Types of Bondage Gear: The Complete Guide

Imagine being blindfolded and tied to the bed with nylon shackles. You or your partner are ready to enjoy each other's sensual and sexual attention. One of the reasons so many people find the idea of bondage so enticing is that it instantly makes the scenario hotter. 

The act of physically constraining a partner (or oneself, in the case of self-bondage) is known as "bondage," and it is represented by the letter "B" in BDSM. A great place to start when participating in BDSM activity is bondage. It is appropriate for kinksters of all skill levels.

Bondage can be incorporated into your BDSM lifestyle or sex life in a variety of ways. This post will teach you how to safely engage in bondage. It will also help you choose the right type of bondage gear for you.

Consent, Negotiation, and Safety

Bondage is an adaptable game that players of all skill levels may play. It's important to be safe and get consent when doing BDSM activities like bondage or other kinks.

Before engaging in bondage, have a conversation about the scene and make sure to follow the guidelines of RACK and SSC. This will help ensure a safe and consensual experience. RACK stands for Risk, Aware, Consensual Kink, while SSC stands for Safe, Sane, Consensual. By following these guidelines, you can have a fulfilling bondage experience. 

Essential Bondage Safety

Consent

When a participant in BDSM grants permission to another individual to engage in BDSM or sexual acts on them, this is known as consent. Consent should only be given when the person is sober and able to make a rational decision.

Avoid mixing alcohol or drugs with BDSM activities. A mysterious or silent response ought to be interpreted as a rejection. To have genuine permission, you need a resounding "Yes!" in response to suggested activities.

Communication, negotiation, and risks

Talk to your spouse about the suggested course of action and possible dangers. Before any "scene" (a phrase used in the lifestyle to describe a BDSM play session), always negotiate and establish safe words and signals. We will talk more in-depth about negotiating soon.

Take your time

Start carefully, keep things basic, and bind one body part at a time if you're new to bondage. This will allow you time to grasp what you're doing before introducing new elements. Taking it gradually also increases the excitement. Remind yourself that you are taking your lover on a sensual and seductive journey while you savor every second of the scene.

Check-In

Now that you've established boundaries used safe language, and signaled, it's time to have fun! While losing yourself in the game is normal, you also need to monitor how things are going. Is your partner having as much fun as you are? Verify each other's status. There are ways to accomplish this without detracting from the scene's excitement. 

For instance, you could ask your spouse, "Do you like that? " during a spanking. "Do you want something else that asks for your opinion without ruining the sexy mood? Make sure the person wearing the restraints is comfortable. Tingling or numbness could mean the shackles are too tight."

Be Prepared

Be ready at all times. Problems can occasionally arise in even the most well-planned circumstances. Ensure you have medical scissors or safety shears to remove your partner's handcuffs rapidly. Having a first aid kit on hand is also a good idea.

Negotiation

Negotiation, which necessitates a thorough discussion before any play, has already been discussed. Now is the moment for candor; each player should feel free to express their preferences. For this, you can even use a pre-made checklist (found in many BDSM books).

Talking about boundaries, soft limits, and harsh limitations is necessary. Which plays are considered appropriate, and which ones should be avoided? A hard limit is something that the individual will never tolerate. They are concerned about a soft limit, which they could be willing to investigate given the appropriate circumstances. 

Outlining expectations and each person's preferred course of action for the issue is also crucial. 

What are your safe words?

Safe words are required to guarantee that everything is consensual, secure, and sane. The words "green," "yellow," and "red" are regarded as typical BDSM-safe terms. Green means good, yellow means slow down, and red means stop playing.

It's also a good idea to recognize safe signs. Sometimes, safe phrases get lost in translation, mainly when hoods and gags are involved. To indicate that playtime is over, one could also drop an object they are holding or tap some play equipment. 

Who will be playing what role?

Who is going to be in charge of the situation? Usually, one partner assumes the position of the Top, acting on behalf of the other, and the other partner assumes the role of the Bottom, being the one who is affected by the BDSM acts. There needs to be more understanding regarding the phrases Top/Bottom and Dominant/submissive.

Who is acting on whom is indicated by Top/Bottom? A BDSM relationship frequently has this context, which is defined as a type of power exchange in which one party voluntarily cedes some degree of control over the other. The Top will typically be the Dominant and the Bottom the Submissive, though this isn't always true.

We offer a D/s dynamics class if you want to learn more about dominant/submissive relationships. It includes safety precautions, core knowledge, and guidance on how to build that dynamic with your partner(s) healthily.

What gear will be used?

Before the play starts, decide exactly what equipment will be utilized and how you will use it in a scene. Learning how to correctly operate your kit's equipment correctly is also a brilliant idea. In this manner, you ensure that the scene runs well and prevent fumbling during it.

Discuss Triggers, Concerns, etc. 

It would help if you discussed any worries or possible triggers before you start a scenario. For example, a submissive who has experienced trauma or a negative experience in the past may find hoods too tricky. Will hoods be a rigid boundary, or will they be explored during play (as long as they are played carefully and attentively)? The Top must be informed of any problems to plan and keep an eye out for any complications. 

Play partners should disclose any pertinent medical issues as well. Exist any injuries or limitations that could interfere with play? Are you on any medications, or do you have a medical condition requiring emergency care if symptoms appear (e.g., an epipen for allergies or an inhaler for asthma)? 

What is the plan if something goes wrong during the scene?

Even with the best-laid plans, mishaps can occur during play. What should you do if your play partner suddenly loses it or becomes overwhelmed? If you or your playing partner gets sick, how will you treat it? Endorphins, which are frequently released during BDSM play, might feel amazing, but they can also make someone feel queasy or unwell. It's critical to keep an eye on your partner and be prepared. If your partner falls ill, it is your duty as the Top to end the scene. They may not be in the right frame to use their safe word. It's preferable to exit a scene with a sense of unfulfilled potential whenever possible rather than pushing too far and endangering your partner's physical, emotional, or mental health.

What will aftercare look like?

In any circumstance, aftercare is essential. Seize the chance to care for one another after your scenario ends. The submissive may need a hug, a warm blanket, a drink, food, or a conversation. Therefore, the dominant person should make sure they are taken care of.

Moreover, the Dominant has requirements. It takes time for both parties to relax and reintegrate into everyday life. Depending on who you're playing with, what you did, what transpired during the scene, and other variables, the actions that make up your aftercare may change.

What Do We Mean By Beginner, Intermediate, & Advanced?

We recommend items in this blog based on your experience level. These were classified as Beginner, Intermediate, and Advanced levels. The suggested experience level is determined by several variables detailed below.

We propose gear to players at different skill levels to keep you safe while playing. Bondage play, like any BDSM play, is never entirely risk-free. Since there's always a certain amount of risk involved, the best way to approach bondage is to familiarize yourself with the kinds of gear you want to play with and abide by the safety and consent standards we gave above.

It is crucial to remember that using safety, giving permission, and communicating are taught abilities that require a lot of playtime and self-control to hone!

Beginners

Players who are new to BDSM and bondage are considered beginners. Novices possess minimal to no expertise in BDSM safety and consent practices. We will classify you as a beginner if you have little to no experience with comprehensive negotiations, preplanning a scenario, utilizing safewords, and having direct and clear communication with a partner.

Novices are gaining the ability to read their bodies and, if relevant, that of others with whom they play. Understanding how to pay attention to your body and when to slow down, stop, or continue! 

We advise novices to avoid the temptation to experiment with more sophisticated equipment and instead begin with entry-level bondage gear! For the best chance of minimizing risk in your future pursuits, start by building a solid foundation. 

Intermediate

Intermediate players are familiar with the safety and consent guidelines, having explored BDSM previously. You may be on the borderline of novice and intermediate if you are new to bondage but have played BDSM, but you will quickly advance if you have previously practiced consent and safety!

Intermediate players can read their bodies and their partner's bodies to determine when to slow down, halt, or continue. 

Advanced

Advanced players have played bondage games and BDSM for a long time. They regularly follow the safety and consent guidelines and are very at ease with them. They know how to experiment with new toys and equipment safely. They can read their own and other people's bodies, so they never push someone over their breaking point.

They are confident in their capacity to pick up new skills and are aware of the fundamental knowledge required to experiment with new equipment (foundational rope knots, anal stretching, etc.)!

Types of Bondage Gear 

The sheer variety of bondage equipment available—collars, spreader bars, hoods, cuffs, and more—can be intimidating to novices. We're here to offer our expertise, both personal and professional, on the best bondage equipment so you can get started. 

Bondage Tape

For those who are new to bondage as well as enthusiasts, we heartily recommend bondage tape. One of bondage tape's greatest attributes is its affordability and adaptability. It looks like duct or electrical tape on a larger scale but isn't as sticky. Bondage tape, on the other hand, is electrostatic; when it is wrapped over limbs, it sticks to itself alone.

Using bondage tape is easy and secure. Bondage tape can be reused; unwind it or cut through it when you're through playing.

For quick and straightforward sensory deprivation equipment, make your own hogtie by connecting wrists to ankles or covering the mouth or eyes (being careful to ensure they can still breathe). Bondage tape can even bind someone to furniture, including tables, chairs, bed frames, and dungeon supplies. These are only a few ideas for applying bondage tape; don't let us restrict your creativity! You can use bondage tape as a tool to express your creativity. 

Collars

The collar is commonly given to a submissive, enslaved person or Bottom by their dominant master or Top; however, wearing a collar is not exclusive to this dynamic. Collars are frequently seen as symbols of power exchange. When wearing a collar during a scenario, the Dominant assumes authority, and the submissive submits. Additionally, collars can be worn to denote a long-standing D/s power exchange relationship. 

Collars differ in material, style, size, and shape. They can be cheap and pricey, depending on the style and material. Collars are fastened around the neck and can be locked or fastened to a leash, and are appropriate for both novice and experienced players. 

While robust collars are better suited for BDSM or sexual activity, delicate collars are appropriate for daytime wear.

We do not advise using thin collars to pull and tug on your playmate. Slim collars raise the possibility of tracheal injury by applying excessive concentrated pressure. We recommend wearing wide, broad collars to disperse pressure evenly. 

Since the neck is a delicate body area, ask your partner how it feels when pulling. Also, exercise extreme caution. We only advise mild tugging on the collar or leash because any choking play can result in significant injury. 

Leashes

Attaching a leash and making a collar-wearing submissive follow your instructions is the perfect approach to lead and control them. 

The leash, perfect for all kinksters, no matter how experienced they are, usually consists of a metal chain that fastens to an O-ring at the front of the collar. A handle (often made of fabric, leather, or imitation leather) is also present to facilitate handling.

Leashes are great for humiliation games and pet play, as well as for walking around BDSM events with your subordinate in tow. The quality and cost of leashes vary. We suggest a premium leash with a sturdy metal chain if you plan to use it for pulling and tugging during play.

Wrist & Ankle Cuffs

Ankle and wrist restraints are ideal for controlling and immobilizing a submissive in a variety of inventive ways. While you're having your evil way, you can hogtie your spouse, link ankles or wrists together, or fasten them to dungeon apparatus. 

The cost of cuffs varies based on the design and material. Beginners benefit significantly from nylon cuffs because they are inexpensive, comfortable, and straightforward. They are frequently offered in sets that come with all four cuffs. Leather cuffs come in various textures, colors, and lining materials, providing the perfect balance of comfort, control, and durability.

Because of their stiffness, which increases the possibility of damage from incorrect use, metal cuffs should only be used sparingly. Nevertheless, some bottoms enjoy the tactile appeal of heavy, robust, cold steel, and metal restraints have a rugged, industrial look.

Learn how the cuffs operate and unlock, regardless of the ones you select. If they include keys, ensure your Bottom knows where the extra key is kept in an emergency, and always keep a spare handy.

Bondage Kit

A bondage kit is the ideal choice if you're searching for a one-stop shop for bondage. Bondage kits are an excellent option for people who are new to BDSM because they provide innovative ways of restriction, are easy to use, and are frequently reasonably priced. 

The contents of each kit differ, although they may include ball gags, hogties, under-the-bed restraints, and cuffs. Give up control over your subordinate and relish using your influence. Utilize a single component or the entire package, depending on your needs! 

Rope

The rope is one of the most versatile bondage tools available, and kinksters who appreciate beauty, affordability, ingenuity, and patience will find it to be an essential tool. With rope, the possibilities are almost endless. You can use it to bind ankles, cinch wrists, make fashion or play harnesses, tie your entire body, or suspend your slave from a fixed place.