Soft cuffs by Sportsheets - review by Antipova

Sportsheets Soft Cuffs are an excellent entry-level cuff: they are well-made and they will hold up to a lot of pulling or straining, but a reluctant sub will be comforted by the knowledge that (s)he could pull open the Velcro closures at any time. They are non-threatening in appearance, as well, and they are surprisingly comfortable.

The Soft Cuffs are designed to link wrists together, but with a bit of creativity they can also be used in concert with an under-the-bed restraint system, or in almost any non-load-bearing configuration that strikes your fancy.

Given the price of the Soft Cuffs, I was not expecting a product that would hold up to much. I was pleasantly surprised when I received them---the stitching is straight and strong, the fabric is comfortable, and I expect these will last well even with lots of use. The only place I suspect they will wear is the underside of the cuff, which might mat from repeated contact with the wiry Velcro.

The Soft Cuffs are simply designed: a velour-type soft fabric, strengthened by a bike-helmet strap, wraps around the arm and is secured by Velcro. All the cross-grain stitching is double-stitched for strength and durability. The edges of the Soft Cuffs have been made well, and do not look like they will ever fray. At the center of each cuff, a metal hasp (similar to a sturdy, broad key ring) is threaded between the bike-helmet strap and the soft fabric. A freely rotating clasp is attached to one hasp, and it will snap on to the other hasp to latch the cuffee's wrists together.

Although Sportsheets does not mention on their packaging or website what exactly these cuffs are made of, I would assume that they are vegan-friendly, but that the metal is probably not nickel-free. The metal will not be in constant contact with skin, however.

The Soft Cuffs will fit nearly every user. Your wrists could be as small as 12cm(4.75in) circumference and the Velcro would still make contact; they could be as large as 25cm (9.75 in) before any Velcro would touch your skin. These fit my wrists and those of my partner with lots of Velcro left over. I tried them on my Clydesdale ankles for good measure, and they still closed comfortably. (Don't try to walk while your ankles are linked together!)

Our pink Soft Cuffs have seen a lot of action since they first arrived---for a couple dipping their toes into light bondage, these cuffs are an ideal restraint for trying out many new things. A person's hands can be bound in front or behind their body, if an extra clasp is enlisted the arms can be spread. Coupled with a matching blindfold, any sensory or kinky play you can dream up can be acted out.

I am especially glad that the clasp between the cuffs can rotate fully, so your hands will not need to stay in the same position the whole time you're cuffed up. The soft lining seems as though it would absorb sweat if you're using these in a warmer climate---I'm writing this review in April, though, so I can't say for sure.

Again, escape-artist subs will make quick work of the Velcro closures, but this drawback for experienced players is a boon for those whose partners may not want to be immobilized right out of the gate. The Soft Cuffs are so comfortable and easy to travel with (and the price is so low) that even the experienced might want to pick up a set to keep for spur-of-the-moment use.

While the packaging doesn't describe care for the Soft Cuffs, I believe that spot-cleaning them with a damp rag will be your best option if they get dirty. The stitching does seem to be secure, so if these cuffs were ever in need of a deep cleaning I would feel safe putting them in a lingerie bag in the washing machine (after removing the metal hasps), though to keep the fibers nice I would let them drip dry.

The soft cuffs fold up and lay flat, so I can keep them in the pencil drawer of my desk easily. They could be tucked inside a pillowcase or between a mattress and a box-spring for quick access, as well.

Sportsheets' Soft Cuffs come in a thin cardboard sleeve. The packaging makes it quite clear that there are cuffs inside. I won't be keeping the sleeve for storage, but it is recyclable.

If these cuffs were sold at double their price, they would be a completely solid four star product---for an American-made product of this impressive quality at this low price point, they've earned their five stars. Sportsheets has earned our appreciation, and as my partner and I expand our light bondage horizons, we will look for their products first.