Chain tickler by Sportsheets - review by That Man from Mars

You'd be surprised with how much fun can be had with such a simple looking and affordable toy. As I slipped my fingers around the somewhat soft PVC handle and slid all fifteen inches of its length out of the shipping box, I couldn't help but notice how easy the grip was. The long neck of the Chain Tickler is a bit firmer than the handle and flexible, with a small cup at the end made of the same semi-soft stuff as the handle. Six smooth, six inch metal chains are glued in place within the cup, and have thus far held surprisingly well.

I admit upon first sight I was skeptical of the Chain Tickler and how well it would hold up. It looks as if a few good strikes might snap the neck or send a loosened chain flying, but I was delighted to find this product is very durable. While it is more designed for sensation play, light flogging is entirely possible. Against the skin it is luxuriously smooth - the beaded strands tend to stay relatively close together an drape in a fan over the rise of a shoulder or hip in a rolling motion. On my own skin it feels something akin to a mild massage, while on more ticklish skin, such as that of my lover, it can cause a beautiful wash of goosebumps and shivers.

A cup of iced water or very warm water works brilliantly to intensify the sensations. Metal retains temperature wonderfully, and all you need to do is dip the chains in either cup whenever you please, hold them there for a moment, and administer them to your partner.

For flogging this has a decent range. It won't leave welts or bruises (let alone draw blood), but it can cause anywhere between a light sting that leaves no mark, or a sharper, biting sting with traces of red where the strands impact, showing where each little metal bead hit. I don't suggest doing this often as I still question the durability of the glue holding the strands, and I'd recommend being light with it.

If you enjoy rougher play, you can use a firmer flogger to sensitize an area, then trace the chains or simply flick them against the area to increase and add sensation.

For only eight bucks, this is entirely worth the money and versatile enough to please hardcore BDSM fans and sensual, gentle lovers.

Of the many toys I've received this week, this is by far my favorite. It's simple, yet elegant and effective.