I just received my new 10' roo Del Carpio Raiders today and I must say that I am VERY impressed. These pics show my 10' Morgan, 8' saddle tan roo Strain, and 10' natural Del Carpio (the Morgan is center in all three pics).
http://i232.photobucket.com/albums/ee19 ... G_0184.jpg
http://i232.photobucket.com/albums/ee19 ... G_0185.jpg
http://i232.photobucket.com/albums/ee19 ... G_0186.jpg
The Morgan has the shortest handle of the three at just under 11cm measured between the knots. Both the Del Carpio and Strain measure just about 13.5cm. The Morgan has the thickest thong at 8.6cm at the handle with the Del Carpio and Strain both measuring 8.1cm. The Del Carpio also seems to have a bit longer wrist loop than the other two.
The quality of the Del Carpio is very close to the Strain IMHO. Both are very tightly plaited and true works of art. The main difference between the two are that the knot on the Strain is rounded while Bernardo's is more square, more Morganesque. Joe's handle also has a slight taper on the thong end while Bernardo's is very straight. It is clear that Bernardo has spent many hours trying to replicate the original Raiders whip and his attention to detail has paid off. Let me also put to rest the idea that Bernardo's whips are light. This is not the case. My Morgan weighs in at 2.75lbs and the Del Carpio is actually slightly heavier according to a medical grade scale.
If I was to recommend a whip to another member I would say that you can't go wrong with a Strain (I love the look of that saddle tan) or a Del Carpio. Joe is a classy guy who won't hesitate to talk with you on the phone at length and Bernardo is very good with keeping you up to date on his progress. If you want a very SA Raiders whip I guess the Del Carpio is the way to go but I know that I am saving for another Strain (and a little Indy from Paul
). I would Definitely not buy another Morgan. Mine is about 3 years old and while it cracks loud as a gun (a really big gun!) it handles like a wet noodle. The plait is very loose in comparison. Both the others are very lively and easy to crack. That being said it is nice to own THE Raiders whip so I don't think I will be letting go of it soon.
I hope this will be of some help to y'all.
Nebraska[/b]
Congrats on your new whip!!
