Let me be clear: I am not a chemist. I cannot distinguish rubber from rubber, nor rubber from… rubber. I am simply a user of all these items. So I apologize in advance for any inaccuracies in physics and chemistry that you might encounter while reading this article. If I’m wrong about anything, it’s a sincere and well-intentioned misunderstanding…
So, rubber devices, as well as those made from polypropylene and silicone (hereinafter referred to as “rubber” for brevity). They are quite rare and underrated in the post-Soviet space. The reasons?
- They aren’t aesthetically pleasing.
- They aren’t fetishistic.
- They aren’t “alive.”
- Is that an option too?
To be serious, the lack of supply, a certain stiffness, and a lack of knowledge are contributing factors. I do not intend to convince people who dislike rubber for more or less objective reasons (the smell, “lifelessness,” appearance), but the lack of knowledge needs to be addressed…
Rubber: Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Relatively inexpensive material. I think this needs no commentary.
- Relatively variable material. Leather of 8 mm or more is rare and should be considered a museum piece; rubber is available in virtually any thickness.
- Easy to clean (especially relevant for genital toys).
- Although not very relevant in the post-Soviet space, rubber devices are vegan.
Cons:
- Specific odor. (This is unlikely to bother fetishists, but it may deter others…)
- Fragility (although this depends on the comparison). Nevertheless, rubber has the unfortunate tendency to crack at bends “just like that,” and cannot be restored.
Example: A device is 1.5 years old, and the handle detail is damaged. - Appearance.
Somewhere between the pros and cons lies the impact force. Rubber is a very “penetrating” material. It’s not for the faint-hearted or weak-backed. A lightweight “pocket” toy can easily create both a cosmic experience and a hell on earth. For this reason, I specifically recommend rubber for submissive men, as it is much easier to take down a two-meter tall guy with rubber than with anything else; I’ve tested this multiple times.
What Devices Can Be Made from Rubber?
All sorts, but mostly short ones. A full-length whip made from rubber is not something I’ve seen (or maybe I just haven’t found one), but the existing variety is quite sufficient for everything.
Slappers and Small Paddles
Single, double, triple, “dragon tongue”… These are very popular in my arsenal, fitting almost into a pocket, weighing little, and allowing for excellent variability in impact force: three layers for a noisy but soft hit, one layer to restrain and prevent escape.
Large Paddles
A large paddle made of thick 6 mm rubber is objectively a dangerous device. I simply gave away one with a long handle because the responsibility was too great for me. However, one weighing half a kilo is quite a handy tool.
Floggers
Rubber allows for the creation of any flogger (or martinet). Whether with a round, square, or flat tail, or with knots tied in, the possibilities are endless. Again, it’s important to remember that the impact force of such a flogger will differ significantly from that of a leather counterpart. I also want to mention genital floggers made from rubber, which are advantageous because they are much easier to clean.
I should also mention items made from rubber that aren’t devices (though they function perfectly well in that capacity). What distinguishes them is their affordable price (no BDSM markup) alongside fully functional qualities, with the understanding that they will be used for impact.
- Percussion Massager: A spring-loaded ball with excellent manageability and impact force. The only issue is that the ball can come off, but it’s quite feasible to detach and reattach it yourself.
- Self-Defense Slapper: I have one from Night Watchman, and I believe there are other similar options available.
- Cold Steel Shambok: An excellent (but very heavy) device that is reasonably priced.
Rubber can also serve as a wrapping for canes/sticks/whips, increasing the durability of the device and its safety.
P.S.: After the initial publication of this article, a reader reminded me about a useful item called a skipping rope. I confess, I forgot about it.
I also learned from a reader about a rubber item called the “Scorpena diving belt.” I’m happy to add it to the article.
