Noreast Nylon bullwhip review

[WhipDude]

I don't get to buy whips to often because of the price but when I do, it's big for me. This time I was set out to buy a 12 foot whip as I don't own a longer whip yet (my longest was 8 foot.) Even though I get great satisfaction from 'roo whips, I couldn't justify a super expensive whip right now. I have too many other things I need to be concerned about and to be honest, whips aren't important.
My past experience with nylon is very limited. All my whips are from 'roo as nylon wasn't to popular when I started whip cracking. In all fairness, nylon is still unpopular for the most part but is making it's way into the hands of harsh critics. Due to how inexpensive it is in comparison to other materials I figured it would be a great option. I began by contacting multiple trusted sources concerning nylon. I did have some past knowledge but not much concerning various whip makers. I came down to what seemed to be arguably the best top 2 nylon makers. Steve from Noreast whips (http://neawhips.com/default.aspx) was one of them. I contacted Steve and asked him various questions about his work. If you are the kind of person who values customer service, Steve is your man. His website says to be patient and give him time to respond. I was patient but Steve answered all my emails in-depth almost immediately. He was very personable, willing to help, and kept you updated. I put my order down for a 12 foot bullwhip, Standard version, with royal blue and silver gray. The handle was to be 10 inches with a royal blue fall.

Handling-
The whip finally arrived and I must say, I am impressed. For my first nylon whip I am very pleased. The whip isn't as heavy as expected but I prefer the weight of his whips. Some prefer heavier whips but I don't want my arm to be dead after 15 minutes. I also don't want something incredibly light because it would probably change the balance. I feel that the whip is on the light side for a 12 footer but it feels great. The roll out on the whip is very smooth. Cracks like a canon and seems to be pretty accurate. So far I've only done basic cracks with it but I do have intentions of trying out some target work with it.

Plaiting-
The plaiting is wonderful. Everything appears to be pretty tight and there are no visible gaps. I do plan to look it over one more time just to check but I don't recall any. The design that was requested was given and it is kept consistently throughout the whip. I know that anymore more than one tone can be tricky. This is 2 tone so he had to keep everything consistent throughout the whip. Well done!

The whip has a nice nickel plaited concho on top of the whip (handle knot/butt) which really gives it a finishing touch.

I have only one photo currently. My camera is dead at the moment but I am hoping to get some good photos for this thread. http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y36/Pr ... g_2171.jpg

I am pleased with this whip overall. Steve had fantastic customer service and was willing to make sure you were satisfied. I was weary of buying nylon but I am glad I did. I am already reaping the benefits of nylon due to the damp weather here in Illinois. While I don't plan to stop buying 'roo whips, I am very well opened to buying more nylon in the future. I'd enjoy having a 6 footer from Steve for the less desirable weather conditions. Of course nylon is a matter of preference so some may still feel undecided but the quality of Steve's product will deliver.

While this may not be an Indy whip, some people may be considering a nylon Indy whip. I can't personally speak of accuracy or anything of that nature for his products. I figured that this would at least give everybody a good understanding of what to expect when dealing with Noreast.

[jabahutt70]

Whipdude, thanks for the kind words in your review. I'd been waiting to post anything, in case others had any questions. Doesn't look like it, so thanks for the review.

~Steve.

http://www.neawhips.com

[WhipDude]

Sure thing Steve. I forgot about taking more pics because the thread dropped off the face of the earth. I do have one other photo of the whip next to my other whips for comparison. No video because the weather but maybe this spring/summer.

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y36/Pr ... ps/001.jpg

Lighting wasn't the greatest but it works.

[Indiana County Jr.]

Beautiful collection mate!

Who are the other makers if you don't mind me asking.

Crack On!
Allen

[WhipDude]

County Jr....

Left to right.

8 ft. 12 plait whiskey Joe Strain. Made in 2004. Amazing whip!
12 ft. 16 plait silver gray/royal blue from Steve Huntress
6 ft. 12 plait black influenced by the Zorro whip made by Jim Markell (EC whips)
Matching pair of 5 footers, 16 plait handle, 12 plait thong. Natural tan/black, competition style. Made by Simon Martin

As I said, photo doesn't do justice. I need to get a photo of them under natural lighting at different angles to really show off the color.

I'm also happy to say that within the next few months I should be adding a 16 plait Australian styled bull to my collection. It will be coming from Mike Murphy.