Review on Sizzix Magnetic Platform for Wafer-Thin Dies 656499: 🌈 Enhance Your Crafting with Multi Color and One-Size Convenience by Dawn Fischer

I have both Sizzix Magnetic Platform and Genius Magnetic Platform from Lifestyle Crafts. Since you've probably already read what everyone loves about this Sizzix article, I thought I'd share my thoughts and compare the pros and cons of each. The Sizzix platform is 6 1/8 inches (15.56 cm) wide which means it will not fit on the Cuttlebug. The Genius platform is exactly 6 inches wide, making Genius compatible with Cuttlebug. Both brands have other key differences, including the platform that both cuts and embosses (Genius) and which is easier to use for image alignment (Sizzix). My biggest concern at Sizzix is the constant use of clear plexiglass cutting inserts. I can't imagine why they continue to use them other than the fact that they are a consumable item that needs to be replaced. Especially with a magnetic platform. Here's a breakdown of the pros and cons as I see them: * Sizzix PRO platform: More compact than the Genius platform (6-1/8" x 8-7/8") and the crystal has a post Bottom facing cutting edge for easier alignment and cut out the image. The Sizzix magnetic platform has a much stronger magnetic attraction. The cutting sandwich is a platform, an undeformed transparent cutting pad, paper, die and another transparent cutting pad. No protrusions or spacers to deal with unless you want to emboss. * Cons of Sizzix: You still have to use those horrible clear plastic sheets that warp. Once it deforms, it becomes more difficult for the matrices to contact the magnetic surface. Some reviews say this is a myth. No, that's not a myth! Is that so. I bought a brand new set of Sizzix cutting inserts just to use with my new Sizzix magnet platform. I created a notebook dedicated to "No Cut". Both pads still start to warp after 5 or 6 cuts as the "uncut" pad needs to be up. *Genius PROs: no transparent plexiglass cutting mats that warp after five cuts! The Genius platform offers simultaneous embossing thanks to the flexible cutting mat. I really like the self-healing mat, much better than the Sizzix clear hardboards. Genius only uses ONE insert. The sandwich consists of a platform, a die, paper and a cutting mat. In addition, the Genius has a much longer but slightly narrower cutting surface (6" x 13"), meaning it will go through a cuttlebug. *DISADVANTAGES of the Genius: The Genius platform has fewer magnets that are further apart. When creating a frame with multiple stamps, you will need to move and rotate the stamps to find a good position. And of course, the fact that the cutting edge is pointing up sucks. To ensure the image is perfectly cropped you can use some washi tape or sticky notes to line up the paper/stamp which is a disappointment considering I bought a Genius magnet platform to skip this step ! However, the magnetic feature keeps the sensor from sliding around on the platform, which I like. The best thing about platforms from either brand is that you can throw away all your cardboard and cardboard spacers as both magnetic platforms cut the panel. -thin dies without a shim sandwich! I really like this feature! If I just cut out the shapes with no image to align; I prefer genius. When I need to align a cube on a photo or image; I turn to the Sizzix platform. Too bad they don't make a hybrid of the two brands!