Club Obi Wan

I'm looking for some advice from more experienced whippers.

I've been practicing with an old Robert Duke Indy 8' Roo whip (quite heavy) and a waxed paracord 8' bullwhip (I forget the maker but was referred to him by Rhett Kelley years ago due to long wait list, it was a Joe...forget last name). (both 8" handles)

I've started practicing rapid figure eights and want to progress to volleys but I find the heavy whip a little difficult to use. The lighter nylon whip seems better for the rapid changes. Based on my reading of forum it seems an Australian style whip with longer handle might be better for this type of whip work.

1. For nylon whips, would it be better to have 12 pl. vs. 16 pl. for faster maneuverability? (rapid changes of direction)

2. For length: stick to 6 or 7 feet??

3. Should I be looking at a 12" handle??

Thanks.

I am suprised no one answered so here is my 2 cents.

Are you looking into possibly getting into two handed routines or just wanting the one? If it is teo...definately go for a matched set of stock whips.

For Nylon over roo...more of a budget issue or preference.
Generally roo is heavier and that can be easier to feel the weight, but feeling the weight means it is more of a workout.
If you want to really dive into whip cracking, you should look into buying some stock whips. As for Nylon vs. Leather...it is a personal choice. Nylon is nice because there is little to no matainance. Depending on what type of combinations you really want to learn, I would say 5' is probably your best option. 5'-6' would allow for learning stuff like the Queensland cross over or hassets 4 corners. Contact Adam Winrich for a good set at a very affordable price. Message him through facebook.
If you really are wanting to go bullwhip and have prejudice for the stock whip...a longer handled bullwhip could be preferable. I would say a 6' bullwhip with a 10" Spike would be great. 12" handles would work as well. As for quicker cracking...the longer the whip...the slower it goes.
As for the nylon 12 plait vs. 16 plait...it is not the whip, but the whip maker that is important. It won't effect the quick changes as far as plait count. It should be easier to break in on a lower plait count but as I said...it is the maker that is more important the the plait count or the whip.