What else says BDSM quite like bondage? The act of tying and binding a partner is often the first skill learned before moving on to explore dominance, submission, or sadomasochism. While bondage is quite safe when left up to the pros, for adventurous beginners wanting to give it a go at home, it can be dangerous.
If you’re in the mood for a little bondage action but don’t have the experience to back you, leave the ropes to the pros and try out these rope-free BDSM alternatives!
Why ropes aren’t the best to use for beginners
While ropes are possibly one of the most commonly used materials in bondage play, they come with their own set of strict rules. Pros who use rope in their restraint practices have undergone intensive training, practicing all kinds of knots, and understanding the safety do’s and don’ts of it all.
For beginners just looking to play around, there are many things that could go wrong. The wrong knot tied too tight could result in nerve damage, joint injury, or cause severe stress on the submissive. If the person being tied experiences loss of feeling, excessive friction, or cramping, they’ll have to get out of their restraints quickly.
The best way to avoid any type of injury or unpleasantness is to simply set the rope to the side while you brush up on your overall technique.
What to have on hand before you begin
Rope or not, regardless of what material you decide to work with you should always have a few things on hand and set in place before dabbling in bondage. While this time is about consensual restraining, it’s also about trust between partners.
Creating a safe space to practice the art of bondage might be one of the most important things you can do to ensure that things move smoothly. Discuss boundaries with your partner and come up with a safe word that can be used if things get to be too much.
Have water and a straw on hand in case your partner feels dehydrated and needs to be refreshed. A well-hydrated body is less prone to cramping and tenderness. As well, keeping a pair of sharp surgical scissors at hand if something does happen to go wrong, is an absolute must.
Being able to quickly relieve your partner of any uncomfortability or pain they might be in as fast as possible can be the difference between a bad experience and a learning experience.
The best BDSM rope free bondage alternatives
1) Best rope free bondage alternative: Lovehoney Oh! Silky Bondage Restraints
These black silky restraints from Lovehoney are the perfect way to ease into wrist restraints safely and comfortably. They are easy-to-use with built-in loop tips and 49.5 inches of fabric to play with.
These beauties come in three different colors, jet black, ruby red, and royal purple, to make your playtime as fun as can be. We love that these restraints are latex-free and come with a year-long Lovehoney warranty!
$9.99
2) Best plastic rope free bondage alternatives: 4/6/8/12-Inch Self-Locking Zip Ties
Taking a turn towards the industrial, these zip-ties from amazon make for great restraining tools. We love the size range these come in but do recommend keeping scissors on hand. While they are quite easy to get on, they can also easily be tightened too tightly.
Being able to quickly cut them off your partner in case of panic or numbness should always be in the back of your mind. When used properly, zip ties can be an easy and fast way to restrain your partner.
3) Best spreading rope free bondage alternative: Sportsheets Spreader Bar with Cuffs
What better way to get your partner ready for action than with a spreader bar? This is a great option for those that feel uncomfortable tying or putting together their own restraints. This bar is complete with four cuffs made from neoprene and velcro for comfort and safety.
The cuffs are adjustable, from six to 14 inches, and the coated spreader bar keeps any play noise-free.
$34.99
4) Best product for tape bondage: Lovehoney Red Bondage Tape
This bondage tape is 20 meters of colored PVC fun for you and your partner to enjoy. The best feature about this tape is its glue-free adhesive technology that ensures it only sticks to itself.
No more damaged headboards or furniture legs over here! Fashion the tape into any kind of restraint you can think of, and keep your body hair too. This product offering also comes in three fun colors.
$8.99
5) Best leather cuffs for bondage: DOMINIX Deluxe Leather Wrist Cuffs
Want a great pair of wrist cuffs that you’ll be able to hold onto throughout the years? These luxuriously padded leather cuffs are all that and more. With nine-hole buckle fastenings, placement has never been easier.
Enjoy the hypoallergenic D-rings attached to each cuff that can be fastened with the provided clip, or another form of restraint. If you’re looking for hours of secure and comfortable wear, these leather shackles are most definitely for you!
$42.99
6) Best extending restraints: DOMINIX Deluxe Leather Wrist to Thigh Restraint
Are you ready to be excited? This leather wrist-to-thigh restraint is every BDSM lover’s wet dream. With adjustable cuffs both for the wearer’s wrists and thighs, you won’t need to worry about comfort.
The suede linings on the insides of the cuffs allow for comfortable longtime wear, and the buckle fastenings provide a secure hold. Restricting the wearer’s arms to stay at their side allows for easy maneuvering to and from popular positions like missionary and doggy.
$42.99
7) Best handcuffs for comfortable bondage: Lovehoney Black Furry Handcuffs
Feeling like fun? Take a pass at these furry handcuffs in black or red! An easy intro into the world of bondage, these soft furry-material-coated metal handcuffs will help you figure out if bondage is really right for you.
The furry sleeve is removable and washable, and the fabric is latex-free. While the cuffs come with two keys for removal, each cuff also has a quick-release lever in case of emergency or lost keys.
$12.99
8) Best undetectable restraints: Bondage Boutique Black Bound to Please Under Mattress Restraint
Your life will be forever changed after purchasing this simple to use under-mattress restraint. Quit relying on your flimsy headboard or couch legs for your bondage needs. This quick and easy restraint kit provides sturdy restraints with no strain on your furniture. Transform any bed into your own invisible spreader bar by popping the kit under the mattress frame.
Adjust your straps to the correct length and strap your partner into the velcro cuffs. This kit works with any bed, even super king-size, thanks to its adjustable straps. If bondage is a regular part of your play, this quick kit will save you tons of time. It’s sure to become a personal favorite.
$34.99
