Bondage Boutique Black Rose 20 inch Spreader Bar

I've never owned a spreader bar before, but I've had one on my wishlist for quite a while. When I saw this beautiful Black Rose product I knew I'd found my first. At 20 inches I thought it would be a good beginner width. Not sure if that will be comfortable for you? Put a tape measure on the floor and stand 20 inches apart (that's what I did) - you're welcome! Enough of a distance to make you feel exposed and helpless, but not so much that any muscles are straining.

The product arrives in a simple clear, plastic bag which belies the quality of the item itself. It is surprisingly light but well made. The bar is wrapped in a beautiful embossed black rose design material which feels soft but hardwearing. At each end of the bar is a black ring to which the cuffs are clipped.

The cuffs too are made from the stunning black rose material, the insides are covered in a slightly padded, very soft velvety black material and they are finished off with black satin piping. The velcro fastenings mean they are fully adjustable and will easily fit ankles and wrists of all sizes.

The cuffs themselves are very comfortable to wear. They wrap up nice and tightly, giving you that perfect feeling of security and restraint. Once strapped in, you're going nowhere but you'll be totally comfortable so it's all good.

In terms of how you use this, it's really up to you. Obviously, walking in a spreader is not a great idea (broken noses are not sexy), though it is possible to stand in this for fairly long periods - for example, while trapped in over the door cuffs. You can wear it on your back, on your front, over your shoulders, behind your back. It's actually quite helpful for certain positions during sex not to mention during spakings - just use your imagination. It's also perfectly possible to attach more, possibly longer, cuffs to restrain wrists and ankles at the same time. The whole piece has opened up a world of playtime possibilities.

If you're toying with the idea of getting your first spreader, you should totally take the plunge anyway because wearing them during play is amazing. This spreader is a great 'my first' piece - it's easy to use, absolutely gorgeous and great quality. I also have it on good authority that it looks damn sexy too. If, however, you already own a spreader but are tempted by this - treat yourself, it's beautiful.

My only slight issue is that the coating on the rings at the very end of the bar started to chip off very quickly. To the point where, after the scond use, I sat and scratched it all off to reveal the silver underneath. I would have preferred the whole thing to remain black but the silver doesn't spoil the look of the piece. Just a wee bit disappointed that it wasn't made out of the same (non-chippable) material as the rest of the metal sections.