A Review on the RNT2 JES Squatty Church Bronze Cups

I like Cups and I admit that I have become a Cupaholic. I like to look at them, hold them, practice with them and watch the Cups and Balls performed.. I look at them as little works of art and have a desire to collect as many as I can. This is probably not healthy but what can I say. I am glad that I got this off of my chest. I feel better now.

So far I have Cups made of aluminum, copper and brass, so when I saw a posting at The Magic Café for a set of RNT2 Squatty Church Bronze Cups for sale, I had to get them. I am still not clear as to what Church Bronze is other then a bronze that is gold in color. Supposedly it is a bronze that is used to make church bells and other religious items. If anyone knows, please share with us.

The Story of the Squatty Cup:

From what I can gather from The Magic Café and RNT2’s website, The JES Squatty Cups came to be because of the desire of Dr. Jonathan Schweid to own a set of Danny Dew, Paul Fox Cups. Dr. Schweid had a good friend who owned a set of Danny Dew, Paul Fox Cups; however the set was of different runs. Two Cups were of the same and the third was an odd Cup, spun at another time. There were slight differences in the Cups, so the good Dr. thought to have a third Cup made to match the other two Cups from the same run.

Dr Schweid commissioned a metal spinning company to make the third, finding this was going to be very expensive. To recoup his investment to have a Cup made, he decided to have several made and sell the rest. Along the way Dr. Schweid made several modifications to the Cup’s design such as using heavier copper and changing the saddle, for what he thought made for better handling. These modifications lead to a Cup very similar to the original, however a little shorter and wider, thus the name “Squatty Cup.”

From this part of the story, I am not sure how RNT2 got involved with spinning the Cups for Dr. Schweid. Those that are in know… please fill in the blanks.

Review:

The RNT2 Squatty Church Bronze Cups as purchased came as a set consisting of three spun Cups, four red crocheted ¾” balls and a felt like drawstring bag (PIC 1). They are pleasing to the eye; the church bronze has a mellow golden hue. They are not bright as a polished brass or copper would be, but rather have a muted satin finish.

Over all the Cups have a nice feel to them, I wouldn’t call them particularly heavy, but because of their balance they feel right. The Cups stand about 3” tall with a mouth opening of 2 3/4 “wide (PICs 2 & 3). When the Squatty Cups are stacked there is the slightest of wobble, which is a little more pronounced if one tries to stack with three balls (PIC 4).

The RNT2 Squatty Cup is too small to use a lacrosse ball for a final load, but can handle a lemon or some of the pet balls that are out there. PIC 5 shows how much of a lacrosse ball can be covered before it would wedge into the Cup.

For comparison sake, I have included PICs of the RNT2 Squatty Cup verses the Johnson Product Cup. The Squatty Cup is a hare smaller, all the way around displayed next to the Johnson Cup (PICs 6 & &).. The Johnson Cup also feels a bit heavier, I believe this to be so due to being made of brass rather then size.

Final Word:

All in all I have to say this is another good set of Cups from RNT2. They look nice and feel nice, the church bronze finish is certainly different. The only short coming of the Cup might be with its final load size; some might find its capability too small. To me, using a lemon as a final load has resulted in just as many wows as if I used a lacrosse ball during performance. Non-magicians have commented as to “What are those Cups made of, they are pretty?” I have never experienced that before with my brass and copper Cups. Are the RNT2 Squatty Church Bronze Cups my favorite, I would have to say no, but they are still fun to play with and are a neat addition to my collection.

PIC 1 http://i297.photobucket.com/albums/mm227/BCSDenver/Cups/RNT2SquattyCups001.jpg

PIC 2
http://i297.photobucket.com/albums/mm227/BCSDenver/Cups/RNT2SquattyCups002.jpg

PIC 3
http://i297.photobucket.com/albums/mm227/BCSDenver/Cups/RNT2SquattyCups003.jpg

PIC 4
http://i297.photobucket.com/albums/mm227/BCSDenver/Cups/RNT2SquattyCups004.jpg

PIC 5 http://i297.photobucket.com/albums/mm227/BCSDenver/Cups/RNT2SquattyCups005.jpg

PIC 6 http://i297.photobucket.com/albums/mm227/BCSDenver/Cups/RNT2SquattyCups006.jpg

PIC 7 http://i297.photobucket.com/albums/mm227/BCSDenver/Cups/RNT2SquattyCups007.jpg

Thanks for looking and please post any comments,
Bruce

Hi Bruce,

Thanks for sharing this review and the excellent pictures.

The squatty cups are on my wishlist for a long time now and your review makes me want to have them even more,  I hope someday I can make that wish come true.

Greetz Floyd

Hey Floyd,

Thanks for reading my review… I am glad someone is reading them. I hope your wish comes true, as I said they are another great Cup from RNT2. Have you seen the price drop on the RNT2 JES Squatty 2 Cups.... Wow!

In your opinion, am I including too many pictures? What else would you like to see in a review?

Take care,
Bruce

I have to say that I'm also a "Cupster" or a Cup-o-holic, so....  more pictures is better.

Regarding this review, in my opion it is complete. Background on the cups, the dimensions, normal pics and comparison pics. Job well done.

Greetz Floyds

Beautiful cups, and great review...

Uriel,

Thanks, as time permits I will submit more… with lots of pictures.

Take care,
Bruce

Bruce,

Great review for great cups.

Many thanks,
Tom

I have a set of my own. They are solid cups that has a wonderful feel to it. The size seem perfect for me. I believe that the siZe of the loads are not that big a deal. If the cups feel comfortable and it allows you to do your moves with the outmost of ease, then you can say you have bought a great set.

I am not complaining...but I am a bit surprised that your set comes with working balls and a pouch. I do not have these things with my set. Congratulations Bruce.

Rannie

Rannie, he got them in Church Bronze which is a special order material at RNT2. All cups in special order materials come with working balls, and a bigger price tag. 

Rannie,
Thanks, they are great Cups. I agree with you on the load size. I don’t know what to tell you about the bag and balls, I purchased them from Jake on the same deal you did.

Maybe this will cheer you up; I should be finishing your project soon. It will probably take the mail for ever to reach you because of the up coming holidays. I will PM you when I mail it and send you pictures.

Take care,
Bruce

Tom,
You have PF Church Bronze Cups, how do they compare too your copper Squatty Cups... size and feel? They look so much alike.
Thanks,
Bruce

Bruce,

To be honest there is very little difference in the 'feel' of the cup sets and the size diffrence is barely noticeable.

I like them both.

But then, I just like cups 

Tom,
That is what I thought... I am with you "I love Cups" too.
Thanks,
Bruce

I have both the squatty and the PF church bronze. Just like tom...I like both. Nothing compares to my copper Squatties and PFs though.


Ketchup....I do have a lot of RnT2 stuff. I order from them and them alone all these years.

Bruce,......thank you in advance my friend. I am always in a cheerful mood but thanks for your king thoughts. I am also happy to inform you that I am making your wand this weekend.

Sorry Rannie, I didn't know that you had them in Church Bronze. I should've known that you'd know though because you're an expert, and I'm a mere beginner. Contact Jake, he can straighten it out if you want.