A few pointers on using your new toy:

For best results, try using your new whip on a pillow to practice your aim. To determine feel, use it on the more sensitive inside portion of your arm. There are always areas to avoid when using a whip (or any other sensation device). These include the neck, face and avoid any hard hits to the lower portions of the back where the kidneys are located. The best places are usually the shoulders (mmmmm), the butt (especially the fleshy portion where the bottom meets the back of the thigh), and the backs of the thighs. Favorites vary among individuals, but the breasts and pubic areas can also be fun with whips that are not too heavy. (Unless you like that type of thing!) Most importantly, if it's something you've never used before, make sure to be careful, take it slow and discuss the types of things you both find exciting and pleasurable. It's always a good idea to take some pointers from those who know...you can check out my selection of books regarding safe play and the proper use of toys like these. I'd suggest SM101 as a title that will give you good information on not only sensation toys, but many other aspects of BDSM. It may seem silly, but it's good to practice on a pillow. : ) Concentrate on your aim and control by trying to hit the same spot over and over. If it's a feather pillow, concentrate on your control by not making too much of an indentation in the pillow.

I carry whips made from kidskin leather, suede leather, latex, rubber, horsehair and nylon. If you have a preference as to material, this makes your decision that much easier. *g* Different materials feel different, so keep in mind what you're looking for in a sensation and you'll find what you're looking for here. : )

The best type of whip for the inexperienced top is the shorter style that allows for better control. The 12" and 18" styles are great for practicing your "style" and improving your aim. Master likes the 18" whips for best feel and control. The 18" suede whips are nicely balanced to give you a good feel for the whip and the placement of the tails.

Most of the whips I carry are very easy to control with very little practice if only just a few swipes across your arm to get the feel of it. The only whips I carry that are difficult to control are bullwhips.

Control of bullwhips is difficult and most are typically used for decoration and psychological effect. If you wish to use this on your sub, practice, practice, practice!! They are very difficult to aim and control and can make quite a nasty mark. (Some subs love this, of course, but safety is the key and knowing and respecting limits.)

Crops are very sexy and offer a different feel as well as much more control than a whip. I love to play with crops. They're not only sexy to feel, but they make a lovely snapping sound when used. You can use a crop in a couple of ways. First, you can use it like a paddle, using the contact area straight on. This is great for training when directions are required, telling the slave where you want them or which way to go, such as slaps on the inner thighs to spread wider or taps on the butt for moving along. Secondly, you can use the tip with a flicking motion to "snap" with. With a quick flick of the wrist, make sure that only the tip comes in contact momentarily - a sort of glancing strike. This feels GREAT and is fun to do. As always, practice makes perfect! *g*

Canes are a favorite of schoolhouse fantasies. They are very accurate and easy to use. They provide a stinging feeling and can be very light to very intense. Be careful as with any whip or crop, but canes can raise some pretty serious welts if you use it hard enough ( Again, some subs may love this, but safety is key and knowing and respecting limits.)

Paddles offer a feel much like a spanking. They cover a wide area at once and depending on the material you choose (wood, leather, fleece covered), they can deliver a wide range of sensations. See my chart below for a complete listing of sensations by each paddle. Paddles are best in the fleshy area at the tops of the backs of each thigh where the derriere cheeks meet the legs. (This is one of the best places for any sensation device and is especially good for beginners as it offers a less intense, butt still very stimulating experience!)

Very similar to paddles, butt with a smaller, slimmer surface area. Often, slappers will have a split end in which the two pieces slap together making a louder "smacking" or "whacking" sound which is pleasing to the ear (especially for those who love the sound of paddling or being paddled!) This also offers the benefit for the one being paddled to have less whack feel for more whack sound - kind of like cheating! *g*