BDSM Whipping 101: 9 Whips for a Naughty Sub
The beautiful BDSM whip is a classic, iconic symbol of sexual domination and submission.
Who does not get hard or wet just from the sight of that soft black leather emblem in the Dom’s hand, all those promises of pleasure and pain. From pulp fiction to vintage burlesque, the woman with Betty Page bangs and a whip in her hand is classic fetishism.
The BDSM whip is essential in any kinky arsenal. There are countless toys, fashions, and props for sadomasochism and for bondage and discipline, each appealing to specific areas of fetish interest. But the whip is for everyone.
What Is a Whip?
For many of you, the BDSM whip needs no introduction. A whip is a thin and long piece of leather or similar material, often crafted with a handle for easy manipulation. Swinging the whip in a swift gesture impacts the target with a stinging sensation that brings pleasure and pain.
Just as the rider’s whip for the horse, the whip is for the dominant to control the submissive. The dom or domme will use gentle impact play to control direction and behaviour, and stronger impact to punish unruly behavior.
Unlike the horse and rider, the BDSM submissive does not try to avoid the crack of the whip but often desires more whipping and more impactful strikes. This is because the brief and intense sting of pain that accompanies the crack of the whip results in surging endorphins, in addition to the ecstasy of the BDSM power exchange.
Types of BDSM Whips
1. Bull Whip
When most people think of the generic definition of “whip,” they are thinking of the bull whip. This is the classic single-tail braided leather or nylon whip to herd cattle and control livestock.
The whip was used to make a loud cracking sound, hence, the idiom “crack the whip,” to signify control.
We associate this whip with cowboys, wranglers, rodeos, and hot dominatrixes dressed head to toe in form-fitting leather.
This whip’s length and original design for open-ranch fields and huge cows make it difficult to control and master. Many bedrooms and sex rooms are too small to even practice in.
It is important to know that because of the length of the bullwhip, it can end up wrapping around the body in unexpected and dangerous ways, and the impact can slice. Beware!
While many Doms are experienced with bullwhip use, it is impractical for most of us in average settings, and other kinds of whips are a much better choice.
2. Stock Whip or Classic Whip
A common motif in BDSM whipping and BDSM kink, the single-tail whip is simply the stock whip that is a much shorter version of the bull whip.
This classic whip—modelled after the utilitarian livestock whip—can be crafted of fine braided leather, nylon, or other fabrics.
3. Dragon Tail Whip
The dragon tail whip is also shorter, safer, and practical for personal kinky use. It has a single tail as well and is often made of rolled leather.
It is called the dragon tail whip because the whip has a kind of rectangular swatch of fabric on its tip. This softens the strokes slightly and most players really like the aesthetic, the throw, and the sensation. The rolled tail gives a more “thudding” or broad sensation rather than the sharp, precise sting of the classic.
4. Flicker Whip
The flicker whip is a rigid-style tail whip, and because its rigidity makes it is easy to control, it is highly recommended for BDSM whipping beginners.
The precision also makes it a very sharp whip, and may be preferred submissives who crave the sharpest, angriest stinging sensation.
5. The Quirt Whip
The quirt whip is a stock or classic style whip, but it is short and has a forked or double tail. It is a great BDSM whip for new submissives who are getting used to whipping sensations, or new doms, because the length is easy to control. The manageability factor makes it a favorite of many, not just newcomers.
6. Tickler Whip
A tickler whip is a small and gentler whip, with a tail of several cords dangling. These tails can be used gently for sensation play, tickling, foreplay, or in between more painful impact by other whips. This whip can be used to gently impact breasts, nipples, cock, vulva, and other tender areas.
Sometimes the tickler is all feathers or silk and is not really for whipping at all, but for tickling sensations only. This can be enjoyable on its own or soothe the body in between painful rounds of something else.
7. Riding Crop
The riding crop is a short, stiff whip with a broad, flat tip. It is a precise spanker and can pack a thwack but also offers the versatility of the wider impact sensation. It is also easy to control its trajectory.
8. Floggers
Floggers are whips with numerous tails. The volume of tails broadens the impact sensation to be closer to spanking. Some BDSM lovers prefer the floggers above a whips and paddles for the flogger’s own delicious impact.
9. Electro Whip
The electro whip is a BDSM whip that delivers an electric shock along with the sting upon impact.
How to Use a Whip for BDSM
It is important to learn how to whip, how to receive a BDSM whip, as well as safety tips if you are new to BDSM whipping.
While it is basic and obvious on the surface—you pick up the whip and whip the target or sub—controlling many whips is more difficult than you would expect.
Practice on pillows or plush toys to get a feeling for BDSM whipping. Even experienced Dommes will want to “’try out” any new whips because each one throws and lands differently.
Subs will need a warm-up and foreplay—psychological and physical preparation. Both need to be aware of anatomy, the subs unique body, hygiene and first aid protocols.
BDSM Whipping Safety
BDSM whipping can break the skin easily, so preparing the whip and sub’s body with an antibacterial cleanser is advisable. Wear safety goggles—seriously—when cracking unruly whips. Keep communication open and have a safe word or gesture.
Learn everything you can about impact play before you begin and start slowly and reasonably and learn along the way. Be aware of anatomy and only whip fleshy parts of the body.