Eenie, Meenie, Mini, mo… Mini Cups

Recently I have acquired several Mini Cups, a set of Riser Mini, RNT 2 PF Mini and RNT 2 Foxy II Cups. It wasn’t that I needed another set of Cups (just ask my wife) but rather there have been many great used sets available as of late.

I have been asked by some, have I chosen a favorite set yet from my new acquisitions… How can I answer them, it is like asking which is my favorite child, each are special in their own way.

The best that I can do is share my experience with each. The Riser Cups I have had now for about 2 months, the RNT 2 PF Mini for weeks and the RNT 2 Foxy II for just days.

Riser Mini Copper Cups:

I purchased these from Harry Murphy, a member at TMC who was helping sell off a collection of props from an elderly magician. They were listed as being used with a nice patina to them. The Riser Mini Cups arrived as promised… it was love at first site. They have a perfect golden coffee like hue to them, differently used.

They are my first set of Cups made by James Riser. The craftsmanship on them is top notch, for some reason I am really impressed by the bead at the mouth of the Cup. It is spun perfectly and holds tight to the body of the Cup. Each Cup looks identical to its brother. The size and balance of the Cups feels right… not too big, nor too small; an extension of one’s hand.

The Riser Mini Cups are the perfect size to keep in one’s pocket. They fit in a sports coat’s outer pocket perfectly without much bulk or weight to deform the lines of the coat. I have taken them with me now on several work related trips and used them for some after dinner entertainment. They always get a wow from those that see them.

RNT 2 PF Mini Stainless Steel Cups:

Another set purchased from TMC, this time from Epiphany of RNT2. I have purchased several used items from her and Jake and I have been pleased with each transaction. My friend Tom Fenton and others have raved about these Cups, so when I saw them offered at a fair price I went for them. I did not know what to expect, I have never held stainless steel Cups before, I was worried that they might be very light (weight wise), similar to aluminum Cups. I should have not worried. Like the Riser Cups the craftsmanship is first rate.

This set is a little larger then the Riser Mini Cups, yet not by leaps and bound. They fit comfortably into my hands and are quite striking to look at with their shiny surface. These Cups are so shiny that they almost look as though they were chromed.

I have not had a chance to perform with them yet, but I am sure that the will be commented on by spectators… I know that I am drawn to shiny things.  The PF Mini Cups are capable of holding a little larger final load the Riser Cups.

RNT 2 Foxy II Brass Combo Cups.

These too were purchased from a post at TMC, this time from James Kernen. I highly recommend dealing with James, everything arrives as promised and he packs his shipments better then any manufacturer.

The Foxy II differ from the Riser and PF Mini Cups as they are combo Cups and are made using a CNC process. If I remember correctly, they are the last model of metal Cups made by RNT 2 that are machined rather then spun. I have no problems with CNC made Cups; others feel that they have no soul because they were not spun by a person… to each their own.

I have to say that I am totally blown away by the Foxy II Cups. Their heft is unbelievable for their size; one must feel this for them self to get what I am saying. You defiantly do not want to drop these on your toe or onto a bare table… damage will be done.

Size wise the Foxy II is slightly larger then the PF Mini Cups, their weight certainly pulls on your pocket. With their combo feature, additional moves can be accomplished compared to the Riser and PF Mini Cups.

Eenie, Meenie, Mini, mo… catch the best Mini Cups by the toe...
The above child’s song would be the only way that I could tell you which set is best, they all have something going for them. I can tell you though, that the Riser Mini Cups rate as one of my all time favorite Cups. Having Cups of the Mini size has proved to be convenient when taking Cups on the go, I now understand why those that regularly perform in restaurants, stroll around events and such like this size. I can recommend each without any qualms.

I welcome any questions and comments regarding the Mini Cups. I will add further comments as I become more familiar with them out in the field. 

James Riser Mini Copper Cups:
http://i297.photobucket.com/albums/mm227/BCSDenver/Cups/IMG_1436.jpg
http://i297.photobucket.com/albums/mm227/BCSDenver/Cups/IMG_1447.jpg
http://i297.photobucket.com/albums/mm227/BCSDenver/Cups/IMG_1437.jpg
http://i297.photobucket.com/albums/mm227/BCSDenver/Cups/IMG_1440.jpg

RNT 2 PF Mini Stainless steel Cups:
http://i297.photobucket.com/albums/mm227/BCSDenver/Cups/IMG_1434.jpg
http://i297.photobucket.com/albums/mm227/BCSDenver/Cups/IMG_1448.jpg
http://i297.photobucket.com/albums/mm227/BCSDenver/Cups/IMG_1438.jpg
http://i297.photobucket.com/albums/mm227/BCSDenver/Cups/IMG_1441.jpg

RNT 2 Foxy II Brass Combo Cups:
http://i297.photobucket.com/albums/mm227/BCSDenver/Cups/IMG_1435.jpg
http://i297.photobucket.com/albums/mm227/BCSDenver/Cups/IMG_1449.jpg
http://i297.photobucket.com/albums/mm227/BCSDenver/Cups/IMG_1439.jpg
http://i297.photobucket.com/albums/mm227/BCSDenver/Cups/IMG_1442.jpg
http://i297.photobucket.com/albums/mm227/BCSDenver/Cups/IMG_1446.jpg

Size/Comparison:
http://i297.photobucket.com/albums/mm227/BCSDenver/Cups/IMG_1445.jpg

Final Load Comparison:
http://i297.photobucket.com/albums/mm227/BCSDenver/Cups/IMG_1443.jpg
http://i297.photobucket.com/albums/mm227/BCSDenver/Cups/IMG_1444.jpg

Thanks for looking,
Bruce

Bruce, great review! I You have a knack for this. Those cups look great; I'm falling in love with those Mini Risers. That is my dream patina. When did you get the Mini PF's? They're very nice.



           Take care,
              Mike

Bruce, I searched on the Museum, and Bill said all of those cups are designed to take handball loads, which are bigger than golf balls. Have you tried small fruits? On second thought, I wouldn't want to carry fruit in my pocket.


 
        Mike

Hey Mike… Thanks for the complement on writing about Cups. Yes the Riser Cups are pretty cool and I wish that I can get the same patina on my Squatty 2 Cups… some day, some day.

I received the PF Mini Cups about 3 weeks ago. I am still getting used to them. They look great with a black suit and silver cuff links.

Thanks,
Bruce

Mike... I have read the same… the only handballs I could find were black, I did not think that they would look good, that they would be too dark. What do you think?

Thanks,
Bruce

You could have Tom paint the handballs. 

Wow, Bruce

I'm so jealous.

The patina on Riser's are nice. Is it possible to make it darker?

Mini cup probably not so good with my hand. My hands are too big for them..

Are you getting the mini Dokkum, Bruce ? 

Cheers
Andre

Another nice review on some mighty fine hardware! You've got a great collection, Bruce!

Like Mike said, you've got a knack for writing reviews.

Tom

Send 'em over, I've got my spray can in my hand!

He he! If it ain't nailed down Tom will paint it

Another great review Bruce.  I do enjoy reading your reviews.

Just a quick question please...

What size working balls do they use and will they sit 3 on the saddle?

Thanks,
Bri

P.S. I heard that Riser cups with a patina like that are bad for your health, I would be happy to quarantine them at my house if you like 

Mike… very funny, I am sure that Tom could paint them.

Andre… I f I sent them to you, I am sure they would become darker. As quick as your Mendoza Cups turned, I would bet that you could put a patina on a set of aluminum Morrissey Cups.

Bri... Below are pictures showing the size of the balls that came with them, how three balls will sit on the saddle and how they stack with three balls (the PF Mini were the only set that could not do this). I will take my chances with the toxic metal.

Tom… thanks for the complement on my collection, maybe one day I will have my own museum.

Thanks all for your encouraging words regarding my reviews!

Best wishes,
Bruce

Riser Mini
http://i297.photobucket.com/albums/mm227/BCSDenver/Cups/IMG_1452.jpg
http://i297.photobucket.com/albums/mm227/BCSDenver/Cups/IMG_1453.jpg
http://i297.photobucket.com/albums/mm227/BCSDenver/Cups/IMG_1454.jpg

RNT2 PF Mini
http://i297.photobucket.com/albums/mm227/BCSDenver/Cups/IMG_1455.jpg
http://i297.photobucket.com/albums/mm227/BCSDenver/Cups/IMG_1456.jpg
http://i297.photobucket.com/albums/mm227/BCSDenver/Cups/IMG_1458.jpg

RNT2 Foxy II
http://i297.photobucket.com/albums/mm227/BCSDenver/Cups/IMG_1459.jpg
http://i297.photobucket.com/albums/mm227/BCSDenver/Cups/IMG_1461.jpg
http://i297.photobucket.com/albums/mm227/BCSDenver/Cups/IMG_1462.jpg

Bruce,

As always a very nice review, love those pics. Can't wait for the mini PF's to come in. Should be any day now. I also like the Foxy II cups. I wish I had some money left to buy these. Looks great.

Etienne

Floyd,

How are you… well I hope. Thanks for the pat on the back regarding my reviews. It encourages me to write more as I find that spare time. Are you still waiting on some Cups? I still am, I can’t wait for the Foxy IIV to arrive, everything that I have red about them has been positive. My Squatty 2’s are getting the most play time and attention… I so want them to turn, if they were even as half of brown as the Riser Mini Cups I would be happy.

Best wishes,
Bruce

Bruce,

I doing very well, thank you. Hope the same goes for you.


Please do so, I always like to read your reviews. Feels a little bit of owning those cups too (eventhough I can't play with them).


Actually I am waiting on the mini PF's in copper, a set of Foxy II.V in copper and the SBL strolling chop cup (satin finish). They were shipped last tuesday so they should arrive any day now at customs (hope they don't take a lot of time of shipping them through).

Etienne

Bruce,
Thank you so much for going to the trouble of taking the photos of the balls etc.  I have been looking around for a small set of cups and it has really helped (I need 3 balls to sit comfortably on the saddle for my own routine.)

I think they are all lovely cups in their own right.

Bri