Whip Basics. The Forum

Is there a particular plait that maintains better stiffness and longetivity over the transition area, such as diamond plait? Also has anyone ever tried the self-sealing silicone tape?

Not really. It will all break in the same. Diamonds or 8 seam will start out stiffer but won't really stay that way.

Transition stiffening is best achieved through proper binding. I'm still searching for a narrow, flat, flexible cord which can serve for this purpose, but artificial sinew remains the best option.

I use multiple passes of crochet nylon thread, myself, but I use a different method. It works well for me.

I would start with the artifical sinew on each level of the whip right from teh belly of addling handle and weigth and every layer over that.. I have seen some writes up for straight flat nylon string but other then x use that I have not seen much on it.. hope that helps

I was looking into getting some Type I Accessory Cord for binding material, but I haven't had the finances. The theory is that a flat cord will work better than a smaller, round cord with multiple passes. At least...that's the idea.

i've found that you dont need to bind transitions to make them rigid if you use the rite plaiting pattern, and pull all the slack out of the cord. For super rigid whips i've been working with that heat shrink cord wrap.