Things You Should Pay Attention to When Shopping for Bondage Kits and BDSM Sets
Leather, faux leather, vinyl or something else? Choosing the right material is one of the key things to pay attention to. Other than that, you’ll also have to look at a couple of essentials that will help you determine the quality of a bondage kit:
Contents: The term bondage kit could refer to many different products. So, what exactly should you be looking for? There aren’t universal bondage kit contents – you choose the set that’s in line with what you plan to do. Some of the common things that a bondage kit could contain include handcuffs, ball gags, clamps, rope, whips, paddles, blindfolds and leashes. These are some of the most common BDSM essentials you’ll probably find in the vast majority of kits. There could also be more specialized sets for advanced players. If you’re such a user, it’s a good idea to search by item in order to make sure a kit has it.
Material: Because these sets contain so many different items, there will be a good selection of different materials in there. Some of the most common possibilities include leather, faux leather, vinyl, stainless steel, PVC, latex, silk and cotton. When looking at materials, don’t just focus on aesthetics. Heavy leather handcuffs, for example, should come with a bit of soft padding inside in order to be comfortable. Don’t underestimate the importance of function, otherwise you may regret the decision.
Look for quality floggers and whips: Things used to hit people with need to be made expertly. The craftsmanship of such items is very important to make their use both satisfying and safe. You should never buy cheap floggers and whips. A high quality flogger, for example, should be made of leather. It will last you a very long time, even if the usage is intense. If you pick a poorly made alternative, chances are that it will fall apart after a few uses. Rubber is another good material that’s long-lasting and easy to clean. Avoid floggers and whips that have metal chain elements because they’ll be very painful to use. Suede is another material that’s not optimal because it can be difficult to clean (which makes it different from high quality leather). If you’re interested in paddles, wood is a good choice and so is leather.
Clamp type: If you want a kit that features clamps, decide on the right style. Yes, there are many options! Some of the common varieties include alligator, tweezer, vice and clover clamps. The style determines how the clamp will close and how well it will hold. Apart from choosing the right type of clamp, you can look for some additional features. Some clamps have added weights for more intense sensations. Some can vibrate. If you’re buying a set with clamps for the first time, check out at least a few options to figure out exactly what the market offers.
Clitoral and butt toys: Many BDSM sets also include dildos, clitoral stimulators and butt plugs. Getting such a kit is a good idea if you don’t have the items separately or you don’t know how to shop for such toys (fear not – we have detailed guides on these topics, as well, and you can count on those to educate yourself). If you already have a good collection of vibrators, dildos and anal toys, you may want to skip out on those. This way, the bondage kit is going to be much cheaper to get.
Simpler is better: As already mentioned, things can get really complicated really fast in the world of bondage. If you’re just getting started, you could feel threatened and perplexed by some of the kinkier kits out there. If you’re making your first steps in the bondage world, keeping it simpler would be better. A bondage kit that features a ball gag, blindfold, whip and rope is more than enough to test power play and decide if it’s the right choice for you. If you go overboard right off the bat, you may end up with lots of toys and accessories that you’re never going to use.
Never go for items that aren’t especially made for bondage: Many people decide to replace actual bondage kits with everyday items because they’re cheaper. A wooden spatula can replace a paddle. Also, clamps are so easy to find online! If you’re concerned about a safe and arousing experience, you should never buy items that haven’t been made especially for BDSM activities. Such items can be dangerous to use, even if they appear innocent. It’s possible to give yourself or your partner serious injuries. In that instance, the money you saved by opting for a cheap replacement would simply not be worth it!
Get some clothing to make the fantasy complete: Some people need full realism to fully immerse themselves in an experience. If you’re this kind of person, look for a BDSM set that features fetish clothing or a face mask. Vinyl, latex and leather lingerie/costumes will help you play out a fantasy. In addition, many of these clothing items allow for one of the senses to be blocked out (for example – sight), which contributes to a heightened experience.