This toy has the normal sting that a paddle should have. I've never used a double slapper paddle before, so this was a new experience.

This toy is best for the intermediate to advanced BDSM user. Although the toy can be used by beginners, a word to the wise: the toy leaves marks, and quite easily. If you are not that "into" receiving pain, this toy is not for you. If you do not like having marks (welts, bruises, etc.) left on your body, this toy is not for you. We would not recommended this paddle for play except in the buttock or thigh area.

This toy is not for those of the faint of heart.

This paddle is constructed out of leather. The paddle is a double-slapper and my partner and I think the paddle will last us a long time. Having owned other Sportsheets paddles, they tend to take 6-9 months to break in with regular usage. Sportsheets paddles tend to be sturdy and well-made. My partner and I hope this paddle will live up to our expectations.

The paddle is appropriately 4 inches in width by 6 1/2 inches in length. It is a hefty paddle. This particular paddle - unlike other Sportsheets paddles my partner and I have seen - has the ability to use both sides (one for 'branding' and the other as a plain back). The branding side of the paddle has hearts on it, whereas the other side of the paddle has a black, plain back to it for spankings without branding.

Our one disappointment was the material between the double slapper was constructed of red paper, not red leather. This means that if the red paper gets wet or tears, it may ruin the intended "red heart" effect that the Sportsheets paddle is going for.

This paddle stings! A word to a wise: caution is needed with this toy. The toy might leave marks on the bottom. The intense sensations that this paddle provides were both pleasurable and painful to me as the receiver. Very quickly, the pain became pleasurable. The toy exceeded mine and my partner's expectations. We have yet to find any other applications for this toy, but will be sure to write a follow-up review if we discover any.

The marks that my partner gave me lasted about an hour. No blood was drawn with the marks left from this paddle, but I think that is possible to leave welts if the paddle is used with enough force.

I've played with other paddles before and this has to be my favorite by far. The other paddle that I had used on me didn't have the same "bite" this paddle did. This paddle delivered just the right amount of pain, thuddiness, and sting that I would expect from a paddle spanking.

The toy was not packaged in any sort of shrink wrap. This paddle came in no discreet packaging, so if you are opening the box and have roommates, you will want to be sure you open this box in private! I was surprised that Sportsheets was not more thoughtful when packaging their item. There were also no instructions with how to use the item - your imagination is the limit!