This is a very tough question to answer, because it’s so based on individual preferences and levels of tolerance. There are times when I have a hairbrush on my soles that I would say ANYTHING is more tolerable than tickling, even though I love it. All joking aside though...
I have varied interests kink-wise and have been to play parties/gatherings/cons in my area that were bondage or BDSM themed. There have been subs used for demonstrations of pain-based punishment, or just tied up to teach bondage techniques. In these instances, being the instigator I am, I may have dropped the idea of tickling into conversation a time or two. Some of these victims (who were usually being demonstrated on by their Dom) would be good sports, but wouldn’t last very long even with just a couple playful pokes. What surprised me most though is many of these folks who took part in everything from being flogged bloody, to needles through the nipples, to branding, scarification, etc. would IMMEDIATELY safeword, just at the mention of tickling. I have heard, verbatim, “Do anything else, don’t tickle me, or I’m done”.
People will go from stoically taking VICIOUS hits on their most sensitive parts, to near injuring themselves to escape tickling. Even just in conversation, I’ve experienced someone casually discussing their labia being pierced with needles during play become horrified when I mention I get tied down and tickled for hours.
You try and put a needle through my nipple or bring a red-hot iron brand near me when I’m tied down though? There will be blood, and not my own! LOL
Long (rather graphic) story short: You tickle someone who is used to being beaten? Torture. You beat someone who is used to being tickled? Torture. But when you’re tickling a tickle fetishist, it’s kind of in the realm of love-hate. As it is with a masochist who likes to gimp around with a scarred and bruised ass the day after a session.
