Nobessence's Provoke flogger (its real name is "Provoke," as per their website) features an insertable handle and a flogger end. It can be used for soft flogging, penetrative playing, or both in the same session. Due to its price, this flogger/insertable is better served for people who are positive that they will be giving it the love and attention that it deserves. If you are just curious about insertables or floggers, do not purchase it. However, on the same coin, people who prefer heavier flogging may be disappointed by the low oz. tails.

Provoke by Nobessence is a double-ended, dual purpose toy. One end is a beautiful wood insertable while the other is a luxuriously soft flogger. Nobessence always has designed and created gorgeous, hand-crafted toys from cock rings, to anal plugs, to floggers, like Provoke. Though their products are not backed by any form of warranty (which is a shame because wood can be finicky), their wood is all sealed, making it easy to keep in superb shape.

What I love about Provoke is that its design is so demure. The supple tails of the flogger flowing from the ergonomically designed handle/insertable creates a silhouette of elegance. The shape and design is not without purpose, though. The handle (8 1/2" long) curves from a girthy balled end (1 3/4" diameter), to a thin neck, to a thicker body (2" diameter). For most, this design fits "like a glove," and hits all of the right spots (g- or p-spot).

The leather that Provoke is made out of is soft and supple and smells delicious. While it is on the thinner end, it is definitely a high quality leather that makes its point.

Each of the twenty-seven tails of the flogger is evenly cut to a length of 23", straight across at the end of the tail. They are 1/2" thick, and the weight of the leather they chose is very light (weight refers to the thickness of the leather itself). This creates a rather sensual, less impacting strike when the flogger is used. It can be snapped to illicit a jump from the receiver, but it certainly is not anything severe.

Weight-wise, the leather is far lighter than the wood handle/insertable. This can fatigue the hand when being used for a longer period of time (say, thirty minutes of straight flogging). Additionally, while Provoke is beautifully constructed, its shape is not conducive for longer scenes because holding it simply is not that comfortable. However, for a shorter flogging, or for a few strikes in between penetration, Provoke excels. For masochists or people who like serious thud/sting in their impact play, Provoke probably will not provide. But it does give a softer lashing which is good for sensual wrapping of the tails around the arms, neck, or genitals.

Provoke is not my go-to flogger at this point because it simply is not heavy enough for the types of play I enjoy. It is not one that I use frequently, but it is definitely pretty to look at and to have in my collection.

As per Nobessence's website, the wood should be washed with warm water and non-abrasive soap or wiped down with antibacterial/antimicrobial cleaner. Anything else may disturb the finish that seals the wood. The leather should be kept as per a regular leather care regimen: keep out of damp areas, keep away from direct sunlight, and make sure to clean it every so often. Saddle soap and leather conditioner will do the tails of the flogger well.

Because it is a flogger, storing Provoke is a little less discreet than storing a toy might be. I personally keep it hung up behind the door of my room, but hanging it up in a dry closet would be just as sufficient. I personally use a thick string tied around it to hang it up.

The flogger did not come nicely packaged; it came in a plastic baggie that was stapled shut. It was honestly a bit upsetting to be given that presentation after spending so much money on it. There also were not any instructions included aside from a simple tag with Nobessence's logo on it (thankfully, their website has care information).