Buyer’s Guide To Collars

ToyTorture.com has always been sort of a reflection of my own play style and my own desires manifested in toys. As authentic and honest reviews at that approach might create the flaw of it is that I am missing out on entire categories of toys. Sometimes I get asked about these categories over and over. Chastity is one of them, collars is another. Since a collar is the strongest bondage device out there yet I am not really into them I decided at the end of the Heavy Bondage Special to give a short overview of the collars out there. Especially in the paragraph about the symbolism of collars I am making a lot of generalizations. Please do not feel offended if your individual perception is different but celebrate it as the diversity that is the heart of our community. After that I briefly talk about the different materials collars can be made out of. The last and main part of this article are showing different kinds of collars. I sorted the collars into two categories: The first are decorative collars which primarily serve a symbolic purpose and through their designed are not primarily designed to be integrated into play. The latter category are functional collars which are made to be played with.

 

The Symbolism of Collars

Collars have a strong symbolic meaning in the BDSM community. They are a sign that a person belongs to someone. It is common for top who wants to establish a deeper and long-term orientated relationship with a bottom to put a collar around his neck to show him and the world that the sub belongs to him and is no longer free. This act is called “collaring”. Being collard usually implies a interdependent relationship: The top promises to give the sub something usually guidance, protection and play in exchange for the subs devotion, obedience, trust and loyalty. Due to the powerful contract which a collar symbolizes it is a very special piece of gear which is treated unlike any other. Usually only the top is allowed to put it on and take it off, most of the time also only the top may touch it. Touching the collar of a sub without asking the top for permission is considered highly offensive and even hostile by some people. In some high protocol situations it is even forbidden to talk to a collard sub because you are violating the property of another top. Also in a high protocol environment it is not uncommon for subs to walk around with a collar around his neck but with an open lock. This is a signal that he is open for a top to collar him. Closing the lock just for fun or laughs again is offensive because the sub probably hopes to get at least some of the affection listed above from the persons who closed the lock.

Materials

Collars can be made of nearly every fetish material out there. Most common are leather collars. Because the material is skin friendly and to a certain degree can absorb sweat it is best for long term wear. Rubber and neoprene lack this quality so wearing it for extended periods of time can lead to skin irritation, especially when wearing a collar out of stiff industrial rubber without deburred edges on bare skin. The last common material to mention here is metal. I have seen collars being made out of all different kinds of metal. However I would recommend only ones being made out of stainless steel or aluminum because even when exposed to sweat they do not rust. Other metals like cooper or steel oxidizes. Because a collar through constant movement experiences some physical stress corrosion prevention applied to steel like chrome or zinc wears off and the collar can rust again. Of cause noble metals like gold or platinum do not rust but you have to be quite the posh kinkster to afford such a collar. Metal collars come in form of chain, chainmail, rings or steel cable. When it comes to chain you can choose between welded and forged chain. Welded chain industrial made and thus cheaper and has a deburred weldseam. Depending on the quality the deburration is not as good as it should be so there is a potential for scratches when wearing a collar. So before wearing it check the seams of there are not rough edges.

More uncommon materials I have seen collars made out of are braided rope, jeans cloth, bike chain and tires.

Decorative Collars

Chain

Probably the most common form of the collars and thus comes in various styles (p.e. from Mr S or Regulation). All have in common that they are closed by a pad lock which is mostly worn up front. The most common pattern is the anchor chain which is made out of round links which either come in long or short versions and in various thicknesses. Even when using a small pad lock the link size is usually so large that this kind of collar can’t be worn discreetly under a shirt. Depending on the personal style the chain can be worn longer or tight around the neck. The advantage of this chain is that you can easily attach things to the collar using pad locks or carabiners. Depending on the pad lock quality you can grab and pull the sub on this collar.

Mr S Yellow Colors Aluminum Chainmail Collar

Mr S Yellow Colors Aluminum Chainmail Collar

Chainmail

Chainmail is a material where small metal rings are linked together to form a mesh-like surfaces. Collars out of this material are lighter and smaller and thus more discreet than chains. Of cause they are also more fragile and should not be pulled on. A nifty feature of the Mr S Aluminum ones is that they come in different colors so you can use them a bit as a hanky. If you can a bit more weighted feeling try out the stainless steel one.

Torquator Collar

Stylewise somewhere between a chain pattern and chainmail this collar was originally designed to restrain dogs. So this collar is popular by dog players especially of wild ones. When pulling onto this collar please be careful because serious injuries can be the result.

 

Cable Lock

Another discreet option is the cable lock collar from Recon. The collar itself is made out of coated steel but since there are no moving links the coating will probably will not rub off keeping the cable from rusting. The two endings are made out of stainless steel with colored rubber accents so again you can show your favorite kink. Unlike the chainmail collar this one is also closed with a lock which has a great psychologically effect. The lock and the collar are small and discreet enough to be worn under a dress shirt during work yet to frail to be pulled on.

Rope Collar

If a closed look is too much of a statement or you don’t like the idea of metal around your neck (after all a collar is all about the headspace), Mr S came up with a rope collar. It is made out of black braided rope and closed with a leather strap and a non-locking roller buckle. If you ask the guys at Mr S nicely the can probably make you this collar also in other colors

Tolan Collar

This is basically an ergonomically shaped ring of steel around the sub’s neck. It is nearly seamless and rather sleek so it can be worn under a business shirt without showing off or attracting attention. Since it is made out of stainless steel it will not rust.

Jougs

I am not sure if to put jougs into this category or the play category because wearing them for an extended period of time is definitely a punishment! Jougs or iron collars are made out of piece of steel, sometimes lined with leather for additional comfort. They are closed by padlocks, integrated locks or screws. Sometimes they come with d-rings welded onto them for added play possibilities. Sometimes following antic models they already have cuffs for the hands attached or even also feet welded with chains onto them. Another version are double rigid irons for the neck and the wrists for real stress bondage.

The Heaviest Parus Steel Collar Weighing 8.5kg

The Heaviest Parus Steel Collar Weighing 8.5kg

The most sever iron collars I know off are made by Parus in Munich. I already wrote a Christmas gift tip about them last year. They are really well made, almost seamless with the integrated lock and so heavy that with some models I would like to recommend consulting your doctor about disc problems before putting them on!

Regardless of what kind of iron collar you are getting when shopping for a joug please watch for deburred edges otherwise severe abrasions can happen!

Functional Collars

Bondage collar

Another quite common type of collars (p.e. from Mr S or Regulation). They basically are like a cuff style restraint just larger to fit around the neck. So very often you can get matching collars to your existing restraint set. Being made for play they come with d-rings to attach the sub to thing or restraint to the neck. Depending on the individual style some are locking which adds a sense of bondage. A pro tip: If you want to fetter a large boot, p.e. an MX boot, and your restraint set’s ankle cuffs are too small try out a collar. Most of the time they are large enough and will serve you well as a boot restraint.

Fetters Posture Collar

Fetters Posture Collar

Posture collar

A posture collar (look at Mr S or Regulation) is a more intense form of the bondage collar. It is quite wide and usually padded, sometimes it also has an anatomically formed chin rest. The effect of this design is that tilting of the head and nodding is getting extremely difficult locking the head in one place. Usually such a collar will also have d-rings and there are locking versions out there.

Chocking Collar

More a breathplay toy than just a simple collar please use this one with caution! This collar is basically a latigo leather belt that is closed by a rolling buckle tightly around the neck. On the other side of the belt is a small metal loop with a roller feature through which the belt exits. In that end a d-ring is added onto which a leash can be attached. If you pull on the leash the collar will tighten and chock the person wearing it.

Shock Collar

Shock collars were originally designed to train dogs. Onto a nylon collar a remote controllable box with two electrode pins is attached. Usually this kind of collars come with different intensity settings. I implore you to take advantage of these different settings and don’t start out too high! The shock boxes are designed to train even dogs which have thick fur and skin. On human skin they can leave burn marks or even damage the nerve system! There are fetish versions out there which are not so powerful but being a power bottom and pain pig myself I can see the temptations of “the real deal” especially when it comes to dog play. Yet still please be careful. Not sexual kink is worth losing your health permanently.

Fetters Wrist-to-Neck Restraints

Fetters Wrist-to-Neck Restraints

Wrist to neck Restraint

Not really just a collar but the leather version of an iron collar with attached restraints. It is a leather lined locking collar onto which two locking wrist restraints are riveted. These rivets allow for some movement around its axis but otherwise the head has to go where the hand wants to be. Especially with added bondage mitts this will leave the sub quite helpless.

Collars Accessories

Especially with the raise of pup and dog play in the last couple of years collar accessories have gained popularity. Most commonly dog tags are used either in their original purpose to mark the dog and write his name on it. But I have also seen a bouquet of different colored tags as hankies. Of cause a dog needs guidance and sometimes restraining so leather leashes become quite popular.

Fetters Heavy Leather Hogtie Set

All Retraints of the Fetters Heavy Leather Hogtie Set

All Retraints of the Fetters Heavy Leather Hogtie Set

My toy purchasing process is quite easy. When I see a toy it has to fascinate me and spark my imagination. I need to start dreaming what I can do with it and what can be done to me using it. Sometimes it takes two to three visits when the faint “This is interesting” turns into “I need that in my life and playroom!” But sometimes there is an instant connection to a toy.

Last Friday I was working on my master thesis when the new Regulation newsletter popped up. Their headlining product was the new Fetters Heavy Leather Hogtie Set. I was immediately drawn to this product and my kinky fantasy was running wild. Actually it was so enticing that I stopped working in my thesis. That really means something when toys are you hobby and you have seen a lot.

Detail of how the Wrist Restraint in Connected to the Thigh Restraint

Detail of how the Wrist Restraint in Connected to the Thigh Restraint

This set is actually not very new but a clever combination of existing toys with a nifty addition: They have taken their padded thigh-to-ankle restraints to bind them together. Onto this restraint they added a flat loop through with the belt of their trusted padded wrist restraint goes. So wrists and ankles are connected to the thigh limiting the movement even further. Naturally coming from their premium restraint range all pieces are locking and feature two welded D-rings. For additionally fettering they developed a belt with two loops to bind the upper arms together. This piece of bondage is also locking.

All piece of gear can of cause be used individually yet it is the combination that makes them shine. I can’t wait to get my hands on one of these sets and try it out myself. It retails for £249 which is a pretty good deal when you keep in mind what you are getting for your money.

Preserving the Burning Fire – On Outgrowing and Passing on Toys

S&M stands for sexual magic

– Patrick Califia

Passing on toys and gear has a long tradition in the BDSM and fetish community. One of the reasons for that is the concept of energy transfer during a scene. What happens during play is more than just the exchange of mental or physical force between the top and the sub. An intense connection between them is formed that consists out of more than the sum of its parts (If you are curious about this more spiritual aspect of BDSM I recommend the works of Marc Thompson or Joeff Mains). For some people this connection is the origin of headspace, for some the sole reason they engage in BDSM and certainly an intense, overwhelming and mind-shattering experience when you experience it for the first time.

The First Restraints I have ever bought: The McHurt Ihsan Wrist, Ankle and Boots Cuff and Hand Suspension Restraints

The First Restraints I have ever bought: The McHurt Ihsan Wrist, Ankle and Boots Cuff and Hand Suspension Restraints

The concept of energy exchange also includes that some of the energy of the players stays in their gear and toys. For that reason some pieces of gear or toys are special and dear to perverts and not easily parted with. Most often floggers, boots or bar vests are considered to be special in that way. In my case three pairs of McHurt restraints are that way. They were among the first things I reviewed for this website and liked them a lot. It feels, they have been with me forever. But when I looked up the order date for writing this article I was stunned: I had only bought them in early December 2011. Not even half a decade felt like a life time. This illustrates really well what they mean to me. All the fun, experiments, surprising experiences and intense emotions are somewhat bound to them. Yet as I matured as a kinkster I outgrew them. While I still stand to my 3 ½ year old review and consider them a good pair of restraints to start out with I want more: More padding, more D-rings, more build quality, more features. So I choose the Fetters Padded Locking Wrist and Ankle Cuffs from Regulation to replace them.

This evaluation process happened with some toys over the last year. I looked at them and realized I haven’t been using them in a long time; saw no real play scenario for them anymore so I sold them to friends, to strangers, to anybody interested. These restraints were different. They not only represent for me the scenes I had in them but also my getting serious about BDSM: Committing to my longings, considerably investing money in this part of myself and somehow giving my desires a physical representation. Yet despite all these arguments I decided to pass them on. As soon as I would get the new ones the old ones would become an exhibition piece. Laying in my toy chest, reminding me of good times and fond memories. But like an instrument not being played anymore, they would be a dead accumulation of matter, slowly fading away, losing all the energy stored in them. So giving them away just by chance was no option! They are too special for me to see them disappear out of my life. Ultimately I decided to give them to a young pervert who is slowly exploring his desires, being just like me 4 ½ years ago willing to commit to his dreams and turn them into reality. So these special pieces will continue to live on in the BDSM scene until he outgrows them and hopefully then passes them on to someone special just like I did.

As important as these restraints are to me I am lucky that I am not parting completely from them: The set I ordered back then also included a pair of boot restraints, large enough to even fetter MX boots. A toy I have not seen elsewhere yet and thus I am keeping it: For memory sake, for current play, for future times when this mythical and mind-blowing bond between top and sub manifests again.

Hail thee who play

– Michael McClure

E-Stim Electro Whisker

electrowhiskLike every year for Folsom Europe this website went a bit quiet and will be back next week with the final stretch of the e-stim special. However during Folsom Europe I had the chance to try out a wonderful devious and delicate toy I want to introduce as a desiderate: The E-Stim Electro Whisker from Regulation.

It is a whisker made out of thin conduction stainless steel rods that packed into an isolated shaft. On top of the shaft is a 4mm banana jacket for connection to your power box. This toy is quite devilish: Because the rods are quite flexible you can vary the contact area very rapidly. So the sensation can momentarily change from a mild tingle to a hellish sting. The toy costs £40 directly at E-stim or £53.99 at Regulation. I had so much fun with it as a top and a sub, I can’t wait to add it to my collection!

Regulation Bi-Polar Ring Set

Vendor: Regulation

Construction

The Bi-Polar Ring Set consisting of a 40mm and a 50mm Diameter Ring

The Bi-Polar Ring Set consisting of a 40mm and a 50mm Diameter Ring

The set consists of two rings: One with 50mm diameter and another one with 40mm diameter. They are made out of white, translucent silicone. On the inside there runs a strip of black conductive silicone which doesn’t go all the way around thus forming two poles. On the bottom is a little rectangular appendix through which both conductive silicone cores run which end into jackets for 2mm pin.

Playing with the toy

This toy is meant for being worn like a normal cockring. Through the flexibility of the material and the two sizes it fits even people with a larger pack. For people with a Western European standard size dick you can put the smaller ring onto the shaft which is especially interesting just below the glans. Having two poles you don’t need an additional electrode to create a sensation. If you do use both rings, try around with cross wiring them or attaching both onto one pole for interesting effects. With one ring below the glans and another on the penis root some testees even learned to cum when using a stroke program. All this properties make this set the perfect choice in combination with a remote controlled box like the Erostek ET302R when walking around. The rings stay in place and you don’t have to worry about one or both electrode falling off.

Detail of the 50mm Ring with a Lead for Mono Polar Use Attached

Detail of the 50mm Ring with a Lead for Mono Polar Use Attached

When in doubt which ring to choose because one is a bit looser and the other is a bit tighter I would always recommend taking the tighter one if this doesn’t cut circulation. If that isn’t the case this toy works surprisingly well as a cockring though it is not too comfortable being so thin. Through the flexibility of the material the ring moves quite a bit so when walking around so I highly recommend being shaven when wearing it for a commando public scene – or enjoy an additional stimulation. Speaking of stimulation the relatively low mass and small conducting area the sensations produced through this toy will be more on the stingy side. Through the pressure onto the body there will be good connectivity most of the so the whole contact area will be used for the smoothest stimulation possible. Generally speaking I would not advise using conductive gel with this toy because the added slick can cause the ring to slip off when the dick is soft.

Besides being a cockring this toy makes for an interesting skin play electrode. Simply wear an isolating glove (p.e. a latex one), apply enough pressure that the conductive areas get in touch with the skin and move the ring over the body using water based lube. If you stay below the waist line it is a secure way of play to make the sub enjoy a travelling sensation without too much sting unlike from a pin wheel p.e..

When doing other forms of play especially edging when this ring is worn please keep in mind that silicone based lube will disintegrate the toy! After play simply was it in warm water with a mild detergent, let it dry and disinfect it with alcohol.

Conclusion: Versatile Bi-Pole for mostly Stingy Sensations.
Pro Cons Where to get Price
Only need one electrode for stimulation Can create only stingy sensations Regulation £34.99
Ideal for mobile play
Two rings will fit most

 

E-Stim System 2b Pro Pack

All E-Stim power boxes I have talked about so far are more or less easy to use and thus a bit limited to the way the stimulation can be tailored to your ideas. Last weekend I have subbed to a top using the Erostek ET312b and loved it as ever yet I do not really to own one: It is big, heavy and with the small display and many buttons difficult to use. This is not a toy as a sub I can just give to a top unfamiliar with it and say “Try it out on me.” Yet I sometimes wish for more elaborate play setup than my ET232 can provide.

The E-Stim System 2b Pro Pack

The E-Stim System 2b Pro Pack

E-Stim System, the make of the awesome bi-polar electrodes and many other fun E-Stim toys, carry what I believe to be a solution to my problem: The E-Stim System 2b. Or more precisely the 2b Pro Pack. The box is not significant larger than my ET232 so storing and travelling with it will not be a problem. It runs on 9V batteries which are widely available.

So much for the practical part. When it comes to play the box offers a two channel output and digital, stereo audio processing. The control concept on the box is similar to the one of the ET312b. But, the 2b has a sophisticated remote control suit for your computer. You can either control all functions on a computer inside the playroom or even control your sub’s box via the internet when you are not around. I have only seen screen shots of the computer UI but it seems quite intuitive and easy to learn.

Sadly I have neither topped nor subbed with this box but I have many great things about it and am anxious to try it out. If you want to provide me with a review sample of the 2b Pro Pack, please get in touch with me.

If you just start out with E-Stim or want to use the computer connectivity right out of the box, I would recommend the Pro pack which comes with everything you need. It costs £359 and can be purchased either directly from the manufacturer with free shipping. If you don’t need a wired power supply or the computer interface you can get just the box with some leads for £299 either directly from E-Stim System or Regulation.

E-Stim System Conductive Rubber Cock Loops

Vendor: E-Stim System

A Pair of E-Stim System Cock Loops

A Pair of E-Stim System Cock Loops

Construction

The design of this toy is quite simple: you get a pair of 26cm long tubes made out of conductive silicone. Depending on the leads system you are using, you can choose between tubes with a 2mm or 4mm internal diameter. Each tube comes with collar through which you can pull both ends in order to create loops.

Playing with it

I consider this toy THE E-Stim essential. If you buy one pair of electrodes for your box, make it this because it is so versatile. The probably most often used play scenario for this toy is CBT: Put a ball stretcher on, lay one loop around the penis root and the other one around the stretched balls and try some different programs. With some training most men can even turn their box with these electrodes into a milker. For this stimulation put one loop either around the penis root or on the bottom of the shaft and the other one right below the glans and select the stroke program. If you do this on a regular basis your dick will most likely learn to reach an orgasm from the currency induced nerve irritation on the frenulum. For faster trainings results I would recommend adding an anal set up the stimulates the prostate in the same pattern. But always keep in mind to not overdo the stimulation because especially with electro the nerves of your genitals are easily overwrought. So the stimulation might have a nice torture aspect getting your endorphins flowing but won’t make you come. One thing I have heard people doing but strongly would disadvise doing is using the loops as a substitute for an electro sound! The loops are cut from a long tube but the edges are not deburred so they can injure your ureatha! For this kind of games invest into genuine electro sounds or special glans electrodes.

Detail of the Collar Holding the Loops in Shape

Detail of the Collar Holding the Loops in Shape

When playing on the penis I would always recommend putting a TPR stretcher – like mine of the many stretchers and cockrings from Oxballs or Keepburning – because there are easy to handle, are not conducting and will keep the electrodes from touching and thus from short-circuiting. Speaking of short-circuiting: there are bi-polar version of this kind of toy out there which have an isolating connector in the middle! This loops – like most others – are a monopoles. Putting a leads into both ends will short-circuit your box and can destroy it!

Detail of a Connection to a 4mm Lead

Detail of a Connection to a 4mm Lead

But this toy is not limited to CBT. When wearing an isolating glove use the pair as a skin electrode and caress the sub’s skin with it. You can even make an anal electrode out of the pair: Either put one of them into your ass and the other somewhere onto your skin below the waist or put an isolating layer between them – p.e. a piece of freezer bag which is large enough to keep the electrodes separate even when the electrodes shift a bit – and shove both up your butt in order to create a bi-pole.

Maintenance wise this toy is very easy to handle: After having played with it, just wash it in hot water with a bit of detergent in it. Once it’s dried spray or wipe it with a disinfectant. This is especially important when you have used it below your glans because even unnoticed drops of precum can transmit STDs!

Another important play and maintenance aspect to keep in mind is the lube: since the loops are made out of silicone, never use silicone lube on it. On the one hand silicone lube doesn’t conduct currency and on the other hand silicone lube will destroy the silicone of the loops.

Conslusion: Essential and inexpensive E-Stim toy
Pro Cons Where to get Price
Easy to use Maybe a bit short for really BIG cock roots E-Stim Systems £29
Regulation £27,99
Flexible

Erostek ET302R

The box content of the ET302R

The box content of the ET302R

On Sunday I wrote a review of my current electro box, the Erostek ET232. As you could read I really like the box: It is small, powerful and versatile. Yet sometimes at play I wish for something more: A second box for a more elaborate electrode setup, especially with a microphone for a really torture setup (described here). But there is more why I would want an ET302R. Since it is a digital box you can set the output volume very precise and the box stops at the ramping program after one wave so it is ideal for training or getting the endorphins flowing.

The ET302R in action

The ET302R in action

The piece de resistance is that it is a small, portable, remote controllable power box so you can take a walk with your sub and shock him whenever you think he (or you) deserves it. Even just the thought that just a little push on the provided remote control gives most subs a tingle of excitement.

The box costs $399,95 at Mr S and £344.99 at Regulation for all the people living in the EU interested in that box.

Erostek ET232

Vendor: Mr S (North Amerikca) or Regulation (EU)

Construction

The Erostek ET232

The Erostek ET232

On top of the device are four rotary knobs: With the left and the right knob in the upper third are used to control the intensity of the individual channels. Next to them a blue LED indicated when the channels are putting out power. With the middle knob the programs can be adjust. The fourth knob is for turning the device on by choosing one of the 15 programs.

The electronic of the e-stim device is housed in a 111mm x 83mm x 38mm white plastic case which has an abrasive surface on the sides and bottom for better grip. On front are 5 holes: On the far left and fare right are 3,5mm jack sockets for the leads. The socket for the power adapter is located in the middle. Left of it is the microphone input and on the right the 3,5mm jacket for mono audio input. On the bottom is the hatch under which the 9v block battery for mobile usage can be put.

Detail of the Inputs and Outputs of the ET232

Detail of the Inputs and Outputs of the ET232

The box comes with a detailed instruction book and two leads.

Playing with it

I have been wanting to review this toy for quite a while but couldn’t find an angle how to review it. The sensation experience by the sub depends on a number of factors like which electrode is used where on the body. So the description of the individual programs and the their manipulations can only be a rough one. Generally speaking the stimulation will be a bit “softer” compared to a digital box.

Program Name Induced Sensation Possible Manipulation
Waves Wave-like sensation with random wave length and intensity Speed of waves
Intense Unmodulated waves Left: Highest frequency changing between both channels

Middle: High frequency on both channels

Right: Higher frequency on both channels

Random Random wave like sensations No effect
Audio Soft Even slightest noise reaching the microphone fires device on both channels No effect
Audio Loud Fires both channels equally either through input of the microphone or the 3,5mm audio jacket. Sensitivity of the microphone or the audio input
Audio Waves Audio on the left channel and wave on the right channel Sensitivity of the microphone or the audio input on the left channel
User High frequency that feels quite smooth yet intense on both channels Left: Constant stimulation on the right channel and regular pauses on the left one

Middle: Alternating between channels

Right: Constant stimulation on the left channel and regular pauses on the tight one

HiFreq Feels like user Left: Constant stimulation on the right channel and regular pauses on the left one

Middle: Alternating between channels

Right: Constant stimulation on the left channel and regular pauses on the tight one

Climb Pulsed sensations that increases up to the maximum selected   intensity Climbing speed
Throb Like HiFreq but with a deeper throbbing sensation Frequency of the pulses
Comb Like sensation like wave program but changing between the channels Change frequency between the channels
Thrust Depending on intensity tickling to needle piecring sensation Speed of the thrust
Thump Short intense random impulses alternating on both channels Rate of thumps
Ramp Steadily increasing sensation up to selected maximum intensity and then increasing again from zero on both channels Level modulation
Stroke Steady wave form on both channels Wave length
Detail of the Blue LED that flashes when the Box fires

Detail of the Blue LED that flashes when the Box fires

Being an analogue box the program you select will run on both channels. There is no way to select a different program for channel A and channel B. Also when playing with the device please keep in mind that when using one program for an hour the device will automatically shut down. So especially in long term scenes regularly change quickly between two programs to ensure a more or less continuous sensation. Another down side in dark play areas are the blue flashing LEDs which indicate stimulation. They are so bright that you can’t see the intensity level you selected anymore. Luckily the indicator is raised to with a bit of practice you can feel the level yet still I found it a bit annoying.

But these are minor draw backs because I love the box for great usability. The four knobs are easily explained. So when a top comes over who has never done electro play and is supposed to top you with it he will quickly get the hang of it. The same applies when you play with yourself: When you are all horny and worked up, just twist a knob without having to go into menus to bring you more intense pleasures. Another good attribute is that compact form factor. With two silicone loops and an electrode you have enough possibilities to have an extended scene in less space than half a liter. So I know of a lot of people (including myself) that take the ET232 on trips or to dungeons when you don’t want to travel with too heavy luggage.

Detail of the Battery Compartment

Detail of the Battery Compartment

The fact sheet says that the ET232 has 60 micro coulombs per pulse versus the ET312b which has 80 micro coulombs per pulse. Of cause when it comes to stimulation more is always better but the small box is definitely powerful enough to make you cum, scream or beg for more. Speaking of fact sheets: I have talked to people who have owned their boxes for nearly a decade and being an electronic device it will sooner or later have some issues. They have ensured me that with a little technical knowledge and talent this box is easy to repair; the manufacturer ErosTek has recently launched a spare part section on their website to it can now be repaired with original parts. However: I have to strongly urge you to only let a true electrical engineering expert repair this box because male functions can cause serious harm or at best unintended and unwanted unpleasant stimulation!

Finally a word of warning for people wanting to order it inside the EU: All Erostek devices I have seen so far are lacking the CE marking which is a requirement for a device being sold in the EU. Several friends of mine had their Erostek device being confiscated by custom officers in several different countries when ordered directly from the USA. The only safe way to get an Erostek device into the EU is either ordering it through Regulation in London or purchase it when visiting a country outside the EU and bring it with you personally (even though theoretically it can be confiscated by custom at the air port).

Conslusion: Small yet sophisticated electro box for beginners and pros.
Pro Cons Where to get Price
Powerful Same program on both channels Mr S $299,95
Fun Programs Too bright flashing LEDs
Easy to use Regulation £344,99
Compact
Good value for money
Easy to repair

 

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