Big Woody vs. Cyclone
Which LED Whip Is Right for You?
Both are built by Woody's Lights and both are designed to look great on an off-road machine. The difference isn't which one is "better." It's which one better matches your riding style, budget, and the look you want.
The Quick Answer
If you're trying to decide between the two, start here.
Choose Cyclones If You...
- Ride tight wooded trails
- Want some flexibility in your whips
- Prefer the classic whip look
- Want to minimize the impact on your wallet
- Want multiple brightness and performance levels
Choose Big Woodys If You...
- Prefer a large-diameter whip
- Want maximum visual impact
- Prefer shorter whips
- Usually ride more open terrain
- Want a whip that stands out immediately
What's the Biggest Difference?
The biggest difference between the two styles starts with the tube.
Our standard Cyclone whips are built around a 1/2-inch polycarbonate tube, while Big Woody whips are built around a 2-inch polycarbonate tube.
Once the LEDs are wrapped around the tube and everything is covered with protective heat shrink, the finished diameter becomes larger on both styles.
That larger Big Woody platform creates the bold, oversized look they're known for.
It Really Comes Down to Preference
Some riders simply prefer the classic, slimmer look of a Cyclone. Others want a large-diameter whip that immediately stands out.
That's why we build both.
Big Woody vs. Cyclone at a Glance
| Feature | Cyclone | Big Woody |
|---|---|---|
| Tube Size | 1/2" polycarbonate | 2" polycarbonate |
| Finished Diameter | Larger after LED wrap & heat shrink | 2"+ after LED wrap & heat shrink |
| Flexibility | Flexible | Rigid |
| Appearance | Classic whip look | Bold, oversized look |
| Brightness | Depends on selected level | Appears especially bright from multiple angles |
| LED Platform | Available in multiple levels | Built using the same LEDs as Level 3 Cyclones |
| Maximum Length | Available in taller lengths | Built up to 2 feet |
| Best For | Tight trails & general riding | Open riding & maximum visual impact |
| Budget | More wallet-friendly | Premium option |
Why Do Big Woodys Look Brighter?
One of the most common questions we get is whether Big Woody whips are actually brighter than Cyclones.
Big Woodys are built using the same LEDs found in our Level 3 Cyclones.
The reason they often appear noticeably brighter isn't because the LEDs themselves are different. It's because of the width and layout of the Big Woody.
With LEDs wrapped around a much larger tube, more LEDs remain visible from different viewing angles. That creates a fuller, brighter-looking whip when it's illuminated.
Flexibility Matters More Than You Might Think
Cyclones Flex
The smaller tube used in Cyclones gives them flexibility.
If you're regularly riding through tight wooded trails and brushing against branches, that flexibility can be a major advantage.
Big Woodys Don't
Because of their larger structure, Big Woody whips are rigid.
If one catches a solid tree limb, something has to give. That might be the branch, the whip, or the mounting point.
Allen's Advice
If you mount your whips high and spend most of your weekends squeezing through tight wooded trails, I'd lean toward Cyclones.
Big Woodys are a great fit for riders who don't need tall whips, mount them lower, or ride areas where branches aren't constantly hitting the whips.
Which One Fits Your Riding Style?
| Your Riding Style | Our Recommendation |
|---|---|
| Tight wooded trails | Cyclone |
| General trail riding | Either |
| Mud parks | Either |
| Sand dunes | Either, with Big Woody offering more visual impact |
| Show or display builds | Big Woody |
| Budget-conscious setup | Cyclone |
| Want the boldest look possible | Big Woody |
Common Questions
Is the Big Woody actually brighter?
Big Woodys use the same LEDs as our Level 3 Cyclones, but their larger diameter allows more LEDs to be visible from different angles, which makes them appear noticeably brighter.
Which one is better for wooded trails?
Cyclones are generally the better choice for tight wooded trails because they have more flexibility when they contact branches or other obstacles.
Why are Big Woodys more expensive?
Big Woodys use a much larger tube, more material, and a more involved build process. They're designed as a premium, large-diameter whip.
Are Big Woodys available in tall lengths?
No. We currently build Big Woody whips up to 2 feet long. They're designed for riders who want a large-diameter look without needing a tall whip.
Do Cyclones come in different brightness levels?
Yes. Cyclones are available in multiple levels so you can choose the balance of price, brightness, and performance that fits your setup.
Is one style better than the other?
Not really. They're built for different riders. Cyclones are more flexible and budget-friendly. Big Woodys are designed for riders who want a bold, oversized appearance.
Still Not Sure Which One to Choose?
Tell us what you ride, where you ride, and what kind of look you're after. We'll give you the same straightforward recommendation we'd give someone standing at our booth.
Ask Woody's Lights See Real Customer RidesContinue Exploring Woody's Garage
Keep going with more buying and installation help from Woody's Garage.
What Length LED Whip Should I Buy?
Compare 1-foot, 2-foot, 3-foot, and taller whip options and find the right size for your riding style.
Read the Guide →Powering Your LED Whips
Learn when we recommend a relay and fuse, which whip systems need a converter, and how to safely power your setup.
Read the Wiring Guide →