What is a flogger?
Floggers are a subspecies of whips in BDSM. Like paddles or whips, a flogger is mostly used in SM in impact play, but is often also seen as a harmless stroking tool or gentle whip. More precisely, it is a very short whip with a particularly short handle to which several loose straps are attached. The leather versions are the most popular. The many variations share a whistling sound when used, which is produced by the tassels.
What types are there?
Floggers in the narrower sense are usually made of soft straps. The tassels can be made of leather, horsehair, rubber or plastic, but also terry knit. The different materials mean that there are different applications for floggers. While a lot of horsehair with a small impact force tends to cause fine, subtle pain, wide leather straps can cause more intense pleasure pain. The terrycloth versions are particularly interesting, as the straps can be moistened if the intensity is not sufficient when dry.
Our favorite flogger from Zado features a wooden handle, which can be used for much more than just flogging.
Source: Orion
The handles are also made from a wide variety of materials, ranging from simple leather handles to penis-shaped plastic or anal plugs. However, this rarely makes a difference in terms of design. In a broader sense, the “cat-o-nine tails” and “single-tail whips” also come into the picture, but these are only related to the floggers and are known for a harder style of play.
What is a flogger used for?
In most cases, kinksters use a flogger as a toy in the BDSM realm, such as for spanking. Active flagellation is considered an essential sexual practice in BDSM and is expressed in various forms. However, since floggers are relatively mild in their intensity, they are also often used as stroking instruments. Gently stimulating erogenous zones with the tassels can provoke significant arousal in session partners. Generally, BDSM practitioners incorporate short whips into their sessions to enhance their fantasies, as a flogger can strengthen the authority of a Dom, for example.
What do I need to bear in mind when using it?
The most important aspects when using a flogger are high attention and consent. One must always pay close attention to the partner, especially when in the dominant role. The transition from pleasurable pain to uncomfortable pain is usually fluid and can occur very quickly. Depending on preferences, one must therefore be mindful of the partner’s desires, adjust the intensity, and always respect set limits. Although severe injuries from a flogger are unlikely compared to single-tails, crops, and canes, the tool should not be underestimated or misused.
What do I need to consider when buying?
When buying a flogger, you should first look at the user reviews, as the quality of floggers, like any toy, can vary greatly. In addition to the right material for the straps, the strap attachment is particularly important. The attachment of the tassels to the handle is often the primary quality feature of this type of whip.
First and foremost, a stable suspension is crucial, one that can withstand strain but also offers the option to detach and switch out the straps. While this feature is typically reserved for higher-end versions, it can save money in the long run by allowing you to pair one handle with different types of straps. Check out our partner Orion for a wide selection of carefully curated and tested floggers. Our favorite is this one by Zado, as the wooden handle can also be wonderfully repurposed for other uses.
Alternatively, you can also make one yourself. For example, guest author Katharina-Sophie has provided a detailed tutorial on how to make a handmade flogger from paracord (parachute rope).
