Tenderizer Paddle

Vendor: Ballistic Metal

The Ballistic Metal Tenderizer Paddle

In early January 2019 I was approached by Ballistic Metal if I was interested in designing a paddle for them. In the past, I have been involved with toy design of other manufacturers so I was excited to design a toy from scratch. My approach was not design something completely crazy and new but combine elements iconic for Ballistic Metal in a new way.

In order to not be too fanboyish over my own creation, this review is heavily based on the opinion of my testees who were not informed they were testing a design created by me.

Design

The Tenderizer Paddle is a medium-size compact paddle. The overall length of this paddle is 330mm from which 130mm belong to the handle. The handle tapers towards the middle for a more secure and comfortable grip and was inspired by the Viper Paddle, back in early 2019 the only Ballistic Metal paddle to feature this handle design. Since one of my functional points of criticism of the vinyl covered handles of most of the other Ballistic Metal paddles is the covered up hole for a wrist loop, naturally I added a hole for a strap at the end of the handle.

Detail of the Ergonomic Handle

The main body measures 200x75mm. One side is smooth, the other side is textured with 3x3x1.5mm pyramids, known from the Tenderizer ball crusher. Due to manufacturing reasons this pattern is milled out of the paddle and thus surrounded by a small rim instead of rising from the paddle’s surface. In the middle of the impact area there is a 150x33mm rectangular hole.

Back than “like all”, now “like most” Ballistic Metal paddles, the Tenderizer is made out of 6.5mm thick aircraft grade aluminum (I’d love to get my hands on one of their limited edition polymer paddles).

Playing with the Tenderizer Paddle

The starting point for the design and the most noted design feature by my testees was the rectangular hole in the middle of the impact area. Since aluminum does not give at all (in safe play situations…), most aluminum paddles struggle with air resistance and an air cushion forming between the spankee’s body and the impact area both softening the blow. This effect is greatly reduced through this design, making the impact and sting more intense. By implication this means the Tenderizer is not paddle for novices or starting out a scene. While you can use the paddle for light tapping, the hole prevents an even warm-up of the skin over a large body area.

Detail of the Pyramid Pattern Impact Area

But the paddle is living up to what is has been designed to be: A tough and nimble paddle. The two different sides can be used to control the impact intensity. The smooth side is a bit softer pain-wise yet colors the skin more quickly. The side with the Clous de Paris pattern (the technical term for a pyramid pattern) stings more for several reasons. First, the initial impact is focused on the pyramids’ tips. Second, the air cushion is compressed between the pyramids so the dampening effect is lesser. If you are a mean top, move the paddle along the body during the impact for an abrasive sensation. The quicker you pull, the stronger the sensation.

The paddles dimensions and the grip were intentionally made considerably smaller than other ones so the paddle could be twisted while securely holding onto it to reach delicate body areas. While the hole does not really make the paddle suitable for CBT, it is a good one to specifically target the sensitive thigh areas on the inside or just below the ass. It is also narrow enough to hit the bottom of the feet. However, be careful when hitting this body area with full force! The unforgiving aluminum might injure the delicate bones inside the foot.

Detail of the Smooth Surface

Of course, what applies to all aluminum paddles, applies for this one too: The range of sensations can easily be extended by cooling or heating this paddle. After a scene, cleaning is easy. Wash it in hot soap water and sanitize afterwards. For even more thoroughly cleaning, bleach can be used but is frankly not necessary.