Size matters

Those of you who use whips in performance- what length is the most useful? Seems like anything over 10' might be too long, but the little 3 footers I have are almost too short and quick to have the same dramatic effect... plus that makes them harder to crack and almost useless for wraps.

What's a good all-around performance whip length- between 5' and 8'?

Not a whip performer myself, but the couple that I know use 6 or 8 foot whips.

I've been working with them for a bit now. I own an 8ft Australian... so that's, what... 10'6" to the cracker (I haven't got my tape measure handy). I would hesitate to use it in a small environment, but give me enough travel with the whip and I'd use it. I've been led to believe that a five footer for demos and the like is your best bet, plenty of speed and enough noise to show off. The pop isn't quite as loud as I would like, but it's rare that you'll ever get to use one in any theatrical setting.

That said, I saw a production of Zastrozzi a few years ago. They got away with an eight footer, but it was precisely aimed as the show was done in a thrust configuration. The psychological effect of a bigger whip was necessary for the show. There really is something about that anticipation of the crack to get the audience worked up.

I agree with Liz, your best bet would be a six foot Australian or an eight foot American bull. Long enough to wrap with, and short enough to use in confined spaces.

BTW, Fight Designer - Love the site. Keep it up!

-A

Oi, good to see you here!

Yeah, I got a chance in an early rehearsal (while they were trying to decide on weapons) to try one of my 3' whips in a small theatre space around here with probably 7' ceilings... and I could still crack it just fine. Good fun, and plenty loud in a small cement box.

I have an 8' Australian, and find it a bit long in most environments. Most whip crackers I know like to use 6'ers.

Happy cracking!

Cheers,

Doc