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When a consenting sub asks a Dom to strike them, the Dom may use a tool such as a crop, whip, cane, paddle or flogger. The act of repeatedly striking during a BDSM scene is called impact play. Impact play is performed for the sexual gratification of the sub or both the sub and Dom. The tool is used to strike parts of the body with muscle tissue or fat, like the butt, upper back, or thighs. Impact play requires experience to ensure the blows are only delivered to safe parts and do not cause any real harm, just increased sensation.
What are Floggers?
A flogger is used during impact play to strike a consenting partner. A flogger is made of a sturdy handle with multiple tails that make an impact on the skin. Leather, horsehair, and rubber are used to make the tails. Flogging takes a lot of practice to ensure it is done correctly. The point of flogging is not to harm but to heighten sensations in a sexual manner. The sensation during flogging varies between a sting or a thud, depending on the technique used.
Ideally, a flogger is balanced, meaning the handle offsets the tails’ weight. An unbalanced handle can lead to arm fatigue. Balanced floggers may be labeled as “shot loaded,” which means there is lead in the handle. A “fancy” flogger is balanced by a silver loop attached to the handle’s pommel (tip).
The type of leather used to make the flogger is important because it can affect durability and the sensations experienced during the flogging. Floggers with suede tails can be more merciful, giving a little sting and thud. If the tails are made from oiled leather, which has more stiffness, the sensations are intense. Bison leather is thick and heavy, which results in a heavier flogger that can be difficult to maneuver. A heavier and thicker leather is suitable for more experienced users but not recommended for those who are new to flogging.
How Do You Use a Flogger?
First, as with any impact play or sexual act, ensure that your partner is consenting and desires the use of a flogger. Communicate with each other openly about intensity, limits, and where the Top should strike. Safewords can be used, such as “green” to continue, “yellow” to continue at the same intensity level, and “red” to stop. The flogger should not be used on any part of the body where the skin is directly on top of the bone. The neck, abdomen, kidneys, tailbone, hip bones, collar bones and head should be avoided. Some subs find being struck by a flogger on the buttocks, upper back, thighs, and breasts to be pleasurable. At the beginning of impact play, the sub should lay down on their stomach or bend over the edge of a bed or bench.
The flogger should be introduced slowly and gently, building with intensity and rhythm over time. Leave space between strikes to observe if your partner is enjoying the experience. It is important to warm up to more intense flogging and focus on striking exactly where your partner has agreed to be flogged. Avoid wrapping, which happens when a flogger’s tips wrap themselves around a curved part of the body. Post flogging, help your partner with any sore areas by massaging with oil or lotion.
Flogger Care
To ensure your flogger lasts a long time, lay it flat or hang it on a wall. Most floggers have a ring at the end of their handle, making them easy to hang from a hook. Leather floggers must be conditioned to prevent them from drying out and cracking over time.
10 Flogger Product Brands / Makers
A flogger is a BDSM tool used during impact play. The best floggers are balanced to prevent arm fatigue. Pick a flogger based on the type of tail you and your partner prefer; leather, suede, and other materials can impact the sensations felt during flogging. Flogger makers include:
- Dominix Deluxe
- House of Dasein
- Lovehoney
- Bondage Couture
- Sex & Mischief
- LBN Premium
- Bellesa Sex Toys
- Shots Toys
- Honey Birdette
- Fetish Fantasy
How to Use a Flogger
Floggers Forum
Discuss all things bondage and BDSM floggers and flogging at our floggers and flogging forum