Morning Mike, John's advice is sound and if you want the named and recognised quality gear then do look for the Daiwa Harrier system whips like the ones on offer currently on eBay.
My approach has been slightly different. When I first took up fishing, I bought a cheap starter set from Argos. As well as all the usual stuff you would expect it included a, and I quote, "5m pole" Even as a novice, I thought that a 'pole' that came in a starter kit was not going to be of any use and put it to one side.
I will not reopen the debate about what is a pole and what is a whip as there is a point where they can be very similar.
For me, a whip is a light pole that has a flick tip. Some whips have optional top sections that are elasticated but that is where the definition gets a bit blurred. It is more about how it is rigged and how it is used that defines the difference for me.
Okay, now we have got that sorted, I use both types. My small 5m Tele-poles (one of which is the one that came with my starter kit I had dismissed as rubbish!) are now rigged with elastic and are used like small poles. That is they have short rigs and are clasped at the 2m (approximately) point to ship them in. I use different elastic in each pole. These are the cheap, under a tenner, poles/whips you can buy, brand new, anywhere. Some have rings set into the top section for tying the rig to. Others have a very crude elasticated top section. either way, all mine have had the top two sections elasticated. See
HERE.
A true whip is fished without collapsing it or taking it apart to ship, mostly. The idea is the rig is tied to match the length to be fished (in my case about 600mm (2ft) shorter than the pole) and fish are swung to hand. The flexibility in the solid tip used to control the hooked fish. On some whips like, Johns Diawa, the solid tip can be replaced with an elasticated tip that gives a bit more flexibility and control, and by changing the elastic you can, adjust, the strength depending on the species and size of fish you are targeting.
My true whips have been bought second hand and are branded DAM and Super Whip(?). The smallest is 3m and is my favoured tool for
fishing in my local river. I also have a 5m and a 6m. The 6m is a 'combo' meaning it has a telescopic top section and put-over extensions to build it up to 6m.
I really enjoy messing about with my cheap whips and mini-pole. I am not sure that I would spend any big money on a whip as I am only doing it for fun. I think I would be worried about breaking an expensive whip. The ones I have at the moment I am happy to repair/modify if they get damaged. With more experience, I may change my mind, but my entire collection of whips and mini-poles probably does not stand me in at more than £100.
As for LRF, I would not use a whip as it is completely the opposite 'feel' I am looking for. I use braid and fairly short. stiff and light rod and a reel loaded with braid for lure fishing.
All the above is what I have discovered over the past few years. It may not be how everybody sees it and I am sure others will give you lots of other information that hopefully, I will find useful too.
I hope my ramblings help.
Ralph.