Review: Tantus Pelt Paddle

The Pelt Paddle is some serious business. And while it looks tame, it is nothing to be trifled with. When I first began exploring the amazing bounty Tantus sent me back in January, ever the curious explorer, I figured No biggie I’ll just smack myself with this a little. Uhm, no. Dear readers, if you take away nothing else from this review take this: You don’t wail on someone right out the gate with any toy, and certainly not with a toy that is solid silicone. Talk about bad news bears.

A Little About Me

To give background, I identify as a bottom-heavy switch. What does this mean? I’m glad you asked! To me this means that I generally enjoy bottoming (or receiving sensations) rather than topping (leading a scene). However, depending on the person I am interacting with, I am fairly flexible about switching and playing either role. Now, bottoming is a bit different from submitting. It’s rare that I find myself in a situation where I feel comfortable enough (or even willing) to submit. All that being said, I’m not a masochist (someone who enjoys “pain”). I love experiencing various sensations. Sometimes I can push myself to see where my threshold is, but I am not a “pain slut” by any means. In the scene, the phrase pain slut is given to people who have a high tolerance for receiving extreme sensations. It’s a term of endearment. I don’t consider myself to be one, but I’m sure compared to others, this may appear to be the case.

My Experience

I added the Pelt to my BDSM kit (currently a tote bag) on the off chance it would get used. Maybe my motto should be altered to “be prepared.” In this bag I have a whole slew of implements including leather floggers, short wooden canes, jute and cotton rope, vampire gloves, a paddle that is leather on one side and furry on the other, and now, the Pelt Paddle.

I coordinated a play-date with a partner and we started to go through my bag of toys. When the Pelt was pulled out, I mentioned that I need to review it. He has some experience with the Plunge Paddle, so this was going to be good. This partner, though we haven’t played a whole lot together, is really wonderful about having just the right amount of communication throughout a scene without pulling me out of the experience. He also strikes the right balance with dishing out the harsher and softer sensations. (Communication and situational awareness… This is really where the sweet spot of any kind of play lies.)

The thing about Pelt is it’s not really an implement that would necessarily be used on its own. It is, however, a perfect addition to the various implements one would wield during an impact play scene. The Pelt is 100% silicone and is pretty floppy which translates to being quite sting-y. Sting is great…if you’re into that sort of sensation. On a personal note, I will put up with sting-y, and can tolerate it quite well if I’ve been warmed up, but I prefer more thuddy sensations (like heavy leather floggers, for example). We discovered a “hack” to play around with the spectrum of thuddy to sting-y. If you inch your fingers up on the paddle, sort of cradling it, the sensation becomes a little thuddier.

You can sort of get more of an idea for that in this short video I made!

So, placing your fingers or your whole hand on the wider part is helpful to an extent and certainly changes the sensation produced by the paddle. The downside: it isn’t especially ergonomic to hold it that way. Also, you have to get really close to the person receiving the paddling, which might not be a bad thing, but it can be a little limiting. Also: Get creative! You don’t have to use the paddle just for straight on slapping. Turning the paddle on its side affords a different, narrower field of impact which can be rather thuddy. Keep in mind that the paddle is not silent when it strikes flesh.

One last thing to consider: how it feels in the hand.  The handle is rectangular (as compared to the Plunge which has a rounded handle serving a dual purpose of handle and dildo). It’s not uncomfortable to hold, by any means, but it does feel a little weird after extended use.

All in all, I really enjoyed the Pelt Paddle. And as daunting as it seems, that is kind of the point. Just keep in mind to warm up with other implements first, go slow, (communicate!) and work up to the Pelt paddle. It is definitely an impact toy that I am looking forward to adding to my bottoming scenes.

Specs

The handle is ½ an inch thick (1 ¾ in. at the handle’s widest part) and tapers down to about ¼ of an inch thick in the paddle (and just over 3 in. at its widest).  It is 11.6 inches in length and is made of velvety smooth, 100% silicone. (It’s by Tantus, so you know they know what they’re doing!) It is easily cleaned, just like other Tantus implements simply by washing with soap and warm water, but it is also boilable and dishwasher-safe if you need to sanitize it further.

A giant THANK YOU to Tantus for allowing me the opportunity to try out the Pelt Paddle! I am sure it will keep me wincing with pleasure anytime I bottom for an impact play scene.

If you are interested in purchasing the Pelt Paddle, I invite you to click through my links above. And if you’d like to browse the rest of Tantus‘ toys and gear, please click the banner below.

[I was given the Tantus Pelt Paddle in exchange for my unbiased review.]