Impact play equipment is used by kinksters to create sensations of both pain and pleasure. The right equipment isn't just designed to hurt someone, but to deliver a specific kind of sensation that the receiver finds enjoyable or interesting, even if it's also challenging.
Let’s take a look at what impact play equipment is and how to choose the toys and tools that will leave your partner with a smile on their face.
What is impact play?
Impact play involves using specialised equipment or objects to inflict consensual pain or sensation on another person during a scene. This type of play is often associated with BDSM, although it isn’t limited to kinksters. Equipment can include whips, paddles, floggers, crops, and so much more.
Common BDSM implements and equipment for impact play
There are many kinds of impact play equipment, with implements designed to cause specific sensations. To create the best scenes, you need to understand what kinds of impact play equipment are out there, and what will work best for you and your partner. Here's a guide to choosing the right equipment.
Spanking
Spanking is great fun – and your hand is the most inexpensive and readily available impact play toy of all! A spanking – usually delivered to the buttocks – can range in intensity from mild to challenging, and is relatively safe as long as you focus your spanking on the buttocks and upper thighs, avoid the tailbone area. Before you splurge on expensive impact play equipment, don't forget to give spanking a try!
Floggers
A flogger is a tool made of leather or man-made materials, usually consisting of a handle and multiple tails or strands that are used to strike the skin during BDSM play. Floggers come in different sizes and lengths, and they're perfect for delivering intense sensations. Floggers made from soft suede with a large number of tails can create a ‘thuddy’ sensation, and those that have harder, thicker leather can create a more ‘stingy’ effect.
Riding crops
This implement is the traditional riding crop you might see used in horse racing! Kink enthusiasts sometimes buy theirs from saddlery stores, but versions also exist that are designed specifically for kinky play. During a scene, a riding crop is held by the handle and the square tip is used to strike the submissive or masochist.
Paddles
A paddle is a broad, flat instrument used to slap or strike a kink participant. The sensation is similar to spanking, but heavier… and, of course, the person using it won't have to worry about their hand getting sore!
Slappers and straps
Slappers and straps are used to strike someone in similar areas to those where you'd use a paddle or deliver a spanking. A strap or slapper is generally made from a more flexible material, such as a wide strip of leather.
Canes
A cane is a long, thin object that's used to strike a narrow area. Often, they take the form of traditional reeds which have been dried and lacquered to form a long, thin stick. But canes are sometimes also made from synthetic materials.
Canes are often considered advanced kink toys. Because the area being impacted is so narrow, a cane that is used with force can break the skin and even cause severe injury. As such, it's essential to use the correct technique, and only strike people on specific areas of the body.
How to choose the right impact play tools
If you're considering buying impact play toys, you may have a lot of questions. What kinds of sensation am I seeking to give or receive? How much should I spend? What features should I look out for? Here are some essential considerations.
Quality first: make sure your BDSM equipment will last
When it comes to impact play toys, quality matters. Your impact play equipment should be sturdy, easy to clean, made from non-toxic materials, and well-designed to minimise the risk of injury.
This is one reason we don't often recommend using 'found' items such as household implements. Although they may look safe, they haven't been intended for this specific use! Many seemingly harmless objects, such as kitchen implements, might have sharp edges that can cause injuries, or might break during play.
When starting out, it's often tempting to buy something cheap from an adult store or website. But experimenting with poorly-made equipment will lead to a sub-standard experience, or possibly even result in injury. Investing in good quality equipment from reputable manufacturers means you're more likely to have a positive experience.
Online shopping versus in-store purchases
Should you buy your impact play toys online or in person? There are good arguments for both approaches.
Buying in person can be a great option as it allows you to check the quality and feel of the specific item. You may wish to try a few strokes on your hand or arm, to see how it feels. In-person shopping also gives you access to the expertise of the store staff, who may be able to answer some of your impact play-related questions.
On the other hand, not everyone has a good BDSM equipment store in their town or city! Online shopping from reputable kink manufacturers gives you access to a much wider range of equipment. You may be able to have kink gear custom-made to your exact requirements; for example, varying the length of a whip or specifying the colour of the leather.
At the end of the day, both options are valid. It's up to you to decide whether variety and customisation is more important, or whether you'd prefer to see the items in person before purchasing your kink toys.
'Thuddy' versus 'stingy' impact toys
Experienced kinksters often classify impact play toys as 'thuddy' (loud and heavy) or 'stingy' (lighter but with a sharper sensation). Different sizes, shapes, and materials mean that a particular flogger or paddle may feel quite different to another! And many kink bottoms prefer one type of sensation over the other.
When purchasing impact play equipment, consider who you'll be using it on, and whether they have a preference for thuddy or stingy toys. If they're less experienced, you may wish to bring them to a BDSM store, so that they can try a range of items and decide what feels good.
Whether you're an experienced kinkster or a newbie, buying the right impact play equipment matters.
Whether you are new to kinky impact play or want to learn more, it's essential to choose the impact play tools that are safe, easy to use, and enjoyable for both yourself and your partners. With the tips and considerations above, you'll be able to build a collection of impact play toys that you can enjoy for years to come.
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