I was a beginner when I tried this toy out, and so was the guy who bought it for me. He wasn't able to inflict much pain on me with it, but I hurt him quite a bit with it. Unfortunately for both of us, I'm the one who likes being hurt and he was only able to tolerate small amounts of pain. Because of this, neither of us realized the full potential of it. For emotional reasons, I didn't use it for a very long time, but when I did start using it again with a different partner - it was totally wonderful. It stings if you hit with the tips only, but is also capable of being a lovely thudding toy if you don't hit with only the tips. I recommend for more experienced users, but not a bad beginner toy either.

The handle is made of plastic and the tails are made of rubber.

The handle of the Rubber Whip is made of plastic, the very end of it is a black ball measuring about 1 1/2", and has a wrist strap that is a total of 8" but is a loop so only looks about 4". Opposite the strap on this ball is a clear plastic handle which shows the tails. The tails are long thin cords of rubber that are looped through the wrist band at one end to double the amount of tails and secure the tails. At the other end of the clear handle is another black ball of the same size. The handle on mine was slightly curved, which made it easier to grip.

The tails are made of thin rubber, as I mentioned, and remind me of a koosh ball. When I first got it, it smelled strongly of rubber but it went away after the first time washing and using it, like it just needed to be broken in. The tails tangle and knot easily during use but they're just as easy to untangle. As far as cleaning I just used warm water.

As I mentioned above, it's capable of inflicting a sting or being thuddy. In less violent situations it's also a very nice sensation toy as it's a very soft, dragging caress. It went well beyond my expectations, definitely worth the price I paid for it. It's light but durable, and definitely easy to handle. I enjoyed it very much when I had it (five or so years ago), and am planning on picking up a new one.

If there were any way to remove the wrist strap, I would have greatly enjoyed it as an insertion, toy. That's something that can easily be covered, but not removed as it holds the tails in place.