Soft as a feather or hard as a whip, the range of sensations people like to dole out and receive during sex varies wildly. In the erotic bubble of a scene, things that might normally be uncomfortable or hurt either aren't painful at all or hurt in a good way. Often with harder-to-take sensations, the bottom's body becomes flooded with endorphins that help transform sensations into something thrilling.
Nipple clamps and clips deliver a pinch on the nipples; the sensation can vary from light to severe. Unlike pinching with your fingers, this pinch that can be maintained over a period of time. Some clamps are connected by a chain, allowing the top to pull on the nipples while they are being pinched. The sudden flow of blood back into nipples that have been clamped can feel very intense, so we recommend experimenting with clamps if you are a first-time user—don't leave them on for more than 10 minutes for starters. Remember, it is easier to enjoy intense sensations if you are turned on!
You don't have to strong-arm your way to the top—some bottoms melt at the touch of a feather, like the Tickler Feather on a stick. You can also heat your way to happiness with Babeland Massage Candles: the melting wax, made of gentle, skin-safe soy, stimulates all the senses, and then transforms into a warm, fragrant massage oil.
Sharp needle-like prickles on the skin can raise goosebumps like nothing else. Applied softly these toys can tickle, applied more firmly they creating sharp pinpoint sensations. The Pinwheel, originally developed as a medical nerve-testing tool, is one of our favorites. Delectable on breasts and butts—just use your imagination!
Spank, slap, thwak, and crack! Impact toys create two basic types of sensations: thud and sting. If deep, heavy, muscle-pounding, solid thunks of sensation attract you, you're probably going to like the “thuds” of leather floggers and less-flexible paddles. If the whistle of a cane slicing through the air and white-hot bolts of sharp sensation closer to the surface of the skin appeal to you, check out the “sting” of canes, rubber floggers, and crops. For novices, remember that the shorter an implement, the easier it is to control.
Floggers come in different lengths and materials.
Flogging tip: Hang an old leather jacket on a door or chair. Whip away. As you practice different strokes, see if you can make contact only with the shoulders and avoid the lower part of the jacket. This will improve your aim and your arm—and make you a bottom's dream date!
Booty call! The padded rise of the butt not only makes a good target, it holds muscles and nerves that radiate sensation to the whole pelvic area. Solid paddles create hard, deep thuds; go very slowly so the bottom can integrate this. Leather paddles, and those made of more flexible materials, can deliver both a thud and a sting.
The mouth-wateringly pretty Lollipop is flexible and creates a
nice thud and a resounding thwak. If delivered just so, it will leave a
red circle on the recipient's behind.
The Monkey Spanker will have you spanking your honey and spanking your monkey. It's cleaver design means it doubles as a light-weight spanker and a jack-off toy.
Canes and crops not only deliver a distinctive reprimand, they are a
great
costuming for imperious role-play. Crops will make a distinctive
“shwoosh” in the air and deliver sharp stings. Be careful to only make
contact with the leather tail or tongue and avoid striking with the
stiff length of the crop. The more flexible the stem, the more severe
the crop can be wielded. Canes are all the meaner since they are
flexible throughout and can gain unbelievable momentum while
swinging. Always try a cane gently on your own thigh to get a
feeling for how fast it moves and how hard it hits.
The Kookie Riding Crop is sturdy and boasts a great recoil which makes getting into a rhythm easier.
Warm your bottom up with lighter sensations and build up intensity slowly. Switch between areas and intensities of sensation to give the bottom time to recover and keep things interesting.
Don't use implements on the head, face, or neck (you may want to protect the neck by covering it before play). Stick to the fleshier parts of the body: butt cheeks, fleshy part of the back (avoid protruding shoulder blades), upper arms. Avoid bony parts of the body, like the spine and joints, and avoid the tail-bone or lower back, as it's possible to injure the kidneys.
Start gently and drag the flogger over the skin, letting your
playmate get a feel for the instrument and get excited about what—and
maybe who—is to come.
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