The Heart pattern impressions paddle by Sportsheets is marketed as a paddle, however, it is more of a slapper than a paddle based on it's construction.

It is great as an introduction to paddling or to impact play as it is simply so very cute and unintimidating. However it does pack quite a punch so it must be used with caution.

This could be for beginners who want something cute to start with, or for the more advanced users, who enjoy stingy type of sensations but also who will enjoy the sound of the slapper which is quite audible.

The paddle is quite dainty, in terms of it's size.

It is about 12.5 inches long and 2.25 inches in width. It is quite small, very light and easy to handle.

It's made of real leather, which smells very very lightly. I was hoping to get the leather smell out of the box once I got it. You need to put your nose to it to really get the scent. It's not a big con for me, but I was hoping to get at least some leather scent without having to hold it to my nose.

The leather is really smooth. The paddle has two pieces of leather that were sewn together, except the slapper end was left un-sewn. Like many of the other impressions paddle it has a red piece of paper sewn between the two pieces of leather. It is more for aesthetics than for function. It makes a nice contrast with the black leather. Some have had issues with the paper getting wet from sweat, however I have not had this issue as of yet.

The handle is really well made. It has a stick between the two pieces of leather so the handle is firm, not wobbly. There is a visible seam all around the handle and there is a "Sportsheets" logo impression in the leather, which is kind of cool.

The end of the handle has a metal loop with a string through it to hang the paddle or to wear around your wrist.

All in all, the construction is awesome. I love how slim and dainty it looks. It is easy to hold and slap with. It is great for women with small hands.

I originally got this because I wanted a first paddle, I wanted it to be cute and non intimidating for my partner. I liked this one because it wasn't over the top scary looking and I thought having impressions on my butt and thighs would look kind of cool.

What I wasn't expecting was the noise. Even when it is used very lightly it is really noisy. I sort of get distracted while getting paddled hoping that the people above and below us won't hear, or that if they do hear that they don't call the cops.

In use this can be really sweet and delicate if you slap with it playfully. But if you're not careful with it, things can go from fun to painfully not fun very quickly. It's important to take a lot of time to communicate before you use the paddle and to communicate while you use the paddle. Once you learn how to wield it and what pressure your partner can take, perhaps then, less communication will be needed. However, it is a vital part of keeping things pleasurable.

It does leave marks and leaves your skin deliciously raw, but the hearts don't come out that well. You can sort of make out the shape but it isn't as clear as it appears on the little card that comes with the paddle. You can very well make out the shape of the paddle however, which is really nice.

I don't mark easily or get bruises all that well. So this toy works really nice for me. It will leave marks but they usually last a few hours. I haven't had any marks that have lasted more than one day.

Leather is porous so it should not be shared. Your paddle should be used only for you and a partner you are fluid bonded to.

I haven't really gotten sweat on mine as of yet. It doesn't really get all that dirty. However, if need be one could use a damp cloth to wipe it down, and then pat it dry with a towel. In certain cases certain leather products can be purchased to keep the leather resilient. However, it is pretty high in quality and has a low price, so if it ever got really badly worn, I would just get a new one.

I store it in my toy box which is rather big. For those who have a playroom it can be hung on a wall.

As a beginner I learned that paddling requires a LOT of communication before hand.

Even after having told my partner what I wanted and what I liked in term of paddling pattern and pressure, as well as having shown him how to safely use a paddle on a partner, I had to brake role because things sort of got out of hand. I understood quickly that a video and small talk about my desires didn't cut it, and that constant communication was required.

So if you are a beginner and you are interested in this paddle, check with your partner every slap if it's ok and if she/he wants it somewhere else. It can wield an amazing amount of pain, so constant checking with your partner is important. Once you get used to using the paddle, then perhaps few checks from time to time would be ok.

I was so happy that my partner didn't run off in the woods when I showed him the paddle.

It was really nice to have him be open to trying it on me and to simply be open to trying new things. He was actually quite eager to use it, which is a first.

Before using it I had watched a video with my partner on spanking by Nina Hartley (I heart her forever). I also talked a bit with him about how I wanted him to spank me. However, our first try was horrible. His idea of fun was seeing how hard he could wield it before I cracked. It really pissed me off because it was supposed to be arousing; a prelude to sex.

So communication, communication and more communication.

Since then, we have had a lot of fun using this paddle. Sometimes we start using it and get into giggle fits, which makes the sex so easy light and playful.

We haven't yet been able to get into roles that we are comfortable in but we continue to experiment and learn from each other. It's a very fun and exciting process.

Thank you Sportsheets!