I’ve been testing sex toys and kink gear for a living for over nine years (!) at this point. That means I’ve tried a lot of stuff, from the run-of-the-mill to the “wait, what?” Even so, I still get excited when I have a chance to try something that’s actually new to me. Kink Store, the retail arm of the company that owns the famous Kink.com, sent me their BDSM Zapper 2.0 electro wand to try out.
What is a Zapper?
It’s a small, handheld device with a rubberised handle, a long plastic shaft, and two little metal prongs poking out of the end. When you hold down the button and tap the tip against the skin, it releases static electricity with a loud “ZAP” sound (hence the name.) First popularised by its use in many of Kink’s famous BDSM films, the Zapper has had a complete redesign and the result is this Zapper 2.0.
Unlike other electroplay toys such as violet/neon wands and E-stim products, the Zapper delivers all its power in a single, sharp sting. It has three settings to choose from: 1.5, 2.5, and 3.5kV. Since you need to press the button and wait for the red light before using it, there’s no danger of it discharging when you don’t want it to.
The Zapper 2.0 electro wand requires 2 AA batteries. Each set of batteries is good for around 300 zaps.
Are Electro Wands Like the BDSM Zapper 2.0 Safe?
Toys like this are designed with low amperage (current) to give a superficial shock only. No kink activity (or sexual activity) is 100% safe, and all BDSM carries some level of risk. With that said, many of the risks of using an electro wand toy like the Zapper 2.0 can be mitigated if you follow some basic safety protocols and take some precautions.
Safety Precautions
First, never use the Zapper on anyone who has a heart condition, is fitted with a pacemaker or similar internal medical device, or is pregnant. If you have underlying health conditions and you’re not sure how safe using the Zapper is for you, talk to your healthcare professional first.
Never use the Zapper internally, never use it on or near the face or head, and don’t zap the same spot multiple times. Fleshy, below-the-waist areas such as the butt and thighs are the lowest risk. It’s also not waterproof, so keep your Zapper far away from water and never use it in damp environments or on wet skin. We all know water and electricity don’t mix, don’t we?
Inspect your electro wand for damage before use, communicate with your partner, and don’t take unnecessary risks. Most importantly, do your own risk assessment and understand your and your partner’s body and health before you attempt any BDSM activity, including using the Zapper.
What Does It Feel Like?
Like getting a pretty intense static shock.
It makes you jump and it definitely stings, but it’s nowhere near as painful as I imagined it would be based on the sound this thing makes. In my experience, though, the pain disappeared almost instantly. It was a split second of very intense sensation.
I think this is one of those sensations people will experience very differently. Based on other reviews, some find it extremely intense, while I found it middling (mostly it just made me giggle!) We’re all different. Aren’t bodies cool?
Weirdly, my partner and I both agreed that the highest setting, though the loudest, was also the least physically intense. The middle setting was the most physically intense (i.e. painful.) Your mileage may vary and I always suggest starting on the bottom setting and working up if you want to.
I think the main reason a lot of kinksters like Zappers and electro wands is because they play on a sense of fear. First, because we are all somewhat conditioned to see electricity as dangerous (which it often is!) Second, because the anticipation of being zapped is “worse” than the actual feeling for a lot of people. And third, because yes, it’s really loud. Even when I know it’s coming, it makes me jump.
BDSM Zapper 2.0 Electro Wand: Verdict
I didn’t find the Zapper 2.0 particularly erotic in and of itself. Electro-play is an interesting sensation to me, but not one that really turns me on. This isn’t really a criticism, because kink is often about “let’s explore this weird sensation” for me and doesn’t necessarily need to involve my genitals every time. However, I can definitely see potential for using the Zapper in scenes in ways that I would probably find sexy.
If you enjoy sharp, stingy pain, electro play turns you on, or you like playing with fear and anticipation, the Zapper could be a fun addition to your toybag. It retails for $49.99. At the time of writing, you can also get a free Zapper if you spend $149+ on Kink Store and enter code FREE-Z150P at checkout.
Thanks to Kink Store for sending me the Zapper 2.0 electro wand to review. All views, as always, are mine. Images by Kink Store. Affiliate links appear in this post.