This crop is perfect for those just getting into pain play. The amount of pain ranges from low to medium, according to the amount of force used. A crop is meant to be almost flicked along the skin, making sure you only hit with the flexible tip of the crop. Unless you are looking for more pain, you could hit with the stick as well - but I would suggest a cane for that purpose.

For those looking for an accurate way to dispense pain, a crop is the way to go. It will land exactly where you aim, making it perfect for hitting the thighs or anywhere where a miss would be unwelcome.

It seems that my measurements differ from the other reviews of this product, but I double checked to make sure I measured accurately.

This crop has a tip larger than most crops - 2 inches wide and about 2 inches to where the handle connects to the tip. It is made of rubber and sewn tightly for an inch down the end of the stick. I have tugged on the tip, and it is going no where. There is a very light smell to the tip, but only noticeable if I put my nose right to it.

After the tip, the handle is wire wrapped for three inches, and then moves to a braided slightly flexible stick (I'm not sure what material it is, I'm thinking plastic) that is just under 7 inches long. There is a metal band an inch long, then a 5.5 inch long grip, covered in what feels like faux leather and capped with an inch of metal again with the Spartacus logo stamped on the end. The grip feels weighted, so I am assuming that there is a metal core between the two metal bands on the end. The crop is 20.5 inches in total length.

The fact that this is so small makes it ideal for carrying to and from play parties. There is metal in it, so I wouldn't bring it with me on a plane - unless you are willing to explain it to security.

As this is my first crop, I had no idea what to expect. It was really good for precise application of pain, for example on the inner thighs, where a miss would be a huge mood killer. The pain it produces is fairly mild in comparison to the floggers that I am used to, but I like to use this for warming up. The wide tip makes for a thuddier feel than what I expected, but it is still more stingy than thuddy.

I do recommend caution that you don't hit someone with the stick accidentally, because that really hurts.

Rubber naturally repels dirt. If you happen to get any fluids on it, just use a damp cloth with antibacterial soap or toy cleaner on it to wipe it off. It is not likely that you could break skin with this, and if you avoid the genitals this crop would be safe for sharing. But as you cannot completely sterilize it, if some sort of bodily fluid gets on the crop it will have to be a one partner only toy.

The crop does not have a hanging loop, so I store it standing against a wall, tip side up so that it does not get bent.

There was no packaging, just a small tag with the Spartacus logo and name on it as well as the name of the crop.