Hi Mark – I have had a lot of fun with Esmeralda. It took a bit longer than Piebald to get broken in. I think that is because it is a meatier whip and the changes in braid type take a little longer to even out the tension across the transition. Well, she is flowing very nicely now! I have indeed worn off all the black and the whip is an even emerald green. It is a heavy whip. A bit of a workout, which is something I actually really enjoy about it. My 10-year-old son was able to do a cattleman’s and overhead with it, though he had to hold the handle with both hands to swing it. And my wife, who has never held a whip before, got it to crack on her first try. At any rate, I think that is a testament to the quality of the whip – it weighs 29 ounces yet a complete beginner and a 60-pound kid can crack it. Thanks again for the wonderful whip!

Zach