*All this information is based on my own experiences/shopping/research, so make sure to do yours, as you’ll likely be looking for something different. However, this article has some general information and I think gives an idea of what's out there. If you want to refute or comment, please feel free to do so. mrgreen
First off, I am not owner of a fine quality whip. I have a retired, cheap, black, 4-plait cowhide with twig core bullwhip that I found is nearly useless, as it was made so badly I can’t predict after years of ownership where it’s going (!), and has been steadily falling apart (I tried to take care of it, but it’s just plain shoddy. Birthday gifts from vanilla friends…). Basically I wave it around to look mean, but it’s useless. However, some mistakes, cuts, and “damn it, that was stupid” moments have given me some advice to pass on.
First thing to keep in mind is, the length of a whip also gets your arm length added to it- ideally the whip is an extension and you should know where it’s going. If you’re engaging in indoor play (which is most likely), keep in mind the radius you need to keep clear of breakable things. In addition, length usually translates to more force being expelled down onto a very narrow point of focus if single-tailed. If it has more than one tail, what you have is a flogger or cat.
As for type, I don’t think there is a huge difference, or rather, I haven’t played with enough to know what changes a specific make will have. However, you might want to keep in mind maintenance. For example, most signal whips must be sent back to the maker to have the popper replaced (they are braided on), while bullwhips you can replace on your own.
Make: Kangaroo is the golden standard of whips, but it’s also $$$$$. Still, whipmakers swear by it, so if you have the money…I was going to get one on sale but it got snapped up while I was trying to get my friend to buy it with her credit card if I paid her 10% interest. They’re quite coveted, and expensive (most are $300+).
Nylon needs no special care in comparison to leather, can be washed (good if you get fluids on it) and doesn’t get messed up with moisture or mildew. Plus it’s vegan. Cowhide is typical; I’m sure you can look up an article on that or just check out your own whip.
Now, some more exotic materials! Moosehide is heavier than deerskin but still relatively mild.
Deerskin is the sensual one that’s light and soft-when I tried hitting myself with a flogger made of deerskin it was a bit like being hit with a pillow. I’ve heard of deerskin whips, and I’d imagine they’re the ones you use to introduce nervous people to whips, but they seem a rare-ish material for whips, like moosehide.
Rubber is just plain ouch. It’s said subs either love or hate rubber-I know my inner arm hated it. However, like nylon, they can be washed, and some can be used in the shower.
Strap leather is the leather used for straps, obviously, and is very heavy. I’m not sure if people use that for whips often, but I’m sure there’s someone out there who is making very “thuddy” whips/floggers/cats.
I’ve seen some use even more exotic material, like a knotted whip made from tarred cod line that was inspired by sailors’ punishments. Whipmaker described it as “savage” and “for real punishment only”.
*By the way…knots on your whips/floggers/cats will almost definitely leave bruises. And with single-tailed whips the number of plaits will vary the cost; typically the more the higher the price. The same is true for tresses on a flogger, and the narrower the ends are the more they sting and are likely to cut.
You’ll want to look into this more, though…I’ve only basic knowledge, and have not yet had the luck on testing these things out on someone who can give me the feedback I want. (Mistakes or deliberate testing on my own skin gave a sort of academic understanding, but I’m sure the feeling a sub would get is different from my own.) Oh, and your submissive (or you) may be a complete and total pain lover, but I still say start easy and warm up, and practice before you use them on someone. There’s a certain psychological state that whips seem to induce…Which is why we love them.
Tlazolteotl
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