Guide to buying bondage cuffs

Cuffs are so versatile – faster than rope, and secure and safe with minimal effort. Create instant arousal for the partner being restrained – and then heighten it further by securing their hands safely out of reach of… whatever it is that you’d like to to do them.

Oval wrist shackles by Dungeon Delights	★★★★★	$$$$$
There is something special about cuffs made of steel - rigid, cool and unyielding, they can really help to add to the dynamic of a scene. If you are going metal, it is important to get oval cuffs which are fitted to the wearer (*see tips below for more info). Look no further than these oval cuffs crafted by Dungeon Delights. They are very high quality steel, available in several thicknesses and colors (1" clear steel pictured), and with different styles of locking mechanism. You will need to provide measurements for the wrists / ankles of the person who'll be wearing them - or if you have a big budget you can always get several in different sizes and be ready to use them with different play partners! The web site is not super modern, but it is worth sticking with it - these cuffs should be a staple of your toy bag. This company's customer service is also excellent in my experience.
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Leather cuffs by MasterBind	★★★★★	$$$$$
MasterBind specializes in leather, with a particular focus on bondage cuffs. All products are hand crafted by "the Master" to a high standard. These premium cuffs come in a range of size (width and length), with many customization options including lockable/not, padding, personalized initials etc. Sturdy and inescapable, these set the standard in leather cuffs - and are accordingly priced at the high end. Only available in black (but don't worry - it turns out black goes with everything).
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Locking wrist cuffs by Stockroom	★★★★★	$$$$$
I love these cuffs - they have a unique design whereby the leather loops through itself to create a very snug and secure fit (without being too tight). Every Dom should own these - they are so easy to put on your sub at the start of a scene - then you have a handy attachment point for their wrists should the urge arise to attach them to something - furniture, ankles, each other. Can be used with a padlock or without. These are quite reasonably priced - certainly for their high level of quality. White wrist cuffs pictured - also available in red, and ankle cuffs.
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Tips for play with cuffs:

Make sure the cuffs are not so tight as to cut off circulation. You should be able to get a little finger between the cuff and the wrist.

Don’t suspend anyone off the ground from regular cuffs such as those shown above. Special suspension cuffs are available which distribute the pressure – we’ll be reviewing those separately.

If you go for metal cuffs, it is important to get oval cuffs, which are fitted to the wearer. This rules out 90% of metal bondage cuffs, because they are typically round. Round is bad for ankles and wrists – they won’t fit snugly and will slide around which is uncomfortable for the wearer and often easily escapable)

There are a lot of bad cuffs out there. Some of the problems can include chafing, low quality material which wears out our breaks easily, poor quality buckles (often without locking options). Many regular metal “handcuffs” are not safe because they can inadvertently be pushed too tight and won’t easily release. If you are curious about cuffs that aren’t listed above – feel free to ask us for advice.

All buying guide products are reviewed based on the unbiased opinions of our contributors. After reviews are written, vendors may sponsor reviews to promote or extend their placement on the buying guide. For more information or to suggest a product to be included, please contact us.

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