The 10 Best BDSM Whips and Floggers for Intense Impact Play
How we tested the best BDSM whips and floggers
With our highly trusted team of sex toy testing experts (plus a lot of help from our network of freelancers around the world), we were able to create a balanced and unbiased review of BDSM whips and floggers. We looked at all aspects of these sexy accessories, including materials, ease of use, and even cost, to help you make the perfect purchase for you and your partner!
After rating each product on a range of metrics, we use the score to give each one an overall Bedbible rating, so you can easily compare the products in the review. Not only that, each product gets a user score, which is calculated using customer reviews — two heads are always better than one! And we don’t stop there! Wherever possible, we get one of our amazing testers to review the product!
Floggers vs whips
If someone asked you which was better, whips or floggers, you’d have a hard time answering. Both are fantastic for exploring sensation play but there are some key differences! So let’s take a look at what makes them so uniquely individual!
- Differences – here’s the most obvious divergence between floggers and whips! Whips contain a handle with long, flexible tails that can be lashed and literally whipped against someone. Floggers on the other hand are fixed and solid, meaning they won’t flex when being used. Some people prefer whips, some prefer floggers. It’s all down to personal taste, but floggers are generally better for BDSM beginners.
- Pros and cons – There are definitely pros and cons to both the whip and the flogger. These are relatively subjective pros and cons of course, but still! Floggers may feel harsher and leave bigger, wider marks that may be painful. Whips on the other hand can leave thin, targeted marks that could – if taken too far – break the skin. On the other hand they both provide different sensations that are sexy in their own ways. This leads us neatly onto the next section…
- Thuddy vs stingy – Because of the shape of floggers they give you a much more impactful ‘thud’ as it hits you. That larger surface area only makes the thud deeper and more sensual (if you like that kind of thing)! On the other hand, whips and canes sting. The tails hit only a narrow, thin strip of your skin, and as such it causes a pleasurable and concentrated sting.
We think we’ve found a pretty great test winner and it’s even vegan friendly!
FAQ
What is a BDSM whip?
A BDSM whip is a toy that is used in impact play. It can refer to anything like a flogger, tickler, crop and actual whips. The term is used interchangeably, so it can get a little confusing. BDSM whips can also be known as sex whips. It's basically anything that can be used to spank, cane, flog or whip a person in order to elicit different sensations. Using BDSM whips are also likely to bring up different emotions too. It can be fun to explore this side of things. The sensations you feel will vary from tickling to teasing to experience pain like a 'thud' or a 'sting' and it can be mild or intense. It all depends on what you are using and how you are using it. Beginners are advised to start with lighter sensations that can be experienced through using floggers or paddles, or your hand to begin with. Once you get a feel for what a toy can do and how to use it you can keep exploring from there. Of course, make sure that you're communicating with your partner about what's going on. This is definitely something where open, clear communication is vital.
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The 10 Best bdsm whips in Test
Bondage Boutique Faux Leather Flogger
The Bondage Boutique faux leather flogger is our Test Winner. It’s a flogger that packs a punch whilst also appealing to those who prefer their BDSM kit to be leather-free. The handle is textured, allowing for an easy grip and the 9-inch fronds let you tease gently, tickle and offer more serious stings. It’s a great flogger that’s suitable for beginner to intermediate users. It’s lightweight and durable and would make a welcome addition to any BDSM kit.
Bondage Boutique’s faux leather flogger is an ideal starter or intermediate toy. It is stingy and reviewers love it, but if you’re looking for something with more bite then it probably won’t be for you. It has lots of tassels that will send your senses wild whether you’re using it to lightly tease or to leave red marks. It’s a fantastic product that’s amazing value for money. If you’re looking to introduce impact play then you can’t go wrong with this .
Fetish Fantasy Cat-O-Nine Tails
The Fetish Fantasy Series limited edition cat-o-nine tails is our category winner for the cheapest flogger. It’s an amazing price. It has a leather-bound handle with rivets and the 9 tails are also leather. For beginners at sensation play and flogging, this is a good buy. However, the more seasoned practitioners may find it too lightweight for their needs.
Fetish Fantasy Series are a great introduction to impact and bondage. The cat-o-nine-tails is no exception, made of leather this is going to whip everyone up into a frenzy. More suited to beginners on their journey into BSDM, more experienced users may not find that this satisfies their needs. It’s exceptional for its price and if you want to add a new dimension to your sexual exploits, this is a good place to start.
Bondage Boutique Slap 'n' Tickle Flogger
Bondage Boutique Slap ‘n’ Tickle rubber flogger is perfect for beginners. Its soft rubber strings are great for tickling, can slightly sting and leave red marks. Our reviewers are more than happy with this little addition to the bedroom. At only 10-inches, it’s a perfect size for travelling with you. There’s always a learning curve with new toys and this one seems to tick all the right boxes for an introductory level flogger.
Bondage Boutique’s Slap ‘n’ Tickle rubber flogger is a really cute flogger for beginners. It’s non-threatening, small and can be used to introduce new sensations into your erotic world. If you want to enjoy tickling and the feeling of a slight sting then this will be perfect. It’s certainly not for the more experienced as its size and weight doesn’t allow for harder flogging. If you’d like something to spice up your sex life and want to dip your toes into impact play, then this is a great start.
Bondage Boutique Extra Long Suede Flogger
From gentle tickles on the butt and thighs to the breathtaking pleasure of sharper stings, the Bondage Boutique Advanced extra-long suede flogger is ideal for all. The soft suede tails are extra-long and provide great coverage whether you are using it to tease, or punish. Suede can still sting and leave red marks without being as harsh as leather. Our reviews have enjoyed the versatility of this product, the pleasing thud that it makes on contact with skin and the wider range of impact that it offers.
Bondage Boutique’s Advanced extra-long suede flogger ticks all the right boxes as a welcome addition to your BDSM whip and flogger collection. The length of its luxurious suede tails leans towards gentle, tantalizing caresses and welcome sharp stings. Its versatility is demonstrated in the ease of the swing that can be reached for harder lashings. The suede does mean that this flogger can’t produce as hard a hit as a leather one, but if you’re looking for something to excite the senses with its softness, as well as the sharp, then this could be for you.
Doc Johnson The Quad Silicone Whip
Double the pleasure with Doc Johnson’s The Quad. This is a 100% silicone flogger has 4 tendrils with weighted, bulbous tips and an ergonomic handle that doubles up as a dildo. The undulating curves of the handle provide a firm grip and provide extra stimulation when it’s used to explore vaginally or anally. It’s a beautifully designed beast that is weighty enough to make whipping easier. Perhaps not so suitable for beginners, this would be a welcome addition to anyone wanting to explore the pleasures of stinging.
The Quad Doc Johnson Silicone Flogger brings a new dimension to flogging play. The weighted tips of this silicone toy can really pack a punch. The beautifully shaped dildo handle lets you tease or penetrate your play partner with the flogger that has just whipped them. Being silicone, this item is very easy to clean. If you’re looking for a flogger with a wider spread and more of a ‘thud’ then this probably won’t fit the bill, but for something that’s got more edge to it, then it’s great.
Scandal 3 Foot Whip
Scandal’s 3 Foot faux leather whip is closer in size to a signal whip than a bullwhip. This BDSM sex whip is for advanced practitioners and although it is easier to wield than a bullwhip, practice will still be needed to perfect the method used. It’s made from vegan/vegetarian-friendly materials which will appeal to those who prefer not to use leather. Its single braid ends in a triple tassel topper that gives this whip an audible ‘crack’ and extra stinging bite.
This Scandal 3 Foot faux leather whip is one of the more advanced toys in the roundup review. Remember, you will need to practice using whips like these before you go near a human being with it. It’s great for inflicting sharp, stinging pain. Due to its weight, not a lot of effort needs to go into using this. It looks great for the price and fulfils its intended use easily. Not one for the beginners, this is a fabulous piece of equipment for those wanting to expand their experience and skills.
Icicles No. 49 Glass Flogger Butt Plug
The Icicles No. 49 is elegant and beautifully designed. The glass plug is hand-blown and the flogger is made from bull leather. Together they form an exquisite combination. As the plug is glass it is suitable for temperature play. It’s also incredibly easy to clean after use. When used as a flogger the plug fits perfectly into your hand and the tresses are soft enough to satisfy beginner play and hard enough to deliver a sound whipping to the more experienced if required.
Icicles No. 49 glass butt plug and flogger is a beautifully designed item. The plug is hand-blown and its smooth curves make it easier to insert with the help of some lube. Its base is flared, making it safe and comfortable to wear as a tail if required. Although the plug is easy to clean, care must be taken not to get the leather tresses wet. As with all butt plugs, if you’re a beginner go for a small size. With that in mind, this one may not be suitable for internal use for those new to anal play – but it can be something that you can work up to.
Saffron Braided Flogger By Sportsheets
The Saffron Braided Flogger By Sportsheets looks gorgeous! It’s a cat-o’-nine-tails with thick braided falls that each end in a tip similar to those on riding crops. The falls are heavier and so deliver a fiercer bite when used on willing flesh. This will take your punishment play up to the next level perfectly. It has a comfort-grip bubble handle and a wrist loop for extra control and for hanging storage. The dramatic red and black falls look amazing and certainly give you that extra sting that you’re aching for.
The Saffron Braided flogger By Sportsheets is a step in the right direction for those who want more intense impact play. This flogger is not for beginners. Its falls are heavier, delivering a deliciously sharp bite. The materials are aimed at those who prefer their BDSM equipment to be vegan/vegetarian friendly. So, if you want to up your game yet still deliver teasing strokes then this one is for you.
Sportsheets Body Tickler Ball Chain Whip
This Sportsheets Body Tickler ball chain whip is suitable for beginners up to the more experienced practitioners. It’s a versatile piece of equipment and its main job is that of a tickler. Feeling the sensation of the metal chain caressing your skin, tickling and teasing is an exquisite experience. The chain can be dipped in hot or cold water to add a different dimension to play. Although it is called a chain whip, its primary use is that of sensation play, rather than punishment. Reviewers have rated it highly when they have used it as a whip and report that it certainly can pack a punch, although it seems that it isn’t really built to be a hard-wearing impact toy.
The Sportsheets Body Tickler ball chain whip is a fabulous addition to anyone’s sex-play kit. It’s a great way to introduce sensation play into your sex life. Being able to cool down, and heat up the metal ball chain creates a totally different experience that will send you wild! Beginners and experienced alike will love the variety of sensations that you can have from this simple toy. Although some reviewers have thoroughly enjoyed being spanked with the ball chains, they do warn that it can sting quite a bit. If you’re a beginner, remember to take it easy until you are used to the feel of it. Bear in mind that the quality of the product may mean that it won’t last too long as a whip.
Stockroom Flicker Whip
The Stockroom Flicker Whip is a very elegant piece of equipment. It is 36 inches in length and tipped with a thin, braided nylon tassel. Don’t be deceived, in the right hands, this can bring you gentle tickly pleasure or exquisite sharp pain. The slim handle is covered with leather, enabling you to grip the crop well. It’s a great addition to sensation play, gliding the tassel, or crop itself over your restrained lover’s body, paying special attention to their erogenous zones – delicious.
The Stockroom Flicker Whip is ideal for the more experienced adventurer. It’s capable of delightful tickling and teasing and of delivering punishing sharp stinging pain. If you’re looking for something that delivers precision then this may be what you’re looking for.
BDSM Whips vs Floggers
The names ‘whip’ and ‘flogger’ are sometimes used interchangeably, but there are some differences, and similarities, so, let’s have a look at some of them.
Let's have a look at some similarities
- They both have a rigid handle.
- They both have a wrist loop for extra security, control that can be used for hanging it up.
- They both come in different lengths, sizes and materials.
- They can both be used in a variety of different ways for different sensations.
- They can both have multiple tails/tresses.
- They are both used in impact play.
The differences in tails/tresses
- Whips tend to have fewer tails than floggers.
- Flogger tails can be made from softer materials like suede, rubber, even fabric as well as more sturdy materials such as leather or faux-leather.
- Whip tails tend to be made of of leather or faux-leather with a ‘popper’ at the end.
The differences in sensations
- Whips and floggers can both be used to trail across the skin, to build anticipation, to tease, to tickle to strike.
- Floggers, because they have more tails and the tails can be of different thicknesses and weight, can elicit a wide variety of sensations depending on the level of force used.
- A strike from a flogger can feel like a ‘thud’ or can sting
- A strike from a whip will sting and cause more intense pain.
For beginners or advanced?
- Low-intensity floggers can be used by beginners.
- These let you build up your practice, figure out what your likes and dislikes are, and see if you’d like to venture into more stronger pain sensations.
- Although whips can be used to tease, they can also cause more intense pain.
- Whips aren’t recommended for beginners. They need practice and skill before using them on a person as incorrect use can be very painful and damaging.
- Whips are only recommended for advanced BDSM practitioners.
How to Use a BDSM Whip from beginner to expert
BDSM floggers and sex whips are often interchangeable terms. In reality, they are quite different! Our guide is going to talk about using floggers to start with, then we’ll talk about whips
Safety First!
It’s very tempting to buy a new toy and want to use it straight away! We understand! However, before you get carried away there are some BDSM basics that you need to follow.
- Practice on an inanimate object first – a pillow or cushion.
- Every flogger is different and you need to practice your aim and test the intensity of your new toy.
- Agree on your safe words or safe actions. These are an essential part of play. They’re for your safety and cannot be skipped over. You can have a word or action to stop play completely and one to slow things down.
- Don’t hit too hard or too frequently.
- Stick to safe areas such as the buttocks, back of the thighs if you are a beginner.
- Never hit the spine, kidneys or any other vital organs.
- Make sure that all involved are ready and willing to play.
Which body parts?
- For beginners, we suggest that you start with the soft and squishy buttocks.
- Always avoid the tailbone, spine, kidneys, face and neck, regardless of experience.
- Be gentle on breasts, soles of feet, calves and genitals.
Types of flogger
- To begin with, try a flogger with shorter tails.
- Work up to floggers with longer tails, knotted tails, braids or beads.
- Floggers come in a variety of materials. To start with choose something softer to begin with – suede or faux-fur.
- With practice you can move onto leather, faux-leather, rubber or even chain.
- Give yourself time to find out what each flogger can do.
Let's begin!
- Decide on the position of the flogg-ee. Over the knee, on all fours, standing, lying down restrained?
- Warm up the part that you’re going to flog. If your hands are cold, rub them together, then give those buttocks a massage and a squeeze.
- Gently run the flogger over your partner’s body, let them get used to the feel of it on their skin. Build up the anticipation.
- Remember to start gently and build up the intensity.
Techniques
There are some basic flogging techniques:
- Back and forth – step back and gently sway the flogger backwards and forwards across the buttocks. Just using the bottom 1/4 of the falls if you are using longer falls.
- If you’re too close then the falls can wrap around the body which isn’t that pleasant.
- Circle or pinwheel – swing the flogger around in a downwards circle that catches the buttocks with the falls.
- Figure 8 – swing the flogger in a figure 8 motion, catching the buttocks on the downwards stroke either side. This can also be reversed to catch the buttocks on the upward stroke.
- Flick – grab the falls all in one hand, you can twist them too, then intentionally flick the bottom.
- The back and forth and figure 8 are great warm up strokes, but the flick is more intense
- When you’re more practiced, move onto the Florentine or the two-handed figure of 8.
- The aim is to vary the sensation.
- Always practice on a pillow before moving on to using a flogger on a person.
Using whips
BDSM whips or sex whips look incredible, but they should only be used by advanced BDSM practitioners.
- BDSM whips can inflict intense pain and damage on a person so need to be used only by experts.
- If you’re experienced and want to learn about BDSM whips take a look at flicker whips or dragon tails.
- These whips are easier to control, easier to learn and are less likely to inflict serious pain or damage.
Of course, you’ll need to practice A LOT on pillows and other inanimate objects first.
Flicker whips
- More rigid, so easier to master and control
- Intense and stingy pain, but less so than traditional whips.
Dragon Tail
- Just a handle and a tail that finishes at a point.
- Easier to control and handle than traditional whips.
- Still stings hellishly for higher impact play.
- Made from soft suede or soft leather.
How to clean BDSM Whips and Floggers
It is important to clean your sex whips and floggers after each use. As most of them are made from porous materials, they can harbour bacteria, so it is really important to get them cleaned up. If your flogger is made of silicone, then a good wash in hot soapy water, then air-dried, will be all that it needs. Other materials, such as PVC, nylon, faux leather can be wiped down with hot, soapy water or antibacterial toy wipes. Leather and suede need a different kind of care. If the leather becomes wet, then blot it with paper towels and let it dry naturally. If a cleaner is needed, then use one specifically made for leather. Leather will need to be conditioned occasionally to keep it supple, and after it has been cleaned. Again, use one specifically for leather. If you need to sterilize, or remove mildew from your leather flogger or BDSM whip, then mix equal parts of rubbing alcohol and water. Spray this mixture onto the leather in a fine mist or wet a soft cloth with it. Gently wipe the surfaces and allow it to dry naturally. Suede can be cleaned with a product made specifically for it.
materials
Soft plastic, hard plastic, jelly, rubber, Cyberskin are all porous materials, meaning that small particles and bacteria can penetrate the surface. This makes it impossible to completely clean these types of materials.
Therefore, it is recommended that you use a condom with these types of toys, especially if you are sharing them. Clean these toys with mild soapy water and dry gently with a towel. These materials are more easily damaged, so be sure to be gentle and make sure your toys are completely dry before storing.
materials
Silicone, glass, stainless steel and some hard plastics can all be washed using a mild soap (like you would use on your body) and warm water. Just be careful if your toy contains electrical parts.
Silicone and stainless steel toys without any electrical parts can also be boiled for sterilisation.
components
If your toys contain electrical components, be extra careful when cleaning them and always check the instructions provided with the toy. You can use a gentle cloth and soap to wipe or sex toy cleaner or cleaning wipe to down your toy, making sure that no water comes into contact with the electrical parts.