Bondage for Beginners – Your Guide to Gear

Bondage is the practice of experiencing sexual gratification during the act of being restrained.  Bondage is also one of the fastest growing ways that couples are choosing to spice up their sex lives.  Done correctly, bondage play between two loving and trusting partners is an exhilarating and completely normal & healthy way to up the ante.  So go ahead, explore your naughty side.

Bondage Gear Basics

Restraint and sensory deprivation are the two main components of successful bondage play.  Something amazing starts to happen when cuffs prevent your hands from reaching and a blindfold makes seeing impossible.  Other sensations start to heighten.  Touch is more sensitive.  Your body is more responsive.  As a result, pleasure is greater.

There are two basic types of restraints.  The hog tie version and the under the bed restraint system.

For beginners, I think the under bed restraint set up is the way to go.  It is a much more natural position and it allows for a bit of flexibility while maintaining the desired effect.  It can be a bit unnerving for a newbie to be hog tied.  It’s also much easier to get hurt in that position if you aren’t experienced.

Believe it or not, I think the best bondage starter set is Hard Limits Bed Restraint Kit which is actually part of the 50 Shades of Grey sex toy line.  This set is strong and well built with cuffs that are secure yet comfy.  This beginner’s bondage kit will fit any size bed from twin to California king.

Also included in this great set is a high quality blindfold.  In bondage play you cannot underestimate the importance of the blindfold.  This is a great all-in-one set that is the perfect introduction into the exciting world of bondage.

Whips & Paddles

After the basic restraint system, the next step for most couples is to add a touch of pain.  This is a step beyond basic bondage and into BDSM.  Once again, still normal & healthy and plenty exciting as well.

When taking this next step it is important to remember that trust and respect are the building blocks of any great BDSM play.  It is not the goal to hurt anyone when introducing whips and paddles.  Increased sensation is really what it’s all about.

For beginners and even intermediates I recommend the KinkLab Triple Leather Slapper.  This particular paddle is made of high quality leather and has 3 layers.  This amplifies the sound on contact.  As a result you can get a very dramatic effect that increases arousal all while keeping the pain at a low to reasonable level.

Beyond the Basics

As you dive into the world of bondage you will undoubtedly see many things.  Some of which might scare you a bit or at least make you nervous.  Stay where you are comfortable and don’t venture any further until you and your partner are both ready.

In time you may be interested in nipple clamps or ball gags.  Ropes and bondage tape are very popular as well.  And all of those things are healthy and great.  Just remember to start slow.