Tag: sensation play

Header image for electro wand review. Text reads: Kink Store Zapper.

[Kink Product Review] BDSM Zapper 2.0 Electro Wand

Published on by Amy

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?

Kink Store BDSM Zapper electro wand product pic

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?

Kink Store BDSM Zapper electro wand product pic

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 BDSM Zapper’s 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 BDSM Zapper 2.0 electro wand to review. All views, as always, are mine. Images by Kink Store. Affiliate links appear in this post.

BDSM starter kit items including cuffs, flogger, and ball gag on a purple background

What is a BDSM Starter Kit and How Can It Help You Explore Kink?

Published on by Amy1 Comment

“I’d love to start exploring BDSM, but all the gear is so expensive!” is a complaint I hear from new and curious kinksters all the time. “I don’t even know what I like yet, how can I get started without dropping hundreds of pounds on things I might not enjoy?” And I hear you, budget-conscious newbie. This is where a bondage or BDSM starter kit can help you.

Perhaps you’ve perused your local fetish market and picked up artisan floggers, custom collars, hand-dyed natural fiber ropes, or vintage violet wands, then shuddered at the price tags. I absolutely love beautiful, unique, one-of-a-kind kink items and I believe we should all be supporting our favourite indie creators within the community. Once you know you enjoy impact play, for example, that buttery soft leather flogger with a hand-turned handle might be a worthwhile investment that will serve you well for many years.

But when you’re just starting out, that can be a prohibitive amount of money to drop on a “well, that might be fun…” Budget constraints and curiosity sometimes lead new kinksters to improvise. Some pervertables are fine, of course, but in other cases using household items for sex and kink can be dangerous.

What is a BDSM Starter Kit or Bondage Kit for Beginners?

A BDSM starter kit might also be called a “bondage kit.” In short, it’s a collection of kink items bundled together in a package designed to help you explore.

Some of the items you might find in a beginners’ BDSM or bondage kit include:

  • Impact toys such as floggers, crops, or paddles
  • Restraints such as handcuffs, wrist ties, or bondage tape
  • Rope
  • Gags
  • Blindfolds
  • Collars and/or leashes
  • Clamps and clips (e.g. for nipples)
  • Sensation play items such as strokers or ticklers
  • Sex toys such as vibrators, cock rings, dildos, or strap-ons
  • Wax play candles
  • …and more!

Every BDSM starter kit is slightly different. You’ll need to choose the best one for you depending on your needs, budget, and interests.

How Can a Beginners’ Bondage Kit Help You to Explore?

What is it that interests you about bondage, kink, or BDSM?

If I asked this question to ten different newcomers to the world of kink, I would probably get ten very different answers. That’s because BDSM is a vast and varied world, encompassing all kinds of activities from impact play to power exchange, shibari to sensation play, and so much more.

This vastness is exciting, but can also be overwhelming and confusing. Investing in a BDSM starter kit can be a great place to start for several reasons.

Variety Without the Price-Tag

A kit allows you to try several different things at an affordable price. Perhaps you think you might be into pain, but you also fancy the idea of getting tied up… ooh, and that “wax play” thing sounds exciting, too! A good BDSM starter kit gives you an entry point for several different kinks.

This way, when you find something you like, you can explore it further. And if you find something isn’t for you, then you’ve learned something valuable about your desires without having spent a lot of money on a toy that will languish in the back of the bedroom closet.

Easy and Convenient

A beginners’ bondage kit or BDSM kit takes the guesswork out of kinky shopping. When you’re new, you don’t always know what you don’t know, and trying to buy toys can be confusing at best. A kit gives you an easy, one-stop place to get started.

Stay Safe While Exploring with a BDSM Starter Kit

As I touched on above, improvising your kinky toys can be dangerous. Spanking your partner with a wooden spoon is likely fine, but did you know that tying someone up with a silk scarf is actually much less safe than using proper bondage rope?

Bondage kits sold by reputable retailers include products specially designed for kinky play that will help you to stay safe as long as you observe basic precautions and practice RACK (that’s Risk Aware Consensual Kink, FYI.)

Get Inspired

It’s a cliché, but a truism, that the brain is the body’s biggest and most important sexual organ. The real magic of BDSM isn’t just the feel of a flogger across your back or cuffs tightening around your wrists, but what’s happening in your mind – and in your dynamic with your partner(s) – as those things happen.

Your BDSM kit might contain items you’ve never thought to use before, and this can spark all kinds of ideas, fantasies, and inspiration.

Choose the Best BDSM Starter Kit for You

Ready to dive in? Here are a few things you’ll want to take into consideration in choosing the best bondage kit for you.

Budget

A BDSM starter kit can cost you under £20 for the most basic kit, up to £150 or more for a comprehensive kit with all the bells and whistles.

Interests

Think about the aspects of kink that interest you the most, and prioritise. If your primary interest is in restraint, you’ll want a kit that includes ropes and/or cuffs. If you’re more interested in pain, choose a kit that comes with paddles, floggers, or crops.

Aesthetic

Yes, it matters! BDSM is a very personal thing, and different aesthetics resonate with different people. If you’re after a darker, more atmospheric mood, an all-black set might suit you. If, on the other hand, you prefer a more colourful and playful feel, you might like reds, pinks or purples. Then there are completely offbeat options!

This post was kindly sponsored by Whipple Tickle. You can shop bondage kits as well as sex toys, lingerie, kink gear, and more at their site. All views and writing are, as always, mine.

A key on a chain. Header for a post on long term chastity and keeping it exciting

How to Keep Long Term Chastity Play Fun and Exciting

Published on by Amy

Long term chastity play, with or without a cage or device, is an incredibly common sexual fantasy. For some, it’s also a kinky reality. Chastity refers to locking the genitals away in a device such as a cock cage or chastity belt. This prevents stimulation, orgasm, or even erection.

People are into chastity for all kinds of reasons. Some enjoy the stronger eventual orgasm that a build-up of sexual tension and arousal brings about. Others enjoy chastity as part of a power dynamic or D/s relationship. Some find a sense of satisfaction from the physical and mental challenge. All of these reasons, and so many more, are equally wonderful and valid.

What constitutes “long term chastity” is a highly personal question. Some people stay locked up for weeks or months at a time (be aware of the safety implications if you’re considering using a chastity cage long term.) For others, hours to days is their happy place. The only correct length of time is what works best for you and your partner(s.)

One mistake that new chastity players often make is to treat this kink as “set and forget.” But it’s not (usually) enough to simply lock yourself or your submissive into a chastity cage and expect successful long term chastity play to follow. That’s a recipe for boredom and a lacklustre experience at best, and feelings of neglect or resentment at worst. Whether you’re going for a week, a month, or a year, here are four fun ways to keep your long term chastity play fun and exciting.

Do Edging and Denial Scenes

One of the most fun aspects of wearing a chastity device is how sensitive the genitals are when it comes off. You can use this to your advantage by incorporating edging and denial sessions into your chastity play, whether you’re playing long term or short term.

Edging just means taking yourself or your partner almost to the point of orgasm, and then stopping. You can do this once, or many times. An extended edging session followed by being locked back into a cock cage or chastity belt can be exquisitely torturous for a long term chastity submissive.

Depending on your mindset, edging can be its own reward… or its own punishment. Some submissives love it, and others hate it.

Incorporate Other Types of Kinky Play Into Your Long Term Chastity

One of the wonderful things about chastity is that it pairs so well with many different kinds of kinky play. Almost any other activities you can think of can be combined with chastity to create a fun and sexy scene.

If you’re into impact play you can spank or flog your submissive while they are wearing their chastity device. Some submissives enjoy teasing or humiliation about (for example) how aroused they are getting from the pain, their inability to get hard in their chastity cage, or the fact that the impact play is the only stimulation they will get.

Long term chastity also makes every part of the body more sensitive. This means that even gentle sensations can feel more intense than usual. Sensation play, from stroking with feathers or soft fabric up to playing with scratchers or pinwheels, can be amazing here.

Rope and other forms of restraint can be used to enhance all kinds of chastity-based scenes. They can also be a scene in and of themselves.

Use Sex Toys

Even if you are doing a form of chastity play that does not allow for direct stimulation of the genitals, there are still lots of ways you can use sex toys to enhance your play. For example, if your submissive enjoys anal play, having them wear a butt plug can be a fun way to remind them of their arousal all day long.

If you’re doing edging and denial scenes as part of your long term chastity play, sex toys can be a great addition. Why not allow your submissive to “earn” minutes with their favourite sex toy in exchange for tasks, favours, or good behaviour?

Finally, if you’re an exhibitionistically-inclined dominant, masturbating with toys in front of your submissive while they’re locked up is a delicious tease.

Involve Other People in Your Long Term Chastity

If your relationship allows for it, involving other people in your play can bring a new kind of excitement and add an extra edge (pun entirely intended) to your chastity kink.

There are numerous different ways to do this. If you’re part of the kink community or have kinky friends, you could approach a friend to do a “double-domming” scene with you. Another way to realise this fantasy is to work with a professional Dominant, or Pro Dom/Domme. Serving two Dominants is a fantasy for many kinky submissives.

If you enjoy exhibitionism or voyeurism, why not go to a kink club and play in the semi-public space it affords? This might include doing a scene in front of other people, or simply having your chastity device on show in the space. There may be the opportunity to play with other people if you want to, but there should be no expectations.

Some people enjoy combining long term chastity with cuckolding or cuckqueaning. This involves the dominant partner having sex or playing with others while their submissive watches. It might include the enjoyment of feeling “left out” or the eroticising of normally negative emotions such as jealousy. It can also simply be about enjoying a sexy show, feeling horny, and then not getting release. Cuckolding and cuckqueaning can be very emotionally intense. Negotiate thoroughly beforehand and plan to give each other plenty of aftercare and reassurance.

Don’t forget about the potential for involving others online, too. This might include engaging with others on chastity forums or accepting “tasks” from fellow players online. Some Pro Doms/Dommes even offer online-only scenes through text, audio chat, or video call.

One thing you should not do is involve others in your kinky scenes without their explicit consent. This includes doing anything in public that is obvious or where you could reasonably get caught. It also includes making others (including members of the public, serving staff, and your friends or family) uncomfortable. Consent always comes first.

Today’s post was sponsored by Total Chastity. They manufacture and sell high quality chastity devices, toys, and accessories, which you can check out through the links included! All views and writing are, as always, entirely my own.

Review of Cat Claws Skin Scratcher sensation play toy by Lovehoney Dominix

[Kink Product Review] Dominix Deluxe Cat Claw Skin Scratcher

Published on by Amy

Lovehoney were kind enough to recently send me a few niche kink items so I could create some mini reviews. Today we’re looking at this set of sensation play claws from the Lovehoney Dominix range.

Lovehoney Dominix Cat Claw Skin Scratcher

The Cat Claw Skin Scratcher is a sensation play toy from the Lovehoney Dominix range inspired by cat claws. It is wearable on any finger and held in place by two ring loops. It features two sharp scratchy “claws.”

The Cat Claw Skin Scratcher is made of metal and covered in a matte black, tarnish-free powder coating. The look is simple yet sexy, and the Scratcher will fit most fingers. (It’s actually a bit big for me, but my hands are tiny!)

What is Sensation Play?

Sensation play is exactly what it sounds like: playing with sensations in a kinky or sexual context. Sensation play can involve playing with pain, but it absolutely doesn’t have to. It can be erotic, soothing, intense, gentle… almost anything you want it to be! Sensation play can include tickling, stroking, scratching with fingernails or claws toys like this one, or any other interesting or intense sensation.

I love sensation play both for its own sake, and as a precursor or add-on to other kinky activities. Sensation play pairs well with bondage and restraint, can add a kinky twist to massage, and can warm up the body ready for impact play.

Remember that sensation play can be surprisingly intense, even if you’re not playing with pain. It’s important to negotiate throughly, check in regularly with your partner, and ensure ongoing and enthusiastic consent.

So How Does This Sensation Play Claws Scratcher Feel?

I wasn’t sure what to expect from the Dominix Deluxe scratcher when I requested it for review. It is surprisingly sharp! Just like an actual kitty’s claws, it could absolutely draw blood if you’re not careful.

(I don’t recommend drawing blood deliberately. If you absolutely must, at least practice good hygiene and ensure your Scratcher is sterile.)

I’m very into the feeling of being scratched. Whether it’s a lover’s fingernails or a Wartenberg wheel, something about it is very erotic to me. So I love the feeling of the Cat Claw Skin Scratcher. It’s less stingy-intense than a pinwheel, but a step up from scratching with just nails.

Non-kinky bonus: if I get an itch on my back, this sensation play claws scratcher is also useful for scratching those hard-to-reach spots! And aesthetically, it’s fun to wear with my catsuit and ears.

Where is it Safe to Scratch?

Most places, if you’re careful! Upper backs, butts, thighs, and other muscular or fleshy areas are always good. Breasts and genitals are probably okay if you’re careful. Don’t scratch on or near the face, and be very cautious around joints and bony areas.

Sensation Play Claws: Verdict

A fun and sexy addition to your sensation play kit!

This sensation play claws scratcher retails for £19.99 from Lovehoney UK or $29.99 from Lovehoney US.

Purrrrrrrr-fect!

Thanks to Lovehoney for sending me this product to review. All views are mine. Affiliate links appear in this post.

A female bottom with a silicone flogger placed across it. For a review of the Obsidian Neon Wand Intensity Kit from Stockroom

[Kink Product Review] Kinklab Obsidian Neon Wand Intensity Kit

Published on by Amy

Electro play has been an interest of mine ever since I first encountered a restored violet wand at a fetish fair. (Have you seen them? They’re gorgeous. They’re also expensive as hell. Mr C&K and I have a friend who has an amazing electro set-up in their home dungeon which we love playing with when we get the opportunity to visit. But until now, exploring electro-play at home has been difficult for us due to the cost of the gear. Enter the Kinklab Obsidian Neon Wand Intensity Kit.

A word of safety warning: please don’t buy a knock-off neon wand from places like Amazon, Aliexpress or Shein. I made this mistake when I was young and uneducated. We were fortunate that nothing bad happened, but please, please, please buy your electro-sex gear from a reputable kink and BDSM supplier.

What is a Neon Wand?

The neon wand is a modern and cheaper alternative to the violet wand, a turn-of-the-century quack medical device. Now a popular BDSM toy, violet or neon wands discharge electricity across the surface of the skin, creating a sensation that can range from a gentle, warming tickle to a sharp and scratchy pain.

I’m informed that the sensation is somewhat similar to getting tattooed, but having inkless skin (for now) means I can’t testify as to the accuracy of this claim.

A neon wand consists of the main wand handle and various attachments (sometimes called electrodes) which are made of glass or conductive silicone. When you plug an electrode into the wand and then touch it to the body, it transmits electricity across the skin. When switched on, the inside of the clear glass electrodes glows a bright colour, most commonly red or purple. This video is a good visual if you want to see and hear the Kinklab Neon Wand in action.

There are lots of reasons why people might enjoy electro play (sometimes also called e-stim, electro-stim or electro-sex.) Some find the sensation pleasant, relaxing, or even meditative. Others are masochists and get off on pain. For some people, these devices play into a medical kink, while for others it’s about conquering a fear or seeing how much they can take. As with most kinks, the motivations are as varied as the people who partake.

Kinklab Neon Wand: Obsidian Intensity Kit

The Obsidian Neon Wand Intensity Kit is a bundle that consists of the neon wand and two attachments: the Electro-Whip and the Flex Capacitor, both made from conductive silicone.

KinkLab Obsidian Neon Wand Intensity Kit with wand and two attachments
Image: KinkLab

Be aware that this kit does not come with any glass attachments, so if you want those you’ll need to buy them separately. Stockroom sells quite a few by KinkLab that are compatible with this set.

The neon wand has an 8 foot power cable. A word of warning for my non-US readers: it is a US plug, so you’ll need an appropriate step-down converter to use it safely in your country. Thankfully, I already have one for purposes of using my Magic Wand.

KinkLab Neon Wand Kit Review: In Use

The Obsidian Neon Wand Intensity Kit’s user interface couldn’t be simpler. There’s a single dial control to control the power and intensity. There are comprehensive instructions so even BDSM beginners can get set up and start playing with the kit in minutes.

I experience electro-play on a spectrum that ranges from tickle to sting. At the lower ends, the Neon Wand Intensity Kit reminds me somewhat of the sensation of having a Wartenberg wheel drawn across my skin. On the higher settings, it’s a sharp and stingy pain. If you hate stingy sensations, neon wand play is unlikely to be for you.

Electrode 1: Electro-Whip

KinkLab Neon Wand kit electro whip
Image: Kinklab

The Electro-Whip is actually a small flogger, with ten falls made of conductive silicone. This is not a toy for hard impact. Despite the name and design, this “whip” is more designed for dragging across the body, leaving a trail of sparks wherever it goes. You can strike with it gently, but again, think “stroke” rather than “strike.”

It’s a stingy fucker! The high number of contact points on the body all at once and their small surface area means this one delivers a lot of bite.

Electrode 2: Flex Capacitor

KinkLab Neon Wand kit flex capacitor electrode
Image: Kinklab

The Flex Capacitor is described as the most intense of all neon wand electrodes, and it’s an apt description.

The two-pronged tip sends a powerful shock to wherever it touches. The Flex is best for short, sharp bursts of pain. I couldn’t stand this one on any but the lowest settings, it’s that intense.

Using Your Kinklab Neon Wand Kit Safely

As with all BDSM activities, there are some risks inherent in electro-play. Knowledge is your first and greatest line of defense. This is not an exhaustive list and I am not a doctor, so please do your own research before you start playing, but as a starting point here are some of the key safety points you need to be aware of:

  • Again, please buy a genuine device from a reputable supplier.
  • Check your cords before play. If any of them are frayed or look damaged, do not use the device.
  • Store your device in a cool, dry place. Don’t get it wet or use it in a damp environment such as the bathroom. Make sure your skin is completely dry before you begin playing. Come on folks, we all learned in primary school that water and electricity don’t mix, didn’t we?
  • Check the voltage/ampage and make sure you are using an appropriate converter for your country’s outlets, if relevant.
  • Do not leave your device plugged in when you’re not using it.
  • Read the instruction manual and follow it.
  • Do not do electro play if you have a pacemaker. Always check before playing with a new partner. Do not assume your partner knows that pacemakers and electro-play are a bad combination.
  • Do not do electro-play if you have any kind of inbuilt/non-removable medical device in your body (such as, for example, an insulin pump). The electricity can damage your device, putting you at risk.
  • Do not do electro-play if you have a heart defect.
  • Do not do electro-play if you experience seizures.
  • Do not do electro-play if you are pregnant.
  • Remove any metal jewellery or accessories before you start.
  • Do not hold the device on one spot on the body for more than a second or two. Keep it moving. This will greatly reduce the risk of burns or skin damage.
  • If you experience intense pain or any sensation that worries you, stop immediately.
  • Do not use the device on the face or head, especially near the eyes or mouth.
  • Start out at a low setting, build up slowly, and listen to your body.

Kinklab Neon Wand Intensity Kit Review: Verdict

I love this kit. Though it’s easy to use, I think this kit is probably best enjoyed by more advanced players or those who know they enjoy more intense electro-play sensations. If you’re a complete beginner, I’d recommend starting out with a basic kit with glass electrodes.

The Obsidian Neon Wand Intensity Kit retails for $187.99 and is available from Stockroom, Good Vibes and Babeland.

Thank you to Stockroom for sending us this product to review. Affiliate links appear in this post. All views are my own.