Splurge vs. Steal: Battle Of The Crops

I'm always in search of little additions to enhance my erotic pleasures... and if these extras are useful and affordable, all the better! Today I'm exploring the realm of hearty smackings, and tools that can aid us in really putting some power behind that pummel. Entering the ring are the luxurious Naughty & Nice Leather Slapper, and its more economically (and environmentally) friendly cousin, the Playful Pink Riding Crop. Which one truly lays the smack down? (Sorry.)

The leather slapper comes in at 11 inches long, with about half that as slapping surface. One side is covered in a plush layer of faux black fur, which allows for some versatile smacking. The fur is soft and thick enough that "normal" (that is, not exerting a huge amount of force) blows don't really hurt much initially. Repeated slappings eventually cause a growing rosy stinging sensation, while a subtle pink glow spreads across the skin. More forceful blows naturally speed this process along. It's still pretty gentle though, and might be great for a first foray into "enhanced spanking".

But if you want to deliver some serious swatting, turn it to the leather side. There, even light blows carry a pretty solid sting (and that lovely walloping whip sound!). The leather is pretty rigid, or at least starts out that way -- it may become more pliable after repeated use -- so there's definitely some strength behind it. More forceful application definitely brings the pain. But another lovely aspect of the fur-clad half is that, after dallying in the "naughty" domain for a spell, skin can be soothed with a gentle rub or tickling caress. That is, if the bearer decides to go "nice".

Coming in at $40, the Naughty & Nice Leather Slapper is a tad bit pricey, but it's versatile, and has a serious BDSM look about it.

In the other corner, the Playful Pink Riding Crop is half the price at $22. It may look cute and cuddly, but this thing means business.

It's vegan-friendly, and its rubberized plastic is supple and somewhat leatherlike, especially at the wrist strap. The tip is again pretty rigid, but may get more flexible. I'm not sure it makes much of a difference, though, because with the added power afforded by its length, slaps from this playful crop hurt like a bitch. Which can be great! But even my "normal" blow standards delivered a surprisingly forceful flogging.

Exhibit A:

Test Blows

Those I considered to be medium-level, experimental slaps, and boy, was I in for it! The pink plastic body of the crop is fairly pliant, but it's in the nature of whips and crops to be pretty potent. It can of course be used more gently with a lighter hand, but I imagine if one were to put all their force behind it, that strike would really, really fucking hurt. I do have a pretty high threshold for pain, but would want this to be wielded somewhat carefully. In my other day job it's best not to have much in the way of bruises and broken skin, and if that's a concern for you, just watch how you wield. For those without those worries, go to town! This will definitely take you there.

In comparing the two, I have to say I'm a bit torn. I really like the dual aspect of the Leather Slapper -- it just gives you more to play with. However, maybe it's because I'm a chick, I did think it looked pretty masculine given its thick, broad shape. The crop I enjoy for its long, lithe length, and the little flush of excitement its familiar look elicits. I imagine they're attempting to appeal to girls with the color, but I do think pink plastic gives it a bit of a cheaper look. Black would probably be better.

There seems to be a bit of a happy medium in another Naughty & Nice product, a Heart Crop that utilizes the fur/leather combo, but placed atop that long, sexy handle. We also imagine, if properly flourished, it would leave heart-shaped smack marks! Unfortunately it's the most expensive at $45, but I believe it might be the best of both worlds.

For my money I'd probably go for this third one I didn't even try (go figure), but each toy has its own distinctive qualities that should appeal to BDSMers of all feathers (and budgetary restrictions). So choose your poison, and happy slapping!

· Buy the Naughty & Nice Leather Slapper (goodvibes.com)
· Buy the Playful Pink Riding Crop (goodvibes.com)