Club Obi Wan

Hello all, just wanted to say hi and see what folks thought about the best type of whip for beginners. Size, Style, etc?

I was looking at the 'Beginner whip kit' from Western Stage Props,

http://www.westernstageprops.com/miva/m ... ry_Code=AB

Just wanted to see if anyone with some more knowledge than I would know if it was a good buy, or if one should go after something without the swivel handle and maybe something with kangaroo hide instead of leather. Being a close look to the indy whip would be a plus if anyone else has an idea, but not terribly important. I want to get something that I can learn with correctly.

Any help would be great

I would avoid swivel handled whips. I would of course recommend getting a kangaroo hide whip. It has the best performance and the best durability. Of course your budget comes into play. If you can't afford a roo hide whip, then cowhide bullwhip, like a Keppler is a good way to start.

I would go to the main Indygear site and read in the whip section. It is a fairly comprehensive resource for just about everything you want to know. In the whip section, there is place where there are tons of links. Especially where to buy.

I would go to the following url:
http://www.indygear.com/gear/whip_links ... whip_sales

-Sergei

I bought a 9' whip just like that one at a Tandy Leather store in Fairfield,Ohio
back in '84,and it's still cracking just great.
My next step will be a Keppler though.

you might check out this recent thread as well:
http://www.indygear.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=5074

I was also curious as to which whip vendor out there has the quickest turnaround time?

Western Stage Props is not a whip vendor, but a retailer. The advantage goes to them in that they always have inventory. They know they are in the "instant gratification" business. Otherwise they loose the sale.

-Sergei

I have done some looking around at whips and at the old finances and have narrowed a choice down to the following and was wondering about the top choice from those who know:

8 ft in length:
Strain
Stenhouse
Murphy
EM Brand
EC Whip

If you were getting you're first whip again, and you knew then what you know now about the makers, what would be your pick?

Thanks for any help

-Adam

Strain.

S or S, you can't go wrong. No longer than 8 ft. or you won't be happy. I have been cracking for several years and still don't like the way a 10 ft. whip handles.

Good luck, let us know what you get.

Thanks
Bill Walton

If money is tight, go for a Keppler! :junior: -IJ

I haven't tried any of the others before so I can't compare, but for my first whip I went with a Murphy and I couldn't be happier. The workmanship and attention to detail on this whip is amazing and it's a joy to crack. It's well worth the money.
http://members.shaw.ca/dittmer/dittmerwhip1.jpg

Of course, if you're more interested in getting an Indy screen accurate whip I'd suggest either the Strain or Stenhouse.
-Dittmer

The question is turnaround?

I usually give a 3 to 4 week turnaround after order... give or take some... I am not fast. I am getting an order for 5 whips out to Denmark tomorrow and then an 8 ft Indy to Canada by Friday.

By far, Western Stage Props is the quickest for a vendor, tho he's not a whipmaker.

I've never ever bought a whip from Western Stage Props because of the cost of convenience. You will pay convenience store prices. Mark Allen has that right to make a profit as anyone.

I believe David Morgan usually keeps 8 ft Indy's on the shelf as it's to me as common as bread & butter.

To me, the 8 foot is the absolute ideal size for a bullwhip. 6 is good too. Don't go any shorter and don't go any longer til you are onto your 2nd, 3rd, 4th, 5th etc whip in your arsenal.

I've never seen a Paul Stenhouse whip but from the recommendations I've read trust it's very good. Joe Strain's bullwhips are very good too. I have an 8 ft Lone Star of his that is about 10 years old and still fairly stiff. Great workmanship and a very nice person to get to know also.


The question is turnaround for a whipmaker? That's individual. Who is the most qualified whipmaker? Dozens are very cabable of making a quality whip. Some are known well and some are still lurking, and quitely making outstanding whips.

Back to the shop.....

If you're gonna get a murphy, I'd wait until/if you get into stockwhips. He makes a great product, but I'm not as familar with his bullwhips. I'd go with the Strain. I've not cracked a Stenhouse. The EM Brand (if that's Bernie) was a bit heavy for me (but then I am a girl) and wore my arm out quicker than my ECwhip does. I recommend the EC whip (I have 3) but Joe Strain does have more years of whipmaking experience.

I've decided to go with the 8 ft Strain. Is there any particular extras or anything I should mention to the man before he gets going? Such as a longer handle, knot size, best color(currently leaning toward natural tan)? Any suggestions from those who have Strains would be appreciated

Thanks

When you talk to Joe, have him do the knot on the heel more David Morgan like. He will know what you mean. Everything else stays the same. My preference is the natural color. It will turn a gorgeous patina, mahogony over time. Just be patient and you will be rewarded with a great stunning whip.

-Sergei