I’m kind of a sucker for hearts and things with hearts on them. I was really attracted to the Heart Impressions Crop for that reason. We have a paddle with a cut-out heart that occasionally leaves imprints if hit with hard enough (ouch!) which can be really fun for pictures and the like, or for a good excuse to hit really hard, so I thought a crop that does similar would also be fun to have around.

Unfortunately, I have been unable to get the crop to actually leave an impression. I think this has to do with the fact that the leather isn’t very thick (which is normal for crops) and so there isn’t much of a distinction between the leather of the crop and the cutout. I was a little disappointed that it didn’t actually leave a heart-shaped mark, and think that the Impressions Mood Slappers from Sportsheets may do a better job at this.

However, even though the crop didn’t actually leave a mark it did still work very well as a cute short crop that is not super stingy but can sting if needed. The sting is highly variable depending on the force with which it is hit, of course, but with average force it’s not that stingy. I think of it kind of as a warm-up crop, or maybe a crop for those who don’t like a lot of sting but enjoy the impact. It makes a wicked sound, too, which I really enjoyed. It sounds a lot worse than it actually is, probably because of the red layer in between the leather loop.

While it didn’t do it’s intended purpose–impress a heart–it still works really well as a crop in general, and is still super cute. I think it would especially be the perfect crop for a beginner or someone of any level who enjoys less of a sting or likes a warm-up crop. As long as you keep in mind that the impression doesn’t work too well and just buy it for it’s other qualities I would highly recommend it.

Much thanks to Sportsheets for letting me review their Heart Impressions Crop!

Name: Heart Impressions Crop

Manufacturer: Sportsheets

Material: Leather and (possibly) nylon for the red color between the crop loop

Length: 16.5 inches (without leather loop handle) 24.5 inches (including leather handle)
Width: 2 inches (striking tip) 1.5 inch (heart)

Sensation: Stingy – 1 (out of 3)

Rating: 3 Lotuses (out of 5) – Good & Recommended