Snake whip

[Sir Roger Tuson]

Snakes are a very diferent beast to Bulls. Depending on how much toght binding you did in th ehandle area, you need a lot more wrist action to get it moving. A lot of fun tough. One of my favourite whips is a short 5' snake that's just so sharp and snappy.

[Brandon "Sparky" Lam]

Mark, this is looking good! Definitely looks like it'll need a heavier fall (maybe start with a 6 plait that tapers down to a twisted taper, that'd be cool), but it looks good.
Is that the natural position of the whip when you put it on the table in that photo? If so, it should be ok - try flicks with it, see how it reacts. It might be the light fall that makes it feel stiff

[Mark Elliott]

Sir Roger and Sparky, thanks. I waxed the whip last night and have ordered some lead core line to make a longer and heavier fall. The waxing improved the feel an the way it moves a lot. It is also starting to get a slight bit more flexible (still pretty stiff, though) and I've had a few more practice rounds with it. It's starting to feel more comfortable and seems to be cracking easier, mostly because of me learning to use it, I think. You are right Roger, it does take a lot more wrist and folding it as far back on the knot as possible seemed to help as well.
Yes Sparky, I laid it out on the table in a bit tighter spiral than that and this is what it relaxed into.

[Matt Henderson]

Looks very nice to me Mark! . I'm glad it cracks decently for you now you're getting used to it.

[Ben Varsek]

Mark, your snake whip looks fantastic - good job!
Once your lead core line has been delivered you could try out different twisted loaded falls with different weights in order to see what works best on this whip.

All the best
Ben