A Weekend with Velcro Restraints

Straps of the Standard and Wide Version Compared

Straps of the Standard and Wide Version Compared

Three weeks ago I have spent the weekend in Berlin for the annual BLF Easter event which was a fun time although in unexpected ways. Just in time before packing for Berlin I have gotten two new velcro restraints from HML. I reviewed their first velcro restraint and was quite impressed, After the review was written they incorporated the suggestions I wrote and send me the two new models that came out of this process. So I tried a little experiment: How satisfied would I be with the restraints‘ performance if I only took them with my for the weekend thus being forced to use them?

The answer is: I was surprisingly satisfied. Or to be more precise: I didn’t miss anything yet playing with these restraints meant altering my play style a bit. When fastening roller buckle restraints I tend to pull the closing strap to the maximum in order to give the sub the message that I am in control now and then loosen the restraints that they are comfortable yet tight. This position is mostly a compromise because the space between the holes in the strap specify the raster in how tight you can fasten the restraints. Since you don’t have a buckle to run the velcro strap through there is no fastening effect. But due to the nature of velcro you can adjust the strap in every desired position enabling you to play with the sub’s expectations. I put the wide heavy duty restraints on one sub’s wrists and he really enjoyed the feeling of being bound by a wide strap of solid and soft leather but he waited that the grip of the restraints would decrease which it didn’t because I had already closed the strap. It freaked him out a bit in a good way.

D-Rings of the Standard and Wide Version Compared

D-Rings of the Standard and Wide Version Compared

This easy handling is another thing I have grown fond of. With a bit of training in order to keep the velcro to stick together in a wrong way you can quickly immobilize someone without having to fiddle a strap through a loop. Especially when travelling or packing toys for locations where you can’t walk around with a big bag of toys like the LAB the compact form factor is a nice feature. They are also lighter than restraints of the same size because they have less metal. This might sound like bean counting but if I pack for an event I have to go by plane I am happy for every 100g I can safe.

The Ankle Restraint put into the Heavy Duty Wrist Restraint

The Ankle Restraint put into the Heavy Duty Wrist Restraint

HML also addressed the length problem of the restraints: Along the standard wrist restraints I reviewed last month there is now also a set of ankle restraints available. Since the muscles in the legs are usually stronger than the ones in the arms the velcro strap has to deal with more force. This increased the noises of velcro fighting with the struggling sub but even with a beefy muscle sub they didn’t fail me. Still, if you need more security HML now also makes new heavy duty Velcro restraints from which I could test the wrist restraints. They have twice the amount of velcro with a little bit longer strap than sinlge-strap wrist restraints giving you wider range of circumference. So if your sub has thin ankles you can use them also for fettering the legs for an extra bondage kick. If you want to put them over boots, you have to get the heavy duty ankle restraints. An important thing to keep in mind is that due to the thicker D-ring on the heavy duty restraints the space used for sowing the belt onto the body increases thus the minimum circumference is bigger than on the single-strap version. I have a glove size 7 ½ and while the restraints are not closely fettered onto my wrist they don’t slip over my hand. But for people with really small hands, I recommend the standard wrist restraints. Because naturally I tried out the toys before using them in the field I took all three restraints with me feeling confident that they will perform well when I went out intending to find a sub to top.

Velcro Suspension Restraints

Velcro Suspension Restraints

One thing I have missed in Berlin were hanging restraints. Especially unpadded wrist restraints are uncomfortable when the arms are suspended over the head. HML already makes a set of padded suspension restraints with velcro straps for 149,90€ for these situations which I might review in the future.

Since there is now a set of wrist and ankle restraints out there these restraints will become the second set of everyday restraints I have been looking for quite some time – so I now need to start looking for the third set which locks with a pin.

Long story short: All three velcro restraints I had with me and used extensively during the weekend lived up to the promise to be fully substitutes for unpadded restraints. They will probably become the regular travel restraints for me because especially the non-heavy duty set is small enough to get stores in my toiletry bag.

 

Price overview

Velcro Leather Wrist Restraints 49,90€
Velcro Leather Ankle Restraints 59,90€
Velcro Leather Wrist Restraints Wide 79,90€
Velcro Leather Ankle Restraints Wide 99,90€
Hand Suspension Stirrups 149,90€

 

Mr S Stinger Whip

Vendor: Mr S

The Mr S Stinger Whip

The Mr S Stinger Whip

Construction

The construction of this toy is fairly simple: 15 2mm thick plastic strings with a 3mm thick bead ever 4mm are glued into a flexible plastic tube for approx. 16cm usable length. At the end of the tube is a 20mm long and 17.5mm thick dome-shaped grip so the toy can rest between two fingers a bit like a flogger. At the end of the toy there is a key ring for easy and convenient carrying around everywhere.

Detail of the Tubes with Beads

Detail of the Tubes with Beads

Playing with it

The key ring is a nice touch because this really made to be carried around by a dom at all times. Despite the small size and the flexible tubes this toy can hurt! Depending on the energy you put into the blows it can deliver up to an intense sting. The small size makes it perfect for immediate punishment. I lent it out to a friend of mine who carried it around in the inside pocket of his jacket to hit the finger tips of his sub in training every time he reached out without asking first. Due to the small size and light weight it takes some practice to control this toy when winding up for big blows like in a spanking session. I had a bit of fear that the glue would fail me in intense scene but this toy hasn’t let me down.

But to be honest this toy isn’t really made for large impact play scene. It is a delicate toy which is ideal where finess is needed. I surprised a sub quite a bit who didn’t expect an impact sensation on his nipples. When it comes to CBT a word of warning is in place: Yes, due to the small size and the sting it is ideal for beating wall and shafts. But if the dick is really throbbing hard and the guy is uncut or has frail skin, don’t put too much force into strikes onto the glans because the movement energy will concentrate into the small beads and it can break the skin which you don’t want on an organ with blood jammed into it.

Detail of the Handle with Key Ring for Easy Handling and Storage

Detail of the Handle with Key Ring for Easy Handling and Storage

Like most multi-“tail” impact toys you can use the stinger whip also as a sensual toy by just letting the tip of the tube travel over the sub’s body. If you have a elastic band at hand, bind the tips together which will create a different sensation.

A nice thing in my opinion is that this toy nearly doesn’t color. Of cause some battle marks after a scene are always nice but if you use it like my friend and an educational instrument leaving no marks is a good thing. And since it is made out of plastic cleaning is very easy so you can quickly use it on different partner.

Conslusion: Small, inexpensive yet effective impact toy
Pro Cons Where to get Price
Small & lightweight Hard to control at large space impact play Mr S $14.95
Inexpensive

 

Keepburning Black Hole Tunnel Medium

Vendor: Keepburning

Construction

The Two Color Option: Clear and Black

The Two Color Option: Clear and Black

First things first: Keepburning provided me with this toy for reviewing purposes.

The design of this tunnel plug is simple yet clever. It starts out with a 40mm wide barrel shaped stiff piece of silicone. Its front has a diameter of 39mm increasing to a maximum diameter of 56mm and ends into a softer 43mm measuring tube that has a minimum length of 35mm. Through all this runs a tunnel with 35mm diameter. At the end is a large concave shield that prevents the plug from disappearing even into the greediest hole.

The toy is made out of TPR so I would recommend using water-based lube with it. You can get this toy either in black or clear. Since I like the classic look of black anal toys I mostly used the black one but I have heard from people that own the clear one that it discolors over time a bit.

Detail of the Shield that keeps the Plug from Disappearing

Detail of the Shield that keeps the Plug from Disappearing

Playing with it

A lot of fun was head with this tunnel plug. In general this kind of anal toy is great for humiliation scenes. Due to being made out of high grade silicone this tunnel plug can be worn for extended periods of time causing the wearer to lose control of his bowl movement. This was especially appreciated by adult baby players who the plugs help simulate the lack of sphincter control by babies. This plug also made a person very happy who likes to soil himself and wore this plug for a day under his normal cloths. Of cause this also works the other way around: You can put stuff into the sub without him being able to resist. One of the testees liked the idea of being a party urinal but can’t stand the test of piss so with this plug his colon was turned into a urinal. Beside dirty stuff the tunnel function was well appreciated at fisting parties because lube insertion was easy. If you just want this plug to keep the sphincter of your sub nicely open without any of the nasty side effects, go to your local home improvement store and buy a silicon plug in the plumbing department.

Using a Speculum for Easier Insertion

Using a Speculum for Easier Insertion

I have to admit the handling of this plug is a bit difficult: It lies in the nature of tunnel plug that the front side is dull. I recommend prestretching the sphincter up to at least 60mm diameter so that this plug slides in easily. Even though the silicone of the barrel in front is stiff another thing that made insertion easier was putting a speculum inside the tunnel which keeps it from collapsing.

The smooth surface and material properties of TPR make this toy easy to clean. I recommend first cleaning the toy in hot water and detergent, then rinse it and finally spray some disinfection agent on it. It is an annoying material property of TPR to attract dust. So even when being stores in a sealed container, I recommend washing the toys quickly under warm water before using.

 

Conslusion: Inexpensive yet effective tunnel plug
Pro Cons Where to get Price
Inexpensive Hard to insert Keepburning 32,90€
Comfortable to wear for extended periods of time
Easy to clean

 

Mister B Double Faced Hoods

Mister B Doulbe Faced Leather Hood

Mister B Doulbe Faced Leather Hood

After the last two hood suggestions I got some mails asking for a bit more budget friendly suggestion. A hood I really enjoyed playing with but sadly don’t own yet is the Mister B Double Faced Leather Hood. The design is similar to the HML Isolation Hood I featured last week but has open eyes and lacks the ear padding. This makes it good for not so experienced subs who want the leather gimp look and feel but are freaked out by too much isolation.

Mister B Double Faced Rubber Hood Close

Mister B Double Faced Rubber Hood Close

Mister B Double Faced Rubber Hood Opend

Mister B Double Faced Rubber Hood Opend

Being made out of soft leather it can be worn for extended periods of time and is a great piece of gear when being restrained in a sleepsack. And with a price of 199€, it is not too expensive. For a even more budget friendly option Mister B also has a rubber version of the double faced hood for 149€.

HML Isolation Hood

MA66If the Mr S Asylum Gear I featured yesterday are not an extreme enough bondage sensation ake a look at the HML Isolation Hood.

Detail of the Ear Padding and Face hidden behind the Front Zipper

Detail of the Ear Padding and Face hidden behind the Front Zipper

The hood is made out of soft black hide that hugs the subs skull. Above the ears thick padding is sowed between the two layers of leatehr so when you lace the hood tightly around the victims head all noises that reach the subs ear muffled at best. The front of the hood features a zipper so when it is closed the person wearing it can be turned into a leather gimp. Once opened it is revealed that the sub’s eyes are covered by piece of leather making him blind even when the zipper is opened. However, the mouth is still accessible so it can be used, fucked or abused without the sub seeing who is giving him pleasure or pain making this hood ideal for (literate) mind fuck or humiliation scenes.

Detail of the Lacing at the Back

Detail of the Lacing at the Back

The hood costs 495€ and can be bought at HML in Bremen or through their web shop.

Mr S Asylum Gear

The Mr S Asylum Hood fully closed

The Mr S Asylum Hood fully closed

Last weeks’s review featured the Mr S Head Harness with a more airy head gear design. If you are a fan of more isolation or tighter bondage feeling, I recommend looking at the Mr S Asylum Gear.

The design concept are two tightly fitting pieces of leather closing off either the eyes or the mouth of both, leaving you with the choice of turning your sub into a leather gimp, making him a blind mouth whore for easy usage or enjoy the look of fear and anticipation in his eyes while his mouth is covered by soft, high quality leather.

The Mr S Asylum Hood completely open

The Mr S Asylum Hood completely open

The design comes in two varieties: First there is the Asylum Hood. It is a classic leather hood, enclosing the sub’s head fully in leather. The front of the hood has cut outs for the eyes, optional nose holes and a mouth opening which goes around the chin so he can open the mouth wide.

Front of the Mr S Asylum Muzzle

Front of the Mr S Asylum Muzzle

Back of the Mr S Asylum Muzzle

Back of the Mr S Asylum Muzzle

Alternatively there is the muzzle design. It is made out of a piece of leather with a zipper to open and close which is put on the back of the sub’s head and onto which the blindfold or mouth cover is attached to hold it in place. This design is a good compromise between the airyness of a head harness and the full, tight enclosure of a full hood.

The Asylum Muzzle costs $309.95 and the Asylum Hood $439.95.

Uberkinky Rounded Handle Leather Flogger

Vendor: Uberkinky

The guys from Uberkinky send me this flogger from their flogger collection to review and I took it as a welcomed invitation to get some decent flogging action again after a stressful semester.

Construction

The first thing you notice when you unpack this toy is the rich smell of leather. It comes for its 24 tails which are about 55cm long and are angle cut at the end. They are made out of two-tone calf leather. The bottom is made out of soft red suede while the top is a little bit harder black calf hide which for my taste is a bit over-dressed. But this is just a personal taste: If you like a bit more sting let it stay this way. If you enjoy a bit more natural and softer touch just carefully (!!!) use some leather oil on the surface of the tails.

Detail of the Two Color Tails with Angle Cut

Detail of the Two Color Tails with Angle Cut

The tails are attached to the handle by a classical woven leather knot. The handle is made out of stainless steel and is 17cm long from which 12cm are a simple round bar and the last 5cm are an a bit elaborated round tip. Onto this tip a leather loop is riveted.

Playing with it

When I first used this flogger in a scene I was surprised how well it performed for the price: The tails fly really well and due to all the tails having the same length you can hit precisely. With the medium weight this flogger is quite versatile. From a good sting through the angle cut tail ends to some decent thud this flogger covers a good range of sensation. If you practice a bit (and maybe consult in advance Uberkinky’s Beginner’s Guide to Flogging) you can have an entire scene from warm-up to an agonizing finally with this flogger. The leather is hard enough to leave some very subtle welts that fade within a few hours the longest and colors the sub’s back quite well.

Detail of the Rivet that Attached the Loop to the Handle

Detail of the Rivet that Attached the Loop to the Handle

Such a scene with just this flogger is also possible because it is very well balanced despite the heavy stainless steel. All test tops theoretically flogged extensively and continuously with this toy without tiring out their wrist. Practically what almost ruins this toy for an extensive flogging scene is the way the loop is attached to the handle. Due to the loop being a bit small and inflexible when you put the loop around the wrist and grip the handle bar it limits the movement of your wrist which makes precise flogging very difficult. Another common way of holding the flogger is putting the tip at the end of the handle between either between forefinger and middle finger. The huge rivet and thick leather strap of the loop makes this position uncomfortable. At the moment I am looking at a method to get rid of the rivet and just attach a leather loop around the base of the tip. Because otherwise this flogger is awesome value for money.

Detail of the Knot

Detail of the Knot

Besides the pain inducing aspect this flogger has also some sensual qualities. Once the sub’s back is nicely warmed and red from the flogging just let the cool steel tip of the flogger wander over the lightly bruised skin to make the sub shiver. This effect can be enhanced if you cool the tip in advance a bit with an ice cube. For an even lighter scene let the sub lay down onto his belly, blindfold him and just let the tips of the tails lightly travel over his back.

Conslusion: Versatile flogger with great value for money with a handling problem
Pro Cons Where to get Price
Versatile sensations Loop attachement makes handling difficult Uberkinky £39,99
Great Balance  Leather on top of tails could fell more natural
Good build quality
Great leather smell
Great value for money

Mr S Bishop Head Harness

Vendor: Mr S or Regulation

The Mr S Bishop Head Harness with Eye and Mouth Cover Attached

The Mr S Bishop Head Harness with Eye and Mouth Cover Attached

I have long wanted to review this toy but since it is so complex to describe the construction I always chose something different to review despite being one of my favorite bondage toys. But since it is my birthday today I sat down to treat you to this review.

Construction

Before I talk about the construction a short word about measurements: Because there are no less than 6 straps with roller buckles and a Velcro patch it is almost impossible to talk about sizes because if you fasten one strap it naturally affects the other. I have tried out this head harness on subs with really small and really large heads and really beefy necks and it fit everyone.

The Mr S Bishop Head Harness without Any Attachements

The Mr S Bishop Head Harness without Any Attachements

The bottom of the head harness is a double layer of thick, yet soft leather which forms a collar. Onto it a strap with a roller buckle and three welded D-rings are riveted under thick saddle leather. Into this double leather layer the face mask part of the harness is sowed. It is made out of soft garment leather. While the part covering the neck and the chin is a single layer of leather, the part covering the face is also lined with garment leather. The face mask is roughly triangular shaped. On its ends it has another saddle leather strap with a roller buckle riveted onto it. At the end of this part and the collar a 90mm by 50mm patch of industrial grade Velcro is sowed for a firm and precise closure. The central part has an opening for the mouth and the nose with snap buttons around. Onto the lower ones you can put a through 2 roller buckles adjustable double layer garment leather strap. On it you can put one of two leather patches that come with the head harness. Both are made out of saddle leather lined with garment leather. One is just the patch with riveted loops to put on the strap, the other featured a pecker gag like their lockable gag. The upper 6 snap fasteners are for a triangular eye cover. The face masks runs out into a long leather strap onto which 4 other straps with roller buckles are sowed. Through these 4 straps you adjust the head harness so that it fits tightly on the sub’s head.

Detail of the later Added Loop

Detail of the later Added Loop

An alteration I had made on my head harness is a patch of double layered garment leather which a local leather shop riveted on middle of the strap running over the head. Under this flap I can put a shackle as an added bondage point. I strongly believe that the guys at Mr S can do the same thing if you want it.

Playing with it

There are two components which makes this head harness an awesome toy. First there is the sensual aspect of this toy: As I have written almost two years ago kneeling in front of a top and having the straps fastened around your head is a very intimate experience and a great way into the scene.

Detail of the Welded D-Ring

Detail of the Welded D-Ring

Once this is done, soft leather is hugging the sub’s face and the rich intoxicating scent of leather envelopes him. But in order to create this great experience it takes a lot of practice and experience how to fasten the straps in order to get tight and symmetrical without having to try and undo them too often.

Detail of the Two Straps with Roller Buckels on the Collar

Detail of the Two Straps with Roller Buckels on the Collar

After having experienced the sensual experience of having the head harness put on and just being in it, it is now time to start playing with it. First there is the bondage feeling around the head. It is not as strong as a full mask you get laced into but still the pressure of the individual straps can be felt to create a tight bondage sensation. This is good especially for a bit claustrophobic people where a full mask would be too much. If you don’t tighten the straps too much the more “airy” feeling and appeal is good newbies who would also be overwhelmed by a full hood. Also in the lighter/ newbie section belong the eye cover and the gag. While the cover does block the sub’s sight and the gag it good for chewing on and kind of hard to spit out, they are more a psychological support of a scene than made for heavy play. If you want the real deal (total darkness or a thigh, secure gag) I recommend to look at the reviews of the Ultra Blindfold or the Lockable Gag both from Mr S. A nice psychological touch I am missing is that there is no locking option for the collar straps. For real bondage aficionados knowing that they are inescapable locked into bondage gear is a great mind fuck.

Detail of the Roller Buckle of the Straps which wrap around the Head

Detail of the Roller Buckle of the Straps which wrap around the Head

Detail of the Pecker Gag Stuck Through the Mouth Hole Showing the Inside Leather Lining

Detail of the Pecker Gag Stuck Through the Mouth Hole Showing the Inside Leather Lining

With three D-rings the head harness it has ample anchoring points for a leash or attaching mitts or restraints. While the rings are tempt to be used for binding down the sub I would not advise it because there is a chance that the subs will strangle himself. Because of this I had the loop on top added. If you use the collar as an anchoring point make sure that the top of the head is even bound harder to when the sub tries to get up his head is stopped before he chokes on the collar. Another interesting way of using this head harness for bondage is attaching ropes to the four straps around the head and tying them to a bondage frame so the sub can’t move his head. It takes a bit of practice and time but the one sub which I witnessed being bound like that was entering bondage bliss after he realized that he can’t turn his head.

Conslusion: The best head harness I have yet played with
Pro Cons Where to get Price
Many different sensations Difficult to put on and adjust Mr S (Manufacturer) $379.95
Three D-Rings  No locking collar straps Regulation £389
Very versatile
High material & build quality

 

HML Velcro Leather Hand Restraints

Vendor: HML

Construction

The HML Velcro Leather Restraints with a Welded Stainless Steel D-Ring

The HML Velcro Leather Restraints with a Welded Stainless Steel D-Ring

I have gotten this pair of wrist restraints from the guys from HML to give them feedback on their latest design.

The wrist restraints are made in the same fashion like their electro ball stretcher being made out of one piece of high quality cow nappa leather folded towards the middle thus there are no sharp edges on the sides. What sets this bondage toy aside from other restraints is the workmanship and the closing mechanism: Instead of a buckle they have a 15mm and wide strap of industry grade Velcro sowed onto a 30mm wide leather strap. The piece of male Velcro is 100mm long while the female is 150mm long. Also besides the welded stainless steel D-ring there is not metal used to make these restraints. A tight and very precise stitching ensures sturdiness and reliability even when playing hard.

Detail of the Male and Female Velcro Straps

Detail of the Male and Female Velcro Straps

Due to the compact closing mechanism and the width of approx. 52mm they are very compact so they even fit in tight toy containers. They come with a 70mm long and 6mm thick steel chain hook which is a nice touch.

StitchingPlaying with it

I have seen a number of leather restraints with Velcro as a closing mechanism. The Velcro is often used as an inexpensive closing mechanism on entry-level restraints. And while this model is also the entry model of the HML restraint range they feel very sturdy thus performing very well in fettering a sub. In fact the piece de resistance of this bondage device is the closing mechanism: It is the nature of Velcro that is can be adjusted very precisely leading to a very tight bondage feeling for the fettering aficionado. On the other side of the experience spectrum I made very good experiences using this toy on a bit scared subs who are new to this kind of play. In their mind just pulling on the Velcro strap to open them is a quicker and easier way to get them out compare to having to open a buckle. An aesthetic problem that doesn’t affect the play is that there is no loop to hold the loose end of the strap.

DiameterTrust is also something the top has to develop towards this toy. When the sub struggles in these restraints the Velcro makes creaking noises and on several occasions I fear that they would open up. But even when playing with a strong ex-military sub they withstand the fight against them.

In order to keep them from accidently opening during a scene I would advise to always use the entire length of the male strap leading to a minimum diameter of 50mm and a maximum diameter of 68mm. So these restraints fit small to larger wrists. They even fit small ankles but are not really made for this restraining situation. Maybe HML can make ankle restraints by commission. But HML carriers a matching collar either with a D-ring or an O-ring.

Conslusion: The best restraints for over-head suspension I know and a great substitute for wrist cuffs
Pro Cons Where to get Price
Easy handling No ankle restraints available HML 49,90€
Precisely adjustable A bit too small diameter range
Welded D-ring

 

Seriously? A haul?!

Guys, you know, I love all of you with your crazy kinks and perversions. But the mails and messages I have getting the last couple of month worried me a bit: More than 15 people asked me if I could do a haul after one of my kinky shopping trips.

I have heard about hauls about half a year ago as a new great opportunity for targeting your audience with product placement on YouTube – when your target audience are young teenage girls who drool about some weird YouTube “stars”. But I would have never believed that butch leather men, hard perverts and crazy kinksters would want to see me rip open bags and rave about the products I have bought after strolling through BDSM boutiques.

I will be in Berlin for the BLF Easter Event and on Saturday of cause do some shopping (I need at least a new Mister B belt and probably some lube, impact play toys from MHurt and new rubber from RubAddiction after I have sold my old Blackstyle surf suit) but I am not sure if I could or should do a video afterwards. Just drop me a line or send me a tweet what you think about this weird request and I might end up doing a kinky haul.