Butterfly Spring Edition vs. Bicycle Rider Back: Which Marked Deck?
By Marked Playing Cards for Magicians | Butterfly Playing Cards ... | Published: 2026-10-21
Category: Comparisons
Compare the Butterfly Spring Edition Marked deck and the Bicycle Rider Back 2nd Ed. bundle. Learn their key differences, trade-offs, and which deck fits your performance style.
Quick answer
Choose the Butterfly Spring Edition Marked for a subtle, elegant marking system on a cardistry-friendly stock. Choose the Bicycle Rider Back 2nd Ed. bundle if you need six durable, classic Rider Back decks with a cleverly concealed mark.
Marking system approach
Both decks offer you a secret way to identify cards without visible markings, but the execution differs greatly. The Butterfly Spring Edition uses a unique, multi-layered marking system built into the one-way back and face design. It's designed for quick reading with minimal sleight of hand. The Bicycle Rider Back 2nd Ed. solves a different challenge: the USPC trademark prevents any alterations to the Rider Back pattern, so the marking must hide within the existing artwork. Ondrej Psenicka found a clever workaround, making it a fully marked deck that looks standard to spectators who know Rider Backs.
Stock and handling
The physical feel of each deck influences your performance and daily carry. Butterfly Spring Edition is printed by Cartamundi on Slimline stock with a True Linen B9 Finish. This stock is light, snappy, and favored by cardists and magicians who want a fast, controlled fanning action. The Bicycle Rider Back 2nd Ed. is printed by the USPC on their classic Bicycle stock, a thicker, more traditional feel that many magicians associate with durability and a familiar 'broken-in' texture. Neither is objectively better, but your preference might lean toward the modern feel of Slimline or the classic heft of Bicycle paper.
Value and quantity
Your budget and need for multiple decks will steer your decision. The Butterfly Spring Edition is sold as a single marked deck at a modest price. If you perform frequently and need a fresh deck each week, you will need to buy multiple units. The Bicycle Rider Back 2nd Ed. is sold as a bundle of six red decks at a discounted price, saving you over 9 USD compared to buying singles. This bundle is a practical choice for performers who burn through decks quickly or want backups for teaching or practice.
Trade-offs at a glance
- Marking subtlety: Butterfly Spring: multiple marks built into a one-way design, easy to learn and use. Bicycle Rider Back: mark is hidden within the classic pattern, very stealthy but requires a closer look.
- Stock feel: Butterfly Spring: Cartamundi Slimline with Linen finish – light, snappy, great for fans and faro. Bicycle Rider Back: USPC Bicycle stock – familiar, durable, and breaks in well.
- Quantity and value: Butterfly Spring: single deck per purchase. Bicycle Rider Back: six-deck bundle with a discount, ideal for heavy use or backups. If you need multiple decks, the Bicycle bundle saves you money per deck.
Product facts
- Marked Bicycle Rider Back Playing Cards 2nd Ed. (6 Red Decks): Marked Bicycle Rider Back Playing Cards 2nd Ed. bundle of six red decks with a discount of over 9 USD. You save money per deck if you need multiple marked Rider Backs for regular performance or practice.
Marked Bicycle Rider Back Playing Cards 2nd Ed. (6 Red Decks) - Butterfly Playing Cards Spring Edition Marked: Butterfly Spring Edition Marked features a unique Butterfly marking system with a one-way back and face design, printed on Cartamundi Slimline stock with True Linen B9 Finish. The marking system is subtle and integrated into a modern, cardistry-friendly stock for a sleeker handling and easier reading.
Butterfly Playing Cards Spring Edition Marked
Which deck fits you?
Best for
- Magicians who want a modern, cardistry-friendly marked deck with an easy-to-learn marking system – choose Butterfly Spring Edition.
- Performers who need multiple standard-looking marked decks at a good value – choose Bicycle Rider Back bundle.
Not for
- You expect a single deck purchase – Bicycle Rider Back only comes in a six-deck bundle.
- You prefer a very light, snappy stock – Bicycle Rider Back's stock is heavier and takes longer to break in.
