Is it better to go cheap or expensive?

Contributor: Kim! Kim! 11/12/2010

I'm not new to this but he is, although he's very willing to try. What are your thoughts, is it better to shell out the extra cash now or go cheap and spend the bucks later? These are the two we're debating between, which would you get? (We'll be getting more of the set but for preview purposes I'm not listing everything.)

Invited: All users.

Discussion Topics

1.
Contributor: Kim! Kim!
I mean if you were in my situation and everything.
Answers (public voting - your screen name will appear in the results):
Alicia , Sir , Lady Venus , lamira , Not here , HisLittleGirl , MeliPixie , StrawberryEve , moonlitlilly , Porfiriato , clp , Elliotstar , kawigrl , pinkcupcakes , Miss T , vegan.guy , pfoof , indiglo , *HisMrs* , A Closet Slut (aka nipplepeople) , Miss Madeline , chidoll , tigerkate , MaryExy , PiratePrincess , EvaChangeN , k3 , AOutrajus , sasweetheart89 , AgnesTrevejo , Lily Night , uu , Akira , Fleur--'-@ , Stagger13 , ichigostrawberry , NarcissisticLust , soyandapplecrisp , zracer , ichwillwaffels , ily , Jon S , PeaceToTheMiddleEast , Dnice , LoveDove , Swish , Hallmar82 , Teacookie , oneeyedoctopus , TheirPet , amazon , panthercat23 , amplified to rock , hhh , sexytileena / absolutely love sex , sexxxkitten , pestilence , Incendiaire , Deeder
59  (28%)
ToyGeek , Darling Jen , AU , Lummox , Naughty Student , DustBunny , Shellz31 , Trashley , Envy , potstickers , LavenderSkies , Lady Neshamah , dv8 , Yoda , Lio , C4ss , liilii080 , Keegski , thatonegirl , staceejaxxx , V.T.T , REDRUM , UnknownGirl , sweet seduction , ellejay , KatPawz2003 , Angel deSanguine , Red Vinyl Kitty , Lady Marmelade , Twinkies , Bill Ditchburn , Lithaewyn , sixfootsex , Madeira , (Re)tired Stripper , DCorrelle , Solar Ray , tickle me pink , The Curious Couple , meganthomas , cujo467 , Persephone Nightmare , lolsos , Judas Iscars , slynch , newfoundlust , padmeamidala , amandaco2011 , Petite Valentine , It's a Hooker! , lunapixie , Novs , FreeAsMyHair , Anjulie , Reyes , CAKES , Jackol , Howells , sexygoddess , Happy Camper , sarki , Mr. & Mrs. Peg , kelaaa33wish , jay28 , MarkShivr , SiNn , js250 , Jazz , Ghost , cobiffle , Sinfully , strawberrystwstd , LittleBird , ~KillerQueen~ , Vanessa Weiss , Steve of Eden , TameTemptress , systematicweasel , Breas , Miss Anonymous , toysforall , ToyBoy , Cherrylane , Missmarc , Mew , ThoughtsAblaze , LM , EdenJP , Misfit Momma , Talena , DreamWolf , I'mNotYourToy , Silverdrop , Adriana Ravenlust , wdanas , Jake'n'bake , Greenleaf , GONE! , CoffeeCup , mpfm , Entropy , Mia Fey , spineyogurt , underHim , Love Perpetua , Badass , melissa1973 , Ciao. , MissCandyland , Clara , novanilla , sXeVegan90 , (k)InkyIvy , Lioncub , justme23 , ellieprobable , KrissyNovacaine , hall5885 , Llahsram , Danneh , Zandrock , PassionCpl , Lovely Jubblies , BlooJay , brevado , rockblenny , J5ive , SMichelle , Dixiemomma , True Pleasures , Collogue , Mitzuki , RedKyuubi , Beck , unfulfilled , Fia , Billie Bones , Stinkytofu10 , EdenUser , Babylove09 , mastersonv , malantha , Gracefire , roskat , travelnurse , geliebt , edeneve , AliMc , gsfanatic , sexfairy , Real or memorex , bottled-diva
152  (72%)
Total votes: 211
Poll is open
11/12/2010
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Contributor: Alicia Alicia
When we're not sure about something we start in the mode medium range, which the fresh ones seem to be. They're not some cheap pair that will taint the experience by being horrible, but you're not investing so much into something that you're not sure you'll be using a lot. I think the fresh set is a nice set and something you'll get a lot of life out of.
11/12/2010
Contributor: ToyGeek ToyGeek
They both look like they'll last the long haul, and they really aren't that different in price, so I'd go with the slightly nicer pair, especially if you think you'll buy the nicer ones eventually anyway. Getting only the less expensive ones save money, but buying both wastes the entire cost of the less expensive product, which exceeds the potential savings of the first option. So, you only win the gamble by not liking the experience, in which case you're out $35 anyway, and so there is no win.

Does that make sense outside my own head?
11/12/2010
Contributor: Darling Jen Darling Jen
Though inexpensive is really is on your wallet when trying something new that you may or may not like, I really like the Jaguar Cuffs myself. And here's why:

1. Some men will refuse to wear the one with girly colors when trying out being the sub for once. Yeah, you can tell him it's just between you two and no one else will see it and that the colors don't matter. But men aren't usually logical.

2. If you decide bondage is something you LOVE after the initial testing period, the Jaguar cuffs also have a locking ability which most others don't.

3. And though the Fresh cuffs also have a buckle, I warn against any Velcro ones because they're really only good for extremely vanilla users. They will not last or tantilize like buckles will for longterm.

4. It's vegan! And red hot! *sizzle sound*

But if the cuffs are just for you and you love those fun and cute colors (especially since you can buy a kit with matching adorable colors) and you don't want the locking feature, go for it! Hope you have lotsa fun!
11/12/2010
Contributor: Sir Sir
I'm heavily into BDSM, and I say to go with the Fresh restraints. they're cute, should hold up well for any form of soft or even a bit rough play, and should last fairly well. I see that they're also padded, which is a plus! I'd go with the cheaper set for you and then, maybe one day if you want something a bit more harder, purchase the Vegan restraints as well!
11/12/2010
Contributor: Kim! Kim!
Quote:
Originally posted by Darling Jen
Though inexpensive is really is on your wallet when trying something new that you may or may not like, I really like the Jaguar Cuffs myself. And here's why:

1. Some men will refuse to wear the one with girly colors when trying out being ... more
He might be willing, he is rather secure, although I don't know that we'd ever switch. But that is an excellent point,
I do love it, he's only curious. I'm hoping that he will! I'm not a fan of velcro at all, it definitely does not appeal to me.

The Fresh set is vegan too!

But I'm pretty sure that I'm going with the Vegan Jaguar set.

Thanks!
11/12/2010
Contributor: Kim! Kim!
Quote:
Originally posted by ToyGeek
They both look like they'll last the long haul, and they really aren't that different in price, so I'd go with the slightly nicer pair, especially if you think you'll buy the nicer ones eventually anyway. Getting only the less ... more
It makes sense to me and is why I am sort of leaning toward the vegan set but I wasn't entirely certain.
11/12/2010
Contributor: Kim! Kim!
Quote:
Originally posted by Sir
I'm heavily into BDSM, and I say to go with the Fresh restraints. they're cute, should hold up well for any form of soft or even a bit rough play, and should last fairly well. I see that they're also padded, which is a plus! I'd go ... more
Oh, now you've left me a bit more conflicted! I was hoping you'd answer though.
Thanks!
11/12/2010
Contributor: ScottA ScottA
Not sure about the cuffs, but Aslan has good products and stands behind them with a warranty (and they honor their warranty as well).
11/13/2010
Contributor: Naughty Student Naughty Student
We usually go in the medium range, also, but when we know what we like and we have certain expectations, I would shell out.
11/13/2010
Contributor: DustBunny DustBunny
The second one is pricey, but not the most exspensive I've seen. They both look sturdy, but I have to say I'm far more fond of the red lorica based on looks. I know some people love bright color cuffs and I am guilty of owning white and light green double strap cuffs, but I just can't say I'm into pink and blue. They make me crave cotton candy.
11/13/2010
Contributor: SimplySynful SimplySynful
Expensive may be costly but in the long run, it often pays for itself in additional features, durability, and also safety.
11/15/2010
Contributor: lamira lamira
I haven't tried either product, but I would read the reviews, comments, ratings, and product information before deciding what it is best for your money.
11/15/2010
Contributor: Not here Not here
I couldn't tell you if the vegan jaguar cuffs are better quality, but I do have the fresh ankle restraints, and I like them a lot. They are sturdy, comfortable, and cute. I currently have the ball gag and the ankle restraints, and I have the collar and wrist restraints on the way. It totally depends on what you really want, though. I don't think you would be disappointed in either decision, so I wouldn't worry!
11/15/2010
Contributor: Trashley Trashley
The vegan ones are definitely hotter... but there's a great hogtie set on here from SportSheets that you might want to look at, too. Cheap, sexy, sturdy, and comfortable.
11/15/2010
Contributor: HisLittleGirl HisLittleGirl
I like the color scheme of the first option.
11/17/2010
Contributor: StrawberryEve StrawberryEve
They both look like they'll hold up well, they're both vegan, and they are cheaper. You don't know if he'll like being restrained or not, so you should probably save the extra money. I know the fresh snap ones are on my list.
11/26/2010
Contributor: LavenderSkies LavenderSkies
I think either will hold up very nicely
12/19/2010
Contributor: Porfiriato Porfiriato
I might go with the Fresh, simply because it is less expensive. Since he is new to the experience and might not like it, there's a possibility it might end up sitting in the drawer.
12/19/2010
Contributor: Lady Neshamah Lady Neshamah
looks like the vegan's are better made. they will hold up to a lot more use.
12/21/2010
Contributor: clp clp
If you are both already interested and anticipate it to go well, I'd say its worth investing in something nicer (either of these qualify). If you're trying something that you are unsure of, though, I'd say to start cheap. You wouldn't want to have wasted money on the venture.
12/30/2010
Contributor: liilii080 liilii080
I tend to believe you get what you pay for so if I want something that will last, I shell out a little more.
01/28/2011
Contributor: vegan.guy vegan.guy
They're both probably pretty good. I just got a set of Sport Cuffs (which I highly recomend) for $20 and they seem to be holding up quite well.
01/30/2011
Contributor: kawigrl kawigrl
I'd go with cheap, if u like it you have an extra to play with
01/30/2011
Contributor: indiglo indiglo
Quote:
Originally posted by Alicia
When we're not sure about something we start in the mode medium range, which the fresh ones seem to be. They're not some cheap pair that will taint the experience by being horrible, but you're not investing so much into something that ... more
I agree with this. When just starting out and trying something, I would go with the medium range. It's a bit safer, just in case you decide it isn't for you, but still looks like it will be fun and useful.
01/30/2011
Contributor: ScottA ScottA
Quote:
Originally posted by indiglo
I agree with this. When just starting out and trying something, I would go with the medium range. It's a bit safer, just in case you decide it isn't for you, but still looks like it will be fun and useful.
But do note that if you go too cheap you can wind up with an unsatisfactory toy that can blow the whole experience (and possibly turn you or your partner off to it).
01/30/2011
Contributor: sweet seduction sweet seduction
you get what you pay for in most instances. I go by the reviews
01/30/2011
Contributor: KatPawz2003 KatPawz2003
It all depends on what you are looking for with it. As a beginner, you may want to be able to get out easily in which case I would recomend something with velcro. You may be like I was when I first got into it and want to not be able to get out at all, in which case go with something that has a buckle or locks.

In the end I would say that the little extra money is worth it, but if you are looking at just starting to experiment and may have some hesitations then you probably want to start out with the cheeper and work your way up.

On a side note, I started out with being tied down using rope. It's a cheeper alternative that you can use while you make your decission on the cuffs
02/04/2011
Contributor: A Closet Slut (aka nipplepeople) A Closet Slut (aka nipplepeople)
I'd pick fresh ankle restraints because Eden has some very nice kits to offer with them.
02/04/2011
Contributor: Enchantedkitty Enchantedkitty
I would go cheap at first to see if you like it
04/04/2011
Contributor: tigerkate tigerkate
I'm not sure which you went with, but generally when I'm trying something new, I try not to get something TOO expensive, but I also don't want to get something that might be cheap but poor quality. I want to make sure it has good reviews and have the best chance at working for me and/or my partner.
04/05/2011
Contributor: EvaChangeN EvaChangeN
Hmmm, good info everyone Thanks!
04/10/2011
Contributor: UnknownGirl UnknownGirl
As a general rule for life, I don't care to buy "cheap" things. My feeling is, I might as well spend the extra money and buy a quality product than buy a lesser product and have it fall apart on me or otherwise not live up to expectations. If you buy Product X for $30 and several weeks later it breaks, what do you do? You go out and replace it with the more expensive, but higher quality, Product Y. If you had just bought Product Y to begin with, you'd have saved your self $30.
04/10/2011
Contributor: AOutrajus AOutrajus
the fresh ones are cute
05/05/2011
Contributor: sasweetheart89 sasweetheart89
I just really like the color of the fresh ankle restraints!
05/05/2011
Contributor: Judas Iscars Judas Iscars
Jaguar!
05/06/2011
Contributor: newfoundlust newfoundlust
Quote:
Originally posted by Kim!
I mean if you were in my situation and everything.
To me the difference in basically 12.00 is not a difference,watch for a sale here or elsewhere or build up some points here. However, in business we have a saying about quality, buy once, cry once. I can further say that higher quality typically means it works better and that it lasts far longer. This is especially true in electric devices like vibrators and is further reflected in the materials and the warranty. What do you think a manufacturer is saying with a 90 warranty versus a 1 year warranty.
05/06/2011
Contributor: amandaco2011 amandaco2011
Lots of times quality is linked to price. Make sure to read the reviews.
05/06/2011
Contributor: Petite Valentine Petite Valentine
Which ones did you decide on?
05/07/2011
Contributor: It's a Hooker! It's a Hooker!
Vegan jaguar cuffs.
05/07/2011
Contributor: uu uu
Fresh ankle restraints.
05/07/2011
Contributor: lunapixie lunapixie
Vegan jaguar cuffs.
05/24/2011
Contributor: Anjulie Anjulie
I've enjoyed all my aslan products--they last a long time!
05/24/2011
Contributor: Mr. & Mrs. Peg Mr. & Mrs. Peg
Vegan Jaguar cuffs. You get what you pay for. And they look a whole lot nicer.
06/04/2011
Contributor: SexyLilPixi SexyLilPixi
You can't take my word on the expense because I'd choose the Fresh restraints no matter. I've been lusting after those.
06/05/2011
Contributor: NarcissisticLust NarcissisticLust
Quote:
Originally posted by Kim!
I mean if you were in my situation and everything.
For cuffs, I would go sportsheet just because I'm not very into leather. So, cheap.
06/05/2011
Contributor: soyandapplecrisp soyandapplecrisp
I would say the fresh ones are more mid-tier than cheap. In my experience with cuffs no matter what, faux-leathers, leathers, plastics, etc. have a very similar feel, hold up about the same and will leave the same amount of marks from use (nothing excessive, of course). I'd say go with the more inexpensive ones for that reason, also if he's not into it do you really want to throw down the extra cash for something he may never want to use again?
06/15/2011
Contributor: SiNn SiNn
Quote:
Originally posted by Kim!
I mean if you were in my situation and everything.
I like the jag cuffs far better
06/19/2011
Contributor: js250 js250
Quote:
Originally posted by Kim!
I mean if you were in my situation and everything.
The cheaper set is still a bit over half the cost of the other set. If you are pretty sure you will keep adding to them, I would spend the money now, which means you will save later when you finish the set.
06/19/2011
Contributor: cobiffle cobiffle
jaguar looks nicer
07/06/2011
Contributor: Sinfully Sinfully
i vote vegan cuffs
07/11/2011
Contributor: strawberrystwstd strawberrystwstd
I would seriously go for the vegan cuffs if i had to chose between the two. the other pair look too cheap and i could see me pulling out the d-ring in a heartbeat, plus there is only a $20 difference. id rather wait for one more payday or go without a luxury such as going out to dinner at the buffet or going out to the movies, or whatever that "little something special" you do for yourselves might be. it would only be for a short time to go without treats and you would have what looks to be a better quality of cuff. Believe me, nothing is more annoying than equipment failure in the middle of a scene.
07/11/2011
Contributor: Vanessa Weiss Vanessa Weiss
Quote:
Originally posted by Kim!
I mean if you were in my situation and everything.
I'm a sucker for locking cuffs so that's what threw me in favor of the Jaguar cuffs. Otherwise, I think that either would be fine - both seem well-constructed for "real" bondage, and to be fair I actually love the upbeat color scheme of the "Fresh" series!
07/11/2011
Contributor: Miss Anonymous Miss Anonymous
Vegan jaguar cuffs
08/11/2011
Contributor: toysforall toysforall
Generally, I like to go somewhere in between cheap and expensive. that's usually where you get the best bang for your buck
08/11/2011
Contributor: iwantyouwantingme iwantyouwantingme
Quote:
Originally posted by Kim!
I mean if you were in my situation and everything.
If it is something that you enjoy doing then go for the more expensive ones, you already know you enjoy doing it, and even if he doesnt perhaps you can sway him from time to time to play in your fantasies and get him to use them, but when you do you want to make sure they are something you want not just satisfied with
10/17/2011
Contributor: Katastophy Katastophy
Depends on what you're buying. For sex toys, it's best to start out small in price to find out what you like, and then buy more expensive that you'll know you'll like. In this case though, I would go with the more expensive cuffs.
10/17/2011
Contributor: FemmeFlo FemmeFlo
I agree. Start out cheap to find out what you like, and then get more expensive ones when you know. But read reviews so that even when you're getting cheap toys, you know you're still getting quality toys. I like to do a search, and then sort the results by rating, then look for something in my price range.
10/20/2011
Contributor: EdenJP EdenJP
Quote:
Originally posted by Kim!
I mean if you were in my situation and everything.
Vegan jaguar cuffs
01/21/2012
Contributor: Talena Talena
I voted for the Vegan Jaguar Cuffs..the price isn't that much different so I went with the one that had a more gender neutral color.
01/21/2012
Contributor: Silverdrop Silverdrop
The price is too close for that to be your deciding factor.

If you aren't sure if he'll like bondage, just start with what you have around the house - silk scarves, the tie to a bathrobe, cling film - and then decide whether you want to upgrade to purpose built equipment.
01/30/2012
Contributor: LoveDove LoveDove
Start with whichever you like, honestly. I know you're torn, but look at the quality of the products, color, etc, and YOU decide.

Personally, I'd get the fresh cuffs, because I like pink and blue.
01/30/2012
Contributor: Greenleaf Greenleaf
To the title question: You usually get what you pay for. Just be mindful of overpriced crap that expects you to pay for a big name, and you'll be set.

As for the cuffs: They're like 5 bucks apart price-wise? I think the vegan jag cuffs look sturdier.
01/31/2012
Contributor: Entropy Entropy
Aslan makes a high quality product. I'd go with quality over quantity.
01/31/2012
Contributor: underHim underHim
go for something that will last a company with a good name
02/05/2012
Contributor: Love Perpetua Love Perpetua
I'd go with the Aslan Vegan Jaguar Cuffs. Aslan products are really high quality, and they have a lifetime guarantee (if anything ever happens to them, you can send them back for repair or replacement.)
02/05/2012
Contributor: Hallmar82 Hallmar82
I like the looks and functions the best. Price really isn't much of a factor. I like the color scheme of the Fresh cuffs better than the vegan ones in this case.
02/05/2012
Contributor: Teacookie Teacookie
I would go with the padding because I would want to avoid gettign bruises my co-workers or boss would either ask a question about, start joking or give me the knowing look.
02/05/2012
Contributor: Badass Badass
Can't beat vegan
02/11/2012
Contributor: melissa1973 melissa1973
I'd go for the cheap set for now, then once he's gotten use to them and whither or not restraint play stays in the game go for the vegan.
02/11/2012
Contributor: MissCandyland MissCandyland
Vegan jaguar
08/16/2012
Contributor: TheirPet TheirPet
If you're not sure go for the cheaper set, if you find that you like it then you can go for more expensive sets.
08/16/2012
Contributor: sXeVegan90 sXeVegan90
Vegan Jaguar Cuffs
08/16/2012
Contributor: (k)InkyIvy (k)InkyIvy
While spending a lot of money on something may make your wallet temporarily sad, going for the more expensive/higher quality item will be the better choice in the long run.
08/16/2012
Contributor: justme23 justme23
Vegan
08/16/2012
Contributor: ellieprobable ellieprobable
Quote:
Originally posted by Kim!
I mean if you were in my situation and everything.
The vegan ones are cool
08/17/2012
Contributor: KrissyNovacaine KrissyNovacaine
the vegan ones are terrible from an experienced bdsm perspective.
08/17/2012
Contributor: Zandrock Zandrock
I cant say anything about the vegan stuff from Aslan, but their leather goods are AMAZING!
08/17/2012
Contributor: BlooJay BlooJay
Vegan jaguar
08/27/2012
Contributor: brevado brevado
Definitely the Jaguar!
09/22/2012
Contributor: J5ive J5ive
jaguar cuffs
09/22/2012
Contributor: Dixiemomma Dixiemomma
definitly aslan!!! cant beat their products, plus the lifetime guarantee ....
09/22/2012
Contributor: Collogue Collogue
go for luxury!
09/22/2012
Contributor: amazon amazon
I absolutely love the pink and blue colors, so easy pick for me
09/23/2012
Contributor: Mitzuki Mitzuki
I went somewhere in the middle to start with.
09/23/2012
Contributor: panthercat23 panthercat23
With them both being about the same, I would go for the first one. That is unless your draw to the second pair is that they are vegan.
09/23/2012
Contributor: RedKyuubi RedKyuubi
Aslan makes nice stuff.
09/23/2012
Contributor: unfulfilled unfulfilled
Aslan makes wonderful items and will last a lifetime.
09/24/2012
Contributor: Billie Bones Billie Bones
The Jaguar cuffs are hot!
09/26/2012
Contributor: Stinkytofu10 Stinkytofu10
Quote:
Originally posted by Kim!
I mean if you were in my situation and everything.
Vegan jaguar cuffs
09/26/2012
Contributor: EdenUser EdenUser
Vegan Jaguar Cuffs.
10/04/2012
Contributor: sexxxkitten sexxxkitten
I like the fresh ankle restraints.
10/04/2012
Contributor: pestilence pestilence
Both are nice enough that the cheaper one should be okay, but generally when I'm buying something permanent, even if I might not like it, I buy one of the best ones so that I'm not having to buy it later and save some money in the long run.
10/26/2012
Contributor: travelnurse travelnurse
I'd go for the more expensive set, It isn't that much more and you will have them for a long time if you decide later that you like them.
10/26/2012
Contributor: geliebt geliebt
I'd go for the Vegan.. since the fresh just have velcro, they're not enough for me But that's a matter of personal opinion and what you want out of your play!
10/26/2012
Contributor: gsfanatic gsfanatic
Since it's not that much more, I'd say go vegan. That said, it could also be worth getting a $5 set of fuzzy handcuffs to start with, then finding that nice pair of leather cuffs that you like if the handcuffs are a hit
10/26/2012
Contributor: sexfairy sexfairy
Quote:
Originally posted by Mr. & Mrs. Peg
Vegan Jaguar cuffs. You get what you pay for. And they look a whole lot nicer.
yes!
10/26/2012