Its Insane to Buy a New Whip From David Morgan...

[Alabama Jones]

and so am I, cause I did it.

I've been saving for more than a year to get this treasured, but over-priced baby. I've just always wanted one since I learned who made them for the films, and just knew if I waited/put it off with indecision and scoff. that one day, it would be too late and no longer available. (This is probably the first or second item I searched for when I got on the internet in the mid/late 90s.)

Mind you, I wanted to keep my 'Joe Strain', too, but to go on a trip that just came up and still be able to get my DM, I had to sell it. I had wanted the natural tan anyway, and it wasn't available from Joe then, plus the knot is not actually screen-accurate. (Ironically the handle is and Morgan's is not). Anyhow, the Strain whip is fantastic, and may be equal to the DM. "I don't know we'll find out" I'll definately be reporting to you guys an objective opinion cause the JS is almost half what a Morgan cost. (about what the DM cost a decade ago).

So far ... the service is EXCELLENT. I specified a whip made by Morgan himself, not an apprentice or assistant. I received a phone call, same day ordered online, and was told Mr Morgan would be autographing a cerificate/tag authenticating his personal craftsmanship to come with the whip. Also, I'll be getting spare falls,crackers, a tub of Pecards and a lifetime guarantee on maintenence and repair.

*Stay tuned as Bama performs simple whip cracks on the street for food Of course this is all before he attempts to hijack one of G-MANN's Flightsuits and promptly gets his arse kicked by Moses before then being run over by a Subaru* ;D

[Deleted]

Bama, congratulations on the new purchase!

I won't ask how much you paid for it.

[pitfallharry]

Yeah, let us know how the whip handles once you get it. I haven't paid to much attention to all of the whip stuff over at COW since I got mine. Other threads have caught my attention so I haven't kept up with it all. I do remember however there was someone over at COW that recently bought a whip from DM.....not sure the length. Anyway, this person was less than thrilled with it though and gave a list of problems he found and I think he was even going to sell it to get someone elses. Some of the other members suggested that maybe DM was getting up there in age and that his work was slipping.......

I hope I'm not scaring you with any of this but I thought I'd bring it to your attention just incase you have similar problems. For all I know whoever it was over there that had problems might either be overly picky or it could be just an isolated incident.

I'm happy for you though and I hope it's everything you've always dreamed it would be. I've seen pics of them and they look like monsters in size compared to the WSP and other whips!

[Alabama Jones]

canyon said:

Bama, congratulations on the new purchase!

I won't ask how much you paid for it.

Thanks hon

and *sniff* thanks.
*rubs sore wallet*

Thank you Harry. I think I know who you're talking about over *there* and I believe it may just be a matter of personal preference. There's a few folks who I trust in who don't feel the same way. I'm not convinced ole Dave has lost it just yet. If Mr Morgan , with as much knowledge as he's obtained over the years in his craft, believes a longer handle compromises the whip, then I am inclined to believe him at this point, even if its not "screen accurate".

I will post an objective review compared with the Strain, and If I think the JS is better, I'll be the first to proclaim it because I believe Joe makes a fantastic product. I will own another one! (probably an 8' replica of an '84 Morgan with "correct" handle and knot).

* * *

Well, folks I'm off to Mexico, and have already missed so many posts; hope to catch up later. I'll check back as soon as I can. Kudos to Blues and G for setting up this place for us Indyfans to kick back, relax and get to know each other.

TTFN

Bama

[Deleted]

Wow, Mexico, eh? Bama, have a great trip and take loads of gear pictures!

I will miss you.

[pitfallharry]

Yeah, Mexico would make for some really great gear shots! Have fun!

[Deleted]

Hey Alabama,

Have a great trip. Great photo possibilities.

BE SAFE,

John

[indianadirk]

have a nice and safe trip dude !!

[Ragingblues]

Congrats on buying what you really wanted, and I know you will enjoy it, for that reason alone. Have a great trip (if you haven't left already), and enjoy yourself as much as possible.

The kudos all belong to you fine folks, because without you... this place would just be John and myself, posting photos and congratulating each other on a nice job!

Adios amigos!

Senior Ken

[indianatone]

Nothing wrong with a Morgan whip! Looking forward to pictures.

Hmm. It's going to be a shame if you don't come back with some gear pics in Mexico! The hat! Must wear the hat!

[pagey]

If you've gotta have a Morgan, you've just gotta have a Morgan - it's one of those things.
The most recent offerings aren't a patch on the old whips though - the strand cutting is haphazard and the braiding is pretty loose. In fact there's aconsiderable difference even to whips he made 6 years ago. The strands are very, very wide.The weight and balance are still good though and the whips handle well. Mr. Morgan knows his stuff perhaps more than anybody - but he's just turned 81 and that's bound to show. I've corresponded with him quite a lot (he's been very helpful and he's a very friendly chap) and he's admitted to me that he thinks he passed his whip making peak " long ago" - but that doesn't mean he's not still producing a decent whip.
Compared to your Strain, the Morgan may come as a bit of a shock when you get it. A very different animal altogether.
Do post some pictures when it arrives.

[Alabama Jones]

Its me, I'm back!

A day late albeit ... (Friggin' Bush International Customs is a b****, but a small price to pay for a wonderful time)

Just got back from Acapulco, Guerrero, Mexico. HAD A BLAST And yes I wore the gear!

And just upfront, yes, I did get Indy comments, most notably from a native cab driver who spoke broken English. (story to come later)

Thanks so much for all the well-wishes and the congrats on the whip. I came back to find it on my doorstep!

I'm gonna post a thread about my trip with pics, vidoes, and stories. The highlight was probably a jungle/lagoon tour we took, where they made the second Rambo flic (the one in "Vietnam").

Here's a sneak peak...



Alabama on the Pacific Coast ... don't seem to be missing Marion all that much. We learned that Mexicans DO drink Corona, just not so much on the Gulf Side. The different areas compete!

A quick note ... the AB gloriously Cairo-izes itself in the hot sun and sand. It also, unfortunatly, shrinks and tapers.... (time for a reblock)

Anyhow, to keep this thread on track, here's a rough pic of my new DM as it arrived.



As promised, pics and tales of Crocs, Iguanas, wild exotic birds, killer mosquitoes, John Wayne, "Tarzan", Elvis, Sinatra, Martin, beach volleyball in Aldens, and a "city of the living" view of Acapulco from the home of our guide and friend, Raoul to come ...

Gonna take a while to catch up. This place is hoppin'!

Missed you most of all my dear Canyon.

[pagey]

Hey - you can't just leave us with a pic like that!!
Unwrap it, try it out and report back - above all with MORE pics!!!

Hmm might have to dig out my Morgan and give it a work out instead of the Strain for a while.

[Alabama Jones]

pagey said:

Hey - you can't just leave us with a pic like that!!
Unwrap it, try it out and report back - above all with MORE pics!!!

Hmm might have to dig out my Morgan and give it a work out instead of the Strain for a while.

HA HA, I'm gonna be tryin this baby out tomorrrow, with pics.

I see what you mean; definately a "different animal". Gonna take some gettin' used to the shorter handle, and its also a bit stiff. I am already missing my Strain. My plan is to get another one, in '84 Morgan style, from Joe, but lately he only seems to be able to make them in the "brandy" style.

[pagey]

The 84 Morgan style is also what I've got - in 10ft saddle tan. An awesome whip!! I've also got a MOrgan and a couple of my own whips - but the Strain is the one I use and carry.

[Deleted]

Welcome back Alabama.

Yes we will need more pics

Pagey,

I have 2 Joe Strain whips. Both are magnificent. However I may just have to add a Pagey whip to my collection soon.

Cheers,
G-MANN

[Deleted]

alabamajones said:

Its me, I'm back!

Thank the Gods for that!

alabamajones said:

Missed you most of all my dear Canyon.

Aww! You sweet man! I missed you a great deal, also!

Alabama, sounds like you had a fantastic time! Can't wait to hear the story of the native cab driver. ;D And yes, we need more pics of your DM! She's a beauty!

[Bama]

Thanks for the welcome back guys and doll.

I need so much time to catch up on all the cool stuff y'all have been doing and unpack and organize ... but for now, here's a pic out of the bag.

[Deleted]

Wow! The whip looks stunning!

[Ragingblues]

Welcome back Alabama!

The whip looks great so far, and I'm glad you had a great trip. We will look forward to the photos and stories you mentioned, as well as being able to see this whip in action!

Ken

[indianatone]

Good to see you back, Alabama! That beach pic is only the beginning, I'm sure, and just about all you need for "relaxed" adventure. GET THOSE TRIP PICS UP!

Congrats on the whip, too.

[jweaver]

Sounds like you had a great trip man and your DM looks great! Now hurry up with pics and the story!

[JEEP]

Congrats on you new whip - from the pictures you have posted so far it's looking good.


/Jakob

[Alabama Jones]

Hey thanks again guys. That pic was really sunwashed. My camera can't do it justice. But I did get some rough videos in the park today...

First. Pagey is right; totally different animal. Took a few minutes to get used to the diff from the Strain. I'll post more detail on my opinions later but I do love this whip!.

And now, some vids. Bad angle, but I *think* you can get an idea from the audio what this whip can do...

WARNING! Beware of chicken legs in Aldens! ...

eaglesnest.goblinjournals.com/dm%20whip%20010.asf

Watch the dude walk in front of me as I'm winding up. I promptly sent him a subtle message the walk back would be "tense".

You'll walk over Cletus but you'll limp back. [/Grandma Klump)

eaglesnest.goblinjournals.com/dm%20whip%20011.asf

[indianatone]

Man that thing is loud and consistent!

Incidentally, where are you that you can just casually set a softee chair down, flip on a camera, slide your jacket off a bullwhip and start cracking it with not a soul giving it a second thought? I want to live there!