Bondage gear can be incredibly erotic. So why are so many people frustrated when they go to buy their first piece of bondage equipment? Most commonly, it’s because they’re not sure what to look for or how much something like bondage gear should cost. In this article, we’ll give you the ten most common mistakes people make when buying bondage gear and teach you how to avoid them.
#1 Not Reading About Types of Restraints
Because there are many types of restraints available, it’s important to understand all of your options before you buy. That way, you can figure out what kind works best for your situation.
#2 Not Looking at Material Safety
BDSM is a play activity. To do it safely, you should treat it like any other physical sport or hobby and make sure your equipment is designed for that purpose. Just because something is marketed as BDSM gear doesn’t mean that it’s safe to use in bondage. It’s also important to check material safety if you have allergies or sensitivities of any kind.
#3 Being Afraid of Rust
Some people are afraid of purchasing a bondage item that’s made of steel because they believe it will get rusty. The truth is, steel is one of the most hygienic materials for sex toys, so even if you leave it in your tub or shower all day (which we don’t recommend), you won’t run into any issues with rust. Just remember to keep it lubed up—water can cause corrosion.
#4 Not Knowing How to Use Your Purchase
The first few times you use a new bondage toy, it can be intimidating. Not only is it difficult to figure out how to best wear your gear, but there’s also some trial and error that goes into choosing just which parts of your partner you want to restrain—hands, feet, neck? Don’t worry: As with all things related to sex play, practice makes perfect. If you follow these steps, you can enjoy every step of discovering how to best use your restraint toys.
#5 Investing Too Little
Great toys shouldn’t break your bank, but if you try to cut corners and buy something of poor quality just because it’s cheap, you could end up regretting it in less than a week. Cheap isn’t always better when it comes to BDSM toys; often you get what you pay for. And no matter how kinky your sex life is, there are certain bondage accessories that should never be compromised on – cuffs being one of them.
#6 Waiting Too Long Between Cleanings
While stainless steel is super easy to clean, it’s also very easy to overlook. Some people wait way too long between cleanings (months!), which can lead to unsightly and unpleasant stains on your gear. It’s best to clean your restraints after every use and then at least once a month after that (depending on how often you use them).
#7 Assuming It's Just Like Normal Sex Stuff
It might seem like a no-brainer, but many people make the mistake of buying bondage toys that are similar to other sex toys they've bought before. The problem is, not all bondage toys are created equal. If you want your BDSM play to be exciting and effective, it's important to look for gear specifically designed for bondage. Don't assume that handcuffs are just like ordinary cuffs or that a spanking paddle will act just like a regular paddle.
#8 Spending Too Much on Restraints
While there are some very expensive bondage restraints out there, if you just starting out, it’s a good idea to spend as little as possible on your first set of cuffs. While it may seem that spending a little more now will be worth it in terms of quality, later on, that simply isn’t true. If you find yourself really enjoying bondage play and wanting to explore more advanced options—kinky toys like metal restraints, for example—save up and spend more then.
#9 Only Looking at Hardware Stores
Hardware stores are good for some things, but if you want something that looks high-end and is comfortable to wear, don’t go to a hardware store. Quality bondage gear is designed to fit comfortably on bodies of all shapes and sizes. If you just go to a hardware store, you might end up with something that won’t look or feel right on your body.
#10 Failing to Trust Your Instincts
The best advice for shopping for bondage gear? Trust your instincts. If you can’t imagine using a particular toy, or if it doesn’t excite you even just a little bit, then it’s probably not worth buying. Be wary of anyone who tries to push a certain brand or style of restraint on you.
