We are newly discovering the wonderful world of bondage and discipline so the Impressions Heart Paddle by Sportsheets seemed like a perfect addition to our growing collection. I wasn't sure what the reception would be since both guys seem a bit reserved to the idea of slappers and paddles, they prefer floggers.

I had bought the Heart's Leather Wrist Cuffs and the Heart's Leather Ankle Cuffs so this slapper seemed to go as part of a 'set'. Well that's my story and I'm sticking to it!

The Slapper is a beautiful piece of workmanship. It has a base of heavy weight, flexible leather that is sewn very tightly to another piece of the same heavy weight, flexible leather. On the handle there is a flat wooden piece that gives the handle some weight and allows zero bend. This helps to stabilize the slapper in the hand and helps to control just how hard you can strike your victim. The handle is the only part of the toy that is stitched but the thread is waxed and the stitches are even and super tight. There are no loose ends of thread to indicate it could ravel anytime in the future. There is a silver grommet cut thought the wood and leather to which you can attach a wrist strap or simply use the nylon one provided.
The head of the slapper has the base of heavy leather but then it takes a unique and lovely turn; between the two pieces of leather that form the toy is a lovely piece of heavy weight red paper. The top layer of leather has three hearts cut into it, through which you can see the red paper. The leather is very well cut and not crimped or burned so that the hearts won't warp out of shape or look ragged in the future. The head of the toy isn't glued or stitched which leaves you with a slapper that will make an amazingly evil sound when you crack it across the buttocks of your trembling victim. Even the lightest of taps can sound horribly good! The cutouts leave a lovely impression of three hearts if you position the slapper directly onto the fleshiest parts of the buns or thighs.

In total the slapper measures 12.5 inches in length with the contact area measuring roughly 5 inches. The contact area is approximately 2 inches wide and the handle has a graceful curve to it giving the handle an hour-glass shape. It weighs in at .2 pounds so it has some heft to it to help with placement but it won't cause undue wrist and hand fatigue if your victim has been very, very naughty.
Be sure to avoid getting fluids on the front of the paddle as it could compromise the red paper insert. The leather can be conditioned with a small amount of saddle soap and wiped with a damp cloth for cleanliness.

I was worried when I first saw the paddle because the head end of the toy isn't stitched and the paper insert is exposed. I wondered if this was an error and maybe it had come unglued! I soon learned through some reading on the site that this is intentional. It allows the slapper to make that amazing sound. You do have to be careful to avoid wetting the paper but overall the paper is very sturdy and capable of taking some rough usage.

The first time I walked away with hearts blazing on my rump I couldn't help but giggle at the predatory look on Sigel's face. Such a great thing!

I have had my fears put to rest. After some intense play and getting fids on the paper insert I was really worried it would case the paper to derade or tear. Thankfully neither happened and my slapper looks as good as it did right out of the box.
I still recommend that users take care to avoid getting the paper insert wet but I no longer worry that the paper will simply tear, wrinkle or fall out.