Toys, et al. (in alphabetical order)
Anal Beads—similar to vibrators, except they are like “beads on a string.” They are inserted & then yanked out, either slowly or quickly, to generate an erotic feeling in the wearer.
Anal Plugs—anal plugs are similar to dildos & vibes, except they are structured for the anal cavity: they have a narrower top & a flared base to prevent complete insertion of the toy into the anal cavity. When it comes to anal play, ensure you start small & slow (increase time incrementally), use ample lube & keep the plugs clean.
BenWa Balls—ben wa balls, also known as “smart balls” are metal balls with an off-set weight that causes them to continually move and bump against eachother if inserted in a vagina. When the bump occurs, a vibration to the vagina occurs, causing the erotic sensation. Smart balls are similar to ben wa balls, but are coated in a silicone exterior & connected, to allow easier placement & removal. Either can be worn for extended periods of time, making them a favorite of many Dominants.
Blindfold—blindfolds are one of the simplest, most intense sensory deprivation methods. A simple blindfold can be made with a scarf, a more complex one, leather & fur lined, can be purchased. The more complex the blindfold, the more intense the sensory deprivation may be.
[B]Bondage Equipment (basic materials)—sheets, tape, ropes, etc. are all commonly used materials to provide a bondage play experience. The most common mistake is not ensuring the bondage material is removable from the person’s body without causing damage. Make sure to use bondage tape (rather then duct tape), and know what types of materials (if any) the person’s skin may be allergic or sensitive to. It is imperative to ALWAYS have a pair of scissors nearby to be able to immediately cut off the bondage if necessary! Safety first!
Bondage Equipment (large scale—cages, St.Andrew’s Cross, saw horse, spanking benches)— often used during scening or playing to enhance the session. These items most commonly are found in dungeons, though individuals have been known to own and/or make them.
Clamps—most commonly used on the nipples, labia, cock or balls, clamps come in a variety of sizes, shapes and intensities. Beginners should start with a basic pair, such as tweezer clamps, which are adjustable once on, and do not apply as much pressure as more advanced clamps, such as pinpoint clamps. It is important to remember to start slowly—clamp 2-5 minutes the first time, and increase slowly thereafter until the body gets adjusted to the sensation. If the area clamped ever gets cold or discolored, the clamps should be immediately removed. Clamps should never be left in place longer then an hour or two, or permanent damage may arise.
Clothespins—can be either wooden or plastic, and are used all over the body to create the effect of clamping but over a longer surface area of the body.
Cock Ring—worn around the base of the cock, a cock ring is meant to provide restrictive blood flow to the cock—much as nipple clamps provide restrictive blood flow to the nipples. Similar safety concerns should be taken into account: cock rings should not be worn for extended periods of time, and some blood flow must occur to prevent damage.
Cuffs—made from anything from ropes to fur-lined leather, and worn on the wrists, ankles, thighs, or arms, cuffs are used as bondage restraints. It is important to not tie/close the cuffs to tight, but instead ensure ample blood supply to the areas beyond the cuff; watch for cold extremities, or changes in skin color, both of which symbolize a lack of blood supply to the area.
Dildos—dildos are usually similar in shape & structure to vibrators, but lack a vibration and are generally more flexible.
Harness—a harness can be worn by male or female submissives or Dominants. Harnesses range from hand-made shibari-type rope harnesses to full body leather harnesses. Some harnesses are made or modified to interact with other bondage equipment or toys. It is important to provide proper circulation to all body areas, so a harness shouldn’t be so tight that it is unable to allow proper blood flow.
Hitatchi—a type of very intense, high powered, corded vibrator. A Hitatchi vibe is sometimes defined as “the utopia of vibrators.” However, some caution should be taken when using such a vibrator: it heats up quite quickly, is extremely powerful, and over-use may cause a loss of sensation to the area.
Lube—there are many types of lube: silicone, water-based, glycerin, anal, etc. The best type of lube is silicone because it lasts the longest without any adverse effects. However, never use silicone lube with silicone toys: it will cause the destruction of the toy via melting. The downside to silicone lube is that it tends to be more expensive: though the expense can be outweighed by the fact that so little is needed over a longer period of time then any other lube. Water based lubes include both glycerin and non-glycerin lubes. Glycerin is a sugar which thickens lube to allow it to last longer during play. However, excessive amounts of glycerin-containing lubes over a long period of time without proper hygienic cleaning post-play can lead to a change in pH for a woman. Non-glycerin water-based lubes are much thinner & need to be applied less frequently, but don’t tend to have any of the chemicals or substances in them that sometimes cause irritation to sensitive skin. Anal lubes should be used whenever anal play occurs, because they are thicker, last longer and make anal play more pleasurable. There are also warming lubes, which have varying effects on people; lastly there are flavored lubes, which focus more on providing a good flavor then a good lubrication.
Ropes—one of the oldest, most prevalent forms of bondage equipment. Ropes can be used for a variety of activities—from simple handcuffs or hogties, to full suspension. It is important to use the right rope for the right task: ask experienced players before engaging in rope bondage activities! If the rope you use is the wrong material or size, it can restrict blood circulation too much or cut into the person’s skin. The best type of rope for general usage is a nylon braid, anywhere from 3/8” to 5/8”—most commonly used is ˝”. For suspension bondage, other rope is required!
Severe Restrictive Bondage (Vacuum bed, Mummification/Encasement)—requires great skill & experience before practice! Severe restrictive bondage results in the person being fully or mostly fully encased in something, unable to move of their own free will. Exercise safety precautions, and be sure to know how to do it before trying! This is one of those types of play most often best left to fantasy…
Spreader bar—normally used between the ankles to create spreading of the legs. It can either be velcroed to the ankles with Velcro ankle cuffs, or hooked to leather ankle cuffs with d-rings or similar hook devices.
Strap On—a strap on is most commonly used in female-female play, but is also used in female-male and other play combinations. A strap on is a harness, most often secured around the waist and thighs, that supports a dildo. The dildo, simulating a cock, is then used as such during play.
Suspension—can range from arms being suspended above the head by cuffs & a hook, to full rope suspension, encapsulating the person. Suspension requires a specific skill set & should not be tried by beginners unless under the supervision of a more experienced player. Suspension requires a lot of safety measures to be taken, including something soft laid under the suspension area, spotters, and a short time span where the person is actually fully suspended.
Vibrator—vibrators (vibes) vary from 0.5” to 5-6” in diameter, and 1” to 10+” in length. It is best to start small & to explore which type of vibrator you enjoy—some are multi-hole, some are exterior, some are only for the vagina or clitoris. Also look at where the actual vibrator is located and the shape of the vibe—some are up at the top (closer to the G-spot), others towards the bottom, at the entrance of the vagina. The best made vibes are made from silicon, though others are made from various types of plastic as well (remember: never use a silicon vibrator with a silicon lube (it will melt)). There are G-spot vibrators which are inserted to vibrate a woman’s G-spot; rabbits, which are inserted into the vagina and have an additional vibrator for the clitoris; clitoral butterfly vibrators, which are held onto the legs by straps & vibrate only exteriorly; straight vibes, which are inflexible & meant for simple vaginal insertion; flexible vibes, which can be bent to be in a more comfortable positions; inflatable vibes, which are inserted & then inflated; and many other types. Look at the difference between battery operated, plug in & rechargeable, as well as what type of batteries are used. If the vibe starts to overheat, stop use & allow it to cool off… Safety note: Never use an anal vibrator in the vaginal area or vice versa—keep ALL vibes clear & use only for one purpose.