A signal whip is a specialty whip used in BDSM play. This whip was originally designed for dog sled racing. The reason why the whip is braided is because historically, the whip would always break when frozen. However, when braided, the whip would no longer break. A signal whip has a braided in cracker. This specialty whip is usually between 3 to 4 feet. Signal whips are very similar to snake whips, with the exception of the braided whip body. They are also easier to control.