The Informer is a difficult product to review, partly because it is a tool rather than an effect, and partly due to some conflicting stories about its uniqueness. But we’ll have a go.

What is it?

Essentially The Informer is an impression device with many applications in the field of mentalism. Lloyd repeatedly speaks of the high tech materials used (apparently also used in the medical world) and of the much higher resolution of ‘impression’ given by the Informer as over any other product on the market. In comes nicely packaged with all you need to get going straight away.

This is where it gets more complicated since various people have claimed the technology used is precisely the same as that in a previously marketed effect released by another company. I haven’t used the other product so am in no position to comment on this claim, but given the clear similarities between the two I am very surprised that the instructions don’t even make any reference to it.

lloyd mobley the informer reviewYou could probably argue that the format/size of the gimmick – disguised as it is in a playing card – may distinguish it from other products. But nonetheless the absence of any crediting is at best sloppy and at worst dishonest.

The Instructions

You’re supplied with a link and password for the standard online (or downloadable) tutorial. It runs for around 34 minutes and has the feel of a home video. The teaching is a little ponderous, and not very high resolution – e.g. close ups on preparation of new pen would have been helpful. But the principle and techniques are not so complicated that you couldn’t understand what’s going on.

As well as teaching the basic technique, it explains how to move the gimmick from one pen to another. You’re supplied with an extra gimmick if you want to make up a second pen also.

Does it work?

Yes. It definitely works well – with 10 or fewer pages of a notebook between the pen and the gimmick you get a very clear image. And it still worked at 20 pages, though the image was definitely getting less clear. In spite of the ‘high resolution’ claims, I don’t think I would want to use it for lots of detailed information – but it would be great for a simple drawing or number etc.

I found erasing/clearing device a little tricky to do well – which may be an issue with my review Informer since it looks much more straightforward on the video.

The device can be used in a notebook, or in pack of cards (where the spectator writes by leaning on the box). Indeed it could go anywhere you can hide a single playing card. This is probably an advantage over some similar devices on the market where the device is built in to specific item.

All in all I think this device has a lot of potential for mental magic – and even some card magic applications. At £36.50 it is somewhat cheaper than some of the alternatives on the market. They have also released a larger version (£45.50) and spare pens are available for £13.99 if you don’t want to make your own up.

The Informer is available direct from MagicShop.co.uk for £36.50 (at the time of writing).

Review copy kindly provided by Murphys Magic to whom dealer enquiries should be directed.

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