My thread-starters are all copied directly from my FetLife profile.
My first "real" flogger, which I picked up at the April `09 S&M Flea Market. This one was made by PantherProwLs, who is on FetLife. It's constructed from very thick, hard-edged leather, thicker than most floggers. It's very heavy, and hits with enough thud to give you a deep tissue massage. There's still enough sting that you get a searing strike followed by a hefty dose of that wonderful prickly burning sensation. Very, very painful, but the good pain. If you can't tell, I'm in love.
A Super-Macro shot of my new flogger's tails. This shows both the soft and smooth side, as well as the thickness.
My custom five-point restraint set from the Church of Sinvention. English bridle leather, which is about as good as it gets, with thick, soft, rich fur instead of fleece. Nickle-plated steel hardware finishes the perfection. I initially saw pictures of Sinvention's work when I was 15 or 16, and fell in love. It cost far more than I probably should have spent this month, but years in and I got sick of waiting. No regrets.
Remember, kiddies. You only live once. Take what you want, and don't look back, and most importantly: STOP APOLOGIZING FOR BEING GOOD AT WHAT YOU DO.