All right, so I'm gonna get a whip...

Fatdutchman · Post by **Fatdutchman** » Sat Jun 23, 2007 4:28 pm

Seein's as how I've wanted a whip since I was 10 (and you know what happened in 1981), I'm finally gonna get one. Now, I don't know squat, but have been trying to glean what info I could here lately. I want a nice whip, but I don't require a NICE whip, if you know what I mean. I think (at the moment) I'm going to get an 8 or 12 plait cowhide whip from Winrich. Not as expensive as the kangaroo whips, but a step up from the "Indy on a budget". If I were to guess, I would say that someone like me would not be able to really discern whatever advantages a kangaroo whip might provide. Especially seeing how happy people seem to be with the "IOAB" whip.

My real question is length. I am torn between 8' and 10'. Does a person's height come into play when choosing a whip? I am huge, 6' 2" with long arms (like a 37-38" sleeve), should I go with 10'?

What number of plaits would you all recommend? 12 seems to be the common number.

WhipDude · Post by **WhipDude** » Sat Jun 23, 2007 9:10 pm

You are about my height and I have long arms as well. I started out with an 8 ft. and would reconmend it best because its great for regular whipcracking and anything longer because a noisemaker that's only good for the basics. 8 ft. will be long enough for you yet still a challenge and you'll be able to do plenty with it. 12 plait is good but a 12 plait whip from 1 maker is different from another some what so it depends. If you are purchasing from a reputable whipmaker then even a lower strand can still be good such as an IOAB.

dr. tyree · Post by **dr. tyree** » Sat Jun 23, 2007 10:51 pm

If this is your first whip, go with an 8 footer.

IOAB sounds like a good choice. For a starting out/ just learning whip, spend $100-150 for a well made cowhide whip you won't be sad to rough up while learning.

Whatever your decision, you are in for some serious fun.

ps- I am also 6'2" and wear a 37 sleeve, and the 8 foot length is just easier and more versatile IMHO.

Indiana Jerry · Post by **Indiana Jerry** » Sun Jun 24, 2007 12:29 am

Hmm...I may be a bit too short to ride this ride...

...but I've got overly long monkeyarms, so I'll chime in as well.

Digging around for quite a while before I bought mine (I lurked for a couple months, and for me that's a LONG time), the general consensus I was finding was that although 6' (yeah, bear with me) is the easiest to learn on, everybody QUICKLY outgrows it and wants a longer whip if they are going for an Indy whip specifically.

The consensus (that I was finding at the time) was that although there are a couple screen-used lengths, and the 10' is the 'hero whip' (is that what it'd be called?), the 10' is also significantly long enough to turn off a lot of newcomers because of the extra skill required to learn on that length if you've never used a whip before.

If you CAN learn from go on a 10', fantastic, but the 8' length seemed to be the best balance between a short enough length to learn on and a long enough length not to want to trade up as soon as you do.

I picked up an 8', and although it took a bit of trying and some help, I learned on it, and it's still all I need. Maybe someday a 10', but I don't feel I'm lacking anything here (other than 2').

As for a type...yeah, I picked up an IOAB, so I can't really speak for any other whip. They're GREAT, and if you search on 'IOAB' and 'Jerry' you'll hear me say that many, many times over and over...

I have to REMIND myself it's cowhide, it doesn't seem overly stiff or anything, especially once I broke it in and pecarded it once or twice. Happy whip guy.

J

Jonesy · Post by **Jonesy** » Sun Jun 24, 2007 12:39 am

I learned with a Keppler 10'.... I have trouble using any other size. I guess it's just become natural using a 10'....

Indiana Jerry · Post by **Indiana Jerry** » Sun Jun 24, 2007 1:29 am

That's an accomplishment, I hear, learning on one of the bigger ones. I've found that I have to adjust for any other length when I borrow a whip. Quicker flicks for shorter ones, longer delays for the longer whips.

When I can get them to work AT ALL, that is.

WhipDude · Post by **WhipDude** » Sun Jun 24, 2007 10:23 am

Fatdutchman, what is it that you plan to use the whip for? Just for show? Basic cracking for fun? Or do you plan to get serious about it and become pretty good at whipcracking?

Fatdutchman · Post by **Fatdutchman** » Sun Jun 24, 2007 11:43 am

Basic whip cracking, looking like a heinie, knocking cigarettes out of people's teeth...you know, basic stuff.

No, just basic whip cracking, and maybe eventually trying to be able to actually hit stuff with it. I'm not going to make it my life long hobby (I got too much other stuff taking my time...), well, that's not my intention at the moment, anyway!

8', huh? All right, that's probably what I'll go with. I can get a longer one later if I wish.

What I really want to do is that cool move that's in the Indiana Jones and the Emperor's Tomb video game, where you whip the bad guy around the neck, jerk him to you, and punch him in the face. I don't know if I'll be able to find any volunteers to help me practice this though...

Indiana Jerry · Post by **Indiana Jerry** » Mon Jun 25, 2007 4:26 pm

Do wait until you get some more feedback from the whip experts before you decide. My advice is from the standpoint of someone who just dug a lot, and it worked for me. Mileage my vary.

If you are the DETERMINED AND PATIENT sort who won't give up till you've got it, you may be able to learn on the 10', and then you're pretty much set without ever worrying about an upgrade.

Fatdutchman · Post by **Fatdutchman** » Mon Jun 25, 2007 4:54 pm

I think I would consider myself "determined and IMpatient"!

Indiana Jerry · Post by **Indiana Jerry** » Mon Jun 25, 2007 4:59 pm

Oh, hey, me too. That's why I figured I couldn't handle learning on a 10'.

Swindiana · Post by **Swindiana** » Mon Jun 25, 2007 6:30 pm

I started with a IOAB 9 footer and now use an 8 plait 10 footer from Adam W. I'm 6'4", and this is what it looked like when I tested it:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aMdUBh0yRaw

I've advanced a bit since then I'd like to think and now I figure I might get either a 6-7 footer or a 12 footer, either 12 plait.

My point is, if you want to go inbetween and get a 9 footer, you should be able to do just fine as a beginner concerning your height.

Regards,
Swindiana

Post by **BullWhipBorton** » Mon Jun 25, 2007 9:59 pm

You should do just fine with an 8ft bullwhip. They are better suited to general whip cracking then a 10 ft bullwhip and are the length I typically recommend, especially for beginners or those just planning on ever getting just one bullwhip. They are long enough to do wraps, and short enough for multiple cracking and target manipulation. Also You’ll be less likely to pick up the bad habits that you would by trying to muscle around a 10 ft bullwhip when learning how to properly crack it. Height isn’t so much an issue with bullwhips; though some suggest it comes into play with choosing stock whips for multiple cracking. Also don’t forget that the 8ft measurement is just the plaited section of the whip, the fall and popper typically add another 30+ inches to the whip.

I wouldn’t normally recommended going over 8 plait for a cowhide bullwhip. There are a few exceptions to that, as a couple of our whip makers here do fantastic 12 plait cowhide bullwhips. Keep in mind cowhide gets considerably weaker as its cut thin, so if your going to want cowhide, take advantage of its thicker, wider more abrasive resistant and abuse tolerant qualities that would come with an 8 plait whip as opposed to a 12 plait whip, but talk to your whip maker to and get they’re impute too on what would best suit your needs. An 8 ft, 8plait Winrich cowhide bullwhip is going to be a well-made, sturdy bullwhip that has a very good balance and a keen action. It will do the job and with a little looking after will last a very long time.

Dan

Dan

Kt Templar · Post by **Kt Templar** » Tue Jun 26, 2007 3:02 am

My first whip was a 8ft 4 plt IOAB, very nice whip, easy to crack and excellent value.

My second is a 8ft 12 plt kangeroo from Pagey. It's just plain beautiful. Unfortunately Pagey has retire from making whips. (Again!).

As a starter whip you cannot go wrong with the IOAB. However, after a little while you may get to wonder, does it really 'look' Indy. The low number of strands do make a difference to the look. If you can afford it I'd say go higher (strand wise).

The whip I had from Adam was excellently constructed so no issues whatsoever there.

djd · Post by **djd** » Tue Jun 26, 2007 3:20 am

That second one is a lovely look whip

Fatdutchman · Post by **Fatdutchman** » Tue Jun 26, 2007 10:33 am

I'm ordering an 8 plait 8' whip from Winrich today.

JoelM · Post by **JoelM** » Tue Jun 26, 2007 11:30 am

the second one looks more indy like to me

Indiana Max · Post by **Indiana Max** » Tue Jun 26, 2007 12:34 pm

To me too

VP · Post by VP » Tue Jun 26, 2007 5:25 pm

That's because the 12 plait just looks great, the low plait number is the main problem for me with the IOAB. I'm sure it doesn't affect the functionality, it just doesn't look good. The Little Raider from Giovanni Celeste looks better IMO.

Fatdutchman · Post by **Fatdutchman** » Tue Jun 26, 2007 5:43 pm

I think 8 plaits look fine. 12 plaits look the nicest, I think. I, personally, don't care for the looks of the really fine plaits. 16 or 24 or more. Just me.

Mine's gonna be an 8 plait, which looks nicer than the 4 plait, but still keeps the cowhide plenty strong, I would imagine.

VP · Post by VP » Tue Jun 26, 2007 5:51 pm

12 plait is screen accurate.

Indiana Jerry · Post by **Indiana Jerry** » Tue Jun 26, 2007 6:41 pm

Guess it's what you are used to. Some people think any mexican wooden handled whip is an Indy whip.

I'm very happy w/ my IOAB (8' x 4 plt), but I agree it isn't SA. But the general form and shape are all there - the handle knots are beautiful. For as much as I use it for, the 4plt is perfect - and strong enough that I haven't killed it while learning.

And you know what? Nobody looks at me and tells me I'm not screen accurate...I'm not an Indy impersonator or anything!

So dutchman, you did right, you picked what looked right to you. You'll enjoy it!

J

nicktheguy · Post by **nicktheguy** » Sat Jul 14, 2007 4:55 pm

Ohhhh just wait ---- I started out with a simple ol' 8 footer - I thought htat was just perfect - now I have 3 8 footers (2 12 plait and 1 16 plait), 2 4 footers, 1 5 foot, one 10 footer, and a 12 foot. They all are great - but man do you need room for a 10 or 12 foot to practice with . The little guys are great for indoor performances and stuff. I've just learned over the years that one is never enough.

Fatdutchman · Post by **Fatdutchman** » Tue Jul 17, 2007 5:43 pm

I got the whip just yesterday. It's an 8 foot 8 plait cowhide that is a tannish sort of color. Now, I just have to learn how to use it. David Morgan sells an instructional video that I'll order.

I have a photo I took, but yesterday my internet provider was screwed up (again) and I couldn't get online at home, hopefully I will be able to get on when I get home this afternoon.

I haven't had a whip in my hands since 3rd grade. I was in a school play as the evil mustache-twisting Smedley Pewtree. A friend of mine, Kelly Johnson, could crack a whip (third grade!), and tried his best to teach me how to do it. I never was successful. This was, I suppose, about 1979. Could you imagine a child today in school with a whip?!?!? They go nuts now if you bring a pocketknife...

Fatdutchman · Post by **Fatdutchman** » Tue Jul 17, 2007 7:36 pm

Here it is. It's a very nicely made item. It's a lithe thing that moves around smoothly like a....well, like a whip.

RobbyT43 · Post by **RobbyT43** » Tue Jul 17, 2007 8:01 pm

Awesome whip man!!! That is a beauty

-Robby

dr. tyree · Post by **dr. tyree** » Wed Jul 18, 2007 10:54 pm

Sweeeeeet

Indiana · Post by **Indiana** » Wed Jul 18, 2007 11:19 pm

Well, I've gone and done it too. I just emailed Adam to order an 8 foot 8 plait Cowhide Indy whip.

That's simply a gorgeous whip.

Post by **BullWhipBorton** » Mon Jul 23, 2007 11:31 pm

Very nice, The new bullwhip looks great.

Dan

Indiana G · Post by **Indiana G** » Tue Jul 24, 2007 12:13 am

here here....nice acquisition fdm. now be sure to go crack with care