The Crave Strap Whip, here on in known as CSW, is a fairly versatile impact toy. During experimentation I found that it can create a sensual experience for the receiver as easily as it can elicit a sharp intake of breath when used more forcefully. Anyone who is new to impact play or to adding an element of pain to sexy fun time will find that CSW can be used in a gentle manner. On the opposite end of the spectrum, a more serious BDSM player with high pain tolerance would find this toy to be adequate for warm up. Right smack dab in the middle, those who can eroticize moderate pain, will find the CSW the most versatile.

The CSW is made with a sturdy handle that has five studs lining it. I didn't find these to be helpful with my grip. They didn't make it more or less comfortable to hold the handle. I think they are mostly decorative, though they may have a function in the stability of the handle construction. The D-ring mounted to the end of the handle is simply there as a way to hang the CSW when not in use. I like this feature in that it allows the falls to breathe and air out after play.

The handle itself is a good length and thickness and it allowed me to grip it comfortably without any difficulty. The only thing I found a bit less appealing is the part of the handle where the leather was obviously glued on top of itself. There's a seam that runs down the length of the handle and it doesn't look as professionally finished as I would have expected.

The CSW has twenty two 14" falls. They're cut on a bias which aids in the CSW being a stingier toy. The type of leather that the falls are made of is firm. This implement is not similar to a suede or elk flogger. It doesn't feel soft to the touch and doesn't have a strong leather smell. It's slightly fuzzy on one side and has a bit of a sheen on the other side.

The entire length of the CSW is twenty two inches. That's not especially long for a toy of this type. It can fit easily into a small overnight bag. It's quite light to hold and to wield as well. I found it to be a little bit too light for my taste in impact toys.

The CSW seems to be made fairly well. The leather is of decent quality. I imagine if this toy spends several years being used on a regular basis it wont show any significant signs of wear or shoddy workmanship.

I found the CSW to be a versatile toy. Prior to getting it in the mail I assumed this was going to be a toy with a whole lot of sting and not much else. That wasn't a problem since I have partners who enjoy that. I don't enjoy a lot of sting myself so I assumed I'd be primarily in the driver's seat with this toy.

When I first used the CSW I used it on the girl who enjoys sting, and lots of it. She found it to be rather tame and said it felt like a massage. Again, she definitely has a high pain tolerance. So with some heavy BDSM players who enjoy hard play, this may not be the toy that makes them beg you to stop. A sharp intake of breath may be all you get.

When I got to experience the sensations of the CSW myself I found that surprisingly, it really does have several speeds. It's a great toy to wake up the skin and endorphins when used lightly, with soft swishing motions. Definitely a sexy feeling, if you like this sort of play. There was a more pronounced sensation when used with a more intentional grip on the handle and a bit more power in the throwing arm. Depending on whether you make impact using the center of the falls or just the tips, the sensation will vary greatly. As someone who isn't a fan of sting, I prefer to avoid having just the tips hit me. I loved the feeling of the bottom three quarters of the CSW making contact. Not quite a massage, like my pain-loving friend says. Very enjoyable though.

This is a leather toy and as such is needs to be treated is a specific way. Never leave it on a dirty floor or allow it to get wet. Hang it by the D-ring in a well ventilated area. If it's used on more than one person it should be cleaned after each use. Mild antibacterial soap on a damp cloth works well. Some people like to use leather conditioner, though test it in an inconspicuous area first.

The CSW came in a soft plastic case, folded in half. It didn't hold the crease for very long once I removed it from the packaging. There were no instructions with this toy, but I found none necessary. Of course, if you need instructions for an impact toy it's best to watch a more experienced player wield one first.

I wasn't sure what to expect from this toy. Is it a flogger? Is it a whip? Is it a strap? A flogger is about as close as I would label it. However, it doesn't have the feel of a genuine flogger (from the perspective of the giver and of the receiver). Don't be mistaken by the appearance of the CSW. It's a useful toy, to be sure, but it isn't a flogger. Or a strap (straps tend to be more like what your barber used to sharpen his blades). Or a whip (the ones people hit with are called Singletails).