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Of all the fundamental questions people ask themselves about BDSM toys, it’s whether it’s possible to have a gag that’s affordable, well-made, and most of all safe. It’s because they may not seem like it, the reality is that gags or anything else that in any way might impair a person’s ability to breathe can be literally a life or death decision.
Which gets me to my review of the Saffron Silicone Ball Gag by Sportsheets. A festively colored, faux leather, body-safe gag advertised as a toy that’ll make its wearer have to find a different way to communicate with their partner. But is it really that good or, shall we say, a not-so-good one? Read on to find out!
The Saffron Ball Gag looks great at first glance, but looks can be deceiving. It is stylish, easy to clean, and feels well-made, yet the lack of breathing holes makes it a risky choice for anyone who values safety over appearance. A gag that makes breathing difficult is not a toy worth trusting, no matter how pretty it looks.
Who Should Try It? Only those who are deeply experienced in BDSM play and already understand the serious risks of gags. It might suit kinksters who treat it as a display piece or a light prop rather than something for serious use.
Who Can Skip It? Pretty much everyone else. Beginners, casual players, or anyone who cares about comfort and safety should look elsewhere. For the same price, there are safer, better-designed gags that won’t leave you gasping for air.
You Can Buy It on the Shevibe website for $25.99.
Table Of Contents
What is the Sportsheets Saffron Ball Gag?
The Saffron Ball Gag by Sportsheets is a relatively simple, faux-leather and silicone style gag. Fashioned from PU and vegan-friendly materials, with metal fittings and its titular silicon ball, it certainly looks stylish and sexy. As it’s not made from natural materials, it’s far easier to clean: just apply some mild antibacterial soap with warm (not hot) water, and voila, you’re ready to play again.
First Impressions and Features
Unboxing
As you can see in the image below, the Saffron Silicone Ball Gag ships in a handsomely decorated box that also features a lot of useful information. For instance, it breaks down exactly what the product is made of—70% polyurethane, 22% silicone, and 8% nickel-free metal. In addition, it lists the gag as 1 3/4 inches in diameter and states that the buckle can be fitted with a lock if the purchaser so desires.
Specifications
How does the Saffron Silicone Ball Gag by Sportsheets measure up?
- Material: Polyurethane, Silicone, And Nickel-Free Metal
- Measurements: Saffron Silicone Ball Gag By Sportsheets’ Silicone Ball Is 1.75 Inches In Diameter. Overall, It’s About Two Feet Or Twenty-Four Inches In Length, With The Silicone Section Being Around Six Inches From One Side To The Other, With The Ball Located In The Center. According To The SheVibe Site, It Comfortably Fits Around A Head Up To 9 Inches In Diameter.
- Color: Black, Dark Metal, Red
- Mechanism: It’s Made To Be Strapped Around A Person’s Head With The Ball Gag Placed In Their Mouth. At The Back Is A Buckle With Eight Slots Into Which Its Tine Can Be Inserted.
How to Use the Saffron Ball Gag?
Typically, using toys like the Saffron Silicone Ball Gag by Sportsheets starts with the person who will be wearing it placing the ball gag in their mouth. Next, their partner buckles it around their head. However, it should never be so tight as to be uncomfortable or keep the wearer from breathing. Since this product doesn’t have any breathing holes, I strongly recommend not buckling it, as any delay in removing it in the event of a problem or emergency can be dangerous.
My Personal Experience
Unlike every other toy I’ve had the pleasure to review, I chose not to try out the Saffron Silicone Ball Gag by Sportsheets. I based my decision on the fact that the ball gag is solid, and so might keep my partner from breathing. To be clear, I have used and still play with other gags, but they are made so that this is not an issue. Just to be thorough, I did place the ball gag part in my own mouth, but even so, I felt a momentary burst of panic.
Further, I want to say that, even though the ball isn’t particularly large at a mere one and three-quarters inches in diameter, it seemed too big for my mouth. Other people may not have this problem and might also be comfortable with it. But I want to go on the record as saying that even if this is the case, you should instead get a model that doesn’t interfere with the wearer’s ability to breathe.
Design
The Saffron Silicone Ball Gag, like other toys of its type, is designed to inhibit the wearer from speaking. On this subject, the ability to easily communicate during a BDSM session is as important as being able to take a breath. Due to this, I don’t recommend people new to BDSM play use any sort of gags.
Having said that, bottoms or submissives can clutch a small object, so if they need to speak, they just need to drop it as a way of signaling their partner. Please note that this can be an effective way to stay in touch with one another. But the time it takes for someone to drop something and their other half to realize it and take the gag out of their mouth can still be a second too long in an emergency.
Material
The Saffron Silicone Ball Gag is made from polyurethane and silicone. It features nickel-free metal fittings, including the buckle (image below) and the four grommets connecting the silicone part to the faux leather band.
Build Quality and Dimensions
The total length is around twenty-four inches or two feet. Of that, its silicone section is nearly six inches. Construction-wise, I had to admit it feels expertly made and surprisingly durable, with sturdy connectors and plenty of expert stitching.
Ease of Use
At the risk of repeating myself, I don’t believe the Saffron Silicone Ball Gag should be used by anyone who is not already extremely well versed in the risks as well as the potential hazards of BDSM play. Its mechanism is rather simple, basically just a strap and a metal buckle. But even so, unbuckling it, especially in a hurry, can take far too long. Looking the toy over, I think this is due to how, when the buckle is … well, “buckled,” releasing it takes an alarming amount of fiddling. For instance, not only do you have to push the belt back into the buckle, but you also have to keep its tang from popping back into any of its loops.
When all’s said and done, this is too much to deal with, especially when the difference is between the wearer struggling for breath and desperately needing to get the collar off them.
Versatility
The Saffron Ball Gag isn’t exactly a versatile BDSM toy as it’s expressly crafted for a single, quite obvious purpose. Another recommendation is that if you do decide to try it, remember what’s good for one person may not be good for another. Why? The answer is that mouth sizes may vary, as may the sensitivity of someone’s gag reflex. So please keep all of this in mind should you want to use it when playing with another kinkster.
Warranty and Support
Unfortunately, SheVibe doesn’t allow for exchanges or refunds. Once it leaves their warehouse, that’s pretty much it. But Sportsheets, the maker of this ball gag, might be open to replacing a defective one; you just need to contact them directly.
Minor Issues I Found During Testing
As you may have guessed, I’m not exactly a fan of this ball gag. As such, I don’t suggest anyone, notably people unfamiliar with the risks that are often associated with BDSM activities, get one. Unless, of course, they do understand and are willing and able to do whatever it takes to ensure their kinky play times are as safe as they can make them.
Review Summary
Rounding up my review, I need to be direct: I sincerely cannot give it more than a 2-star recommendation. To Sportsheet’s credit, it’s not a badly made or designed toy. Far from it, as part of it is obviously finely crafted. It’s just disappointing to see all that work put into a gag that makes the massively disappointing mistake of not providing the wearer with any way to breathe comfortably and safely.
Gags are already more than slightly risky. I just wish the company had not only recognized this and made their toy less risky to play with. But as they didn’t, it’s more than likely better for you and those you play with to instead go with another style.
Pros
- Clearly well-crafted with lots of impressive details.
- It’s without a doubt a stylish and sexy toy.
- As it’s made of non-natural materials, it’s easy to clean and maintain.
Cons
- The ball part is solid, without breathing holes.
- Not recommended for BDSM beginners.
- Its difficulty in being quickly removed is extremely problematic, particularly in an emergency.
Alternatives to the Saffron Ball Gag
Fetish Fantasy Ball Gag Training System
Here’s an excellent and, best of all, far safer gag toy! Also available from SheVibe, it comes with three differently sized balls. Better yet, all of them have breathing holes, so the wearer shouldn’t have any issues taking good, healthy breaths. Additionally, the Fetish Fantasy Ball Gag Training System’s head strap is crafted from classic, high-grade leather. However, this might make it slightly more challenging to maintain. Plus, it sells for the same price (just $25.99) for a lot more options and is made from arguably superior materials. The only possible downside is that it may not be as stylish, but it is still a brilliant option.
Fairy White & Green Breathable Silicone Ball Gag With Leather Straps By Liebe Seele
For just a smidge more money, though, with loads more gorgeous styling, this lovely turquoise ball gag is available. Like the previous toy, it’s another SheVibe product and similar; its ball features the same kind of safe breathing holes. Made from natural leather, the Fairy White & Green Breathable Silicone Ball Gag With Leather Straps By Liebe Seele is, without a doubt, one of the prettiest gags I’ve seen. Saying that, if you’re into classic black BDSM toys, it may not appeal. Though I argue it’ll certainly stand out (in a good way), whether at a regional kink event or just playing at your local dungeon
Do you want more options? We have tested many more ball gags in this article.
I’m sold! Where Can I Buy It?
Grab the Saffron Silicone Ball Gag by Sportsheets here.
Thanks for reading my Sportsheets Saffron Ball Gag review!
M.Christian
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