What was initially designed as a medical device for checking nerve sensitivity has found its way into the realm of BDSM play, and rightfully so. Yes, we are talking about the Wartenberg pinwheel, or BDSM pinwheel, which provides a tantalizing sensation as you run it over the skin. Here, we will outline the key things to note when you choose a BDSM pinwheel and a couple of tips on how to use this pleasure toy.
What is a BDSM Pinwheel?
The BDSM pinwheel is a wheel attached to a handle with pins or spikes radiating from the center. The wheel rotates, and the spikes press the skin, producing a highly concentrated stimulation that people often use in sensory sexual play.
There are two basic designs of BDSM pinwheels: models with a single wheel and models with multiple wheels. When you use a single-wheel model, you get sensations concentrated on a smaller area, thus highlighting the pain/pleasure. The multi-wheel model can feature up to ten wheels, and it spreads the stimulation over a greater area. Both have their applications, but more on that below.
How to Select a Wartenberg Pinwheel?
Selecting a Wartenberg pinwheel needs to be a straightforward process, and here we’ll help you by outlining the essential criteria you need to follow. Safety comes first, so always shop from a trusted store and don’t compromise quality over price. So, here are the main features to look for in a BDSM pinwheel:
- Material: the pinwheels come from metal or plastic. The best choice is, of course, medical-grade stainless steel, as it is sturdy and easy to clean. It is also perfect for people with a medical fetish. You can also get a plastic pinwheel that is great for beginners, but it is not as sturdy or durable as the models made from metal.
- Rows of wheels: the classic pinwheel has a single spiked wheel, but there are also models with up to 10 spiked wheels. Please note that the fewer spiked wheels, the more pain you can cause, so use it carefully. Also, the models with multiple wheels can provide deep tissue stimulation, as you can exert more pressure on the skin without piercing it.
- Sharpness of spikes: the spikes on the pinwheels are relatively sharp, but there are models with sharper and models with blunt pins. Experts can use the sharpest pinwheels, but novices need not experiment, and a pinwheel with blunter spikes is a good option for experimentation.
- Design: a model with a handle or a model with a finger loop. The handle model is easy to use and runs all over the body, and it provides better control of the motions. The finger loop model usually comes with several wheels and attaches to one or two fingers. It limits the range of motion, but it is perfect for couple’s play.
How to Use a BDSM Pinwheel?
Now that we’ve covered the basic features of the BDSM pinwheel, we feel we should touch on how to use it. Please note that there is no right or wrong way to use a pinwheel, but you do need to be careful when using it for the first time, as it is easy to draw blood.
So, heed our advice and use a beginner-friendly model with blunt spikes and enjoy all the pleasure and sensory stimulation. Here are a few tips on how to use a Wartenberg pinwheel:
- Nerve stimulation – run the wheel lightly across the arms, neck, back, or inner thighs to provide gentle sensations and stimulate the nerve endings. While these are erogenous zones for many, these are the “safer” areas that provide exciting stimulation. For a more targeted stimulation, run the wheel across the nipples, the penis, the testicles, or around the clitoris, as these places are packed with nerve endings and, when stimulated, can drive a person wild with arousal.
- Enhance impact play – impact play brings the blood up to the surface of the skin, making the skin sensitive to touch. You can further enhance the sensations by running a BDSM pinwheel over excited skin; it will additionally stimulate the nerve endings and drive your sub wild with sensations.
- Temperature play – a metal pinwheel is perfect for temperature play, especially for cold play. Place it in a glass of ice water for a few minutes, and then run the pinwheel over your partner’s excited skin, providing a temperature shock and contrasting sensations.
- Add a blindfold – you can add a blindfold to your sex games, leaving your partner to guess where you’ll touch them next with the pinwheel. Consider using restraints and tickle torture in combination with a pinwheel to enhance the fun.
We looked to cover the basics on how to choose a BDSM pinwheel, but you can check out our other how-to choose and how-to-use guides below and read more on our guides page. We also invite you to check out our sex toy store, and we promise you will be impressed with the selection of BDSM toys, sex furniture, dildos, vibrators, and so much more.
FAQs
Can a beginner use a pinwheel?
Yes, a beginner can use a pinwheel, and we recommend you try a beginner-friendly plastic pinwheel to get in the groove of using this sexy tool. Or, you can try a metal wheel with blunt spikes, and once you and your partner feel comfortable, you can continue using a pinwheel with sharper spikes.
What to do if I draw blood with a pinwheel?
If you happen to draw some blood while using a pinwheel, there is nothing to worry about. Sterilize the area with an antiseptic, and wash and sterilize your pinwheel. To avoid such issues, always communicate with your partner and listen to their responses.
Who should use a BDSM pinwheel?
Any person or couple looking to experience sensory play should try using a pinwheel. Beginners should tread carefully and start with slow, easy movements to avoid hurting their partner, drawing blood, or causing bruises.