Sex Toy Reviews

Below you’ll find all of the sex toy reviews I’ve written at Of Sex and Love. Find my opinions on vibrators, dildos, media (sex education books, porn, DVDs and erotica), bondage and BDSM gear, lingerie,  anal toyslube, massage products, and more!

Considering sex toy storage? Look no further!

I’ve also reviewed sexual health goodies.

Don’t forget all those accessories and non-sex toy reviews.

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Fur 12″ Slapper

November 20th, 2009

To say I was excited when I first saw the 12″ Fur Slapper would be an understatement. In fact, all of the pieces in the line are so alluring. Never mind that my husband and I decided to go blue for all our BDSM purchases; I certainly didn’t when I requested this piece for review. Getting to know this slapper has been interesting. It’s generally well made with even and clean stitching, no obvious flaws and even a leather strap attached to the handle for hanging or wearing during use. The leather is stiff and reinforced with “spring steel” which makes the slapper feel more like a paddle but, at only 12″ in length, it’s unlike any true paddle I’ve ever seen (and easy to store).

With one side lined in purple fur, it doesn’t look intimidating in the least which made it appealing to me. It’s also aesthetically pleasing but, as others have mentioned, a wider range of fur colours would be great. Currently, we’ll be sticking with the furred side which does help to sooth the blows and reduces the possibility of marks or bruising (if that’s a concern). It still does pack a bit of a punch with harder blows. Compared the Kookie Riding Crop I recently reviewed, the pain is more diffuse and heavier. The fur also muffles the sound. It sounds something like clapping chalkboard erasers together. Of course, you can deal pain-free taps instead of heavy-handed strikes. Alternatively, the fur side can be used to soothe tender flesh, as a light rubdown tool or, the way I’ve used it most, to tickle. This makes it a pretty versatile tool and it allows to make every playtime with the Fur 12″ Slapper unique.

The fur is obviously the draw of this piece, and it feels pretty nice on the skin. However, it is rather short and.. fake. It’s not really as silky as I was expecting; I guess I wanted something a bit more like my rabbit fur flogger, but the fur on this slapper just feels not real. Of course, fake fur can absolutely feel great. I’ve had some stuffed animals whose coats were quite luxurious and I think just making the fur a bit longer would make it that much more pleasurable. The fur on this tool is about 1/4″ long and can be fluffed up by running a hand against the ‘grain’ of the fur but there’s still not much there to be fluffed. Again, it’s not bad, just not as great as I expected.

If you are a fan of bigger pain, the smooth leather side may better suit your needs. Without the fur, the sensation is definitely more intense, and there is quite a bit of sting. Thud lovers may be a bit disappointed but they would probably invest in a different tool (a wood paddle, perhaps). There is some give in this slapper, but the stiffness of the leather and steel combined with over 1/4″ thickness makes it firmer than I thought and firmer than more true slappers. It seems to be a bit of a hybrid piece. The bare side also is much louder, making a slapping sound when it meets flesh.

No matter the strength I choose to exert, wielding this slapper is quite easy. The handle is long enough that I can just wrap both of my fists around it, end to end. It’s thin enough that it’s easy to grip but tapers toward the end so you won’t lose it too easily. It feels like the fur end is heavier and gravity helps pull it down without using as much strength on my part. There’s a leather strap through a secure grommet in the end. I can see the usefulness of this for storage if you have hooks (I don’t but maybe I should throw some command hooks up on the inside of the closet door) but I found it awkward during use. If I looped it around my wrist, it limited the mobility of my hand and I had to take the time to remove the loop. I’ll probably risk flinging the slapper across the room (a la Wii-mote) than have to continuously remove/replace it on my wrist.

Plus, its small sizes make it easy to store. Hell, I could just throw it between my mattress and box spring without a worry.

When it comes to construction, I was pretty impressed. As I mentioned, the stitching is done well. I cannot pinpoint any flaws, and there are no loose threads like I could see on a similar piece I own. The two leather pieces are sewn snugly together and the edges are cut flat. The purple fur is about 5.5″ long and just meets the edge of the widest part (2″) of the slapper. It is sewn (and hardily) on 3 sides using the same thread that holds together the entire slapper. However, the fourth end (which is one of the shorter ends) is loose, which could result in tearing if it gets caught on something. It probably won’t happen, but it’s something that kind of bothers me, and I’d at least like it glued down. Although I haven’t had the need to clean the Fur 12″ Slapper, I would probably it down with a damp cloth. Easy enough.

My complaints about the Fur 12″ Slapper are not major. The cord and fur issues really fall into the realm of personal preference. It’s well made, affordable and, although small, can be used for a variety of sensations. It would be well placed in anyone’s toy box.

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Kookie Riding Crop

November 17th, 2009

This is an archived review of a discontinued item. You can try this silicone crop or Sportsheets crop, instead.

Riding crops are sleek. I’ve never been an equestrian but so are horses. I suppose someone thought the same thing about humans to adapt the tool.. Or maybe not. Just a conjecture.

I do know a bit more about playing with riding cops after playing with my very first one, the Kookie Riding Crop from Babeland. I know that the Kookie Crop is made of a handle attached to a nylon-covered shaft, which is then secured to a piece of folded-over leather to make the tongue. The handle is made of a firm plastic or silicone piece, which is textured and has a lightly engraved diamond pattern, which makes it easy to hold even under slipper circumstances. The braided cover of the rod is secure and neat, and the leather of the tongue is thin, unfinished on the inside (although I’m not sure why anyone would be feeling it other than for review purposes), and sewn in an arc around the shaft with contrasting thread. At its widest, it’s only 1.5″ wide and the thin “neck” of that piece is then further secured by a thin piece of string which is wrapped countless times around the tongue and shaft. It seems like the string was then treated with something to make it quite hard and firm. Overall, the quality is decent. For only, $18, this seem to be a good starter crop that will like a while, if not forever.

I was a bit surprised at the overall length of this crop, admittedly. I expected something a bit longer and a quick glance at a variety of crops shows that many are in the 24″-25″ range. However, the Kookie Crop is not far off at 18.5″ in length. I do think the slightly shorter shaft makes it a bit less flexible than other crops. I’m not positive because I’m quite the amateur in this; it just seems like a longer shaft would allow for a bit more flexibility but it could just seem that way. Either way, the tongue can be pulled back about 30 degrees – which seems to be a good amount of flexibility without becoming floppy – and then released to flick. That flick is definitely noticeable but, because of the length, this method seems to work better, the closer I am to the target and it certainly cannot be used too far away because the crop simply won’t reach.

Of course, I was surprised at other methods this toy can be used. The generic method is to simply flick a wrist at arm’s length but my pathetically weak wrists couldn’t deliver a blow nearly as powerful as using my whole arm. This was the method I had to use to get a good feel of the crop when using it on myself. I guess that’s good news for those solo BDSMers; you can easily bend yourself over and swing away. My experience was that swings focusing more on the leather-only part of the tongue were less intense than swings that involve the end of the shaft.

I was actually quite surprised at the range of sensation provided by the Kookie Riding Crop when used in the traditional manner. It can be used to simply tap, not cause any pain at all. Even my medium to strong strikes were bearable (at least on my ass), the marks outlasting the pain by far. The feeling would be more intense on more sensitive parts, of course, but it could be used comfortably on the vulva area, I think. I found the aftermath provided a sort of warmth and hypersensitivity to the area struck. Actually, I might be more of a masochist than I knew because that feeling is great! The feel of the strike itself feels much like a slap and stings like one as well.

Alternatively, one could focus on using just the edge of the tongue with a quick back and forth motion which feels more like frictional (I had to look up that adjective; wouldn’t frictious sound better?) rubbing. It’s not quite intense and becomes like an uncomfortable chafing after prolonged exposure. Lastly, the handle can be used for impact, like sort of a makeshift cane. The blows from the handle definitely feel heavier. I suppose that is what it meant when one describes “thuddy” impacts. I imagine this method would more quickly result in bruises, and it’s the type of pain I definitely do not like in any sense, although some surely do.

Of course, the stiff leather tongue wasn’t nearly as fun to run over the skin for general sensation play. Other toys with suede, premium leather or even fur are better for that. The handle could be used for penetration but it’s thin enough that it would leave me unimpressed unless there was a specific goal that I am not creatively enough endowed to think of.

When it comes to wielding a crop, I was definitely impressed. This lightweight instrument is so completely easy to use and really isn’t taxing at all. I completely understand the description on the product page when it says it “will have you betting to see which lasts longer–your arm or their ass.” I also love the slapping sound, which makes it fun for striking all sorts of things when a partner is blindfolded to make them jump. There’s lots of potential for mind fuckery. It’s a treat for the eyes as well, leaving quite the skin bright red without much effort at all.

Overall, the Kookie Riding Crop is a steal. It does what it advertises well but doesn’t do much more. I’m not sure why Babeland needs to ship it in a giant, 3″ long prism box, however. It dwarfed the lonely crop inside (which I do not believe was further packaged, nor did it have any tags/info) and I’m sure there are smaller, less wasteful ways to send it – like a poster tube, perhaps.

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Discover G-Spot Gel

November 12th, 2009

I previously reviewed a G-spot gel which was made by a company associated with Intimate Organics. However, this product was only available as a sample (as far as I can tell) and while I liked it, I couldn’t get my hands on more. Plus, who wants to go through a dozen sample packets? Not I, says the sex toy reviewer. So I decided to see if IO’s Discover G-Spot Gel was comparable to the product I already tried and – good news (for me, at least) – it is!

Discover G-spot gel comes in a tiny 1 FL ounce tube which isn’t much bigger than some lip gloss tubes. The tube looks much bigger than it is on every site I’ve seen it for sale so.. just a heads up there. The tube is labeled with the typical, sensual abdomen image like all Intimate Organics products and is dominated by orange hues. Inside the tube is a creamy, translucent gel meant to stimulate and arouse the G-spot. It has done so, without fail, every time I’ve used it.

Ignoring the directions which say to apply a pea-sized amount (because, let’s face it, who actually reads those?), I dab some on my finger and apply it to my G-spot. I would advise holding the tube upside down and squeezing from the bottom, lest you wind up with product all over your hands/linens/nightstand/cat. I would also advise holding open the labia or having someone else do it. I frequently have to apply twice after missing the first time. 😉

But missing does give some insight into how this product works. It leaves a cooling feeling just about anywhere but on the G-spot, that feeling is multiplied exponentially. It’s pretty dramatic and some may not like it. It increases with stimulation as the package advises. Fingers or even a cock help the sensation grow but it really doesn’t affect the rest of the vagina.

I like that it highlights just where my G-spot is and my husband has even been able to feel the swell which makes this awesome for partner play. It’s like a neon Vegas sign: Pull Over, G-spot Here! Of course, I can feel it filling up and know I’ll be able to squirt. Then I do, once, twice maybe even more times. I’ve usually got some left over and empty my urethra after playtime is done, too. I cannot say for sure, but I think Discover G-spot gel has made it much easier to squirt during sex. When I first started squirting, I wanted to but couldn’t. Performance anxiety and lack of experience were not my friends but practice and this gel have me able to do it with much less effort.

Quite honestly, I wouldn’t give a damn if this product contained mercury; I am that impressed with the results. but it doesn’t. Like all Intimate Organics products, Discover G-spot Gel is paraben, DEA and glycerine free. It contains “a blend of certified organic extracts, peppermint oil blended with L-Arginine” so there’s a slightly minty smell which is stronger than the Clitoral Stimulating Gel I have by them but isn’t really offensive. Some folks are not bigs fans of L-Argenine but after the success I’ve had with IO’s Discover G-spot Gel, I am not going to complain.

Well, I might complain that the tubes need smaller holes but, other than that? No complaints here. Discover G-spot Gel is great for anyone looking to locate, continue experimentation with, introduce a partner to, learn how to squirt with or otherwise involve the G-spot during play.

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Best buy dolphin

November 3rd, 2009

This is an archived review of a discontinued product.

No, this isn’t a vibrator that I bought at Best Buy, although some part of me simultaneously giggles and cringes at that idea. It’s CEN’s take on an affordable rabbit vibrator that is great for those looking into rabbits for the first time and also perhaps for folks who sometimes become overwhelmed by all the options rabbits can have. It’s not luxury, nor is it meant to be. It is simply.. the Best Buy Dolphin.

Sometimes I am overwhelmed by the sheer number of things a vibrator can do. This was the case with Evolved’s Lunar Rabbit, which has hundreds of possible combinations, but it ultimately didn’t do anything of them perfectly. In my opinion, when a toy does a few things really well, it beats a toy that does many in a mediocre fashion – hands down. That is what the Best Buy dolphin aims to do, which makes it perfect for any rabbit newbies or anyone who is just plain sick of a million settings, none of which quite hit the spot. As usual, there are a couple glitches with that ambition.

There are only 4 buttons on this toy. One to turn on/off each of the functions and the other to adjust. For the rotating shaft and beads, this reverses the direction. For the vibrating dolphin clit stimulator, this changes from low to high and back. There are a few combinations, but it remains newbie-friendly. Of course, there are no pulsation or rollercoaster-type settings, either, so if your clit likes something a bit more exciting than steady vibes, look away. Per usual, the beads and rotating shaft work together and I would love to find a rabbit where the beads could be operated separately.

I was surprised at how well the rotation works. I think this is because the 4 rows of plastic beads rotate pretty fast, but this also makes a whining sound. Most rabbits freeze up under any sort of duress, but the beads actually hurt me when I clenched, and I had to ease up. On the one hand, they work pretty damned well; on the other hand, many people (including myself) tend to clench during orgasm so this can actually be a con.

In terms of vibration strength, I was unimpressed. The high is more like a medium and most vibrators and I usually don’t use the medium on most rabbit vibes. Neither setting did anything more than tingle. Furthermore, the dolphin-shaped clit stim just didn’t work for me. I found it to be a little short; only his pointy nose made contact and it actually hurt a bit.

I’m not surprised the vibrations were lackluster. The bullet seems to be quite small; although there is quite a bit of TPE material around it so the bullet looks larger. Furthermore, this is only powered by AAA batteries but is pretty quiet. Granted, it uses 4 of them but my experience is that I usually need at least 2AAs. The battery pack is also a little strange. It pulls straight out and pops back in, but there’s a screw that attaches the battery cap to the casing, which makes it seem like you might need to unscrew it. You don’t, it’s just misleading. Also, make sure it’s secure. It will turn on even if it’s not only to have the batteries fall right out.

As I mentioned, the shaft and clit stim of the Best Buy Dolphin are covered in a soft, blue TPE which is translucent. It’s very flexible and thin. I can actually pinch some off the shaft. I wouldn’t mind thicker material around the beads and thinner material on the clit stim to make it more comfortable. The shaft had water and wavelike textures while it also has 4 equidistant ridges (and is thinner than the shaft), but none of those textures are really effective.

TPE is both silicone and water-based lube compatible, and you’ll want to use it, not because the Best Buy Dolphin is huge (it’s respectably girthy at 1.75″ diameter at its widest) but because the TPE is so sticky, and this can cause friction without proper lubrication. I found the 5 insertable inches and girth to be pretty adequate myself. It also collects a lot of lint and dust, so popping on a condom isn’t a horrible idea to make the whole thing a little cleaner (plus it’s somewhat porous).

When it comes to cleaning off that lint and whatever fluids may have collected, soap and water should do the trick. However, I’d be reluctant to submerge this vibrator completely (whether playing or cleaning) even though it’s supposed to be waterproof, especially considering that the battery cap can pop off if it’s not secure. The cap just doesn’t seem as watertight as others California Exotics styles.

The Best Buy Dolphin is a pretty good option for those who are just getting into rabbits, but it isn’t anything amazing. The clitoral stimulator definitely needs more power and its shape was just no match for me. Although the beads rotated enough for me to squirt, no part of this toy was going to make me orgasm. For less than $30, you could do worse.

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Pure Wand

October 30th, 2009

I don’t mind being the dissenting voice. After all, I’m picky, and I disagree about just about everything on a frequent basis. What I don’t like, however, is having to write a less-than-glowing review of a toy I tried really hard to like, a toy that has high scores across the board. Yet here I go.

The Pure Wand by Njoy does have many positive qualities. It’s made of nonporous stainless steel, which makes it very hygienic, and its sleek surface that is free of any imperfections or seams (Njoy is painted on but can only be felt with a finger, not internally) makes penetration and cleaning a breeze. You can safely boil, bleach or clean in the dishwasher (which I did) and a little hot or cool water adds the intrigue of temperature play.

In fact, when it comes to presentation, Njoy has got it down. The toy comes in a black storage box that opens (via hinge) to model the Pure Wand on pink satin. The fabric lies over a styrofoam “platform” and the Pure Wand nestles into it nicely. The curved wand, with its bulbous ends, looks gorgeous. This also makes for practical storage. Plus, the Pure Wand comes with stickers! Even by itself, the Pure Wand looks like a modern art piece. The details are amazing.

Measuring in at 8″ – from tip to tip – of solid stainless steel, this is no child’s toy. As you might expect, it’s got some heft which adds to the presentation of quality. It weighs in at 1.5 pounds. I suspect if my husband realized how much this dildo weighs, he wouldn’t need to keep a knife by the bedside. It’s a formidable weapon! That’s not its intended purpose, however.

The Pure Wand is meant to be a G or P spot dildo and is designed with a generous curve with two bulbous ends (one with a 1″ diameter and the other 1.5″) to stimulate those sometimes hard-to-reach areas. As I am only equipped with one of those spots, I can only give my G-spot experience.

I wasn’t very familiar with my G-spot when I won the Pure Wand from a contest. I hoped I would be like the many other women who found this to be a miracle toy, and when I first slipped it in (with only a little lube of your choice needed), it easily curved around my pubic bone and nestled where I expected my G-spot would be. And, were my G-spot tucked just behind my pubic bone, as most resources state it should be (to be honest, I think this is where it is for many women), the review would likely end here. I probably would have discovered my G-spot and mastered it with ease.

If you’re looking for your G-spot, check out my review of Female Ejaculation & the G-spot.

But I didn’t. As it turns out, my G-spot is not located behind my pubic bone but is much shallower. I tried the smaller and the larger ends and rocked the Pure Wand this way and that, but there wasn’t any dramatic response – except when I tried to pull out the Pure Wand too fast, and it hooked on my pubic bone. I swore my hips were being ripped apart! Neither end was as filling as I would have liked, either. The smaller ball felt too small, and the shaft near it was disappointingly narrow. Although the shaft on the other end was more filling, the ball was too large for comfort. I felt like Goldilocks.

In terms of comfort, the rigid metal of the Pure Wand means it’s not great for thrusting. Even gentler experimentation on my part left me feeling bruised. Although the feeling went away a few moments after I stopped, I found the experience to be a little painful and too intense on the whole. As others have mentioned, a user guide would be helpful. I’m still not actually sure how you’re supposed to use the Pure Wand, which means it’s definitely not a toy for newbies.

I put the Pure Wand away and, somewhat wistfully, vowed to try it another time. During that time, I focused on some different types of G-spot toys and did a little reading on the subject. I was finally able to locate my G-spot (using the K-balls) and was surprised at how close it was to the entrance of my vagina. I learned how to squirt and broke out the Pure Wand once more. Although it slid easily behind my pubic bone, the ends missed my G-spot completely, and the shaft barely rested against it because of the curve. However, the curve does mean it can be grasped over the mons, instead of between the legs, an advantage over some toys.

I tried using the Pure Wand with the bulbous ends stroking my G-spot instead of being inserted further. Used in this manner, I was able to stimulate my G-spot a bit but couldn’t squirt. I eventually switched to the Curve but was already feeling sore from using the Pure Wand, so it, too, was unsuccessful.

Furthermore, individual preferences and circumstances can make some of the positives of this toy… negative. For starters, the weight can certainly be a drain on anyone with joint problems, and it can feel a bit unwieldy. Secondly, the stainless steel has a tendency to quickly warm to warmer than body temperature. If you like heat, this is interesting. I found it to be quite uncomfortable. Additionally, the Pure Wand results in lots of wet vaginal sounds. Lastly, because it is so slick, lubes and bodily fluids can make it difficult to grasp.

Although I believe my experience to be somewhat unique, I do feel that the Pure Wand is better intended for those whose G-spots are behind the pubic bone and not as shallow as mine. Even if you can perfectly stimulate your G-spot with the Pure Wand, I warn you to be very careful when thrusting or removing it so that it doesn’t catch on your pubic bone. The Pure Wand just goes to show that no one sex toy is “one size fits all.”

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Fun Factory Curve

October 28th, 2009

Fun Factory Curve

Fun Factory Curve

Fun Factory no longer makes the Curve. If you’re looking for a silicone G-spotter, you might try to Vixskin Tex or Tantus Acute. Vibrating options include the Embrace G Wand and Comet II.

I was so excited to a bright pink dildo of the G-spotting kind in the mail. I had no idea it was coming. Major props, kudos, gratitude to Tabu toys. I probably squealed and I’m not a squealer. I showed it to my husband who quickly answered with “Meh, it’s another sex toy for you” and I should have threatened to violate him in the middle of the night with it, for raining on my parade. I totally could because..

The Curve by Fun Factory is made of pure silicone, in particular, a softer silicone.

This is good because..

  • silicone is nonporous and can be sterilized completely by boiling or bleaching which makes it safe for partner sharing or orifice swapping.
  • It shouldn’t hold smells.
  • It’s easier to clench around and isn’t as unforgiving as some hard G-spot toys.
  • the external portion can me maneuvered against the clit and vulva for a better “fit”
  • the loop in the handle has a little stretch to shove in your favourite bullet or even a mini wand.
  • the texture of the silicone helps it from slipping out like some smooth toys do.
  • the silicone does a decent job of transferring vibrations

This is bad because..

  • it picks up lint but, really, less hygienic toys do, too so it’s a fair trade.
  • some folks need rigid toys to thrust quickly and the Curve just isn’t built for that.

The Fun Factory curve has a unique, asymmetrical curve with a loop/hole on the handle and a very defined head.

This is good because..

  • it curls back toward the body and can be used for clitoral stimulation (or potentially perineum stimulation when used anally.
  • it is easier to use than toys which protrude 6 inches from the vagina, especially for short armed folks like myself.
  • the handle can also be used to house a bullet.
  • the handle will stop it from slipping inside if used anally.
  • the lip on the head can be used to “milk” one’s G-spot or prostate easily.
  • it can easily stimulate G-spots at different depths.

This is bad because..

  • the curve may not fit all anatomies.
  • partner use of the Curve may be difficult.
  • the lip on the head may be painful to some, especially when maneuvering around the pubic bone.
  • It’s semi-realistic shape is not discreet
  • For some reason, places other than the hole/handle seem to work better for transmitting vibrations.

The Curve is a thicker dildo, measuring in at 1.69″ diameter around the largest portion of the head (the lip) and 1.4″ in diameter around the larger portion of the shaft (just under the head).

This is good because..

  • This is good because many G-spot toys with bulbous heads do not have a lot of girth and leave me feeling disappointed.
  • This is good because there’s enough of a shaft to clench around.
  • This is good because it’s more realistic than some G-spot toys.

This is bad because..

  • it may hinder ease of use.
  • it’s definitely not a small toy or good for beginners.
  • The thicker parts of this dildo do not transmit vibrations as well

Fun Factory’s Curve dildo is bright pink and has decorative flame-like ridges on it.

This is good because..

  • it’s attractive to me.
  • The pink is nearly translucent and it is quite unique to look at.
  • it’s impossible to lose and stands out from other toys

This is bad because..

  • The sex toy market is saturated with pink toys
  • Fluids can collect near the ridges
  • The ridges cannot be felt anyway

My experience with the Fun Factory Curve was pretty much wonderful. It was the first dildo I ever squirted with and it was only a matter of seconds. It fit perfectly against me so I could stimulate my clitoris, too, and provided the essential dual stimulation experience for me. Plus, it’s filling. It’s like a magical sex elf (and you know how Germans like their magical elves) entered my room in the middle of the night to make a mold of my vulva and Fun Factory used it to create the perfect G-spot dildo for me.

I was able to insert a bullet and feel it internally but I preferred to use it with my Miracle Massager against it. The only downsides to my experience were that the massager wanted to slip off the Curve; I wish there was some sort of indentation I could rest it on; and that the lip on the head is a bit much after I’ve squirted because I become quite sensitive. However, it feels great before that. I know this is mostly due to the fact that my G-spot is quite shallow so I never push the Curve past my pubic bone, however; many women will need to look out for that. But for me? The Curve is perfect as is.

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lingerie

Kinklab leather wrist cuffs – black

October 23rd, 2009

I recently reviewed the Kinklab Padded Leather Blindfold. Aside from some minor pinching and slipping, it was a good piece, basic but functional. That’s pretty much how I’d sum up their leather wrist cuffs as well. They arrived in a similar plastic tube, from which I had to pry off the cap and on which is an image of the cuffs in use (but it’s not obscene).

Out of the tube, I saw that these cuffs do not have the common belt buckle style closure, which Kinklab calls “self keeping.” Rather, when you wrap it around your wrist, the bottom layer has a pseudo-D ring that slips through the slit of your choice on the overlapping piece. Then, a thin strip of leather is pulled through that D-ring, over the hole to secure it in place. Given enough space, you could potentially loop the strap through other holes for extra security. It’s not foolproof; if that is your goal, you can slip a padlock or something similar through the ring. On the other side is another ring that can be used to attach the cuffs to restraints or each other.

Of course, no locks or connectors are included. This was easily remedied with a trip to Lowe’s and, eventually, Walmart. It doesn’t mean the cuffs are bad per se, but that would be nice, especially because the staples are not like other D-rings or O-rings I’ve experienced. In fact, they’re not really rings are all but are open and shaped something like the Greek Omega with longer feet. Because of this unique shape, these staples are definitely smaller than I am used to, and some hardware may not fit.

The staples and the leather strap are all fastened with metal rivets which seem quite secure. In fact, these cuffs look pretty unassuming and weren’t quite as pleasing to the eye as I might have liked, but I was surprised at how well they held up while I had my husband restrained. Despite much thrashing and movement, the rivets stayed secure, and the cuffs never came open. However, we played probably just over an hour, and the thin leather straps were definitely coming loose. Eventually, the cuffs would have given way. Still, I’m surprised by how well they did hold without using a lock. Of course, some people would find this design a positive because it can easily be undone by fingers, teeth or even toes.

Over this time, he never complained of any discomfort, either. The edges are blunt, and the leather itself is malleable enough to wear comfortably, but they’re also not buttery soft as I have heard some leather described. The outside is shiny and smooth, while the inside of the cuffs are unfinished but relatively soft. The cuffs fit him well, on the third hole or so, with a bit of room to spare. They are cut to fit a range of 5.5″ to 7″, which is right in the middle, but those with smaller or larger wrists will be out of luck. Kinklab’s black leather wrist cuffs are just not meant to accommodate everyone.

Yet, they even surpassed my husband’s expectations. He expected to have bruises in the morning; however, there were none to be found. I don’t think there were any marks to be found, even immediately after playing, and this definitely eases his mind.

For less than $40, the quality and performance of the Kinklab leather wrist cuffs are absolutely acceptable. I would recommend them to anyone just starting out when it comes to bondage or anyone who finds themselves needing a bit more than the “kinky kits” usually contain. I would eventually like to make more of an investment, but, for now, these are great.

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