It’s been a very long time since I have reviewed anything BDSM related. I figured it was about time to take a break from vibrators and dildos and review something else. When it comes to BDSM, even if you’re a beginner, you want to have good basics. One of the very basic items you need is a good set of restraints, like the Liberator Tensionier Cuff and Blindfold Kit.

The Liberator Tensionier Cuff and Blindfold Kit is part of Liberator’s Black Label collection and more or less what you might guess from the name, a kit consisting of cuffs and a blindfold. However, this kit is a bit more complete than some others I have seen. Contained in the kit is the following:
• 2 wrist cuffs
• 2 ankle cuffs
• 1 blindfold
• 1 bow-tie choker
• 4 tethers
• 1 storage bag

Cuffs can be made from many different materials, leather, metal, satin, etc. One of the things that makes the Liberator Tensionier Kit unique is that the cuffs, blindfold, and bow-tie choker are all made from a dark wash denim. This is the first time I have run across denim cuffs. That doesn’t mean there aren’t others out there, just that I haven’t seen them. The dark wash denim is stitched with a contrasting white thread. This and the silver-colored hardware make these items quite attractive. Each of the four cuffs has a clip and a D ring that allows you to attach them to each other, the tethers, the bow-tie choker, or anything else you come up with. Each of the tethers also has a D ring that can be attached to the cuffs’ clips. The bow-tie choker also has a D ring so you can attach the cuffs, a leash, or something else with a clip. In fact, the only thing in this kit that does not have a D ring is the blindfold.

Speaking of the blindfold, it actually works better than I expected based on its looks. My experience with blindfolds that are cut similarly to the one in the Liberator Tensionier Kit have not been very good. Usually this design lets a lot of light in around the nose. However, due to the elastic band at the back of the blindfold, it fits securely and though it does let a bit of light in, it’s really not bad at all. The downside of the blindfold is that the after a while the pressure on the bridge of my nose from the elastic band becomes uncomfortable and I need to remove it. It is also snug enough that I really need to keep my eyes closed while the mask is on. No biggie, right? After all, there’s nothing to see under there. Still, some people don’t like that kind of pressure against their eyes, so I thought I’d mention it.

Oh, there is actually another issue with the blindfold, with the entire kit actually. The denim has an unpleasant odor that reminds me of glue. All of the pieces smell badly. Granted, it’s not like you can smell them across the room, but I can definitely smell the blindfold when it’s on my face. Yuck. It is also not adjustable, which may be a problem for some people.

I realize the bow-tie choker is meant to be a cute collar, but I am not a big fan. I think it’s just kinda silly looking. It’s about 20″ in length so it can fit a wide variety of neck sizes. I find it rather thin, especially if something heavy is attached to the D ring in front. This can drag the bow-tie choker down and cause some discomfort at the the back of the neck. Keep in mind that I have a chronic pain condition and frequently have pain in my neck so I am probably more sensitive to this than many people.

The wrist and ankle cuffs are more or less the same, with the ankle cuffs being somewhat larger. Both the wrist and ankle cuffs are 2.5″ wide. The wrist cuffs can be adjusted up to approximately 10.5″, thus allowing for them to fit most people who are not The Hulk. The ankle cuffs can adjust up to about 17.5″ so they are significantly larger than the wrists restraints. Liberator calls these cuffs self-tightening, but I have not had that experience. If I struggle enough, the cuffs loosen somewhat. In fact, there is a slight amount of give to the denim material. However, it is not stretchy by any means. One issue I have with both the wrist and ankle cuffs is that the piece of denim opposite from where the restraints tighten slips and slides around and does not always stay beneath the strap. It’s a bit annoying to have to keep straightening it out when you are putting the cuffs on.

The four tethers included in the Liberator Tensionier Cuff and Blindfold Kit are made from heavy duty 1″ wide nylon, the kind you find on duffle bags and backpacks or seat belts. It is extremely durable and has absolutely no give. The tethers are 55″ long and adjustable. Each one has a plastic clasp that allows you to wrap the tether around something and secure it.

All the pieces of the Liberator Tensionier Cuff and Blindfold Kit are quite lightweight due to the denim fabric, but the hardware is heavy, maybe a little too heavy to be supported well by the denim. The contrast can make the cuffs a bit unwieldy when putting them on but isn’t as noticeable once they are secured.

The packaging of the Liberator Tensionier Cuff and Blindfold kit is simple and stream-lined. The cuffs, bow-tie choker, blindfold, and tethers come in a handmade denim storage bag that is very discreet. The only hint that something nefarious is inside is the Liberator tag on the outside that says “Bedroom Adventure Gear”. Otherwise, it looks totally innocuous. The denim storage bag securely closes, like a sleeping bag, and comes inside a clear plastic bag which does have the name of the product on a sticker on the outside. With all the pieces of the kit stuffed inside the storage bag, it is surprisingly heavy due to the hardware. Other than the shipping box, there is no additional packaging wasting resources, which is a good thing.

Liberator Tensionier Cuff and Blindfold Kit Pros:
• Very sturdy
• Vegan
• Material is comfortable
• Attractive
• Good storage bag

Liberator Tensionier Cuff and Blindfold Kit Cons:
• High price point
• Blindfold is not adjustable
• Has odd glue-like scent

In looking for a set of restraints, different people look for different things. I always want mine to be comfortable, secure, and durable. The cuffs in the Liberator Tensionier Cuff and Blindfold Kit are all three. They also have the added benefit of being lightweight and vegan. I have used leather restraints in the past and they can feel very luxurious. They can also be hot, feel heavy, don’t react well to sweat, can chafe, and are made of animal parts. For these reasons, the denim fabric of the Tensionier cuffs is great. The odor, however, is not. In fact, it’s quite bad and I have no idea what’s going on with that. Maybe it’s a chemical used in the treatment of the denim. maybe it’s a fluke. I don’t know but I don’t like it.

While the Liberator Tensionier Cuff and Blindfold Kit does come with 11 pieces technically, I find the price point rather high for denim restraints, a bow-tie collar, and a blindfold. It’s certainly not something those who are new to BDSM will want to spend when they’re just experimenting. It also doesn’t seem like BDSM experts would want to drop that much on cuffs made of denim. Of course, I could be wrong. While the cut of the blindfold works, the fact that it isn’t adjustable is likely to create issues for some. What really kills it for me is the scent. My sensitive nose cannot take it. Hopefully, it’s just my set and not all of them out there.

Head over to Liberator to check out the Tensionier Cuff and Blindfold Kit for yourself.

Bean Fiddler Rating:

I have mentioned before that I like to dabble in BDSM and I enjoy being restrained. You can obviously use all sorts of things with which to restraint someone, rope, ties, clothesline, etc. I prefer a good set of cuffs. A while back I won these Black Foxtail Handcuffs from Babeland in a contest.

When I was younger I played with metal handcuffs, but not only can metal cuffs leave marks, they often hurt in use and can even cause damage to your wrists. I may enjoy being restrained but I have no desire to injure myself or have people see marks on my body. This is where soft cuffs come in and the Black Foxtail Handcuffs are a good choice in soft cuffs.

The Black Foxtail Handcuffs are not just cuffs, but handcuffs. This means there is a connector between the cuffs that holds them together. This connector is not removable so once these cuffs are on, your hands are stuck together. The connector is made of plastic and faux leather and feels very strong. I can struggle and wiggle around as much as I like and it doesn’t feel close to breaking at all. The Black Foxtail Handcuffs are well-made and feel very sturdy when in use.

Made of a polyester blend, the Black Foxtail Cuffs are not made with any animal products so they are vegan, which I like. They close with strong velcro straps and have black faux fur on the inside of the cuffs for comfort. This fur provides a nice cushion for the wrists and keeps them from chafing inside the Black Foxtail Handcuffs, which I really appreciate. I just wish the fur was a little softer. It’s not that it’s rough or anything, it just isn’t the softest faux fur in the world. If you have a tendency to get hot and sweaty you may find you sweat a bit in these cuffs. I do sweat easily and while I sometimes sweat in these, I don’t find it to be a huge problem.

Made to fit wrists from 7″ to 11″ in circumferences, the Black Foxtail Handcuffs will fit a wide variety of people, especially those with larger wrists so these are definitely a good choice for men as well as women. It can sometimes be a challenge to find cuffs that are on the bigger side so that’s an advantage to these handcuffs. My wrists are about 7″ in circumference so these fit me well, but if you have small wrists, the Black Foxtail Handcuffs may not be the best choice for you. You can still make them work but you might be more comfortable in something smaller.

I like the Black Foxtail Handcuffs. They are comfortable and feel solid when I have them on. I can struggle and squirm without worrying that I’ll break lose, yet they do come off easily and quickly when playtime is over or if I need a quick release for whatever reason. Sometimes I just don’t want to deal with keys and buckles, so velcro is a great option. It may not be the sexiest thing in the world but it is practical.

I understand the Black Foxtail Handcuffs may not look at cool as leather cuffs with their slim profile and silver buckles. However, leather can make you sweat, stain your skin, get stained by sweat, and can chafe. Buckles can take a while to undo and sometimes I don’t have the patience, really need to get out of a certain position, or just have to pee badly. I know some people like the idea of metal handcuffs or don’t realize there are other options out there. Aside from the damage metal can do to your wrists and the marks it can leave, keys can get lost, locks can jam. I imagine this could lead to some embarrassing situations. On the other hand, velcro is a great option. It is strong and sturdy and comes undone in a flash.

The Black Foxtail Handcuffs come in a simple box with a plastic front. The handcuffs are obviously visible through the plastic packaging so it isn’t discreet. It also isn’t very sturdy so I don’t recommend it for storage. I just store the Black Foxtail Handcuffs on their own in my toy box. They are very hardy so it’s not likely they would be damaged by storing them this way. It’s easy to clean the Black Foxtail Handcuffs. You can simply hand wash them in cold water and hang up to dry.

Black Foxtail Handcuffs Pros
• Comfortable
• Safe
• Sturdy
• Vegan
• Great price

Black Foxtail Handcuffs Cons
• Could be softer on the inside
• May not fit smaller wrists

The Black Foxtail Handcuffs are a good, solid pair of handcuffs. They are a great option for anyone who wants something vegan, comfortable, quick and easy, yet secure. I definitely recommend these over the typical thin police-style metal cuffs. The Black Foxtail Handcuffs would be great for beginners looking to explore bondage because they are non-threatening and the price is excellent. They are equally up to the task for serious players as well because they are so sturdy and well-made.

You can find the Black Foxtail Handcuffs at Babeland. If these are not to your liking, Babeland has a selection of other cuff options so you are sure to find something you like.

Bean Fiddler Rating:

Another group of adult toys I like to review once in a while come under the heading of BDSM, so today I’m going to discuss the Beginner Bondage Kit from MyPleasure.

My Man and I are very fond of bondage. He feels I need to be restrained frequently and I happen to agree. We are always on the lookout for tools to help us with this type of play. Though we are not beginners, the Beginner Bondage Kit comes with several items I figured we would use in our play. I love when you get a bunch of cool stuff at a great price.

The Beginner Bondage Kit includes the following:
• 1 leather blindfold
• 1 mini flogger
• 2 wrists cuffs
• 2 ankle cuffs
• 2 tethers
• 1 satin storage bag

Blindfold
I didn’t think I’d like the blindfold on because it looks like it would let in a lot of light, though I do like the shape. It’s a bit cat-like. The blindfold has been cut from what seems to be a piece of leather and has an elastic band sewed on at either end. The leather is slightly softer on the outside than the inside so I prefer it inside out but the difference is not terribly significant. The elastic band is 1″ thick and comfortable. It does not pull my hair like some bands do. However, my head is a tad over 22″ in circumference and the elastic band fits very snug around it. It puts a slight pressure on my eyes and the bridge of my nose which can become irritating after a while. I actually like the pressure around my head but the pressure on my nose seems to stress my sinuses. If your head is bigger than 22″ I think this particular blindfold will be too tight.

After some time, having the leather directly against my skin can make the blindfold feel like it’s sticking, especially when play gets intense and I get sweaty. I would prefer a lining of some sort so the leather isn’t directly against my skin, but it is a leather blindfold and part of the point is to have the leather against your skin.

Mini Flogger
The Mini Flogger is 14″ long, with 7 1/2″ of handle. The tails are made of black rubber and they feel surprisingly soft and sensual when lightly drawn across my skin. It is quite a lovely sensation. Using it as a proper flogger leads to a sharp stingy sensation but nothing truly painful, which makes this flogger a really good option for beginners and those just experimenting. You can use the handle to beat your partner as it creates a slightly sharper sting but it still falls short of causing serious pain. Some people may see that as a plus, some as a minus. For me it works as a sensation tool rather than as an implement of torture.

Cuffs
The wrist and ankle cuffs are the prettiest non-leather cuffs I’ve seen in a long time. They are black with red strapping and velcro. They are made of a soft fleecy material that feels soft and cuddly against my skin but is strong and secure. These cuffs are so comfortable I can just wear them around the house even when we’re not playing. They are very well-made and the velcro is firmly sewn on and they fit securely on my wrists and ankles. While they are easy to put on and remove with the velcro fastening, once on, there is no way I can get out of them no matter how much I struggle. Not only that, but I can struggle to my heart’s and My Man’s content and the cuffs remain comfortable, no digging into my skin, no hurting me.

Rather than a D ring, each cuff has an adorable silver heart-shaped ring attached and a hooking clasp so you can attach them to each other or the tethers. The wrist cuffs will fit up to 10″ wrists and the ankle cuffs adjust up to 12″ in circumference. I am somewhat big boned and both the wrist and ankle cuffs fit me with tons of room to spare.

Tethers
The Beginner Bondage Kit comes with two tethers that adjust from 18″ to 36″. The tethers are made from a very strong, durable nylon and are 1″ wide. They are similar to the the types of straps used on travel bags. Each tether has three heart rings and three clasps, one on each end and one attached to the plastic adjuster loop. This makes them very flexible and has allowed us to come up with different variations on strapping me down. My Man can get me in several different positions with these. He can loop my wrists and ankles together, get me in a hogtie, strap me to the bed, even to a door. What can I say? He’s very creative…

Storage Bag
The black satin drawstring bag is 13 1/2″ long and 7 1/2″ wide and has “MyPleasure” with the logo on it in dark grey. The drawstring is made of the same black satin. It’s lovely and closes securely. It fits everything in the Beginner Bondage Kit with room to spare. You can easily fit some condoms, lubricant, massage oil, even a small sex toy or two.

Beginner Bondage Kit Pros:
• Awesome cuffs
• Great storage bag
• Cute heart detail
• Perfect flogger for beginners

Beginner Bondage Kit Cons:
• Blindfold may be too tight for some

I love a nice kit that comes with lots of goodies, but I tend to be hesitant about beginner kits. Often they are too “beginner” for me, especially when it comes to bondage. However, the Beginner Bondage Kit is just great. I love, love, love the wrist and ankle cuffs. They look great, they feel great, and they work great. The tethers do their job and are very useful and the heart-shaped ring detail is so cute. The mini flogger adds some nice sensations to play and the blindfold works well. To top it off, it all comes in its own pretty satin storage bag.

The only real downside of the kit is the tightness and stickiness of the blindfold. Part of that is just me, I tend to be sweaty and apparently I have a big head. This set is perfect for beginners as it provides some good quality products for a very reasonable price. I think even more advanced players will appreciate the excellent wrist and ankle cuffs. For me the Beginner Bondage Kit is worth it just for the those!

So head on over to MyPleasure and order your own Beginner Bondage Kit!

Beanfiddler Rating:

Like soft pink fuzzy stuff? I do. Want to be restrained? Yes, please! Be restrained or restrain someone else with the Tickled Pink Restraints from Babeland.

Tickled Pink Restraints from Babeland are made in the U.S. by Sportsheets, a California-based company. They come in a flat cardboard package with a little hole so you can feel the material. The packaging is efficient and recyclable, but not terribly discreet. It says “Kinky Pink Cuffs With Tethers”, so you may not want to leave it laying around!

Inside the package, are two Tickled Pink Restraints. They’re dark magenta pink and the material is somewhat like a soft, fuzzy felt, though much more durable. It reminds me of a thin but soft blanket I had when I was a kid. Each restraint is a single layer of fabric with a 1″ by 4″ velcro strip stitched on each end and a 35″ nylon tether stitched to one side. The specs do say the straps are 36″ but mine measure in at 35″. The pink fuzzy part of the cuffs is 2 1/4″ wide and 10″ long.

What’s great about the Tickled Pink Restraints is that they are extremely adjustable. They can comfortably fit a wrist or ankle from 5 1/2″ to 10″ in circumference. They can be made even bigger but then are slightly less comfy as the soft side of the velcro can cut into and rub against your skin.

Tickled Pink Restraints looked a bit nicer online than in person. The materials are on the cheap side. The velcro on mine is sewn at a slightly crooked angle and the material is cut unevenly. My mom would call them chintzy. It seems likely the cuffs will hold up for a while, but with vigorous struggling over time, they’ll probably rip. Serious players probably won’t find these sufficient. These cuffs are really better for bondage beginners and handy for travel. Then again, I’m no newbie and I still find these fun. They’re soft, comfortable, lightweight, and I can’t get out of them. They’re something of a cross between playful and sensual cuffs, and will hit the mark for some people, especially as the price point on the Tickled Pink Restraints is great.

While velcro is cheap, it’s strong. Though I can easily remove the Tickled Pink Restraints, struggle as I might, I can’t get out of them without actually taking them off. The 35″ tethers are very versatile and can be used in a variety of ways. My Man can tie my wrists together in front of me or behind my back, He can tie my wrists or ankles to the bed spread eagle. He can give me room to move around or tie me tightly down. He can lead me around by the tethers as if on a modified leash. With two sets of Tickled Pink Restraints, He could easily accomplish a hogtie.

The nylon tethers are very strong and tie well. However, they do tighten when I struggle and can take some time to undo. Fortunately, if My Man’s having trouble undoing his knots he can simply free me from the cuffs and then untie the straps. This works great for bathroom breaks. I know, I know…some people would frown upon this way of being released, but hey…everyone pees!

Tickled Pink Restraints do not come with any care instructions. I would hand wash these in warm water or wash in the machine on cold in the gentle cycle. I’d lay them flat to dry or simply hang them over the back of a chair. I would not put these cuffs in the dryer as I’ve had issues with velcro curling, not to mention picking up more lint than the actual lint trap. Tickled Pink Restraints are easy to store. Simply fold the cuffs, wrap the straps around them and store flat in their cardboard container, a small box, or lose in your toy chest. For now, I am keeping them in their container in my toy box. This keeps them flat and separate, and helps things stay organized so I can find them in a jiff.

One downside of having the tethers attached to the cuffs is they tend to get in the way of things…like food, drink, the sink. I highly recommend you not wear them while eating soup!

Tickled Pink Restraints Pros:
• Comfortable
• Adjustable
• Price
• Attached tethers

Tickled Pink Restraints Cons:
• Not the highest quality
• Tethers can get in the way

Overall, while these aren’t the snazziest or fanciest restraints out there, they are soft and comfy and will make a nice, non-threatening introduction to bondage for many people. They are adjustable for a variety of sizes which makes them flexible enough to share between partners. You can struggle all you like and not break free, something you always wants in a restraint. They’re good for a lark and easy for travel, but when I’m in a serious BDSM mood I’ll probably go for a more serious cuff. However, many people will like the friendly pink color, lightweight cloth, and lack of animal products used in the Tickled Pink Restraints.

Check out the Tickled Pink Restraints at Babeland today!

Bean Fiddler Rating: