What Size of a Whip is Best For A Beginner?
A common question among people interested in getting into the art of whip cracking is what size whip is best for a beginner. In all honesty, there is no definitive answer since different people order whips for different applications, i.e., multiple-cracking, target cutting, cattle driving...
For bullwhips, my general recommendation is 6-8 feet with a handle at least 10 inches long for good leverage and control. In my opinion, 7 foot bullwhips are great all-around sized whips for people of any size or experience level. If your intention is cattle driving, most of the Hawaiian cowboys I've met use an 8-12 foot bullwhip out in the field. For indoor target work and performing, I recommend a bullwhip around 3 - 5 feet with an handle around 8 - 10 inches.
For stockwhips and cow whips, a 5 - 7 footer is generally recommended. Stockwhips are measured by the thong only, so a 5 foot stockwhip with an 16 inch handle is somewhat the equivalent in length, but not action, to about a 6 foot bullwhip. If you're interested in two-handed whip cracking, I highly suggest 3-5 foot Australian Stockwhips or Florida Cowwhips with nylon cores. In cattle driving, a 6 - 12 foot stockwhip is often used. For indoor target work or performing, a 3 - 4 foot stockwhip works well, outdoor target work is good with a 5 - 8 foot stockwhip.
For bullwhips, my general recommendation is 6-8 feet with a handle at least 10 inches long for good leverage and control. In my opinion, 7 foot bullwhips are great all-around sized whips for people of any size or experience level. If your intention is cattle driving, most of the Hawaiian cowboys I've met use an 8-12 foot bullwhip out in the field. For indoor target work and performing, I recommend a bullwhip around 3 - 5 feet with an handle around 8 - 10 inches.
For stockwhips and cow whips, a 5 - 7 footer is generally recommended. Stockwhips are measured by the thong only, so a 5 foot stockwhip with an 16 inch handle is somewhat the equivalent in length, but not action, to about a 6 foot bullwhip. If you're interested in two-handed whip cracking, I highly suggest 3-5 foot Australian Stockwhips or Florida Cowwhips with nylon cores. In cattle driving, a 6 - 12 foot stockwhip is often used. For indoor target work or performing, a 3 - 4 foot stockwhip works well, outdoor target work is good with a 5 - 8 foot stockwhip.
How are Whips Measured?
It really depends on if you can or cannot separate the thong/lash of the whip from the handle and replace it.
Stockwhip handles and thongs can be separated and mixed-and-matched, so the thong length is all that is counted. Stockwhip handles are generally 14 - 22 inches long, but shorter or longer ones can be done.
Bullwhips often cannot be separated from the handle without damaging or altering the whip's action, therefore, bullwhips are measured from the butt end of the handle to the fall hitch.
Snake whips or "Black Snakes", are measured in the same manner as bullwhips, from the butt end to the fall hitch.
For any of these whips, the fall and crackers do not count towards the length due to the fact that they are replaceable.
Stockwhip handles and thongs can be separated and mixed-and-matched, so the thong length is all that is counted. Stockwhip handles are generally 14 - 22 inches long, but shorter or longer ones can be done.
Bullwhips often cannot be separated from the handle without damaging or altering the whip's action, therefore, bullwhips are measured from the butt end of the handle to the fall hitch.
Snake whips or "Black Snakes", are measured in the same manner as bullwhips, from the butt end to the fall hitch.
For any of these whips, the fall and crackers do not count towards the length due to the fact that they are replaceable.
How Do I care For a Nylon Whip?
Please refer to the Nylon Whip Maintenance page.
Do You Use Electrical tape in your whips?
No. While I'm on that subject, I also don't use duct tape, athletic tape, hockey tape or Coban wrap (Self-adhering medical wrap).
How did you learn to make whips?
YouTube, various research on the internet, books, and a whole lot of trial and error. I'm still learning, and as far as I can predict, I'll stop learning at the same time I stop making whips.
How do I learn to crack whip?
When learning to crack a whip, take it slow and don't try to muscle the whip. It's okay if you only get a "whoosh" at first instead of a crack, just concentrate on using little effort and clean fluid movements, the crack will come naturally.
For tutorials, Adam Winrich and Restita Dejesus have exellent videos on YouTube breaking down the basic cracks and routines. For DVDs, I recommend the "Whip Basics - A Beginner's Guide" series presented in great detail by Robert Amper of Germany. If you would like to get into intricate two handed techniques, Mike Murphy's: "No Bull Whipcracking and Duelling Whips" is fantastic.
For tutorials, Adam Winrich and Restita Dejesus have exellent videos on YouTube breaking down the basic cracks and routines. For DVDs, I recommend the "Whip Basics - A Beginner's Guide" series presented in great detail by Robert Amper of Germany. If you would like to get into intricate two handed techniques, Mike Murphy's: "No Bull Whipcracking and Duelling Whips" is fantastic.