There are all kinds of paddles available these days, but I found metal ones to offer a unique feel yet seem to be more rare so I wanted to share some experiences with them.
A while back to build up my impact toy collection I decided to give a metal paddle a try and after some research found ToolWorks Chicago to be offering an interesting selection. At the time they didn't really have standard designs and kind of just did batches where then people could choose from. I chose the one I got, which is the slim width one you see in the pics since it looked easy to handle and carry in a toy bag. Being a medium size it fit my intent on trying to not over-do it on intensity by being large, yet not so small it looks like a silly toy. The rubberized grip is nice feeling comfortable in the hand, but unfortunate there is no hang cord at the end so it limits the storage options.
Compared to a leather paddle of similar size, the ToolWorks paddle surprisingly delivered a lot of punch. Typically rigid means more thuddy, but I could get a lot of sting out of this paddle with minimal effort. It seems the holes add a bit more sting despite the internets seem to note holes in paddles are just for aerodynamic reasons, as in holes let the user swing faster. I haven’t been able to do a more scientific test yet which would require having a paddle design in both plain and holed versions. I did however at least make an effort with Kate which was to try the paddles normally and with simple gaffers tape covering the holes. Even if the tape was just on the non contact side Kate felt the fully uncovered holes were noticeably more stingy.
To try and further understand what made the ToolWorks paddle feel the way it does I semi recently got around to trying some more metal paddle variants with different specs. I actually started by looking up ToolWorks Chicago again, but it appears they are concentrating more on floggers and other items. Finding any metal paddle isn't terribly hard, but finding good ones that fit features I was looking for took a bit of work. Luckily I eventually stumbled across Ballistic Metal - California Metal Design and they had just what I was looking for. To see if the slim width was being a factor I went with the Ballistic Metal Large Aluminum Paddle since both wide and with generous length coming in at around 17.5" x 3.5", but similar thickness to the ToolWorks paddle being .25" thick it is overall light weighing 1 pound 3 ounces. Then to see if weight was a factor I also picked up the Ballistic Metal "El Jefe" Paddle. The usable length is more of a medium/short, but the width and thickness are generous coming in at around 14" x 3.75" x .625" resulting a rowdy 2 pounds and 3 ounces. While going on a spec spree it is probably best to backup and declare the ToolWorks paddle is approx 15" x 2" x .25" and weighing 9 ounces.
The Ballistic Metal paddles came in a nice brushed satin finish that gives off a good shine without being full on chrome. Overall looking great, for the perfectionists however it is worth noting they did come with some light scratches that appear likely from production and not from shipping. Fortunately they are pretty low key and not distracting so not a big deal in my book. One will probably have trouble seeing them in the photos and they were not touched up. The Large Aluminum Paddle has a pretty slim handle on it perhaps to keep the weight down to make easy to handle despite the size, unfortunately this makes it fairly uncomfortable. To fix this I made my own handle wrap which now feels great, but it took some effort and did not come with the paddle. El Jefe on the other hand has a more substantial handle shape in combination with the thickness makes for a great handle with no wrap required. The extra weight really makes it so one can slow down the movement and almost get a good smack just "dropping" while still holding the paddle onto the desired hit zone.
Jumping back to the holes vs no holes debate, perhaps wood paddles end up different, but on these metal paddles none of them needed to be sped up. On any of them it is quite easy to create substantial pain so most of the time one has to use restraint when not specifically using on a pain slut. For more definitive notes the holes do cut down on weight and make it much easier to get the "WIFF" noise when swung quickly for psychological effects. Obviously if the holes cause more pain or not is a more personal perception thing, however in our experience they do. It brings up the concept on perhaps there is a reason why generally a paddle with holes looks more threatening than a plain paddle. When it comes to creating more thud, based on these paddles it appears weight helps a lot, and width / contact space helps a little.
For some of the finer details on metal paddles Kate has some extra insight on her experience with them:
One of my favorite implements for play is the metal paddle, which has several unique characteristics. Metal is cold, and so, especially when hooded or blindfolded, simply running it up and down my body creates shivers and goosebumps. If it’s not the first time using the paddle, that feeling immediately becomes anticipation. The cold becomes an indication of what’s to come, intensifying the blow.
The feeling from a blow from the metal paddle is a sensation all on its own. For it’s size, the ToolWorks paddle is surprisingly stingy, but not directed stingy like a cane or a crop. It’s like a SMACK but cold and heavy. Then almost immediately I’ll feel a hot sting blossoming on my bottom. It’s intense, and only a few blows are needed before I’m at my limit….for a little bit. Having a hand roaming over the area gives it a nice slow finish.
Ballistic Metal Large paddle: stingy and thuddy kind of all at the same time...it’s thuddy through fabric or leather, but on bare skin it will sting as well. The length makes it be able to hit both butt cheeks at once, which is nice. It packs a big punch-- it doesn’t take many strokes for me to hit my limit.
Ballistic Metal El Jefe paddle: Definitely don’t need many strokes from this one! The "large" one feels pretty heavy and powerful already, to the point that I actually thought it was the El Jefe...until the El Jefe was brought out. Bare skin gives it a little bit of sting, but it’s the most thuddy of the bunch.
The site is looking rough so unclear on their current sales status, but if looking for a custom paddle perhaps worth sending an email to ToolWorks Chicago. Ballistic Metal on the other hand has all kinds of high quality metal paddles and definitely worth checking out.
ToolWorks Chicago http://www.floggers.com/ archived examples http://www.kinkacademy.com/2011/01/toolworks-chicago/
