Comparing a Whistler and a Whip?

slowbowjoe · September 04, 2018, 08:22:19 PM

For those who've shot both (I know there's a bunch of you), what stands out to you between them? I'm looking at a 58" Whistler or a 62" Whip. My draw is 27" so I know i'm fine for length with either, I've shot a Whip some and know the feel of it... what to expect with a Whistler?

the rifleman · September 05, 2018, 04:47:11 PM

I can tell you that between my 62" whip and my 56" pika there is very little difference. But i do shoot the pika a bit better, possibly because it is a few pounds lighter draw. Any Toelke is a great bow for sure!

slowbowjoe · September 05, 2018, 06:55:58 PM

Thank you for the feedback rifleman, That's what I thought. Since the Whistler is a longer version of the Pika, I searched for Pika reviews and found a bunch... seems like some prefer the length and/or grip of one or the other, but the "feel" is about the same. with the Pika/Whistler being a tad bit faster for the same poundage.
Thinking hard on this one!

Elkchaser · September 05, 2018, 10:30:59 PM

What pound bow are you looking for, Joe? I am considering selling my 56", 51@28 TD Pika. It's my second Pika, following 2 or 3 Whips over the years. Personally, I don't think the Pika gives up anything, as far as speed, quiet, or stability to the Whip. All Toelkes, my Lynx included, are just a pleasure to shoot!
I can't speak to the Whistler, because I have not shot one.

old_goat2 · September 06, 2018, 02:29:25 AM

The Whistler is faster than the Whip. I have both and a Lynx Longbow too. My wife has a Pika and I feel it's very similar to the Whistler as I believe Dan meant it to be. At your draw length, I think I'd recommend the longer Pika, you will be maximizing it's efficiency with your draw length. My wife's is 56" 35#@28", she pulls a little over 27", it actually beat her 66" 35#@28" A&H by a couple fps with the same arrow and I think that's because of her draw length versus the length of the bow between the two. First time out with it she shot her second best 3d score with it, 285 on a course where 300 by a man is considered a really good score. I have a 31" draw so I enjoy my 66" Lynx and Whip better than my 60" Whistler, but the Whistler is one sweet little bow and will fill a niche for me chasing small game in the brush and shooting out of stand and blind. Just feel confident in whatever you choose because you can't go wrong with any Toelke! If I had your draw length, the 56" Pika would be my choice, and if you don't get a two piece, ask for Micarta in the riser, the mass it lends will be appreciated! But, Dan and Jered are the people who knows these bows best, and you know what you like better in a bow, tell them what you are looking for and ask their advice on it!

slowbowjoe · September 15, 2018, 01:56:05 PM

Just got done shooting the Whip and Whistler side by side, a few dozen shots from each. Field tips, broadheads, judos. Didn't mess with tuning either, other than setting brace height in the middle of their recommended range. Same arrows out of both, but the Whistler is 4# heavier.
Tough choice! I find 'em very similar overall.I have a slight preference for the grip on the Whistler, but both grips feel very natural, and are repeatable. Whistler comes to anchor a hair quicker with the more forward riser. Shot feels about the same on both, sight window/picture the same.

Old Goat, I think you're right about a 56"; the Whistler draws pretty easy for me at 58", but I think I could drop a coupe/few pounds and go with a 56" Pika, and have a feel as nice as the Whip.
Told myself I'd call Dan with a decision by the end of the day... still going back and forth, but like so many have said, can't go wrong either way.

Longtoke · September 15, 2018, 10:10:42 PM

I would go with a 60" whip or a 58" whistler with my 27" draw. I personally like the grips on the Pika/whistler a little more than the whip.

9 Shocks · September 17, 2018, 09:14:13 PM

I have. 27" draw and have owned a few whips. 60" whip would be my choice but I have never shot a pika.

slowbowjoe · September 17, 2018, 09:42:16 PM

9 Shocks, I've had, and very much liked, both a 58" Mag and a 62"Fury, and liked them both a lot. Wanted to try something a little longer and a bit milder R/D. That Fury was my first try after the Mag, but long story short it died in short order. Then I called Dan.
I'm keeping the 62" Whip. Other choice would have been a 56" Pika, but the Whip shoots so well for me already, and is exceptionally beautiful to my eye with Dan's choice of woods and details. Grip fits me perfectly too, and while I still prefer the feel of the Whistler's grip, this one fits like a glove... just a little different glove!
I'm "bonding"with the Whip already, and would have been bowlesss 'till a bow was built, so that tilted things for the Whip.
I'm sure I'll be shooting more of Dan's bows down the road!