First Whip for a Novice...?

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M1917
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First Whip for a Novice...?

Post by M1917 »

Another dumb question from the FNG...

I'm ready to purchase my first bullwhip. I've always believed in buying quality first. That way, you don't have to replace it as often. I've asked about Indy's carry whip, and the consensus is it's a 10'. But Indy uses an 8' whip in most scenes. I guess my question is as I'm just starting out (again), I don't want to buy one and then wish I'd gone larger.

Also, I've seen a lot of good whips on this site. Are there any whips I should avoid?
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ST
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Post by ST »

Well in my opinion if is going to be a 10 or an 8 it depends what you think you will be doing with it. If you think your going to do more cracking like figure eights (fast figure eights, I’m not sure that’s possible with a 8’) and fun stuff like that I’d say go with an 8'. If you think you will just be hanging it on your belt for the most part I’d say go with a 10'.
Also, I've seen a lot of good whips on this site. Are there any whips I should avoid?
most ebay whips. :evil:
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Post by McFly »

You can do fast figure 8s with an eight-footer. I do it all the time! I'm sure it's easier with a 6 footer though - but that probably doesn't look too great on a belt. It's much easier I think to do quick routines and combinations with shorter whips - I'm not sure what a long whip is really great for, except looks...

Also, I think the general concensus is that shorter whips are much easier to learn on than longer ones. My first whip was an 8 footer, then I replaced it with a higher quality one, and now I'm thinking about getting a 4 foot snakewhip because I love the speed of them (and since I can't afford a 6' Strain just yet! :wink:)!

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Post by hollywood1340 »

The first question is what do you want to do with your whip, and what you want out of it. If you're looking for more aussie style cracking, a slightly longer handle will make it easier for you. If it's a carry whip, can't go wrong with Bernardo's movie specific whips. If it's the name of the original maker, go with a Morgan. Are you a peformer? Shorter is generaly better 5' and below. Cattle herder? Can't go wrong with a nylong stock whip. There are so many variations out there, and each has it's specialty. IMO there is no "Good general all around whip". It depends on what you want to do with it.
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M1917
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I think I'll use it...

Post by M1917 »

I intend to use it, so I guess I'll buy an 8' to begin with. Maybe I'll graduate to something bigger as I get more adept.
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Post by Indiana »

To start out I would reccomend looking at Gus Ciacedo's whips. A great price and a great looking whip to start out with. I have one coming in a month or so. Gus is a really nice guy to talk with. :)
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M1917
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Is there a link...

Post by M1917 »

...to his website? Or should I just call him? If so, what's his number?
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Post by mooniteman »

8 ft from purewhip.com - 8 plts - amazing!
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Post by Indakin »

Get an 8 foot 12 plait.

I also have one of Gus's whips. I started off with 10 foot IOAB from Adam Winrich. I love the whip, but i wanted 12 plait which is screen accurate, and something shorter for quicker action. Gus's whip is great, light, quick, well made, great price, and a great guy to work with, talked to him for about an hour on the phone. His whips should really cost more than they do too, he has the best deal for a good whip out there right now IMO. With a little bit of dying my knot darker, and doing a bit to the whip too, its looking nicely SA for a raiders whip.

this was my gus whip new
http://i228.photobucket.com/albums/ee16 ... etwhip.jpg

this is it after working it over some.

http://i228.photobucket.com/albums/ee16 ... C_0044.jpg

check the rest of my gallery for some more shots, some with a scale reference

http://s228.photobucket.com/albums/ee16 ... p/?start=0



you get quality, and afford ability with this whip.
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