Apr. 13th, 2009

Review: Ring Collar



This collar has its pros and cons. It looks great and the leather it is made from is comfortable and sturdy. All of the materials are good quality. In that respect it is not just a novelty item.

The only problem I have with it is the latching mechanism. It has snaps for a closure rather than a buckle. There are two sets of snaps, so it is slightly adjustable, but I am accustomed to collars that buckle and are far more adjustable.

In addition to being adjustable, a buckle is a more secure closure. The snaps rule this out as a serious bondage accessory, but for those who are just trying out their taste for the BDSM look, it’s still a winner. This is a nice looking piece. It is unfortunate that they went with this small, but significant downgrade that would normally be reserved for an overall inferior item.

Value vs. Price
This is the part that makes me want to cry. This thing is super cheap! It costs $16.50, and at that price you would expect a lowgrade novelty piece of jewelry. That is not what you get with this piece. It is nice. It is great. It is grade A, other than the damn snaps!

Is it worth what you pay? Fuck yeah, and then some IF you are going for look and feel and it happen to fit you. If you are shooting for a functional piece you’re kind of screwed and that’s sad because it is oh so close.

If you’re on a quest for sex toys that double as wardrobe items this one is iffy, but still a nice addition for the price.

Mar. 1st, 2009

Review: Belt That Doubles as Bondage Cuffs

Until the last few years, the bulk of my sex toys were DYI projects. In fact, before internet shopping became commonplace for me, I didn’t even know you could buy most of this stuff. I would dream up all kinds of ideas and then try to figure out how to make them work. Trips to the hardware store had me seeing potential items for bondage gear on nearly every aisle. I would wonder around, sometimes for hours, planning new project or searching for just the right supplies. Ultimately an employee would approach me and ask, “Can I help you find something?” It was hard not to laugh. Sometimes they kept pushing, following me around, asking question, and generally acting like there was some problem with me picking out items without assistance. Then my dungeon fantasies would turn to the less pleasurable.

Having this mindset, I can’t tell you how many times I have absently played with a belt, looping it around and fashioning it into cuffs. I was never really happy with the results. More recently I discovered that my boyfriend has the same habit. I have to wonder just how many people actually do this. So, I was absolutely thrilled when I came across a belt online that is designed specifically to work this way.

I have seen plenty of bondage belts, some quite fashionable, but most not very practical for everyday wear. This belt is different. It looks pretty much like a very plain, basic leather belt. A little bit of extra hardware, but it’s very subtle and completely inline with the belt. No O-rings or D-rings, or anything flashy or dangly to get snagged and hung up on in everyday wear. Adding to the convenience is the fact that this is a self-contained unit. The belt itself loops around into cuffs, so there is no need for any kind of attachments. You don’t need anything to go with this belt to use it as a bondage device, making it the perfect accessory for anyone who likes to be prepared for spontaneous sex in unlikely places.

I love this belt. It is quick and easy to use, and it makes for comfortable cuffs. It doubles nicely as a regular belt. It doesn’t have that cheap, novelty item look and feel. If your personal fetish requires escape-proof restraints, this might be a little on the lightweight side for you. It is not that difficult to slip out of, at least if you’re good at that kind of thing, but I think the convenience and portability of the item more than makes up for it. Not to mention the enticing nature of wearing it or knowing your partner is wearing it.

Women have so many clothing items at their disposal to build sexual tension or create a fun surprise. We can wear sexy lingerie under the most boring looking outfit and know where that’s going, or even flash it to someone now and then to let them in on the secret. Men don’t really have that option. This belt is the perfect solution for men who want their own version of that kind of teaser. Of course, for women, it just adds to the toolbox.