Sutra chainlink cuffs by LELO - review by sophie2229

LELO's Sutra chainlink cuffs are an EXCELLENT choice for the cuffs-connoisseur. As a disclaimer, I'm the first to admit that my BDSM knowledge is... lacking. However I like the idea of restraint, and I like the idea of luxury. But I don't have a lot of experience in the "rougher" types of sex (relatively speaking). It seems like LELO had me in mind when making this product! The chain links in the cuff gives them a more intense look, while the suede and silk softens their appearance. I wouldn't use these on rougher play/anything that can damage or dirty the silk and suede; but they can withstand a good degree of force.

The Sutra shines in this respect. Really shines. Each soft suede cuff (seriously, it's some of the softest suede I've ever felt) is attached via chain (and D ring) to a satin band. The chain is durable, yet light. And the D-rings are stitched in quite well. If you look closely, you'll see that they were stitched in multiple times over.

On the outer face of the cuff is a silk band which seems to be more for aesthetics. However it allowed for the seamless integration of the D-rings on the actual cuff (no pun intended). The inside of the cuff is lined with a smooth black silk. The color of this lining will depend on the cuff you order.

Aside form the materials, the absolute best part of these cuffs is the sizing/chain. For people with small or medium sized wrists, the cuffs can be set tight enough so that the user can't escape, or loose enough so that they can. These cuffs should also fit larger wrists. Personally, I like to set the cuffs on their loosest setting. By pulling them taught, the cuffs stay on. And I love the idea that I could slip out of them.

Now this is the hard part. I'd say they perform very well, however if you're looking for heavy duty cuffs that would actually withstand harsh treatment, I'd look elsewhere. Yes they are strong, and yes they'll withstand a decent amount of tugging, but these cuffs were meant to feel like a luxury, not like a punishment.

That being said, these cuffs perform excellently. I haven't used them with a partner, but I've worn them for extended periods. And if I were to use them with a partner, I'd use them in a similar way (ie as wrist cuffs). When I wore them on my ankles (which are probably closer to the "average" sized wrist), they were still comfortable. However I do think that my ankles were pulling the cuffs a *little* too much. These cuffs are very strong, and very well made, but I did get the feeling that if I pulled them at full leg-strength, they'd break. Needless to say, I didn't try. I'd take care to try to avoid rubbing them against surfaces. Getting them wet is also not a good idea as neither silk nor suede is waterproof.

I can't speak for cleaning these myself, I'm trying to put that off for as long as possible. But since the cuffs are suede, you can probably use a suede cleaner... or a dry cleaner? I keep the cuffs in its original packaging. It's essential that you keep these cuffs covered because they collect fuzzies and dust. These non-air particles can be especially visible on the black suede. I usually brush and pick them off before I store them.

The cuffs came in traditional LELO packaging - a black cardboard box in a paper box. The box was much smaller than I expected, although that's probably because the vibrator boxes are larger because they contain wires etc. This box is really the perfect size. It doesn't have any excess space, and it doesn't skimp on quality.

It's definitely discreet, although the outer box does have a (tasteful) picture of the cuffs.

Compared with the Leatherbeaten cuffs (Dragon Silk Restrains and Silk Sashay Cuffs), I would say that these are softer, and they feel a little bit more luxurious. But They're completely different items. The Leatherbeaten cuffs feel more substantial, mostly because of the foam inserts. And I'd say that they're a little sturdier. Although I love them all.