The Doggin Bat is a great crop that has a really long, thin tip. It could be used by people both new to using riding crops and those that are more experienced. When used in both ways, it would be enjoyable because it's an easy to wield and light crop. But what really matters with riding crops more than experience level is the desired pain amount that you either want to receive or give. The Doggin Bat isn't going to give a huge amount of pain (unless used roughly, repeatedly, or with other impact implements), but it is substantial for people who like a moderate amount.

At 23 3/4" in length, the Doggin Bat is a very, very petite crop. The handle is 7 1/2" long, and the crop tip is about 6" long and 1 1/2" wide at its widest point. Because the crop tip is so long, this makes it slightly more floppy and definitely more "whippy" when swung in the air. Though it is short, this makes it a perfect length for me due to my size; it doesn't look silly when I hold it.

The crop tip is made of two layers of thick leather that are stitched together. At the end of the tip is an area about 2 1/2" in length that is not stitched, so the layers of leather can be spread apart. The shaft of the crop is, I believe, a delrin cane wrapped with nylon webbing. The handle is wrapped with leather and capped on both ends with metal caps. The cap at the very end of the handle has Spartacus's logo embossed on it.

The entire crop is black, save for the metal caps, giving it a classic look that's attractive and intimidating. Its leather for the tip isn't of the highest quality and it does not really have a scent, but it is thick and should last for a long time. It's really constructed quite well, considering its low price.

Because the crop is so small, it's excellent for travel, use during intercourse, and shorter individuals. It's a very compact crop, which I personally enjoy because being able to pack an implement with me on a trip easily is a nice added feature. It is too long for my regular sized flogger case by FYN, but it is short enough that it's easy to pack in a piece of luggage or something similar.

In terms of wielding this thing, it's extremely lightweight and easy to use. And I mean really easy to use. A light flick of the wrist can give a nice smack, depending on what area you hit your victim with. I've noticed that the very tip of the crop yields a more light smack, but the area where the stitching ends and the two layers of leather come together gives a much harder hit. I would describe it as more of a sting than a thud, really.

It does make a loud sound when it comes in contact with the skin, and leaving light rouging is possible. However, I do not think that it's the sort of thing that would leave deep, lasting markings. This can be either good or bad, depending on what you're going for.

I really do love the Doggin Bat. I was surprised that I did, honestly, because I expected it to be a cruddy little thing. Thankfully it's not, and it's another piece by Spartacus that I'm glad to own. It does give a hard smack, which I love, and it's very easy to control which allows me to be a "lazy Dominant" more often.

Since the tip is leather, using either a damp cloth with a mild soap rubbed into it or a leather cleaner would be sufficient. As always, make sure to let it dry completely before storing it. The rest of the crop can be cleaned in a similar fashion, except for the shaft which should only be washed with a wipe down of water. For storage, it can be placed on a shelf or sitting up in a closet. I personally keep mine in my large umbrella vase where I keep my other non-hangable implements.

The crop comes in a plastic, shrink-wrap casing. It was easily peeled away and disposed of. There is also a tag with the company's name, Spartacus, on it. The tag has no product information, but I didn't find that to be such a big deal since I already knew how to use it.