The Great Harness Debate.

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The Great Harness Debate.

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Contributor: Dawn (Lilac Distraction) Dawn (Lilac Distraction)
My boss and I were having a discussion about the selection of harnesses we carry. We have your regular cheap sets and a couple of Vac-U-Lock harnesses. I told him we should have a couple more ring harnesses in different styles. He told me that ring harnesses weren't popular at all and that's why we have one super cheap one. I was surprised by this, as my preference leans toward ring. He mentioned that Vac-U-Lock is the most popular style out there because of the wide range of attachments you can buy.

So, EF, what is your preference?
Answers (public voting - your screen name will appear in the results):
Breas , padmeamidala , Owl Identified , Kindred , meganthomas , Jul!a , Rockin' , eggiweg , SongOfASiren , CoffeeCup , Bignuf , Howells , MeliPixie , Diabolical Kitty , The Curious Couple , SerenityRed , Liz2 , married with children , clp , bend over hottie , A Closet Slut (aka nipplepeople) , Shellz31 , Sohotdinosaur , toysforall , EvilHomer , aliceinthehole , Pixel , Rawhide , Pi , - Kira - , Silverdrop , toxie m , EdenJP , Entropy , Rod Martini , Beck , Masokisti , InnocentISwear , slynch , Chirple , DeliciousSurprise , sealoque53a , razmataz , elli , ghalik , Loriandhubby , hall5885 , mmmmm , theavocadopit , Leo.boi , Thegreatmicah , ellejay , Rey , britanny0620 , rms1992 , Peg , MistressDandelion , Melan!e , Mikemanz , gothikstars , QAZWSX , tunacan75 , Robespierrethecat , Missmarc , Marie Hanna , LoneOokami , Mr. E , spiced , KrissyNovacaine , mdnght , marmouse , Yellow Dog , Herzer , sXeVegan90 , Hallmar82 , Alex Time , Ganconagh , Soundside46
78  (95%)
AngelvMaynard
1  (1%)
Wondermom , silversnowleopardess , Gyrator
3  (4%)
Total votes: 82
Poll is open
08/15/2011
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Contributor: GingerAnn GingerAnn
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She wants to peg me with a thigh harness. I was looking at this one: link Any thoughts, recommendations or advice? Also, will this feel good or...
08/15/2011
Contributor: Dawn (Lilac Distraction) Dawn (Lilac Distraction)
I prefer ring-style harnesses because they seem more versatile. When comparing the designs of each, the ring-style seems so much prettier. I'm turned off by the high-rise panty look of most of the Vac-U-Lock harnesses. As for attachments, the ring-style, in my opinion, has a lot more options out there. Pretty much anything with a flat base can be used, and they're also able to support strapless strap-ons.
08/15/2011
Contributor: Kindred Kindred
We prefer to use O ring harnesses because we can use any dildo with a compatible base, including double ended. I have never investigated beyond what EF carries, but the Vac-U-Lock dildos are limited.
08/15/2011
Contributor: AngelvMaynard AngelvMaynard
I say Vac-U-Lock because it's the only kind I've ever had. Funny, I just wrote a review on the Doc Johnson Ultra Harness 3000, waiting for it to post. I've been thinking about my strap on for the last hour! Hahaha
08/15/2011
Contributor: Jul!a Jul!a
I prefer o-ring harnesses because I don't have to worry about making sure it's a Vac-U-Lock, I just have to make sure that the base is the right size.
08/15/2011
Contributor: Rockin' Rockin'
I haven't tried Vac-u-lock harnesses, but I like my o-ring style harnesses. I especially like that in a lot of cases you can swap out the o-ring for a larger or smaller one to suit the cock you're strapping on.
08/15/2011
Contributor: Dawn (Lilac Distraction) Dawn (Lilac Distraction)
I've even gone so far as to point out the Tantus and Basix toys that are harness compatible that are hanging on the walls.

I do think my boss listened to me. I saw the Bare As You Dare harness on the order, but that's not really what I was referring to when I was talking to him.

Now that I do some of the ordering, I think I'm going to throw a few on. I had a customer yesterday who was ranting about the Vac-U-Locks being too expensive and how we didn't have anything he wanted to go with them.
08/15/2011
Contributor: Bignuf Bignuf
Quote:
Originally posted by Dawn (Lilac Distraction)
My boss and I were having a discussion about the selection of harnesses we carry. We have your regular cheap sets and a couple of Vac-U-Lock harnesses. I told him we should have a couple more ring harnesses in different styles. He told me that ring ... more
There are some wonderful ring harnesses. Vac U Lock toys are all so BIG..it is why we bought a whole bunch..and never use them.
08/15/2011
Contributor: MeliPixie MeliPixie
I think most people here would agree that a ring-style harness is great because you can use any, ANY dildo with a base, and they are versatile because most styles of ring harness allow for the wearer to also be penetrated by something at the same time. I find that most people don't go for the Vac-U-Lock anymore because while being quite high quality for the most part, you are limited to the selection of toys that HAVE the built-in Vac-U-Lock system. I suggest showing this thread to your boss, considering how many votes there are for the ring style compared to Vac-U-Lock!
08/15/2011
Contributor: Diabolical Kitty Diabolical Kitty
Ring style better. I like being able to move between different styles.
08/15/2011
Contributor: The Curious Couple The Curious Couple
Ring style is definitely better.
08/15/2011
Contributor: Dawn (Lilac Distraction) Dawn (Lilac Distraction)
Quote:
Originally posted by MeliPixie
I think most people here would agree that a ring-style harness is great because you can use any, ANY dildo with a base, and they are versatile because most styles of ring harness allow for the wearer to also be penetrated by something at the same ... more
This is actually one of my reasons for creating it. I mean, EF wouldn't carry so many ring harnesses if people didn't like them!

We've had two Vac-U-Lock's sitting here for ages.
08/15/2011
Contributor: Liz2 Liz2
Definitely O ring. I started with a basic cheap panty kinda harness which was useless except for posing. I need stability which the O ring types provide.
I am not sure, but I don't think Vac-U-Lock uses silicone dils?
08/16/2011
Contributor: ScottA ScottA
Look at the number of quality silicone dildos available for either set up. Vac-U-Lock: about 6 (assuming 100% silicone, which I think they are), O-ring: more than 85 (probably more than 100, but I'm too lazy to count them all).

The better O-ring harnesses also tend to be better built than the Vac-U-Locks. The downside is that with all better-quality things they're more expensive, so they might not sell as well. Still, one or two decent mid-range harnesses from Sportsheets or Aslan (Commando is around $60) should be worth stocking, as well as some nice Tantus, Vixen or Fun Factory dildos to go along with them.

All this assumes that you as a store owner as well as your customers look at harnesses as tools rather than mere "gag gifts". If you only sell them as gag gifts then stocking a cheapo plastic Vac-U-Lock makes sense, as few people will spend the $60+ for a good harness/dildo combo on a mere gag gift.
08/16/2011
Contributor: toysforall toysforall
I agree that the o ring is better simply because of the larger number of silicone dildos as scott mentioned. thanks!
08/17/2011
Contributor: Rawhide Rawhide
Rings all the way! Rubber for functionality, steel for style
08/25/2011
Contributor: Silverdrop Silverdrop
Vac-u-lock limits you to Doc Johnson, and too many Doc Johnson dildos smell bad.
01/02/2012
Contributor: EdenJP EdenJP
Quote:
Originally posted by Dawn (Lilac Distraction)
My boss and I were having a discussion about the selection of harnesses we carry. We have your regular cheap sets and a couple of Vac-U-Lock harnesses. I told him we should have a couple more ring harnesses in different styles. He told me that ring ... more
ring style
01/02/2012
Contributor: Entropy Entropy
Ring for versatility.
01/03/2012
Contributor: Rod Martini Rod Martini
i have to agree with everyone else, and go ring for variety.
01/03/2012
Contributor: Chirple Chirple
Back when I was looking, I hardly even considered Vac-U-Lock. None of the dildos really appealed to me whereas an o-ring base give you tons of options and doesn't limit you to what seems like mostly hyper-realistic stuff.

Just think of an average guy wanting to try out pegging but maybe a little insecure or just not into the idea of realistic dildos in his butt. Many lesbians who'd prefer not to have that hyper-real cock, either.

I guess it depends on your market, but if there's a market for using harnesses, I think having unintimidating, less-phallic options can only be good for business. But it really depends on the market.
01/07/2012
Contributor: silversnowleopardess silversnowleopardess
We used to use a ring harness, but now we don't use one at all.
01/09/2012
Contributor: Gyrator Gyrator
We think there is a big gap in the market for a harness for the Feeldoe/Share type of dildo. So many people, like us, find that these dildos offer the best stimulation for the woman but do require a harness to work well. Unfortunately, a through hole ring harness isn't perfect because it can be tricky to deal with inserting the bulb with the dildo threaded through the harness but even more tricky to thread the ring of the harness over the dildo once the bulb is inserted. And then again the ring actually does not help the harness pull on the dildo right for best support.

In the end we made our own ringless harness that is like a low-cut thong but held up with a full waist-band. This provides the support needed to keep the bulb in place and keep the saddle of the toy against the clit. It is easy to put on - just like slipping a pair of panties on. I think you would have some commercial success if you offered something like this.
01/17/2012
Contributor: Loriandhubby Loriandhubby
Quote:
Originally posted by Dawn (Lilac Distraction)
I've even gone so far as to point out the Tantus and Basix toys that are harness compatible that are hanging on the walls.

I do think my boss listened to me. I saw the Bare As You Dare harness on the order, but that's not really what I ... more
I love the Bare As You Dare harness. And I love O ring harnesses because you can choose any dildo with a base to use with it.

I bought an expensive leather one and I only used it once. The Bare As You Dare harness is my favorite because the strap rubs my clit when I'm pegging Hubby. Therefore, when I use it I can have a bit of pleasure also.

From my experiance, talking to bosses can be dificult. Unfortantly, they tend to think they have the know about everything and are not very open to sugestions. Maybe you could point out this post to him.

I get totally frustrated when I shop at an adult toy store in Tenn. It is a huge place but the selection is limmited on harnesses and glass toys. I think the owners tend to lean more twords other products and don't really think a wide selection of other items is cost effective or something.

I'm so glad I found EF. No more long trips to the boarder; it was not like we went a lot though. Maybe twice to find some lube and Hubby wanted a few movies. IDK why he likes movies enought to drive 4 hours to find. But honestly, I think he enjoyed the long drive down the parkway the most. *smiles*

Good luck with your boss.
05/20/2012
Contributor: theavocadopit theavocadopit
Quote:
Originally posted by Dawn (Lilac Distraction)
My boss and I were having a discussion about the selection of harnesses we carry. We have your regular cheap sets and a couple of Vac-U-Lock harnesses. I told him we should have a couple more ring harnesses in different styles. He told me that ring ... more
05/23/2012
Contributor: theavocadopit theavocadopit
Quote:
Originally posted by theavocadopit
05/23/2012
Contributor: Rey Rey
Quote:
Originally posted by Kindred
We prefer to use O ring harnesses because we can use any dildo with a compatible base, including double ended. I have never investigated beyond what EF carries, but the Vac-U-Lock dildos are limited.
+1
vac-u-lock is too limiting
05/31/2012
Contributor: britanny0620 britanny0620
I've never tried a vac-u-lock, but I enjoy ring harnesses. I'd have to try the vac-u-lock before being able to give an accurate answer
05/31/2012
Contributor: Peg Peg
We actually started out with a vac-u-lock harness and eventually wound up with two. We also have a ring style harness as well. The ring harness provides more dildo options and is more comfortable for her since the plug base of the vac-u-lock can be uncomfortable during hard thrusting, it hits the pubic bone. The other thing about the vac-u-lock is the base of the dildo is wider due to the plug and it does not give at all which again can cause discomfort for the receiver during deep thrusts. All that being said we have used one of the vac-u-lock harnesses as a "ring style" harness by removing the plug base. The style of that harness works well with out double ended dildo and fits comfortably. In summary the vac-u-lock served as an introduction to strapon play but if it is going to become a more regular activity (as it has for us) then a ring style harness is a better option.
10/22/2012