Question: 12 Plait vs. 16 Plait

[Pyroxene]

Other than the obvious difference of cost and number of plaits, what is the advantage of one over the other? Better performance? More weight?

Just wondering.
Pyr.

[Sergei]

Well the theory is that a 16 plait whip is more responsive, more lively. The thinner strands (plaits) on a 16 in theory would generate that necessary kinetic energy from your hand to the tip (if braided correctly) to generate that crack and resetting the whip for that next crack. And in reality I don't think there is much difference. Especially when a 12 plait whip breaks in and starts to act like a 16 plait. The 16 or higher plait whips are more expensive due to the amount of extra time it takes to braid more strands. Durabilty wise, the 12 plait has the advantage. The higher up you go in plait count, the thinner the strands. So the higher plait count whips have a higher tendency to split or wear out. And avoiding rocks and hard surfaces are paramount.

Now I am not saying that you could not tell the difference between a four plait whip and a 12 plait but a good whip handler should be able to use them both with decent proficiency.

But this argument completely breaks down depending on who makes the whip for you. A master whip maker of the highest order, can make a 16 plait whip that will outlast a 12 plait. But I am speaking in general.

The bottom line: go with a 12 plait. The pros tend to go with a 16 (sometimes), due to they want a high performance whip with minimal break in period. And since they are pros, they can afford to replenish their stock. Their performance depends on it.

I hope this helps.

-Sergei