This whip is lovely! I will start at the handle. The handle is made of glass, and definitely feels like it. It is a lean handle that fits well in your palm. It is not perfectly round, but I find that to be a good thing; it sits well in your palm, and you will find a favorite grip easily. The printed design on the handle is pretty, but I don't know about the longevity of the decor. However, the glass handle is sturdy and will certainly last. It has all of your usual glass feels - cool to the touch and deliciously smooth. I can imagine you could put it in water to warm it, but I would not completely submerge it. I would not recommend boiling it, and a toy cleaner is advised if you want to insert it (and I certainly do).

The transition from handle to flogging tails is sturdy, and I was pleasantly surprised with the strong feel of the construction of this whip. I can give the tails a good tug and I feel no slipping or wiggling. I do believe that there will be some real longevity to this flogger.

The tails themselves are faux leather, but that isn't a bad thing. Out of the box, you don't get the little black specks that you can with cheaper fake suede. Running your fingers through, the tails are light and a little stiff, but they may relax with use. They deliver a nice sting, and move easily. They do have a light odor that certainly smells artificial, but it's far from oppressive and you have to bring the tails close to your face to smell it. The tails do have a textured finish that gives it a nice leather look, and the black color is deep and smooth. The color may fade with age, but it looks fantastic brand new.

Overall, this is a gorgeous piece that is wonderfully functional. This would be great for advanced beginners and more experienced playmates alike. I would not recommend it for absolute beginners looking for less painful play.