Karaka Whips.... thoughts anyone?

[Indiana County Jr.]

Well, due to my backyard here lately just staying damp, I thought about getting a whip that could handle multiple elements. Since funds are low right now, and the weather is so nasty, I decided to get one of the Karaka bullwhips. They seem really nice & not very expensive (granted they are not leather, nor nylon) and I know a couple of people have them here. I would just like to know how yours is getting on? Likes and dislikes plus pics if you care.

Crack On!
Allen

[Indiana County Jr.]

Anyone?...... Bueller.... Bueller.... Bueller.....

[hollywood1340]

I know David carries them because he saw one and liked it. Good enough for me.

[classicbullwhips]

Hey Allen,

I don't personally own a Karaka bullwhip but I did have the pleasure of cracking John Leonetti's and Dan house this last summer. These whips are defiantly different in there own right and I agree with IC Jr. in that they are not really like a traditional nylon whip either, not that that's bad. It was fun to crack and getting the loop to form was fairly easy (this is due to the whip being loose/noodle like) But with that being its only real downfall it still was interesting and fun to crack. I might get one of these just to mess around with due to there cheaper price but even for a nylon/synthetic whip it would not be my primary choice for cracking. But great post IC Jr. nice to hear other peoples views on the Karaka.

Keep Crackin,
James

[McFly]

James makes some good points. I'm a friend of Mr. Leonetti's and I've used that same whip several times, and it's definitely easy to crack - but it has a really different feel than a standard leather whip. It IS handy though that you can use it if you don't have any grass available. If you're in rocks, or dirt, or sand, or it's raining, you can use a karaka.

It's not actually nylon, but more of a really though plastic, though that makes it sound cheap and that's not what I mean. The point is it won't fray, or at least John's hasn't, and he and I have beaten that thing up! The thing I like about it is the handle, which is longer than a standard Indy, but not as long as some stockwhips. The transition is softer than roo hides too, and probably because of that, the whip is really good at doing combos like the "Arrowhead."

John did mention though that if you order one, you should specify a really long fall; like 15-20", because the standard falls and pretty short.

Shane

[Indiana County Jr.]

Thanks Guys!

I will let you know when I get mine and get a chance to play around with it.

Shane, great to hear from you buddy!

Take Care,
Allen

[raider 57]

Hey Allen, I use my Karaka all the time in winter and rainy weather. Definately a "different" action but I feel that's the fun part, getting used to the technique. I've used mine over a year now with no signs of wear and tear yet. I've even used on beach sand! Sand/dirt washes right out of the weave.
I specfied a longer fall as well, per John's suggestion.Good idea.
I'm still using the original cracker, very resilient.
I think they're a good buy! Nice folks to deal with too.


~Steve

[BullWhipBorton]

I like the Karaka whips, there a fun work whip that take a lot of hard use. Are they the best whip, no; but the one's I've used had a decent enough balance and weight to use with confidence, especially considering how they are made.

One thing I did really like about them is because of the woven dyneema material they are made from, they don't absorb water or become over saturated like nylon whip tends to do when used in wet conditions. They stay pretty stable, rather then change weight and feel like nylon can with the more water it soaks up.

I'd recommend he extended fall option too. The Falls on the standard model are too short in my opinion too.

Dan

[Indiana County Jr.]

Thanks Steve & Dan!

I appreciate the information very much! I am glad to know that from all the posts that these whips can take abuse and keep on going. As per everyone suggested, I did ask for the fall to be long, I agree, the fall does look a tad short. I can't wait to get it, although the "roos" will always be my favorites to crack, I look forward to being able to practice in less than favorable conditions. I also look forward to getting a nylon down the road too!
Thanks everyone for the replies!

Crack On!
Allen

[tomek9210]

Here are some videos with Karaka whips - http://www.youtube.com/user/Corysaurus#p/u and http://www.youtube.com/user/WhipBasicss ... f5mxzX_Z-4

[McFly]

Thanks Guys!

I will let you know when I get mine and get a chance to play around with it.

Shane, great to hear from you buddy!

Take Care,
Allen

No problem! Glad you feel like I was some kind of help! I think this thread is one of 3 that I've posted in for a long time. I've been busy making friends at the Ghostbusters forum , but I still poke my head in here once in a while!

Shane