Double Fiber Optic Whips: Double-Ended, One in Each Hand, or Two People
6 min readA double fiber optic whip means one of three setups: one double-ended whip with fiber at both ends, one whip in each hand, or two whips shared between two people. We make the Double BitWhip Kit, which does all three from the same box, so this guide walks through what changes when you go from one whip to two and how to set it up. We make the props rather than teach the flow, so for doubles choreography we point you to the flow artists who teach it, and link our own whip basics along the way.
The three kinds of double whip: who each one suits
- One double-ended whip. Two whips joined back to back at the light, so fiber trails out of both ends of one handle. It spins from the middle like a short staff with light pouring off each end.
- A whip in each hand. Two separate whips, mirrored or offset. This is what most people mean when they say doubles, and the one that takes the most practice.
- Two people, two whips. Hand one to a friend and light up together. With synced colors, two performers read as one act.
You do not have to pick one for good. The Double BitWhip is two complete BitWhips plus a Critter Connector, so the same kit switches between all three.
How a double-ended whip goes together: one connector
Each BitWhip is a fiber head twisted onto an RGB Critter BT Light Engine. The Critter Connector is a threaded aluminum adapter that joins two Critters back to back, so you end up with a light-and-fiber assembly at each end of one handle.
- Charge both lights with their USB-C cables.
- Join the two lights back to back with the Critter Connector, turning it by hand until both sides are snug.
- Check both fiber heads are seated, and it is ready to spin.
To split it back into two whips, unscrew the connector by hand. No tools, and nothing to lose except the connector itself.
What changes when you go to two: the honest list
- Batteries. Two lights means two 18650 cells to charge. Each runs up to 7 hours, so a night on a pair is the same as a night on one, but a spare now means two spares.
- Color. Two whips in two different colors look busy fast. Matching them, or running them as a deliberate pair, is what makes doubles look intentional.
- Weight and feel. A double-ended whip carries a light at each end of the handle, so it feels different from one whip even though each half is the same BitWhip. Give it a session before you judge it.
- Space. Each whip is 5.5 feet of fiber. Two of them need clear room around you, so practice outdoors or in a big room before a crowded floor.
Keeping two whips in sync: the app
Syncing is where doubles either look planned or look like two separate props. With the BitWhip app you can control both lights together, so a color change happens on both at the same moment, or run each one solo when you want them to contrast. Both lights also work from their own three onboard buttons if you would rather leave the phone in your pocket.
A good first setup is both whips on the same solid color, then one slow color change in a playlist. Matched colors moving at the same time read as one shape from across a field, which is exactly the effect you want while you are still learning the timing.
Learning doubles: ask the people who spin them
We build whips, and our own tutorials cover the single-whip basics rather than doubles choreography. What we hear from them is consistent, and a lot of it comes from poi, where two-handed flow has been worked out for decades.
- Same time, same direction first. Move both whips together, in the same direction, so they read as one bigger shape. It is the easiest version and it already looks good.
- Then split time. Keep the same direction but put one whip up while the other is down. This is where doubles starts to look like a pattern instead of a copy.
- Learn your planes. Beside your body and in front of your body behave very differently with two whips. Get comfortable in one before mixing them.
- Expect to hit yourself. Everyone does while learning. Long sleeves and pants help, practice away from other people, and check that an event allows whips before you bring a pair.
Search for whip or poi doubles tutorials from flow artists for the moves themselves, and our fiber optic whip tutorial covers the single-whip basics that doubles build on.
Buying a double whip: the math
- Starting from nothing: the Double BitWhip Kit is $309.95 with 140 fibers, $329.95 with 200 and $345.95 with 300. It includes 2 BitWhips, 2 RGB Critter BT lights, the Critter Connector, 2 batteries and 2 charging cables.
- Already own one BitWhip: you need a second RGB Critter BT ($149.95), a BitWhip Accessory head (from $29.95) and a Critter Connector ($24.95). That is $204.85 at 140 fibers.
If you are starting fresh, the kit works out cheaper than buying a single BitWhip Kit and adding the parts later. If you already own a whip, add the parts and keep your first one in the rotation.
Which double setup should you get?
Starting from nothing
The Double BitWhip Kit
Two whips, two lights, the connector, both batteries. From $309.95.
You already own a BitWhip
Add a second light and head
A second RGB Critter BT, a BitWhip Accessory head and a Critter Connector: $204.85 at 140 fibers.
Learning doubles
End Glow fiber
End glow is the more durable fiber, and doubles means more contact while you learn.
Performing as a pair
Two kits, one app
Control both lights together from the app so your colors change at the same moment.
Double fiber optic whip FAQ
What is a double fiber optic whip?
Either one whip with fiber at both ends, or a pair of whips spun one in each hand. The Double BitWhip Kit does both.
Can I split a double-ended whip into two whips?
Yes. Unscrew the Critter Connector by hand and you have two complete BitWhips.
Do both whips need their own battery?
Yes. Each RGB Critter BT runs on its own 18650 cell, with up to 7 hours of runtime per light.
Can both whips change color together?
Yes. Control both lights together from the app, or run each one solo.
Is doubles hard to learn?
It takes longer than one whip. Most flow artists recommend getting comfortable with a single whip in each hand first.
What should I learn first with two whips?
Move both whips at the same time in the same direction first. Once that is comfortable, keep the direction but put one up while the other is down.
