The spike wheel, also known as Wartenberg’s roulette, is an essential accessory in the world of BDSM. It was originally designed by the neurologist Robert Wartenberg to detect sensitivity disorders in his patients. Fans of sensory pleasure and domination games quickly adopted it.
Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced user, this tool offers a wide range of sensations, from mild thrills to more intense stimulation.
Its appeal lies in its incredible ability to arouse the senses and create subtle anticipation. A key element in many dynamics of domination and submission. Each pass over the skin is a promise, a thrill, an unbearable expectation for the person being subjected. It gives the person using it precise control over their partner.
What is a spike wheel and why use it during BDSM practices?
The spike wheel is a small metal instrument with one or more rows of sharp spikes. All mounted on a rotating wheel. Its role is to stimulate the skin by applying varying degrees of pressure, depending on the desired intensity. BDSM practitioners particularly appreciate this accessory for its potential to arouse the skin and nerves.
The spike wheel plays on thebalance between pain and pleasure.
Its use can vary depending on the practice: some use it in gentle domination sessions, where the sensations are mainly epidermal. Others use it in more intense contexts. It can be combined with other accessories such as blindfolds or restraints. It is also an accessory for simply spicing up your couple during intercourse.
One of the great advantages of the roulette wheel is its versatility. When used slowly, it barely caresses the skin and plays on heightened hypersensitivity, especially after a phase of sensory deprivation. With more pressure, it becomes an instrument of sensory punishment, intensifying the perception of each spike against the skin.
How do I choose the best SM roulette wheel?
The choice of a Wartenberg roulette depends on several criteria: the number of rows of spikes, the quality of the materials and the intensity of the sensations sought.

The Classic Wartenberg Roulette: the safe bet
The single row of spikes on the classic roulette provides targeted, precise stimulation. It’s ideal for beginners who want to discover the sensations offered by this accessory without immediately moving towards intensities that are too strong. Its ease of use makes it the perfect choice for a first approach to sensory BDSM.
Adam has tested the Dèmonia SM 1-row spike roulette for you
Wartenberg multi-spike roulette: increased intensity
Unlike the classic version, this roulette is equipped with several rows of spikes, amplifying the sensations felt. The impact on the skin is more diffuse and offers a more enveloping experience. We recommend this model to those who like more intense games and stronger stimulation.
Wartenberg Roulette and electrostimulation: an extreme combination
For thrill-seekers, some roulette wheels are coupled with an electrostimulation device. These models add a new sensory dimension by combining the tingling sensation of the castor with electrical impulses. This type of accessory requires a thorough knowledge of how it works and special precautions to avoid injury.
How do you use a BDSM roulette wheel to maximise pleasure?
The effectiveness of a BDSM roulette depends on how it is used. For optimum use, here are a few tips:
Precautions and safety rules in SM play
Before introducing an SM roulette into your practices, it’s essential to discuss everyone’s limits and preferences with your partner. The intensity should be adapted according to your pain tolerance threshold and the sensations you are looking for. It’s best to avoid overly sensitive areas such as the face and mucous membranes, and always test the pressure on a less sensitive part of the body before exploring more erogenous areas.
Different areas of the body to explore
The Wartenberg roller can be applied to many different parts of the body, offering a multitude of sensations. The most popular areas include
- The back, for light, relaxing stimulation.
- The thighs, where there are many nerve endings, increasing the intensity of the sensations.
- Along the arms and shoulders, for a delicate, gradually rising thrill.
- The soles of the feet, for those who enjoy a tingling sensation combined with slight pain.
- The back of the neck, an area particularly receptive to light, gradual stimuli.
- The inside of the wrists and the back of the knees, which are highly sensitive and little explored areas
For more intimate areas, don’t hesitate to use your SM spike wheel to create unique sensations…
- The chest and torso, where the skin is thin and reactive. Passing the wheel over these areas creates a mixture of excitement and gentleness, particularly appreciated in games of caress and sensual torture.
- The buttocks, an area rich in nerve endings. The roulette can be used gently and teasingly or more forcefully. The sensations can be intensified by combining the roulette with spanking or other forms of body stimulation.
- The lower abdomen, an erogenous zone that is often neglected, can become incredibly reactive under the effect of the roulette.

Combining the SM spike wheel with other BDSM practices
To enrich your experience, you can combine the spike wheel withother BDSM accessories. For example, by combining it with sensory deprivation, such as a blindfold, you can increase the sensations tenfold. The submissive discovers the roulette wheel at the last moment, without knowing where or when it will be applied.
The effects of the roulette wheel can be modified by the use of oil or refreshing lotions. The perception of pain and pleasure changes
Another interesting combination is to use the castor in conjunction with clamps or ropes to maintain tension on the body of the person being subjected. The alternation between immobilisation and sensory stimulation adds a psychological dimension to the pleasure, playing on the build-up of desire and the loss of control.
Where can I buy a quality spike wheel?
If you’re looking to buy a Wartenberg spike wheel, you’ll find it best in shops specialising in sado-masochistic accessories. Or trusted websites that guarantee quality products. Always check user reviews and the composition of the materials before buying your accessory. A good model should be made of stainless steel to ensure durability and hygiene.
To take things a step further, some manufacturers offer customisable castors, allowing the size and number of spikes to be adapted to the user’s preferences. This can be an interesting option for those who want to gradually explore new intensities.
By exploring the possibilities offered by the Wartenberg roulette, you’ll discover a world of sensations where pleasure and thrills come together for a unique experience. Whether you’re just starting out or looking to deepen your practice, this accessory deserves a special place in your BDSM collection.