Tub cuffs - wrist cuffs by Rachel's Pleasures - review by Hotflashes & Wetdreams

Hooray for Rachel! These tub cuffs/wrist restraints are such a wonderfully simple idea, but with so many possibilities. The materials are simple – large suction cups and nylon and Velcro wrapping restraints that fit wrists or ankles. The restraints are wide enough to feel substantial, and the Velcro allows a tight wrap. The cups stick firmly to any flat, slick surface. Tubs and showers, yes, but also floors, counters, mirrors, some table tops, and probably cars, although, honestly, I’ve not tried that yet. Removing the suction cups is easy – simply pull the small tab to release their hold and your restrainee is free, though why you would want to do that when you could keep playing with these cuffs is beyond me.

I first used the cuffs in the bedroom, where I’d been frustrated for months by not being able to see my partner’s face when I was flogging or spanking her. Looking at these cuffs on Eden, my mind wandered to her double-wide mirrored sliding closet doors. “If they stick,” I thought, “they’ll be perfect.” They did, and they were. I attached her wrists at a lovely spread from her body, a good stretch but not directly overhead so I could keep her bound longer without worrying about her circulation. Once I made sure she was securely fastened, I started playing with my various flogging toys, and being able to watch her face, to match how she moved to the sounds I knew so well, was so delicious. And instructive, as I was receiving much more feedback about toys and the relative strength of my blows. Being able to watch myself didn’t hurt either, as I could practice both my targeting and my zeitgeist. When we finished and I released her, her mirror held face and belly prints; she was so happy with our play session that she didn’t clean them off for weeks.

We’ve also used these once in the shower, which was also fun. The range of positioning is wonderful — I had her against the back wall, in a corner, and standing across the shower with a hand bound to either side. I wish I’d had a second set for her ankles, to give her the experience of being truly held in place. Depending on what you like to do in the shower, two sets could also firmly secure someone on her/his knees. While we didn’t try fucking that particular day, the cuffs are definitely secure enough to hold hands or feet in various inviting positions.

A few caveats from my play. The small rope that connects the cuffs to the suction cups does not have a sturdy connection, and can pull out after repeated, hard play. It can, however, be replaced with a stronger material of your choice. When playing, I found it easiest to first put on the restraints and then attach the suction cup; this let me close them more firmly. I also found that when I had my partner’s palms facing the suction cups, she could reach the small tabs that release their hold. She paid for that discovery, but it is very good to know. While playing in the shower, I found the suction cups hard to attach firmly to tiles that were already wet; the cup on the glass door held firm, but the cup on the wet tile kept sliding. Tiles with rough, natural, or uneven surfaces may not work with these cuffs as the suction seal will not be strong.

Overall, however, these are fun, versatile, sturdy, and supportive of many imaginative activities. I definitely recommend them, and may yet buy a second set. They are also lightweight and easy to pack, making them great vacation toys, much easier to carry than leather restraints and a spreader bar. Get some, and go play!

As I've tried to use these in different settings, I've run up against their limitations. They don't hold very firmly, such that a sub can pull them off by squirming, even without meaning to. And the connection between the cuffs and the suction cups, a single thin cord, is simply too cheaply constructed.

I still love the idea of the toy, though, especially the ability to secure my submissive to a full length mirror so I can watch her facial expressions. So now I'm looking for a similar design that's designed better. Ideas?