This paddle is perfect for beginners as it is fairly innocent looking and doesn't actually hurt when used during an impact play scene. The paddle definitely gives that "thuddy" experience and the excitement of a power dynamic punishment without the pain a masochist might seek. The material is a leathery texture, one side is flat, and the other is padded. The padded side is less painful than the flat side. The paddle has a nice leathery smell which reminds submissives of punishment time. I've used it a lot, and it still appears in the same condition as when I first purchased it because the stitching and material quality is A++.