50 Shades of….Cuff Me and “Scandalize” Me! a review of the Scandal Spreader Bar
If you read erotic novels, you doubtless have read about spreader bars, and how once someone is attached to this naughty little device, she is rendered helpless, with
legs apart and held open not just for her partner’s viewing pleasure, but so that he can do whatever it is that he wishes to her. With the spreader bar in place, she cannot close her legs and resist him. Of course, a spreader bar is also a device specially designed to permit the lifting and handling of containers or vehicles and breakbulk cargo, but we are not talking about THAT kind of spreader bar!
The idea of adding a spreader bar to your sex play can seem naughty and fun or perhaps a bit scary, depending upon your point of view and the level of trust you have in your partner. But if you’re open minded enough to play along, the use of a spreader bar can add an entirely new dimension to your bedroom activities (even if you’re not really into BDSM).
I admit that I hadn’t seen a spreader bar up close and personal before California Exotic novelties sent Leather and Lace Spice the Scandal™ Spreader Bar for review. I had no idea how the three pieces of what are essentially, beautifully decorated metal piping, went together, or how you would actually attach someone to it. Then I realized that in order to use the spreader bar, you need to have cuffs as well (see below).
This particular spreader bar has a width about the size of a flute or recorder, adjustable from 24”/61 cm up to 36”/91.5 cm. The three nickel-free iron bars, loops and pins seem quite substantial, and they are designed for use with most cuffs (assuming you have some already, otherwise I suggest the ones that have the same design as this spreader bar to complete the set, see below). Two of the bars are wrapped in double-stitched polyester fabric on a rich deep red paisley design on a black background that would not be out of place in a bordello. Also included are two O-rings to secure the spreader to the width you have selected. Ours were silver, which I didn’t think made much sense since the rest of the metal is black. The photo also shows black O-rings. Since the bar is in three parts, it is easy to store it. In all fairness, if you don’t move, the O rings are secure enough, but if you move around, those O rings will pop out since there is nothing to keep them in place (e.g. unike a cotter pin, there is no additional lock on the bottom of the pin). This might be a safety measure. since once someone is tethered to a spreader bar, it is very difficult to move, but it also might be a safety concern, since any kind of rapid movement will dislodge the pins and therefore, the person attached to the spreader bar.
There are many ways you can use spreader bars in your bedroom play, but you will need at least one set of cuffs for the ankles and if you want to tether both arms and legs, another set for the wrists. Universal cuffs (also sold on California Exotic Novelties) works well with this spreader bar because they have the same fabric pattern as the spreader bar and they’re velcro for an adjustable fit and easy on/off. This particular set of Universal cuffs obviously is meant for the Scandal line of BDSM items, but of course, you can use them any way you want with or without the spreader bar, with other spreader bars, and with other toys, too The cuffs adjust up to 14”/35.5 cm and are totally adjustable with Velcro® style closures for use on wrists or ankles. I didn’t actually get the cuffs, so I can’t personally comment on them, but they are described as: “soft and plushy on one side, with designer fabric on the other” with universal clasps and O-rings with swivel design. The fabric is the same polyester as what is wrapped around the spreader bar, with Velcro®) PP (straps) , Nickel-Free Iron (rings) and Nickel-Free Alloy (clasp).
If you’re not really into BDSM but want to try a bit of “50 Shades” at home, this is an easy (and attractive) way to have some fun without getting too intense!
One thing I don’t find appealing about spreader bars I have used in the past is the clanking noise from the bar’s eye hooks to what ever is used to attach it to the ankle cuffs D-ring. I found a bar on Etsy that solved that problem by putting rubber grommets in the eye hooks, it reduces play and the clanking noise during “hard” use.
thank you for sharing!