What is Tarantula 2?
Tarantula 2 is a revolutionary magic gimmick created by Yigal Mesika, designed to allow magicians to perform incredible levitation and animation effects. It’s an upgraded version of the original Tarantula, incorporating improvements in design, functionality, and ease of use. This device essentially provides a hidden means to manipulate small objects, making them appear to float, move, and dance at the magician’s will. The appeal of Tarantula 2 lies in its ability to create seemingly impossible illusions, captivating audiences with its visual impact. It’s a tool that can dramatically enhance a magician’s repertoire, allowing for stunning and memorable performances. This review will delve into the specifics of the Tarantula 2, exploring its features, performance capabilities, and overall value.
Tarantula 2 Features & Design
The Tarantula 2 boasts several key design features that set it apart. The device itself is compact and discreet, often designed to be easily concealed. Its construction prioritizes durability and ease of handling, allowing for seamless integration into a magician’s performance. The system typically includes a small, motorized reel that houses an incredibly thin, nearly invisible thread. This thread is the secret behind the floating effects. The device is designed to be user-friendly, with intuitive controls and mechanisms that minimize the learning curve. The quality of materials ensures that the device remains reliable even after repeated use. Its discreet design allows for various performance scenarios, from close-up magic to stage illusions, ensuring that the focus remains on the magic rather than the method.
The Tarantula 2 Motorized System

At the core of the Tarantula 2 is its motorized system, which is responsible for the thread’s movement. This system provides precise control over the thread, allowing for a wide range of effects. The motor is typically quiet and efficient, ensuring that the operation is not noticeable to the audience. The remote control system, often included, provides convenient and discreet control over the thread’s movements. This allows the magician to perform the illusion from a distance, adding an element of mystery. The motorized system also allows for speed adjustments and controlled movements, providing a dynamic range of effects. The overall design of the motorized system is crucial for the effectiveness of the trick, and Yigal Mesika has worked to improve its smoothness and reliability. It is a key factor in the realism of the illusion.
Tarantula 2 Performance & Tricks
The Tarantula 2 opens up a world of possibilities for magicians. It allows for a variety of impressive tricks, from levitating small objects to animating items in a mesmerizing fashion. The beauty of the system is its versatility, as it can be adapted to different performance styles. The magician can manipulate a variety of objects, such as playing cards, coins, or even small personal items, making the magic highly personalized. One of the most captivating aspects of the Tarantula 2 is its ability to create a strong sense of wonder and astonishment. The ability to make objects float effortlessly defies logic and captivates audiences of all ages. With practice and creativity, the magician can design routines that incorporate the Tarantula 2 into a broader performance, creating unforgettable magical experiences.
Floating Objects
The most common use of the Tarantula 2 is to make objects appear to float in mid-air. This is achieved by attaching the nearly invisible thread to a small object and then controlling its movement using the motorized reel. The object can be made to rise, fall, spin, or even move around the magician. The visual impact is astounding, as the audience sees an object defying gravity without any apparent support. The effect is enhanced by careful presentation and misdirection, ensuring that the audience’s attention is focused on the object’s movement, and they do not detect the subtle thread. Magicians often use this effect to create stunning reveals or to enhance the mystery of a particular routine. The floating effect is a hallmark of the Tarantula 2 and a key element in its appeal.
Animating Small Objects

Beyond simple levitation, the Tarantula 2 can also be used to animate small objects, making them move and interact in ways that appear impossible. This can involve making a card slowly rise from a deck, a small object dance on a table, or even a personal item float around the magician. The ability to control the movement of an object adds another layer of wonder to the performance. It’s a demonstration of seemingly impossible control, leaving the audience baffled. The possibilities are virtually limitless, and magicians can use their creativity to develop unique and engaging routines. This animation aspect adds a dynamic element that sets it apart from more traditional magic tricks and makes Tarantula 2 a must-have tool.
Tarantula 2 Pros & Cons
Pros of Using Tarantula 2
There are several advantages to using the Tarantula 2. Firstly, it offers a high degree of visual impact, creating powerful and memorable illusions. Secondly, the device is relatively easy to learn and use, allowing magicians of various skill levels to perform impressive effects. Furthermore, the Tarantula 2 is compact and portable, making it ideal for both close-up and stage performances. The versatility of the system allows for many tricks, and its discreet design ensures that the focus remains on the magic. It offers a significant upgrade over older methods of floating effects, providing a more reliable and controlled experience. The device’s ability to add a unique element to a magician’s performance is a major advantage, making it an investment worth considering for serious performers.
Cons of Using Tarantula 2

While the Tarantula 2 offers many benefits, there are a few potential drawbacks. The device requires some practice and skill to master, and achieving flawless performances may take time. Also, like any magic trick that relies on hidden elements, it is essential to maintain the equipment carefully to prevent thread breakage. The performance is limited by the thread’s length and the size and weight of the objects that can be lifted. Finally, it is an investment, and the initial cost may be a barrier for some, but the value of the magical effects it unlocks often justifies the price. With proper care and attention, the disadvantages are manageable, and the device can become a powerful tool in a magician’s repertoire.
Tarantula 2 Review Final Thoughts
The Tarantula 2 by Yigal Mesika is a remarkable tool for any magician looking to add a touch of impossible magic to their performances. Its ability to create stunning levitation and animation effects is unparalleled, and its ease of use makes it accessible to magicians of various experience levels. The device’s compact design, combined with its versatility, allows for a wide range of performance scenarios, from intimate close-up settings to larger stage shows. While it may require some practice to master and comes with an initial investment, the visual impact and the potential to amaze audiences make the Tarantula 2 a worthwhile addition to any magician’s arsenal. The device is highly recommended for those seeking to create magical and memorable performances. Overall, it is a well-designed and effective tool that lives up to the hype.