Ben
So, let me start off by saying, this is a gaff deck more than a gimmick. Definitely not a gimmick. A gimmick by definition is a device used to attract people, in magic, it's a specially designed single device to fool people (like, Smooth by Nicholas Lawrence. Which is incredible by the way.)
Fragment is disappointing in so many levels (literally), it's not something you can go out and perform to laypeople at all. You will not get away with performing any of these effects that show you in the trailer. The handling of the gaff is so finicky. You will struggle to perform this in the real world as a close-up magician.
But, saying this, you MAYBE able to get away with this for stage and cabaret... maybe. As vanishing and appearing decks go, this is at the bottom for me because there are so many different workable variations of this classic that can be used.
The only thing this will be good for is social media, you'll use it once for a decent video, but that's it. which is why this is a one-hit-wonder and why I gave it 3 stars.
As a gaff produced deck, its really well made (of course it would be though, due to the way its made) and I do think there is potential here through the concept. The idea around it is pretty awesome if I'm honest. But, I personally don't think anyone would perform this as the effect its design for, except for social media and video calls.
Now, the product itself is...well... a lot of money for something you can make at home if you want to spend the time doing so. $30... come on guys. Seriously though, like I can spend $3 on an actual deck. Then to receive the Fragment Gaff is like getting kicked hard in the crotch area. It feels like someone walking up to you saying "Wanna be a magician? Well, keep spending money on over-priced products that you will only use once."
The teaching, the video download, and specifically the lighting are just not that great. They don't perform a trick to laypeople and they don't really perform the trick anyway. The instructions were so bad because of one of the lighting situations, I had to turn it off.
This is also a big problem too, please state "Social Media Magic" on products that are designed for that reason. No one can't use this trick in real-life circumstances, but please if anyone does use this in live performance, drop in a link on the product page somewhere. Prove me wrong, please just do that.
It's getting to the point in the magic community where we are starting to run out of new original ideas like "Hollywood" and bringing out bad versions of classics. Now, I have been pretty harsh so far, so let me shed some light. You can't perform this in real life, but you can perform on camera and it looks amazing. What you receive, is what you get. Like I stated before, its a nice addition to a gaff deck of cards, I feel like there can be more created with this and it would be interesting to see different ideas.
So, if you're looking for a vanishing/appearing deck, its best to check elsewhere because unfortunately, this isn't it unless you want to have a unique gaff to work with. Saying that, Bicycle should just sell their own versions of this as a gag.
Sorry Abstract, but this isn't a great trick. It's overpriced for what it is. I understand, selling magic is production +(gaff/gimmick) + Idea = Price & Profit. But this is a waste. Between $10-20 is reasonable. Not $30, overvaluing your products will ruin trust to your consumers.
So much excitement for an unfinished overpriced product. Also, I forgot to mention that you cant hand them out and its really bad angles. Sorry guys.