How to choose your first whip?
At Eon's Whips, we often hear this question: "Which whip should I choose to start with?" And as with any good tool, the answer depends on what you plan to use it for. A whip isn’t just an object — it’s an extension of your body, a play partner, an instrument of rhythm or pleasure, and it should be suited to your usage, your space, and your progression.
Here are some essential pointers to help you make the right choice.

Erotic use: flexibility above all
If your practice leans toward erotic play or BDSM scenes, the snakewhip is the go-to choice. It’s a whip that is flexible along its entire length, with no handle, offering refined tactile feedback for your partner. It allows for great freedom of movement while maintaining precise control through its cracker, making it a tool of communication and play.
👉🏼 Ideal length: 3 feet (about 90 cm). This format is perfect for beginners: versatile, easy to handle, and compatible with most indoor spaces. It allows you to perform all the basic moves commonly taught in classes or seen in impact play scenes.
Neither too long nor too short, the 3-foot whip is an excellent learning tool, and also a reliable long-term companion — an important point, especially when investing in a quality handmade whip.
It suits most home environments and, when used skillfully, can deliver incredibly satisfying intensity, while still allowing nuance and subtlety in your movements.
🌀 Tight on space? If you’re working in a small area (bedroom, studio, etc.), you could consider a shorter whip (2 or 2.5 feet). But beware: shorter doesn’t always mean easier. A smaller whip won’t be as flexible and won’t loop like a longer one. That’s why we usually recommend investing upfront in a well-made 3-foot whip that can grow with you, no matter how your practice evolves.
At Eon’s Whips, every snakewhip can be customized both in configuration and in braiding – colors, braiding, finishes – to create a whip that truly reflects you.
🔒 A word on consent: pleasure, safety, and trust
In erotic practices involving a whip — as in all BDSM play — consent is absolutely central. This means every action, every intention, every interaction is based on explicit, informed, and reversible agreement. Nothing is left to chance, because deep pleasure comes first and foremost from mutual trust.
To help set this framework, two core principles from the BDSM community may guide you:
- SSC: Safe, Sane, Consensual — a classic model encouraging common sense, caution, and respect.
- RACK: Risk Aware Consensual Kink — a more open model that acknowledges all play carries risks, provided they’re known, understood, and consciously accepted by everyone involved.
Before any scene, take the time to clearly discuss desires, limits, safewords (or non-verbal signals if needed), and above all: remember that "no" is always an option. It’s this respect for freedom that makes the play beautiful, ethical, and deeply connected. You can also use our negotiation sheet.
In this context, a whip isn’t a tool of brute domination: it’s an instrument of dialogue and sensation, in service of a fully consensual relationship.
Artistic use: power and spectacle
The whip finds a powerful place in the performing arts world. Whether cracking, dancing, accentuating a gesture or punctuating choreography, it becomes a spectacular and demanding tool for stage expression.
We can distinguish several major artistic approaches:
🎯 Sport whip cracking: dynamic figures, rhythmic sequences, double whip work, often outdoors or on stage — popularized by performers like Adam Winrich or Jack the Whipper.
🎭 Stage or circus performance: theatrical staging, costume effects, characters and visual storytelling. Here we think of artists like @tinygirlbigshow, who mix burlesque, humor, stage presence and technical effects.
🥋 Martial or choreographic art: controlled sequences, often silent, working on the pure gesture, tension, precision — in an approach close to dance or traditional martial arts.
🎶 Sound or visual creation: percussive rhythms, musical effects, light and movement combined. Here the whip becomes a true instrument, sculpting sonic or visual space.
Your first companion with us for this type of use will be a bullwhip.
The bullwhip is distinguished by an integrated rigid handle about thirty centimeters long, which gives more power to the movement and facilitates certain techniques, particularly complex figures and quick transitions.
👉🏼 Recommended length: at least 5 feet (about 1.50 m).
This is the minimum size to benefit from the momentum needed for the sonic and visual effects sought in an artistic approach. A shorter bullwhip loses spectacle value; a longer one requires some mastery, but becomes a true stage instrument.
The bullwhip requires more space to be handled correctly, so make sure you can practice in a clear and secure environment.
Design in service of the stage
In an artistic approach, the whip is not just a technical tool — it's also a strong visual element. It can become an aesthetic extension of your costume, your gesture, or your staging.
At Eon's Whips, we offer customizations designed for the stage:
- Contrasting or fluorescent colors for better visual impact on stage or video.
- Graphic braidings that emphasize the whip's movement.
- Neon, phosphorescent, or glittery finishes, that catch light in action.
🎭 Whether you're a street artist, circus performer, dancer, burlesque performer or videographer, we can design with you a whip that combines performance, precision and stage presence. Have an idea? Let's discuss it — the show begins at conception!
A unique alternative: the dualwhip
At Eon’s Whips, we’ve developed an exclusive model for those who want versatility without compromise: the dualwhip.
This hybrid and modular whip comes with a removable handle, allowing it to switch between a bullwhip (with handle) and a snakewhip (without handle). A handmade innovation that unlocks new possibilities: switch between artistic and erotic styles, adjust to your available space, or tailor your sensations based on your mood or partner.
💡 The dualwhip handle is slightly heavier than a standard bullwhip handle. This gives it a particular inertia, highly appreciated for fluid and powerful movements, but it takes a little getting used to. It’s not a drawback — it’s a distinctive feature that offers greater power variation.
💰 The cost of a dualwhip is a bit higher than a traditional whip due to its complexity and dual-purpose design. It might not be the best choice for a very first whip, especially if you're on a tight budget. But for passionate users seeking an evolving tool, it's a smart and elegant option — and a fine example of our craftsmanship.
Note: Paracord whips are often recommended for a first purchase. Usually more affordable, they’re just as high quality as leather whips. To learn more, read our article: Whip, leather vs. paracord
Should I take lessons to learn how to use a whip?
It’s a fair question, especially when starting out: should I train with someone or can I learn on my own?
🎯 First things first: you need a whip
Whether you choose to learn solo or in a class, one thing is essential: you can’t learn to handle a whip without one in hand. The motion, rhythm, inertia — everything comes from direct practice. That’s why it’s important to invest in a whip suited to your needs, even as a beginner. A good quality first whip will support your learning and help avoid bad habits caused by poor equipment. It might even stay with you for your whole journey.
🧑🏽🏫 Option 1: lessons — a faster path
Taking lessons helps you progress faster, more confidently, and with fewer mistakes. You benefit from the experience of a seasoned practitioner who can correct your technique, share useful tips, and help you avoid common pitfalls.
At Eon’s Whips, we offer private lessons tailored to your pace and goals. You can also join group classes by Ness Harper at the École des Arts Sadiens , to learn in a supportive, educational environment with fellow enthusiasts.
🤹 Option 2: self-learning — possible with discipline
Learning on your own takes patience but allows you to better understand your own rhythm.
If you prefer to go solo, that’s absolutely doable, as long as you stick to a few essential principles:
- Never start on skin. Body work requires skill, precision, and awareness.
- Use a clear, open space, free of people and objects.
- Protect yourself: goggles, long sleeves — you’ll thank yourself when a whip bites back!
- Practice in the air to learn to control trajectories, angles, speed, and power.
- Engage with other practitioners at community events (munches, talks, jams, etc.).
- Watch instructional videos to learn the basics: aim, tension, intensity, rhythm, recovery...
- Learn to listen to your whip: every creation reacts differently.
Why choose a handmade whip?
In an age when you can buy a cheap whip online in seconds, it’s worth understanding what gives handmade whips their value — and why it changes everything, both in use and in feel.
A whip made by a passionate artisan is more than just an object. It’s a tool built to last, balanced in construction, dynamic in motion, and often unique. At Eon’s Whips, every piece is braided with care, based on the user’s gestures, intended use, and desired aesthetics.
🖐 We’re not just artisans — we’re also practitioners. Every whip we create is informed by real handling experience and actual scenes. We test our whips over time, we know how they react, evolve, and where their limits lie. This ensures not just quality, but above all, relevance in every detail.
👉🏼 Joyca, the French YouTuber, tested one of our whips. Watch his video!
In short, choosing a good artisan means:
✔ More expensive upfront, yes, but also far more durable: a well-maintained handmade whip will last for years, while mass-produced ones often deform, break, or become unusable quickly.
✔ A fully customizable project — length, color, braid, decoration, finishes — it becomes an extension of yourself, not just a prop. Personalization is at the heart of our work: for the same finish, a whip made to your preferences does not cost more than one of our premade models. Unless you fall in love with a ready-made piece, it makes sense to design a whip that truly fits you.
✔ You also benefit from personal support, including progress updates, advice tailored to your practice, care recommendations, and a genuine after-sales service. This direct connection with the maker allows your practice to evolve with confidence and continuity.
In short, choosing a handmade whip means investing in safety, performance, aesthetics, and relationship. And often, it also means joining a community of enthusiasts who value learning, respect, and skillful practice.
A whip, a journey
Whatever your style of practice, the key is to choose a whip that fits your current use, but also what you envision for the future. It’s a tool for learning, and sometimes a deeply personal object that carries a piece of your soul. That’s why we place great importance on listening to your needs, craftsmanship quality, and full customization possibilities.
Have a doubt? A technical or practical question? Don’t hesitate to contact us. We’re here to support you – from the very first whip to the one you’ll create to mark a milestone in your journey.
🤍 At Eon's Whips, we don’t just make whips. We craft tools of connection, pleasure, and expression. Choose yours with care – and passion.