M, who is not into being on the receiving end of any sort of pain play, enjoys having his back massaged with this flogger. So to me, this toy seems better suited to beginners. However, it would also be a good addition to the toy chest of someone who enjoys light to medium S&M.

It can be used as a traditional whip, slid off the skin for sensual teasing or, when swung lightly, as a decent massage tool.

All in all, this is a pretty well-made whip. Its handle is about four inches long and is made of plastic and wood. The rubber falls are folded over a piece of cloth meant to be a wrist strap and threaded through the handle which, I think, adds to the durability of this toy.

So far, the toy's held together pretty well. I expected the falls to rip easily because of how thin they are, but we haven't lost one yet.

This toy is light and easy to swing without much effort. The tails get tangled on occasion, both in storage and during play, but they're easily released with a gentle shake of the wrist. At worst, you may have to comb your fingers through the tails a time or two to right them.

The tips of the tails are a tad stingy while the length hefts a little bit of a thud. It's not very loud when it hits and could probably be used with children or in-laws sleeping in the next room without being detected. So long as the bottom it's being used on stays quiet, that is.

Ours has lasted us years. I haven't noticed the drying of the tails that Carrie mentioned but I also haven't had much need to clean it. It so rarely gets used.

Cleaning this toy is as simple as wiping it down with antibacterial soap and water. However, you can also wipe it down with a bleach/water solution if necessary.

M really doesn't like this whip, at all. It's too light and flimsy and doesn't deliver enough of a punch for his tastes. But we tend to fall more on the extreme side in S&M play.

I, being all girly and romantic, love to bring it out when I want something soft, which is rare but it happens. There's just something about the silky feel of the falls sliding along my skin.

Please, please, please, if you're a beginner, whip something other than the bottom of your bottom before trying this toy. You're not going to do much damage if you aim for the butt and catch the thigh, but you might if you aim for the boob and catch the eye (especially with these thin falls).

The first time we used this toy, it was like heaven in a flogger. Just the right amount of sting, ending with a luxurious slide of silken rubber off the flesh. Yum!

Unfortunately, the only thing it's good for anymore in our relationship, is sensual play and back massages. My pain tolerance has skyrocketed and this toy just does not pack enough of a punch for me. And believe me, M's tried.