Lovehoney All Tied Up Beginners BDSM Kit Review
A little while ago now, Lovehoney sent me the All Tied Up set for review. There’s so much in this set that it’s taken a while to give it all a run through.
According to the blurb on the product page, this set has everything you need for first-time BDSM exploration. Let’s see shall we?
What’s in the box?
Take a deep breath, because it’s a lot of stuff, and how the manage to fit it all into the All Tied Up box is a mystery. You get…
Wrist Cuffs
Ankle Cuffs
Bindfold
Cock Ring
Finger Vibrator
Nipple Suckers
Underbed Restraints
A mini flogger
The Cuffs
Both pairs of cuffs are the same, and are very definitely new to BDSM friendly. They are Velcro fastened, meaning a secure yet easy to remove fit. The cuffs are made of tactile velour type material, and are comfortable to wear. The maximum circumference they will comfortably encompass is 16in, and the minimum around 8.5in circumference. It’s a real shame that the velcro strip only goes round one side of the cuff, as I feel there are some who this circumference may be too big for, especially on the wrist. That said, I like a relatively snug fit to my cuffs, so be warned, if you’re after a snug fit and your wrists are around 8in diameter or less, you’re not going to get it with these cuffs.
The Cuffs feature a ring to which is attached a quick release clip which probably has a technical name but is just a thumb slide clip like my family’s dog’s lead from when I was kid. It’s coated metal and is entirely not scary looking at all. The whole set up is pretty light and feels well made.
Underbed Restraint
Underbed restraints are awesome and you really should get some! This set is pretty basic but entirely functional. Basically you get 4 straps which are connected in the middle by a fifth strap. The fifth strap goes under the centre of your mattress (not under the bed itself), and the four straps go diagonally towards each corner of the bed, one for each limb. The weight of the person on the mattress keeps the whole set up in place.
Everything is adjustable, meaning you can find a fit to your bed and your person! It’s a super simple adjustment mechanism too – just like a rucksack shoulder strap. The blurb indicates it would fit a king size bed, we only own a double and it’s plenty big enough for us.
On the end of each strap is a coated metal ring – matching the cuffs.
The thing to understand about these restraint kits is that they do not pin the restrained to the bed. Sure they will prevent the person from standing up, but movement is not completely restricted, its possible to move all limbs within the range of the slack on the straps. Since they are anchored by the mattress they will also move laterally, so it’s possible for example to move your arm from our side to above your ahead while restrained (unless you’ve got the kit done up super tight). So what this offers is a really simple way to introduce restraint to your existing bedroom with very little effort.
It also has flexibility to become more restraining the kinkier you become, by tightening the straps, or by adding further restraints, such as a spreader or by connecting the straps together to further limit movement. This is why you need a set like this – it can be gentle, but it can also be wicked.
Cock ring & Finger Vibe
I’m lumping all there together because there’s not much to say about them. Both feature the same motor, which takes ikkle flat batteries, you get enough and some spare in the set. Both vibes are on/off jobbies, no frills, and both are pretty buzzy non-exciting vibes. If that’s what you like then yay, but for us they are way underpowered to achieve anything. I definitely think they’ve been added to up the quantity of items in the box and not to add much value.
But maybe I’m being unfair, this after all a beginners kit. Also, both items are nicely made and robust, especially so the cock ring, which is adjustable but bloody stiff. That’s a good thing – since it means the adjustment is less likely to unadjust in use.
The point here is, don’t let these items say your decision to buy this box – we don’t use them
Nipple Suckers
The nipple suckers, however, are really rather good. First thing to know is that they don’t suck like a mouth. The sensation here is just that of a gentle constant pull. With a little lube (and it really is a little), you squeeze the bulb, apply to nipple and let go. The lube forms a seal around the nipple, and as the bulb returns to it’s unsqueezed shape it pulls the nipple forward a little.
These are superb since the sensation adds so much to arousal and erotic experiences, and is a great way to start exploring nipple play. The fact you can adjust the suck by how hard you squeeze the bulb to start is also brilliant.
Blindfold
It’s black and it covers your eyes. Simples.
Actually it’s a little more than that. In keeping with the cuffs, the blindfold is a plushy nylon type velouresque material. This makes it relatively comfortable to wear, and also super dark. I like it, it has good possibility to become our go-to blindfold.
Flogger
I’ve saved the best for last! The flogger in the All Tied Up kit is a little bit of genius. It’s a tiny piece of kit, barely being bigger than my hand, but it has so much fun hidden within those little fronds. The fronds themselves are rubbery, and give a nice tickle when brushed across the skin. The kind of tickle that brings little goosebumps up. And with a quick flick of the wrist that tickle turns into a snap on the skin, not a harsh one, but enough of a difference to awaken the senses.
So, the flogger really is ideal for first-time BDSM exploration, just like it says on the box.
Only it actually goes a little further than that. With more than a little flick, lets call it a swipe, this flogger causes sharp stings. I’m not talking searing scream inducing welts, but something to gasp at on occasion.
The All Tied Up kit claims to be everything you need for first time BDSM exploration, and I m mostly inclined to agree; it will give you all you need for a decent taste of what bondage involves. Be warned though, you’ll want more.
You can buy your kit using this affiliate link.