Thong up or down?

[Indiana Jake]

Unless I have my whip terminology wrong, should your whip thong curve up toward you as you look at it or should the thong (spine?) curve down and point to the ground? Some people want it up to better take advantage of the rolling style of cracks, while others think that this method will eventually break down the natural shape of the whip faster than if you let the whip's curve point down. I realize that this debate may open up a can of worms based on some very different opinions. I'd like my whips to last as long as possible, so I'm really curious what others think. I am not too interested in a technique that will wear out my whip prematurely.

Indiana Jake

[Marhala]

Hi. I prefer to use the bullwhip with the thong down (against the curve). I've used it the other way, but really don't like it. I think the important thing here is to use the whip with just enough force to make it crack instead of muscling(?) it. If you use your whip with excessive force, it will most likely wear out prematurely, regardless of the way you hold it (thong up or down).

All the best,

Aldo.

[agent5]

I was certain this thread would be deleted by mods...until I read it.

[Marhala]

Oh, G-d... either I'm still too naive at 30 or you have a dirty mind Agent5...

[hollywood1340]

It really doesn't matter. No, really. I think one way makes sense and the other doesn't but that's just my opinion. The fact is there is no evidence that it "hurts" a whip to crack with or against the curve. Switch it up, try both and do what works for you. Just use common sense when you crack and take care of your whip.