How to Choose the Right Magnet for Your Magic Tricks

Quick answer

The right magnet for your magic tricks depends on your routine: rubber-coated magnets like the 1ST Gum Magnet or 1ST V1 Magnet are great for subtle, everyday effects, while gimmicked tools like The Dreamer or Bottoms Up offer more visual possibilities but require practice. Consider size, strength, and visibility to match your performance style.

When you're building a magic routine, magnets are quiet workhorses. They can make objects stick, move, or vanish in ways that surprise audiences. But not all magnets are the same. Choosing the right one means thinking about how it looks, how it feels, and how it fits into your act.

This guide breaks down the key factors—size, coating, strength, and gimmick type—so you can pick a magnet that works for your specific trick. Whether you're a close-up performer or a stage magician, these rules will help you avoid common pitfalls.

Consider the size and visibility

Magnets come in many shapes and sizes, and the one you choose should disappear into your routine. A large, obvious magnet can ruin the illusion, while a small one might not be strong enough to do the job. Think about where the magnet will be seen: in your hand, on a table, or attached to an object.

For tricks where the magnet is exposed, a rubber-coated design that looks like an everyday object is often better. For example, the 1ST Gum Magnet looks like a piece of gum, so it can sit in plain sight without raising suspicion. In contrast, a gimmicked magnet hidden inside a prop might need to be larger to generate enough force.

• Match the magnet size to the object you want to move or hold.
• If the magnet is visible, choose a design that blends in with your props or clothing.
• Test the magnet's strength before performing to ensure it can handle the weight.

Evaluate the coating and durability

The coating on a magnet matters for both look and longevity. Bare metal magnets can scratch props or feel cold to the touch. Rubber-coated magnets offer a better grip and are quieter when they come into contact with other surfaces. They also protect the magnet from damage if you drop it.

The 1ST V1 Magnet, for example, is encased in PVC rubber and shaped like a miniature deck of cards. That coating not only makes it look like a card but also adds durability. Think about how often you'll handle the magnet—if it's part of a daily carry routine, a rugged coating is worth the extra cost.

• Rubber or PVC coatings reduce noise and prevent scratches.
• Durable coatings are essential if you practice frequently or travel with your props.
• Consider the aesthetic: a magnet that mimics a playing card or gum can be a clever part of your story.

Understand the strength you need

Magnet strength is measured in pull force, but you don't need to memorize specs to choose well. The key question is: what will the magnet be lifting, holding, or moving? A light object like a card or a coin needs less force than a heavier prop. Stronger magnets can be harder to control, so they might require more practice.

For most close-up tricks, a medium-strength magnet is plenty. If you're doing a visual effect like a bottle vanishing, you might need a gimmicked setup with stronger magnets built in. In that case, you're not choosing a single magnet but a complete system.

• Test your magnet with the actual props you'll use in your routine.
• Stronger isn't always better—overpowering magnets can cause objects to jump or stick unexpectedly.
• If you're unsure, start with a smaller magnet and upgrade only if the trick demands it.

Think about the trick type and gimmick compatibility

Magnets are often part of a larger gimmick, not just a standalone tool. For example, The Dreamer - Electronic Spinning Top is a magic trick that uses a spinning top, and while it may involve magnets, the effect is driven by electronics. Similarly, Tobias Dostal's Bottoms Up uses three precision-made gimmicks to create visual effects like a vanishing bottle. In these cases, the magnet is built into the prop, so you don't need to choose a separate one.

When you're selecting a magnet for a specific trick, consider whether it needs to be visible or hidden. A rubber magnet that looks like gum can be used in a routine where you pretend to chew it and then make it stick to something. A magnet that looks like a playing card can be used in card magic without breaking the illusion.

• For gimmicked tricks, rely on the manufacturer's design rather than adding your own magnets.
• If you're creating your own effect, think about how the magnet will be introduced and ditched.
• Practice with the magnet in front of a mirror to see if it looks natural from the audience's perspective.

Decision rules for picking a magic magnet

• If you need a subtle, everyday magnet: Choose a rubber-coated magnet that looks like a common object, such as the 1ST Gum Magnet. It's small, non-threatening, and can be introduced naturally. Best for close-up and street magic where audience scrutiny is high.
• If you perform card magic: Pick a magnet that mimics a deck of cards, like the 1ST V1 Magnet. Its design lets you keep it on the table without breaking the card theme. Keeps your routine coherent and avoids suspicion.
• If you want a complete visual effect: Invest in a gimmicked trick like The Dreamer or Bottoms Up, which come with magnets built into the props. These offer more impact but require practice. Best for performers who want a wow factor without manual magnet handling.

Relevant products and their specs

• 1ST Gum Magnet: It's a Rubber magnet that looks like a gum. That's it. Non edible.-It's about the size of a gum.-Designed in Montreal. This magnet is perfect for close-up magic where you want a mundane object that can be introduced casually. Its small size and realistic look let you hide it in plain sight, making it ideal for routines that involve stealing or switching.
• 1ST V1 Magnet: A magnet encased in a rubber miniature replica of the 1ST V1 deck of cards.- PVC rubber- 45mmX33mmX10mm- Designed in Montreal If you perform card magic, this magnet looks like a deck of cards, so you can keep it on the table without suspicion. Its rubber coating protects your cards from scratches, and the compact size fits easily in your palm.
• The Dreamer - Electronic Spinning Top: WATCH THE TRAILER HERE: This is not a standard magnet but a gimmicked electronic top that creates a stunning visual effect. If you're looking for a high-impact trick that doesn't require manual magnet handling, this product offers a different type of magic.
• Tobias Dostal's Bottoms up: The Latest Miracle from the Mind of Tobias DostalBOTTOM’S UPThis is not just one trick. It is a full toolkit for visual, off-the-cuff magic that hits!Bottom’s Up comes with three precision made gimmicks that allow you to perform a wide range of stunning effects, including:    •    Vanishing Bottle    •    Self Bending... For magicians who want a versatile set of gimmicks, this toolkit includes magnets integrated into the props. It's a good choice if you're ready to invest in a multi-effect system rather than buying individual magnets.

Who should buy which magnet?

Best for

• Magicians who need a simple, everyday object to use in impromptu tricks
• Card magicians who want a magnet that doesn't clash with their theme
• Performers ready to invest in a multi-effect gimmick system

Not for

• Magicians who need strong lifting power for heavy props—those may need specialized industrial magnets
• Beginners who are not ready to practice with complex gimmicks

Choosing the right magnet for your magic tricks comes down to matching the tool to your routine. For subtle, everyday effects, a rubber-coated magnet like the 1ST Gum Magnet or 1ST V1 Magnet offers practicality and deception. For more visual, high-impact tricks, consider gimmicked options like The Dreamer or Bottoms Up. Assess your performance style, practice, and let the magnet become an invisible part of your magic.