6 Best BDSM Restraints, Reviewed by a BDSM Educator

There’s no question that the Stockroom’s Premium Garment Leather Wrist and Ankle Cuffs are the best BDSM restraints. Skillfully manufactured from premium materials, they’re designed to be safe and incredibly versatile. Put all that together, and you have a set of adjustable cuffs that novice or experienced kinksters will enjoy.

Why You Should Trust Us

Hi, I am M.Christian. Over the last twenty-five years, I’ve written many books, stories, and articles about sex. For even longer, I’ve been an active member of the BDSM community. I’ve taught classes from floggers and sex canes to handcuffs, dos, and don’ts.

Aided by my loyal team of dedicated testers, I am ideally suited to select the top twelve restraints. Hang on as I go over why they’re a bondage lover’s dream come true!

How We Picked The Products

It wasn’t easy to pick the top twelve restraints as there are many important factors to weigh. Not to mention crucial elements like how well or not the company making them is viewed by the kink community. The same is true for what people using these various gears have to say about them.

When you get down to it, there are five basic test criteria to consider, which we could measure on a scale from 0 to 100. These are the following:

• Manufacturer: How well or not something is made is always worth pointing out. It’s especially true for manufacturing anything intended for BDSM play. As I’ve repeatedly said, safety should be the priority for making and playing with a kinky sex toy. It begins by putting as much effort as possible into constructing it and never cutting corners.
• Materials: It’s impossible to create high-end and safe products from substandard materials. I gave extra points to companies known for using the highest-grade leather, steel, or plastic to make their restraints. However, the opposite is also true. I mean, it’s equally important to know when affordable materials are necessary. For example, when more affordable materials do as good a job as more expensive ones.
• Design: Like how a chef has to enjoy eating, companies that build them must know why they’re so exciting to play with. It’s why I put so much time into checking every manufacturer’s BDSM reputation. Particularly regarding what active scene members like or don’t like about them. After all, they’re the people who are or will be using them. I’ll always give them credit when their cuff fastening is better or safer than most.
• Safety: I should move this to the top of what I look for in a product. Hot though they are, and all kinds of exciting pleasures to use, they must be safe above all else. If a manufacturer doesn’t make it a top priority, they risk injuring anyone using them. It’s another reason to find out what kinksters are saying about them.
• Versatility: Not as high on my list as manufacturing, materials, design, or safety, versatility is still worth considering. However, I didn’t reject any BDSM restraint for being great for a single bondage activity. Rather, I awarded bonuses to those made and designed for more than one purpose.

I began with the leading models on the market. This number decreased after I applied my criteria of manufacturer, materials, design, safety, and versatility.

My testers helped me reduce them even further. Using their first-hand accounts and my own BDSM expertise, I ended with twenty-four possible contenders. Those two dozen were then sent to a carefully selected team of BDSM experts, sexologists, and sex educators.

During testing, we rated each test criterion on a percentage scale from 0% (Worst) to 100% (Best). We then calculated the overall score using different weighted metrics depending on the importance of the test criteria. Half the total rating comes from Design (25%) and Safety (25%). After that come Manufacturer (10%), Materials (10%), and Price & Value (10%).

After collating all these reports, my final step was to see what the Internet and the kink community said about them.

The result was these twelve best BDSM restraints. All of which are outstanding, exciting, and arousing for any bondage activity.

Everything We Tested

In this chapter, you can see a comparison table with all the products we tested. As you can see, each row has the test criteria our team used during the testing. To make our testing process even more transparent, we also included the raw test data so you can see how the products performed with each test criterion.

Name	Premium Garment	Under Mattress	Fetish Fantasy	DOMINIX Deluxe	Stupid Cute	Lovehoney Black Furry
Category	Test Winner	Bed	Sex Swing	Budget	Beginner	Handcuffs
Average Rating	91%	90%	82%	71%	80%	79%
Design	90%	88%	83%	70%	79%	78%
Manufacturer	94%	83%	93%	79%	94%	82%
Safety	95%	93%	82%	81%	90%	79%
Versatility	86%	84%	93%	72%	80%	76%
Price & Value	80%	84%	68%	94%	91%	94%
Price Tag	$64	$49.99	$199	$44	$46	$14
Material	Leather & Nickel-Plated Steel	Polyester & Metal	Steel, Velcro & Neoprene	Leather	Leather	Metal

1. Stockroom Premium Garment: Overall Test Winner!

Why We Love the Stockroom Premium Garment:

If you’ve read my other top-kink lists, you probably already know I’m fond of The Stockroom and everything they make. My expert opinion aside, what matters most is how well the BDSM community thinks about them. After all, they’ve been collectively going at it for far longer than I have.

That is precisely why their Premium Garment Leather Wrist Cuffs are number one on this list of excellent restraints. Not only due to me thinking they’re as good as it gets for restraining someone. But because kinksters the world over feel precisely the same way.

I wasn’t kidding when I called these cuffs iconic. The Stockroom spared no expense when making them. Every single element screams quality. More accurately, they respectfully whisper it. Pick up a pair, and you’ll see what I mean. They don’t sacrifice substance for style—a rare combination and why The Stockroom is so popular with the kink community.

You can’t make premier-quality BDSM gear without using equally superior materials. Stockroom’s Premium Garment Cuffs are no exception. They are hand-crafted from butter-soft yet amazingly tough hide and fitted with nickel-plated steel O-rings and buckles (You can see a closeup of the buckle in the image below).

These cuffs feel even better than they look—and they look amazing! Undoubtedly, a huge amount of research went into designing every aspect of them. These cuffs are so well thought-out the only thing you’ll be thinking about is how exciting they are to wear.

Respected professions like the Stockroom also know the importance of BDSM safety. It’s in their Premium Garment Leather Cuffs and everything else they make: a stamp of community approval signifying you’re in good and especially safe hands with them.

Minor Issues We Found During Testing:

As with everything I review, I strive to be as open and hospitable as possible.  Like how I just got off the phone with my playmate and partner after confessing that I was totally, completely, absolutely stuck at trying to find something, anything I did not like about The Stockroom’s Premium Garment Leather Wrist Cuffs.

Her answer?  Well, it went something like this: then just say so!  So here I am, doing precisely that about these thoroughly great leather restraints.  Okay, if I had to say anything, that is not a no-holds-barred rave, I guess at $69, The Stockroom’s Premium Garment Leather Wrist Cuffs might be a little on the expensive side.  Still, considering what you get, that’s a very affordable price to pay.

You can read our full Stockroom Premium Garment Leather Wrist Cuffs review here.

Features:

• Premium garment leather with rounded edges for comfort
• Nickel-plated D-rings and buckles
• Four adjustment holes to fit wrists from 5.5 to 8 inches
• Smooth, reinforced stitching for long-term use

Pros:

• Highest-rated for comfort and durability in our tests
• Secure fit and easy attachment to chains or spreader bars
• Leather softens over time without stretching
• Hardware remains smooth after heavy use

Cons:

• Higher price than many basic cuffs
• Fit may be tight for very large wrists
• One-handed fastening takes practice

View On Stockroom

2. Bondage Boutique Under Mattress: Bed Restraint System!

Why I Love Bondage Boutique Under Mattress Restraint:

Regarding sex and restraints, nothing beats using a bed for both. Our next entry is extremely adjustable, from a single to a super king. If you have a bed, Bondage Boutique Under Mattress Restraints will fit it.

It’s tough to find a quality bed bondage system, which is why Bondage Boutique’s is so exciting. Unlike others on the market, it hits all the right points.

Like how this bed kit manages to be soft, comfortable, and solidly constructed, your partner will be snug as a bug in a rug and won’t be going anywhere anytime soon.

For those of you with roommates or relatives who enjoy stopping by unannounced, this BDSM kit can disappear at a moment’s notice. Simply tuck the restraints under your mattress; no one will know how kinky you are.

Minor Issues I Found During Testing:

Though you can use this Under Mattress Restraint with every bed, some are easier to set up than others.

Heavier than your average mattress and bolted to the frame, lifting a Sleep Number bed high enough to slide it under can be tough. I recommend soliciting volunteer help as it’ll likely be too much for one person to handle.

If you want to see what Bondage Boutique’s Under Mattress looks like and how to use it, please watch our unboxing and demonstration video below:

Features:

• Materials: Polyester And Metal
• Measurements: The Adjustable Strap Connected To The Cuffs is four Feet and two Inches Long. The Center Strap Is Four Feet From End To End.
• Colors: Black And Silver

Pros:

• A comfortable and adjustable bed restraint system.
• A very affordable bed restraint kit at forty-nine, ninety-nine.
• Available in red, white, and black.
• The bed kit can accommodate single to super king-size mattresses.
• Mattress restraints are effortless to conceal when not in use.
• The straps are perfectly sized and extremely easy to work with.
• Cuffs are Velcro fastening and can be used with little to no pain.

Cons:

• It was challenging to fit onto some beds.

View On Lovehoney

3. Fetish Fantasy Bondage Swing: Sex Swing With Restraints!

Why I Love Fetish Fantasy’s Bondage Swing:

If you’ve got the place, I’ve got a hugely entertaining restraint set-up for you! The title probably gave it away; this is a suspended BDSM swing system. Bolt it to your ceiling, set up its leg straps, and enjoy an uplifting, arousing bondage experience like no other.

Fetish Fantasy Bondage Swing comes complete with nearly everything you need for a very good time. Wrist and ankle cuffs (image below), a spring for bouncy BDSM play, a set of adjustable straps, it’s got it all. It even includes a headrest free of charge.

Fetish Fantasy Bondage Swing’s wrist and ankle cuffs are secured via Velcro, albeit of the more-secure-than-most variety. They aren’t as immobilizing as buckle cuffs, so the rig is only suitable for light bondage. Velcro fastening cuffs are also less expensive, which explains why the rig is so affordable. Quickie cuffs are a great option for people with joint concerns, as they are infinitely adjustable.

Connecting the wrist cuffs overhead was an inspired design choice and much more comfortable than when I tried linking the Screamer Leather Cuff Set to the Swing Stand. Another great feature of this type of sex swing is how many and well-placed its attachment points are. The trade-off is that the chain between the stirrups and their ankle cuffs can be short. So much so, I had to keep my knees bent instead of stretching fully out. People with joint issues or mobility concerns might want to replace the chains. Its single-mounting hook can also apply uncomfortable pressure on a user’s hips. So it’s more of a short instead of a long-term piece of bondage equipment. The same could be true for taller individuals as well. But removing the spring and lengthening the adjustable straps did wonders.

Minor Issues I Found During Testing:

The only serious issue I had with this swing was attaching it to the ceiling. It may come with a screw-in hook, but it’s not enough to safely suspend a person from it.

Only a qualified or expert-level contractor should do the attaching. It takes a considerable amount of skill to know how to mount it and to what. Beginners need to buy the sex swing stand, which is quite pricey.

The sex swing padding is also made from coated neoprene, slightly less comfy than the cotton canvas material of the other sex swings I recently tried. The padding is thinner and somewhat shiny, which can stick to you if you get sweaty like a car seat sticks to your legs in the summer.

Related: 6 Best Sex Swing Stands, Tested By Sex Educator [Video]

If you want to see what Fetish Fantasy Bondage Swing looks like and how to use it, please watch our unboxing and demonstration video below:

Features:

• Materials: Steel, Velcro, And Neoprene
• Measurements: Nineteen And A Half Inches Wide. The Double Strap Is Two Inches Wide. The Pad Is Four Inches Wide And Twenty-Three Inches Long.
• Colors: Silver And White

Pros:

• Good choice for novices.
• You can rotate and spin it.
• Affordable option at just one hundred and sixty-nine dollars.

Cons:

• Some people may find it uncomfortable or as stable as other sex swings.
• Difficult to clean or maintain.
• It cannot support more than two hundred pounds.

View On Sexswing.com

4. DOMINIX Deluxe Leather Wrist Cuffs: Our Budget Pick!

Why We Love the DOMINIX Deluxe Leather Wrist Cuffs:

Everyone likes to save money. Particularly when shopping for bondage restraints, as they can be alarmingly expensive. The problem is there’s a big difference between cheap and affordable. Cheaply-made bondage restraints can be dangerous, while affordable ones are high quality but won’t hit your wallet too hard.

Which gets me to a fantastic combination of comfort, skilled craftsmanship, durability, and, you guessed it, affordability: DOMINIX Deluxe Leather Wrist Cuffs. All for less than a dinner and a movie. I’m talking not fifty, forty, or even thirty dollars but twenty-four ninety-nine.

Our testers lined these cuffs up against pricier restraints and were surprised by how consistently they held their own. For below $50, they surprised everyone by earning almost the same scores as the premium models when it comes to strength and comfort. The two-layer leather design felt solid and stayed secure even during longer BDSM sessions. My colleagues tried pulling and twisting, but they noticed no buckle slip or sign of material stretching.

Comfort was a standout. We found that the inner band did a good job of distributing pressure evenly. On top of that, the rolled and machine-stitched edges prevented chafing (which is common with restraints). We also found that adjusting them was easy thanks to the nine buckle holes that will fit wrists between 4 and 8.5 inches. Our tester Sandra Larson noted, “I expected budget cuffs to pinch or feel stiff, but these stayed comfortable start to finish.” That comfort isn’t common in BDSM gear at this price.

Minor Issues We Found During Testing:

The DOMINIX Deluxe Leather Wrist Cuffs may tick more good boxes than not-so-good ones, but they could still do with some improvements. A key drawback is that their buckles feel less durable than those of other bondage restraints on the market.  There is also Lovehoney’s decision to punch holes in each cuff’s tongue.

Why is this an issue?  Well, opting for holes as opposed to notches equals DOMINIX Deluxe Leather Wrist Cuffs, which tend to take longer to put on someone, as you have to hunt for whatever hole fits their wrist the best.  I’ve also found that holes make it increasingly likely a cuff’s tongue will tear.  So just be extra careful and try not to put undue stress and/or strain on their tongues during bondage play scenes.

You can read our full DOMINIX Deluxe Leather Wrist Cuffs review here.

Features:

• Two-layer leather with rolled, stitched edges for comfort
• Nine buckle holes fit wrists from 4 to 8.5 inches
• Heavy D-ring and five metal grommets for secure attachments
• Includes a double-sided snap clip for quick connection

Pros:

• Best value among all restraints we tested
• Comfortable design with soft inner leather
• Sturdy D-ring and grommets for dependable play
• Wide size range and easy adjustments

Cons:

• Buckle hardware is less robust than premium cuffs
• Tongue holes may stretch with heavy use
• Solo fastening requires extra practice

View On Lovehoney

5. The Stockroom Stupid Cute Wrist Cuffs: Most Beginner-Friendly!

Why We Love the Stupid Cute Wrist Cuffs

Next we have something for those who want something beginner-friendly: the Stupid Cute Wrist Cuffs from the guys over at Stockroom. They only cost $32 but feel like something much more expensive. We tested them for several weeks and here is our summary:

These cuffs keep things simple without cutting corners. The team found that the leather is soft and flexible with no break-in period which is common with this material. The Nickel-plated steel hardware did a good job holding everything together in a secure way while still being lightweight. We also appreciated that it fit wrist sizes between 4.5 and 8 inches, making them suitable for most people.

We also liked the small touches that show real attention to detail. For example, the slots have reinforcements to resist tearing and the stitches are even and tight. The team put them through rigorous testing over many weeks and saw no tearing or other material defects. That level of durability is rare in the budget segment.

Another reason these cuffs earn our beginner recommendation is how easy they are to use with a partner. The buckle is easy to use and not much bondage experience is needed. My colleagues reported that you can clip them to a D-ring or connect them with the included snap clip for a basic restraint setup. Great work overall!

But I think the main reason they are a good pick for newbies is that they are so damn non-intimidating. They look fun and cute with their pink color, setting a playful atmosphere right out of the box. I am so in love with my pair!

Minor Issues We Found During Testing

As you might have guessed by how lavishly I’ve been praising The Stockroom Stupid Cute Wrist Cuffs, when it comes to quibbles, problems, issues, or complaints, I’ve got zilch, nada, nothin’.

Okay, as I mentioned, it sort of might be nice if the cuffs had rounded edges, but in the grand scheme of things, that’s like saying a grand feast could have been done with a few extra napkins. Odd, I know, but hopefully that gives you some idea of how fantastic my partner and I feel about these superb restraints.

You can read our full review of The Stockroom Stupid Cute Wrist Cuffs here.

Features

• Premium pink leather with hand-stitched seams
• Nickel-plated steel buckles, grommets, and D-ring
• Four slotted holes for adjustable sizing
• Fits wrists from 4.5 to 8 inches

Pros

• Excellent price for the build quality
• Comfortable leather suitable for long sessions
• The simple buckle system makes partner play easy
• Durable hardware that resists wear

Cons

• Edges could be softer for extra comfort
• Limited color options
• Not practical for solo play

View On Stockroom

6. Lovehoney Black Furry Handcuffs: Best Handcuffs!

Why We Love the Lovehoney Black Furry Handcuffs:

Ah handcuffs. People either love them or hate them. There’s no middle ground. So to please our cuff crowd we decided to include a pair that we think is suitable for the majority of our readers: the Lovehoney Black Furry Handcuffs.

For only $14.99, they cost less than most other products on this list, but they offer something that the others don’t: quick-release levers. Why is that important, you may ask. Well, you don’t need to struggle with a key in stressful situations; just press the lever and they will immediately open up. That makes them a much safer option than many other BDSM restraints.

Comfort and fit also helped them win. We noted that the soft faux fur prevented the pinching effect that is common with bare metal. On top of that, the adjustable ratcheting mechanism fits a wide range of wrist sizes. That nice combination makes the Lovehoney handcuffs inclusive for a wide range of consumers.

And let’s not forget they are fun! The black and red colors add a playful look that will be less frightening for people who are turned off by the more hardcore BDSM look. That is actually something that many manufacturers don’t realize.

Minor Issues We Found During Testing:

Overall, Lovehoney’s Black Furry Handcuffs feel very much like a $14.99 set of restraints: fun and affordable, but not designed for heavy or long-term play. While they’re a playful option at a low price point, those looking for sturdier, more comfortable, and quicker-to-release restraints may want to consider investing a bit more in higher-end gear.

You can read our complete Lovehoney Black Furry Handcuffs review here. You can also read more about handcuffs in this article.

Features:

• Metal handcuffs covered in black or red faux fur
• Built-in quick-release levers plus two included keys
• Eleven-inch total length with fixed connecting chain
• Adjustable ratcheting mechanism for a secure fit

Pros:

• Extremely affordable at $14.99
• Dual quick-release mechanisms for added safety
• Soft faux-fur lining reduces pinching and adds comfort
• Lightweight design makes them easy to pack or store

Cons:

• Slim metal edges can feel firm during extended use
• The short connecting chain limits the range of motion
• Requires a short learning curve for first-time users

View On Lovehoney

Other Good Alternatives

Bondage Boutique Extreme is our favorite Spreader Bar and a great choice for people who enjoy keeping their bound partners bent over. Though I wouldn’t suggest this spreader bar for newbies, it’s a fan favorite among experienced kinksters. Its cuffs are also pleasantly adaptable and can be used as arm or leg restraints. Therefore, it might be worth saving up for, as it can accommodate every play style and Fifty Shades fantasy. You can read more about spreader bars here.

Lovehoney Oh! Silky Restraints are the most comfortable BDSM restraints and an excellent option for those seeking a safer and gentler option for bondage rope play. They’re exceptionally comfortable to use at precisely the correct width and length and are made from latex-free satin. They are improved by having loops at either end, which enables them to be quickly and easily secured. More importantly, they can be untied or cut with emergency scissors in case of an emergency.

Types Of BDSM Restraints

In my experience, there’s a wide variety of ways to restrain someone. That said, just a few are safe to use.

Restraints and rope are often synonymous with each other. In actuality, only qualified experts should ever restrain someone with a bondage rope. There’s too great a risk for harm. Tendons, joints, nerves, and circulation can easily be injured, often permanently.

Cuffs: For safely restraining someone, a few things top a pair of premium-grade cuffs. Sometimes fur-lined, padded, or adjustable, they are great for beginners or experienced BDSM players.

Spreader Bar: These BDSM toys are designed to keep a person’s arms or legs apart. Steel, wood, and occasionally plastic can make a spreader bar. Spreader bars may also come with restraints or can be fitted with attachment points. Others might include quickie cuffs or velcro fasteners for Fifty Shades fun.

Bed Restraint: If you or your partner wants to be comfortable, consider purchasing mattress restraints. Slide a bed restraint kit under your mattress so its cuffs or attachments are at opposite corners. You can enjoy a restful yet restrictive good time once that’s done. Bed systems are also excellent for people with chronic pain or mobility issues. Bed bondage can be enjoyed with other toys like metal clips, ball gags, wooden spoons, or hot wax. However, some models are easier to set up than others. Sportsheets under the bed is another fine bed restraint system straight out of Fifty Shades, but be sure to set your hard limits before playing. Other bed kits can be equally enjoyable, so don’t limit your bed straps to just Sportsheets under the bed.

Collars: Sometimes a sign of subservience, occasionally a form of restraint, collars are another type of restraint. For the latter, they might be clipped to a leash. A collar may also be part of a more extensive setup. You can find the best BDSM collar in this extensive review guide.

Mummification: There’s nothing more restrictive or immobilizing than mummification. The only downside is that it can be incredibly expensive, but wrapping a person in plastic may also have the same effect for much less money. Hard limits can also come into play, as mummification may make some people uncomfortable. Sportsheets under the bed or other mattress restraints can be used along with them for an extra-intense feeling of restraint.

Mental: Here’s a style of restraint that’s as incredibly safe as it is affordable. The idea behind mental restraints is to command a person not to move.

How To Use BDSM Restraints?

Here’s a quick guide on using restraints safely. Before doing anything, thoroughly negotiate every aspect of the scene. Once that’s done, everyone must give and receive consent to proceed. Establishing a safe word, respecting hard limits, and so forth are extremely important.

Remember, Fifty Shades is fiction and not fact. Beginners shouldn’t use handcuffs, zip ties, or bondage rope. Experienced kinksters know how to use handcuffs safely and respect someone’s hard limits. Fifty Shades doesn’t show it, but communication and consent are what bondage is all about.

Your playspace should be free from anything potentially harmful. Have a pair of emergency shears at the ready and a smartphone. The first to instantly cut the restrained person free, the second to call in case of emergency.

It’s also something Fifty Shades doesn’t depict. Dominants aren’t there to please themselves but their submissive partners. Establishing hard limits, touching base with them, and knowing what to do in a crisis is why Fifty Shades isn’t what restraints are about.

Then and only then should you use your restraints. If you or your partner are new to this, take it slowly and carefully. Never leave a bound person unattended. I also recommend removing them after a few short minutes until you and they have gotten used to them. Quickie cuffs are great for newbies as they can be removed quickly.

If you are using a ball gag, make sure everyone can communicate with one another. Unlike in Fifty Shades, a ball gag is another expert-level restraint and is one of several common hard limits. If you want to play it safe, try Sportsheets under the bed or similar bed restraints. You can read more about ball gags here.

Handcuffs aren’t quickie cuffs, so be prepared to remove them as fast as you can. Handcuffs are designed not for pleasure but to immobilize someone painfully. Please keep this in mind, and not how they are in Fifty Shades. If you or your partner is having difficulty with handcuffs, unlock them and immediately check for any serious injuries.

Periodically check with one another. There’s nothing wrong with stopping, slowing, or ending a restraint scene anytime for any reason. It’s true for the dominant and the submissive, as well.

If you want more information, you can check out my other guide for some good BDSM restraint positions.

M.Christian

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M.Christian

M.Christian loves nothing better than exploring the intersections of sex and technology. They regularly appear on sites like Kinkly, Tickle.Life, Sexpert, Queer Majority, Killing Kittens, Sex for Every Body, Future of Sex, and dozens more on topics like BDSM safety, sexual education, senior sexuality concerns, queer and gender issues, as well as reviewing numerous sextech products and adult entertainment sites.
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