Floggers

What are floggers?

A flogger is an impact toy made up of a handle and a bundle of tails, or falls. Unlike a cane or paddle, the many tails spread the force over a wide area, which is why floggers are considered one of the more forgiving ways to begin impact play. The sensation depends on the tails: wide, soft falls give a deep, warming thud, while thin, braided or chain falls deliver a sharper sting. Floggers are used on the fleshy, well-padded parts of the body and are as much about rhythm, anticipation and the sound of the swing as the impact itself.

Types of floggers

Faux fur and fabric floggers

Sex and Mischief's Cougar and Brat faux fur floggers, the Peaches N Creame stripe flogger, Nocturnal Collection floggers and the Ouch! city-named collection are soft, light and inexpensive. These are the natural first flogger and double as a sensation toy for teasing.

Leather and suede floggers

Strict Leather's Rainbow Lambskin and Black and Blue Suede floggers, Rouge's Anaconda, Two Finger and Short Suede floggers and Prowler Red's short-handle and heavy-duty floggers are the traditional choice. Suede is soft and thuddy; firmer leather bites more, and longer falls carry more force.

Chain and crystal floggers

The Sex and Mischief Shadow Chain, Edge Chain and Velvet Noir Chain floggers swap fabric for fine metal chain, which is cool against the skin and surprisingly intense. The crystal flogger adds beaded falls for a decorative, stinging effect.

Silicone floggers

The Temptasia Ardor and ME YOU US Tease and Please silicone floggers are easy to clean and have a distinct snap, and they can be shared between partners once washed.

Braided and statement floggers

The Punishment Braided Tail flogger, the Saffron Braided flogger and the Fetish Fantasy cat o' nine tails concentrate the force into fewer, heavier falls. Rouge's marble, steel and studded handles turn the flogger into a display piece.

How to choose a flogger

Decide whether you want thud or sting, then match the material and length to your experience and space.

• Tail material: Faux fur and suede for thud and warmth; thin leather, braided or chain tails for sting.
• Length: Short mini floggers are easy to aim in a small room; long falls need more room to swing and more skill.
• Weight: Heavier floggers deliver more force with less effort but tire the arm; lighter ones are easier to control.
• Handle: A grippy, balanced handle matters more than it looks. Wrist loops and cuffs help with longer sessions.
• Care: Silicone and chain wipe clean; leather and suede need conditioning and should stay dry.

How to use and care for floggers

Agree on a check-in word and start with slow, light strokes on the buttocks, upper back or thighs, building intensity only as your partner asks. Avoid the spine, kidneys, neck, joints and anywhere bone sits close to the skin, and stop at once if your partner asks or if anything looks wrong.

• Practise your swing on a pillow first so the tails land together where you aim.
• Wipe leather and suede with a dry or barely damp cloth and condition occasionally; never soak them.
• Wash silicone falls with mild soap or a toy cleaner; wipe chain dry to prevent tarnish.
• Hang floggers by the handle so the falls stay straight.

Floggers for beginners and couples

If you are curious but cautious, a faux fur or soft suede flogger from our for beginners picks lets you learn rhythm and aim with very little risk. Floggers pair naturally with restraints, a blindfold and a little lingerie to set the scene, and our for couples edit has more ideas for building a session around sensation and anticipation.