X-tree collar by ASLAN Leather - review by Sir

Another collar review? Yes, but I just couldn't resist. The X-tree Collar is a leather collar made by Aslan Leather that I personally just love. With its spikes and locking buckle, it's got a great mixture of bite and sweetness. I find it to be perfect for pet play, but it's also great for people who enjoy the look of it or want a high quality collar. It's a collar that turns that growling dog of yours into a whimpering puppy faster than you can snap a lock through the loop on the buckle.

The collar is made entirely out of leather; the only thing that isn't are the hardware and spikes. Aslan Leather always uses the highest quality materials, and their leather is just luxurious. The inner layer that touches the wearer's skin is nice and soft, but the buckle strap is a thick, firm leather that keeps the collar sturdy and in place. It's great that Aslan made it this way because the collar is very flexible and form-fitting; it isn't hard to adjust, and it doesn't press against the skin in an uncomfortable way.

Along the length of the buckle strap are nine 1/2" spikes. I'm not sure why there isn't an even number of spikes, but they still look good and are all centered. Between the fifth and sixth spice is the triangle ring and the o-ring attached to that. The o-ring has a 1 1/2" diameter, which is both for looks (I love the look of big, bulky o-rings) and for leash attachment. Having the triangle ring connected to the buckle strap makes the o-ring lay flat against the wearer instead of it protruding from their body; it's much more comfortable this way. The hardware is nickel-plated steel, so make sure to keep that in mind before purchasing if you have any allergies. If you do have an allergy to nickel, don't let that keep you from purchasing the collar. You can always coat the o-ring in clear nail polish so that it won't irritate the skin when it makes contact.

In addition to the o-ring in the front of the collar, there is also a small d-ring next to the buckle. This can be used to pull the remaining length of the buckle strap through, if there is any. In terms of sizing, the X-tree Collar is a total of 19 1/2" when laid flat. There are six slits for adjustment, each placed 1/4" apart. It should fit most necks, but if it doesn't, there's an extra inch on the end of the buckle strap that you can cut a slit into for more sizing options. It fit me with some room on the smallest adjustment and my play partner snugly on the second.

After seeing this collar on my play partner, I've decided that it really would look best on a person who enjoys pet play—specifically puppy play. It really has that dog-like look to it, and I'm pretty sure that it's because of both the thickness of the collar and the spikes. Since I've been getting more into puppy play lately, this wasn't a negative. And of course, even though that's what I feel it reminds me most of, that's not necessarily true for others. The collar stands up to a lot of tugging and pulling, so it's sure to last a lifetime (and even if it doesn't, there's always Aslan Leather's wonderful lifetime guarantee). Regardless of being strong and tough, the collar is still soft enough for the wearer to not become uncomfortable during its use. It may become a bit sticky with sweat, but not so much that it will be a distraction.

Cleaning leather is not really difficult, but it does require some upkeep. If the wearer sweats, you'll want to wipe it down with a damp cloth and dry it thoroughly before putting it away. Leather conditioner and cleaner always works in the upkeep of leather. The collar doesn't come packaged in anything, but it does have a tag attached that includes a little bit of cleaning information and Aslan Leathers's lifetime guarantee. For more information, you can always go to their website.

So is the X-tree Collar worth its cost of $53? I would have to say yes, yes, and yes. I love all of Aslan Leather's products—down to their welded metal rings, to their high quality, wonderful smelling leather. It's a great collar to own, is very comfortable during use, and it certainly has never let me down. It can last years upon years of use when given proper care and love. For that special puppy, submissive, or person in your life, get the X-tree Collar—you'll love it just as much as I do.