From reading archived material here, I see that the curve or bias of the whip thong has been much discussed in the past. The general consensus seems to have been that some crack with the curve, some against (I think maybe DeLongis), and some use both at different times.
On my 10 foot DM and del Carpio bullwhips (both with 8" handles) I find that it is best to crack with the curve. What I mean is that as you throw the whip forward, overhand, the natural curve of the thong curves up and back behind you (Cracking against the curve would have the natural curve curving up and forwards when you have the whip lying straight in front of you).
It seems to me that with these longer DM style bullwhips, cracking *with* the curve works by far the best. Or am I missing something? The point I'm asking about here is that do others who crack the longer models of DM style whips find this, too? Cracking against the natural bias, on these types of bullwhip at least, does not seem to work well. This is fine with me, by the way, as I really like the way these DM style whips crack.
The Curve on a 10 foot DM
Moderator: BullWhipBorton
I followed some advice from my fellow whip-crackers here and on MOST of my cracks I go AGAINST the curve.
Especially on the flicks and I feel it produces a louder crack because it is the OPPOSITE of where the whips want to go, perhaps giving it that extra resistance when the whip is flicked out and making that curve.
Especially on the flicks and I feel it produces a louder crack because it is the OPPOSITE of where the whips want to go, perhaps giving it that extra resistance when the whip is flicked out and making that curve.
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hollywood1340
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Jumping into a pointless debate, It's not about the loudness of the crack. It's about how you get there. I'm a firm believer that with the curve will use less energy and allow the whip to work with you to crack. It might not be as loud, but it's functional and it's very easy to make louder. Use more body.
On the the other hand, I cut against the curve, as I've found it hits a bit harder and shortens my range.
In the end it's personal opinion backed up by hearsay. I heard, or I think, or I believe. Do what you do and do it well.
On the the other hand, I cut against the curve, as I've found it hits a bit harder and shortens my range.
In the end it's personal opinion backed up by hearsay. I heard, or I think, or I believe. Do what you do and do it well.
I'm inclined toward your view, at least for now, hollywood1340. In fact before coming to COW and reading everything I would never have imagined any other way being possible - at least on the longer DM style whips. The Jacka style of bullwhip, and other styles, may be better suited to cracking against. I'm not sure.
My approach has always been to crack with the curve. To me it seems very smooth, easy, and flowing. I understand what Bardoon is saying though. My approach, like hollywood's, is to use more body if I want a louder crack. But I'm open to other ideas. Cracking 'with' seems smoother and I would also have to say, in my case, more accurate. But maybe this is because my whips are 'programmed' to crack better 'with', since I never practice much the other way.
Sorry if this seems a pointless debate to people who've been around here longer, but to me it's a critical issue because so many DVDs seem to stress cracking against. Or do they?
My approach has always been to crack with the curve. To me it seems very smooth, easy, and flowing. I understand what Bardoon is saying though. My approach, like hollywood's, is to use more body if I want a louder crack. But I'm open to other ideas. Cracking 'with' seems smoother and I would also have to say, in my case, more accurate. But maybe this is because my whips are 'programmed' to crack better 'with', since I never practice much the other way.
Sorry if this seems a pointless debate to people who've been around here longer, but to me it's a critical issue because so many DVDs seem to stress cracking against. Or do they?
As usual, I assert something on whipcracking, then go out the next day and try again what I just wrote about...and change my mind. Now I find that I can crack these bullwhips well by going against the curve. The problem is that I wasn't aligning the handle properly the first time (It seems to me that you have to align the curve more exactly when you crack against the curve. Otherwise the thong can react unpredictably).
So to sum up I suppose I still prefer cracking with the curve, but cracking against is an interesting variation.
So to sum up I suppose I still prefer cracking with the curve, but cracking against is an interesting variation.
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BullWhipBorton
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Jon, We are throwing you all off with our confounded techniques aren’t we! 
. Just think of all the new stuff your learning though.
I’m one of those who learned to work the whip both ways, I just find working against the curve and letting the loop form early on top is more energy efficient. Even with shorter handled long bullwhips like my 10 ft Morgan I get a very graceful, impressive and easy roll out as the whip aligns itself along the throw then cracks.
Dan
. Just think of all the new stuff your learning though.I’m one of those who learned to work the whip both ways, I just find working against the curve and letting the loop form early on top is more energy efficient. Even with shorter handled long bullwhips like my 10 ft Morgan I get a very graceful, impressive and easy roll out as the whip aligns itself along the throw then cracks.
Dan