From falls & poppers to plaiting & cracking technique, this section is dedicated in memory of Sergei, IndyGear Staff Member and Whip Guru. Always remember to keep "Celebratin' Life!"
For people that have had experience in this area, I am trying to decide which would be the best whip to move up to from where I am. Here's an image of my current one, to give you an idea of what I'm used to... it's a 12-footer that I've had for like, 15 years and paid $60 for (no snickering please).
Now, what is the difference between Joe Strain/Ben Scott/ECWhips, and a David Morgan (which I'm still leaning toward)? For example, what do you get for $400 extra in the David Morgan 12-foot?
I played with a 16-foot version of my current whip a while back and loved the feel of it. I'm 6'3", and figured that length is more appropriate, plus it sounded like a shotgun. However, I have not ever played with a whip of the quality (and therefore the weight) that I'm talking about moving to. Is a 12-foot going to be really unpleasant to sling around or should I go with an 8- or 10-foot?
Any other thoughts and considerations are welcome. I'm pretty proficient with the whip I have and can pretty much hit or grab anything I want. but I want a better one now.
I am also 6'3 and my first whip was of the same style, also 12 feet long. When I "upgraded", I went down to a 10ft nylon Mark Allen (one tough whip) and found that the cracks were just as loud, sometimes louder, and the lack of that two extra feet allowed me to bring the whip around faster for some great cracking cycles I couldn't do with the twelve footer.
I have used 10 footers ever since (my most recent being the 10ft David Morgan, which is the best whip I have ever owned). I have toyed with two 8 foot whips, MK's Joe Strain and the EC Whip that I won from the contest. Both whips are excellent, but for some reason the length makes them different animals for me, and I also think it is due to my height.
I have decided that 10 feet is the best length for me and I also think it looks better on the gunbelt, more substantial. Also, you have that extra reach for snagging and swinging (the latter of which I would never actually do).
Let me put in a plug for the smaller size whips. The advantage of whips in the range of 8 and 6 feet is that you can do mutiple cracks with ease. Also these whips you can do target cracking easier and as well as double handed cracks. So you get TONS more versatatily with the smaller sizes than let's say a 12 footer or even a 10. I have 3 ten footers ( 2 are DM's) and 2 x 9's, 4x 8's, 2 x 6's , all bullwhips. I enjoy the smaller sizes and use the smaller ones under 10 feet much more than the 10 footer. Frankly the 8 footer hanging off your belt, you can hardly tell the difference between a 10 footer.
As far as the different whip makers you noted. The David Morgan whip certainly has the prestige and brand name. But an extremely expensive whip. A 12 footer runs you about $745, a 10 footer is $635. The next whip maker of note is Joe Strain. His whips are about 1/2 the price, but are an extremely well made whip in my opinion. Joe's whips have appeared in the movies such as: "Shanghai Noon" - Jackie Chan, "The Mask of Zorro", "Catwoman" and the next "Zorro" that starts production in February, 2003.
He's been braiding for about 14 years and his reputation as a whip maker is approaching stardom.
That leaves the rest that you mentioned, who are young whip makers new to the trade and generally producing a fine product and needs our continued support. You forgot to mention Paul Stenhouse. Paul should be considered as well since he was mentored by David Morgan and has produced very fine whips for us fans here without dissappointment.
Let me know if you need more help. Send me a personal message.
What is it exactly that you want? Do you just want a quality whip? If so any of the above mentioned will do. I own the DM 10 fter and it's by far my favorite piece of gear. The most useless in the suburbs but still the most fun and not to mention a great cardio and upper body workout. I've wanted one since I was 9 when Indy snapped the gun out of Barranca's hand for the very first time. If you are considering having an 'authentic' whip, get the DM. If you want to save some money and still get a quality whip, the experts here can help you pick out whats best for your needs. I can't imagine any of the whips mentioned falling short. The DM is not exactly what you see on screen as the Stenhouse certainly is and I've heard that the Strain is a little stiff but I wouldn't know since I haven't seen one in person. I hope I haven't confused you more but it seems there are several factors which can determine what you eventually will get. Either way, you'll be 100% more satisfied with whatever you get than with what you've got.
I encourage you to check out my website at the bottom of the page. This information may be helpful for you in checking out from whom you purchase a whip. Make sure you do your homework is the best advice I can give you.
