Bullwhips for accuracy and ease

[JerseyJones]

Hi All,

If one were to seek out a bullwhip to be used for accuracy and ease of cracking, what would the proportions be and who'd be the "go to" person IYHO to get it done ?

I thought the 12" handle Terry Jacka looked good. Opinions ?

Peace
Ken/JJ

[BullWhipBorton]

Wow, now that’s a question that the answers are going to vary. Everyone has their own favorites and there are so many bullwhips to chose from and each one of those is going to vary in there own way. I’ll tell you though; I have use one of Terry’s 8ft Australian bullwhips for about 6 years now (been cracking many more) and I’ve put a lot of miles on that whip. It’s still in fine shape and I’ve always been happy with it. I consider it a well made, well balanced, no nonsense bullwhip. It’s not so fancy as others out there, but its light and fast and I like it. It’s done everything I’ve ever asked of it, targets, multiple cracking, wrapping and the lot and I’ll probably get another one of these days. For accuracy, you could go shorter of course, 6ft or less will give you great results with a little practice, but I’ve always recommend 8ft bullwhips if that’s all you plan on getting one whip, it will give you more variety in your practices.

As for my own preferences, well I can’t go with out mentioning the 6ft bullwhips by David Morgan. They are just great; I prefer the older ones though, as I’m not so fond of the bulkier, shorter looking handles he’s doing now. Don’t get me wrong they are still amazing whips to work with, it’s just my personal preference. There is a lot of fine bullwhips to choose from though and Terry Jackas’ is certainly something to consider. I’ve kept tabs on many whip makers, both ones on Indy gear and those abroad and there are some amazing whips being made. But do your home works, talk to some more of the whip folk around here and on the web, don’t sacrifice quality for cost and I think you will be in good shape which ever you choose. Hope this helps

Dan

[Sergei]

You know some people like Terry Jacka whips. I have tried the 12 inch handle one you are talking about and in my opinion it on the light side for me. Mr. Jacka must not weight his whips. However, I do understand that a lot of people like it that way and swear by him. So please try his whips out.

I would recommend going another route. I have worked with Paul Stenhouse and Joe Strain on making target whips for me.

Here is a picture of Paul's Target whip he custom made for me. It's seven feet long with a 12 inch handle.


Here are a pair of matched 6 foot Joe Strain's. They are his signature, Lone Star Whips. The handles are 10inches.



Paul does a tremendous job. Joe's whips are all a work of art. His matched set is not only good for target work, but they are excellent for performing complex double handed whip work.

That's my recommendations.

-Sergei

[Sergei]

Langpuss,
LOL, that's been my experience as well. That's why weighting is so important for me. With proper weighting the whip seems to crack itself without very much exertion. Otherwise it tends to feel like a rope. BTW, I make absolutely no slam on the Jacka whips. They are quality whips, but a tad light for my tastes.

-S

[BullWhipBorton]

Just to add, the Terry Jacka bullwhip, (at least the one with the 12inch handle that’s pretty readily available) while lighter than many of the American made bullwhips adopting that Australian style of construction is by no means an inferior whip. It’s solid, and its made well and has a very nice balance. I have always found it to have a really smooth, easy motion. I don’t want anyone thinking it’s a feather weight or unruly, because its certainly not. This particular whip has a pretty fast action and in some ways handles more like a good stock whip or a target whip then the traditional bullwhip.

I have never really had to adjust my style all that much when switching from lighter to heavier whips. In some ways I actually prefer a bit lighter faster whips though. The really heavy ones especially the loaded whips just aren’t my style. But ya know with any well-made whip, light or heavy, as long as you have good techniques you should never have to over muscle it.

Dan