FabSwingers.com forum: Advice on buying a whip. Why are some dearer than others?

By *riendly_Mancs_Couple OP Couple
over a year ago

Stockton (visiting)

Hi all

So, we've decided to dip our toes into a bit of BDSM/Bondage etc. We are looking to buy a good quality whip but are simply baffled why there is such a difference in cost. We realise that you probably get what you pay for but this doesn't explain why the ones in Harmony shop in London are twice as expensive as the ones from Wholesale Sex Toys despite them both being Leather. We're not looking to scrimp but why pay double price for something. Therefore, can somebody please point us to where we can get a good quality whip. To give you an idea of what we're looking for (and why we are asking in a forum) a lady friend on here recently told is that she could "whip Jayne without causing a great deal of pain and without leaving any marks". We are very impressed if this proves to be the case.

Any help please? As we said, we're not necesarilly looking for the cheapest. We are looking for the best or a very good one.

Thank you in advance. Xx

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By *ownhouseTwosomeCouple
over a year ago

Birkenhead/Liverpool

My first question here is, why a bull whip? This kind of whip is not the thing I would recommend ANY newbie to handle as it is 1/very hard to master, 2/is not meant for light whipping & 3/needs a lot of space!

If you are starting out, I would recommend a suede flogger for your first toy or if you have your mind set on a whip, then go for a short 3 foot single tail whip, which is easy to control, multi funtional and is less likely to cause any real damage.

The prices vary greatly and I would recommend that you don't buy your first toy online at all and especially not from the far east. There are lots of fetish out there you could visit and handle the whips for yourself. See and feel the quality and even get a short lesson in handling that particular whip.

I do buy online occasionally but I have 15 as a pro and a lot of experience in what is good and what is not...as a newbie, it's minefield, so going in person to view toys is the best way to start.

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

I agree with the testing stuff out for yourselves as advised above.

I think the prices can be based loosely on quality, but also on the place selling them (if they're popular they will try and charge more coz i have seen the exact same products cost way more on some sites than others), also aesthetics might up the price of something too.

Cheap doesn't always mean terrible though, i have some gorgeous riding crops that cost me hardly anything, look nice and are made to last so seem pretty good quality, the site was just getting rid of old stock.

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By *ownhouseTwosomeCouple
over a year ago

Birkenhead/Liverpool

I meant to say 'fetish fairs' above ! duh! lol

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By *riendly_Mancs_Couple OP Couple
over a year ago

Stockton (visiting)

Wow!

Thank you for the brilliant advice. You're right. This is totally new to us... But I guessed you worked that out for yourself.

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

Get yourself to a Horse Tack shop. It's where we get ours from.

They have a surprising range.

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By *riendly_Mancs_Couple OP Couple
over a year ago

Stockton (visiting)

So. A suede one it is. I assume that these are less painful (ie... Better for starters).

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By *wned EmCouple
over a year ago

nuneaton

Anything advertised as bdsm/fetish etc will immediately be more expensive....why buy 'bondage tape' from a fetish dealer when you can get duct tape from Wilcos for a fraction of the cost?

My Master got his bull whip from a circus equipment site but I agree you should probably start with something less hurty...especially if you don't want much pain or marks to be left.

Heavy floggers are my favourite.

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

Have a look on ebay or saints and sinners in Blackpool

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

there are some great sites with instructions on making floggers etc.

I made one from old rubber cycle inner tubes which was very effective.

Some of the Munches and fetish gatherings around Manchester sometimes have artisan sellers on hand selling their hand made wares, which are usually fabulous.

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

"Hi all

Any help please? As we said, we're not necesarilly looking for the cheapest. We are looking for the best or a very good one.

Thank you in advance. Xx"

I would seriously consider steering clear of whips. Or buy a training whip and then practice for a few years first - until you can accurately crack onto a 2" square mark.

Get a flogger instead. If you google for Jacks Floggers, you can get something beautiful and handmade, but not overly expensive.

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

"So. A suede one it is. I assume that these are less painful (ie... Better for starters). "

Practice on your own thigh to get an idea of what it feels like. It's not just the equipment you use but how you use it as well. Anything can hurt or not depending how you use it.

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By *ownhouseTwosomeCouple
over a year ago

Birkenhead/Liverpool

"So. A suede one it is. I assume that these are less painful (ie... Better for starters). "

Suede can be just as stingy in the right hands but as a newbie, suede can be great for pain as well as sensation play. If you go for a flogger, the narrow tails tends to be more stingy and the wider tails tend to be thuddy...but there are exceptions to this, hence going and looking at toys before you buy. If you go for a short tail whip, then suede is nice and I feel a bit easier to handle.

The Manchester alternative and burlesque fair has a wide range of sellers who I know personally and would hihly recommend. Floggermeister sells 'vegan' products so his wares tend to be recycled rubber. You would definitely need to see and handle these as they vary greatly in impact. If you go to his stall, say that Lady C recommended you

For leather/suede at the same fair, I think 'Major Payne' is still selling and he makes nice floggers and whips. He can be a little on the more expensive side, but they are nice quality. The other seller I like and I use regularly but is online only unless you got to club events is LovemeSpankme...just type that in and it comes up on the first page on your browser.

Making your own kit is great, but you need a bit of knowledge first on what you like and don't like before you spend the time and effort. Without knowing how these things handle, you won't know what to make for the best.

PM me if you want any specific info xx

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By *teveanddebsCouple
over a year ago

Norwich

The best whips come from Cobra Whips but as others have said, you need a lot of practise before you even think of using one on another person.

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

Tesco riding crop £11 simplez as if you find that you don't like the idea bin ...

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

"Tesco riding crop £11 simplez as if you find that you don't like the idea bin ... "

Yes this Too

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

"Tesco riding crop £11 simplez as if you find that you don't like the idea bin ... "

A riding crop isn't a whip...

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

"Tesco riding crop £11 simplez as if you find that you don't like the idea bin ...

A riding crop isn't a whip..."

Neither is a flogger but the discussion evolves

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By *ownhouseTwosomeCouple
over a year ago

Birkenhead/Liverpool

"Tesco riding crop £11 simplez as if you find that you don't like the idea bin ...

A riding crop isn't a whip...

Neither is a flogger but the discussion evolves"

I have seen a few people with these and the disintergrated after a few good uses. Great for practice with pain and Dominance, but not very diverse in it's use.

The only thing I use a crop for now is effect in photoshoots! Pointless piece of real kit to be honest when there are far better items to play with. Most newbies go for the crop though as it's easy peasy to use

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By *nttake2Couple
over a year ago

South

Go to the right club with the right folk and try some, inc the techniques. Beware idiots who think they know what they are doing, but don't. Watch what interests you.

Avoid most cheap toys, try saddlers as the above advice.

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

"My first question here is, why a bull whip? This kind of whip is not the thing I would recommend ANY newbie to handle as it is 1/very hard to master, 2/is not meant for light whipping & 3/needs a lot of space!

I do buy online occasionally but I have 15 as a pro and a lot of experience in what is good and what is not...as a newbie, it's minefield, so going in person to view toys is the best way to start.

xx"

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

http://www.decathlon.co.uk/eco-110cm-dressage-crop-id_8010277.html

This is a riding crop with a single tail end.

Perfect for beginners wanting one toy that does a few things.

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

"Get yourself to a Horse Tack shop. It's where we get ours from.

They have a surprising range. "

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By *ownhouseTwosomeCouple
over a year ago

Birkenhead/Liverpool

"http://www.decathlon.co.uk/eco-110cm-dressage-crop-id_8010277.html

This is a riding crop with a single tail end.

Perfect for beginners wanting one toy that does a few things. "

I've seen this crop!! That could cause some serious welts in the wrong hands!!! hahaha...(note to self)

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

I love this crop, it is my fave.

Easier to throw than a singletail and you don not take your eyes out

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

"Have a look on ebay or saints and sinners in Blackpool "

YES Yes yes .. Saints and Sinners is awesome for gear ..

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By *ownhouseTwosomeCouple
over a year ago

Birkenhead/Liverpool

"Have a look on ebay or saints and sinners in Blackpool

YES Yes yes .. Saints and Sinners is awesome for gear ..

Do you not think it's a bit over priced for the quality? Maybe it's just me being tight!! haha

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By *onnie and JohnCouple
over a year ago

WILTSHIRE

who noy pop over to ours try a few and see which you like..connie xx

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

"Tesco riding crop £11 simplez as if you find that you don't like the idea bin ... "
Really?

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By *riendly_Mancs_Couple OP Couple
over a year ago

Stockton (visiting)

'Pop over' to Corfu??

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By *riendly_Mancs_Couple OP Couple
over a year ago

Stockton (visiting)

Thank you all for taking the time to advise us. Will deffo be buying one soon and of course, you'll all get to see the 'results'... On the condition I don't get carried away and end up getting knocked out off wifey in retaliation.

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

"Anything advertised as bdsm/fetish etc will immediately be more expensive....why buy 'bondage tape' from a fetish dealer when you can get duct tape from Wilcos for a fraction of the cost."

Most bondage tape isn't like duck tape, it's a bit like cling film where it sticks to itself rather than on the skin x

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By *opping_candyWoman
over a year ago

West Yorkshire

"http://www.decathlon.co.uk/eco-110cm-dressage-crop-id_8010277.html

This is a riding crop with a single tail end.

Perfect for beginners wanting one toy that does a few things. "

That looks rather fun

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By *ath_Neil_bifunCouple
over a year ago

near cardiff

"Hi all

Any help please? As we said, we're not necesarilly looking for the cheapest. We are looking for the best or a very good one.

Thank you in advance. Xx"

Whatever you're looking for, if you're comparing a retail price to wholesale then retail costs more it's not some scam - mass production using cheap materials and labour sold online vs a place that has to cover shop rental and wages for shop floor staff - the exact same product will cost more from the shop just because they have more costs.

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By *onnie and JohnCouple
over a year ago

WILTSHIRE

"'Pop over' to Corfu??

Xx"

Thanks for reading our profile ,,you can if you want, or if you like to keep under the radar , we have paddles from "quality control" which are older then our children..lol..connie xx

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By *errygTV/TS
over a year ago

denton

try pets at home on retail parks ive seen crops there for a few quid, at some fetish fairs you will pay more but will a wider range

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By *ittenandthepirateCouple
over a year ago

Manchester

"Anything advertised as bdsm/fetish etc will immediately be more expensive....why buy 'bondage tape' from a fetish dealer when you can get duct tape from Wilcos for a fraction of the cost.

Most bondage tape isn't like duck tape, it's a bit like cling film where it sticks to itself rather than on the skin x"

Yup, you don't want all your hairs being ripped out taking duct tape off! As said above bondage tape sticks to itself so comes off without any pain

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By *ittenandthepirateCouple
over a year ago

Manchester

Also, agreed with Townhouse. You need to be careful with whips as they can leave nasty marks. We have a 6 foot bull whip and we barely put any force behind it; just letting it fall under it's own weight is enough for a good sting.

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

I'd suggest a wide leather paddle or a small flogger made of suede. Bull whips are not for beginners.

Also I wouldn't spend too much on your first toys just in case you don't like it.

You could always start with some bondage tape, a blindfold, a feather tickler, even ice cubes work a treat. You don't have to spend a fortune to have some fun. Even everyday items such as wooden spoons and clothes pegs can be nice and are very cheap.

It might also be worth reading some books to help you along on your journey. The new bottoming and new topping books are fab.

Have fun, but stay safe!

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

"Have a look on ebay or saints and sinners in Blackpool

YES Yes yes .. Saints and Sinners is awesome for gear ..

Do you not think it's a bit over priced for the quality? Maybe it's just me being tight!! haha "

I have hog whip and Floggers that are amazing quality . Not much difference in price to other places .. I also recall if you pass business their way you can get a discount . Clubs and customers

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By *orthen soul manMan
over a year ago

aberdeen

Try a flogger first then try a good tack shop for riding crop

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By *ownhouseTwosomeCouple
over a year ago

Birkenhead/Liverpool

"Have a look on ebay or saints and sinners in Blackpool

YES Yes yes .. Saints and Sinners is awesome for gear ..

Do you not think it's a bit over priced for the quality? Maybe it's just me being tight!! haha

I have hog whip and Floggers that are amazing quality . Not much difference in price to other places .. I also recall if you pass business their way you can get a discount . Clubs and customers

I'll take a look at them again...the last time I looked at their range, I wasn't so impressed, but that was a while ago; maybe they have improved

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

Also you may want to check out FetLife, not only is it a great source of info and inspiration, there's some awesome crafters on there that make high quality floggers, whips, paddles etc, custom made to whatever you want.

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

I'm not info the fetish scene but I have been flogged/whipped etc just because I wanted to see what it felt like. Anyway I'm a horse rider and have a fair few different whips for the different disciplines I do with my horse.

Anyway, if I had to chose between a whip or flogger it would be a flogger every time because I find it hurts less (the one I have is just a small leather one that I found on eBay of all places)

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By *eliciouslyNastyMan
over a year ago

London

Victor Tella.... Don't buy anything else you will be disappointed...

6 - 8 weeks to arrive, but he makes works of art...

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By *eliciouslyNastyMan
over a year ago

London

All the best products come from America... Mainly SF or LA....

People will try to tell you otherwise, but if you take the time to look, there's no substitute for the equipment they make over there.

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By *asokittyWoman
over a year ago

Nr Worksop

I do buy online occasionally but I have 15 as a pro and a lot of experience in what is good and what is not...as a newbie, it's minefield, so going in person to view toys is the best way to start.

xx"

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By *ot4ujoWoman
over a year ago

Eccles

Try robinsons at hay dock I bought 7 different crops from there all very different but they cost me £35 for all 7 try going to a fetish event to gatehouse has one every other Sunday you learn a lot at these things

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By *ot4ujoWoman
over a year ago

Eccles

Oh gatehouse also sells some whips etc

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By *riendly_Mancs_Couple OP Couple
over a year ago

Stockton (visiting)

Ok. Lots of brilliant answers there. So helpful you lot!

Was in Trafford Centre earlier so we've settled on the flogger from Ann Summers for now.

Judging by some of the great comments on here I suspect this flogger will quickly become obsolete as we gain further experience (and Mr knows not to go too far and ending up getting decked).

Thanks all.

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