: Box design is very nice and it links to the back design, which I found nice
                Additional cards: Ad cards are standard 2011 Ellusionist ad cards, Jokers are very nice and spooky, has 3 Hearts reveal.
                Back design: Intricate back design features scrolls and hieroglyphs and symbols. Looks great in spreads and fans.
                Ace of Spades: A "pirate ship" with a scroll as a sail, same on the cover. A nice design.
                Face cards: The border with the royal inside fades out with the pips. Smoke and ink are splattered around the royals, creating a spooky feel. Royals emphasize the colors of gray and black. It fades inward and their sashes are replaced with scrolls with similar hieroglyphs as the ones in the back and package.

Magic: (5/5) - The Arcanes have a very nice design and intricate design that looks spooky, and this can add to suspense in the audience when performing. They handle smoothly, making them ideal for quickly handling them for magicians. Looks very nice when performing as well.

Gaming: (4/5) - When playing games, the Arcanes can bend easily in games that require grabbing cards quickly or placing them down fast. They do not wear as easily as most decks, but they can bend from playing games.

Perks: The pips on the cards fade at the corners, creaty a ghostly feel.
Summary: (9/10) - The Arcanes are spooky and have a very intricate design to them. It is evident that Ellusionist put a lot of effort into making it. This deck's performance finish is ideal for magic, and they handle nicely. If you wish to sort of create a scary or ghostly effect, you should definitely pick one up.

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