Leather Open Chin Hood No 2411

The Parus Open Chin Hood

Vendor: Parus

Construction

The hood has a roughly anatomic shape with grommets at the bottom of the nose and a big cut-out for the mouth and the chin. It is made out of soft, fine-grain leather. Because the leather is not lined on the inside, it is very flexible and when tightened really hugs the skull. The construction is a traditional four-panel construction with seams in the middle and one running over each ear. Production-quality-wise this hood follows the high standards you can expect from Parus: All edges are finished with piping so the rough leather edge can’t irritate the skin or be felt uncomfortable; at the seams the leather has been folded, the fold sown together and the flaps sowed onto the body so there are also no rough edges there. To fetter the hood on the sub’s head, you lace it with a piece of leather string. There even is a piece of leather to cover the gap so even bigger heads are completely encapsulated in leather.

While I have bought this hood in classical all black leather, Parus offer this hood in many different colors and with contrast color panels. There is also a version with an attached collar which has a D-ring on the front and can be locked.

Detail of the Mouth Opening, the Breathing Grommets and the Piping and Seam Build Quality

Playing with the Open Chin Hood

The open chin is one of the classic hood designs out there. It not only robs the sub of his sight, leaving him at the mercy of his master, but unlike just using a blind fold, the encapsulation of the face in leather takes away the individuality and just leaves a mouth.

This reduction to just being a serving mouth is a hot turn-on for people. In my circle of friends this hood quickly become popular for leather gimps: While a full hood covers the entire head, it leaves the sub “useless”. With the open chin hood a gag can seal the mouth when not in used and easily be accessed again. One testee uses this Parus hood when bringing new subs into the gimp scene. From a head-harness over muzzle and hood with open eyes and mouth, the open chin hood is the last hood before the completely closed one. The large opening allows for unconstructed breathing so if the sub in training starts to panic, he can not only get fresh air easily but can be comforted by the touch of his master with leather separating them.

Detail of the Lacing at the Back

The most common types of play this hood can be used for are face-fucking and all kinds of tongue worship play, boot-worship and sneaker cleaning.  Unlike similar hoods from other manufacturers the opening for the chin of this Parus model is large enough to not constrict the chin, so the mouth can open up really wide. So taking the entire tip of the boot into the mouth or serving thick dicks is only limited by the sub’s jaw.

For leather fetishists, the open chin hood is a great toy for glove over mouth play. The grommets are easy to cover with a leather glove and the leather around the nose is soft enough for squeezing the nose that the breath play aspect of GoM play can easily be done. Furthermore it is a great mindfuck to have the last piece of bare skin gradually covered by soft leather until the entire head is wrapped in it.

A friend of mine got the yellow version of this hood and uses it for piss play, especially in party situations where his sub is reduced to being the courtesy urinal. While the hood works for this kind of play, I do not recommend it. The high salt-level of piss is bad for the leather. I would recommend getting a rubber hood for this kind of scenes.

Conclusion: Well made hood with isolation qualities which still leaves the mouth usable.  
Pro Cons Where to get Price  
Attention to detail makes this hood comfortable to wear over extended periods of time   Parus 129.99€
139.99€ (either different color or contrast color)
High quality leather
Even larger heads can be covered completely in leather 155.00€ (locking collar)

 

Padded Posture Collar

The Regulation Padded Posture Collar

Vendor: Regulation

Construction

The actual collar is a piece of leather which is roughly anatomically shaped to follow the jaw line on the top and create a support around the sternum. The minimum width of the collar is 100mm so it is quite restricting through its sheer height. Onto the collar an anatomically shaped rest for keeping the chin from moving is riveted.

All pieces are made out of stiff bridle leather so it is really restricting. The edges are burnished and dyed so despite the stiffness the collar is comfortable to wear (leaving out the stress bondage aspect). Regulation calls this collar “padded” and technical I have to agree: Below the soft garment leather lining there is a thin, stiff layer of foam padding. However it is far from the lavish padding on their other premium bondage equipment. Thicker padding would actually compromise the purpose of this collar because it would give in to movement limiting the restricting aspect.

Detail of the Posture Collar’s Anatomic Shape

The collar comes in two sizes: M for a collar circumference between 37cm and 46cm; L for between 45cm and 51cm. It is closed by two 32mm wide leather belts with roller buckles and is equipped with three D-rings: one in the front and one on each side.

Playing with the Posture Collar

As the name of this piece of bondage already tells: It is designed to keep the head in a certain position and it does it really well. Of cause there is a little room for movement because leather is not steel and even the strict riveting allows for a little wiggle room. However it is the most strict posture collar I have come cross yet thus it is fitting gear for stress bondage. And while it is comfortable to wear over extended periods of time through the great production and material quality, keep in mind that forcing any limb or joint to remain in one position for extended periods of time will make it go stiff. This in combination with the head being rather heavy requires a lot of attention and support when taking the collar off the sub’s neck. Otherwise something similar to whiplash can happen.

Detail of the Rollar Buckle and the Custom Locking Posts

The three D-rings are ideal for “traditional” bondage positions: Attach a leash to the front one and wrist restraints or bondage mitts to the side ones. A handler friend of mine gives his dog elbow and knee pads, fetters his legs with the Fetters Heavy Hogtie Set, clip the bondage mitts to the posture collar and leads his K9 around this way for a more intense animal play headspace. Another top friend of mine attached short leashes to the side D-rings to have something to hold onto while face-fucking his boy who could not turn his head away.

Detail of the Burnished and Dyed Edges and the Padding

Especially on Tumblr I have seen pictures of people incorporating this posture collar into (rope) bondage layouts to completely immobilize a sub. While this collar is good for keeping the sub’s head from moving, the rest of the bondage layout should be equally tight or even tighter. Otherwise the sub might be able to get up and strangle himself.

When I ordered my collar I had it custom made with added locking posts. Especially when it comes to such an intense piece of (stress) bondage gear, hearing the locks lick and the inescapability sink in is a big mindfuck! If you are interested in that option, simply write it as a comment in the ordering process.

Conclusion: Very well made and very strict (stress) bondage collar.
Pro Cons Where to get Price
Reliably keeps the head from almost moving at all Off the rack without locking posts Regulation £199.99
Very well made with attention to detail out of high quality leather
Three D-rings

 

Parus Isolation Hood No 2406

Vendor: Parus

The Parus Isolation Hood No 2406

Construction

The hood is made out of a single layer of soft European sourced leather. There is thick padding covered with soft leather from behind the ears to the nasal bridge covering both half of the face. From the part all the way down there is lacing to close the hood tightly. To fetter the hood even tighter around the head there are four belts with roller buckles running through riveted leather loops: One around the neck, one over the mouth, one over the eyes and one running from the chin over the back of the head. At the middle of the collar, at the top of the hood and one on each cheek there is a welded D-ring. At the bottom of the nose there are two grommets to allow easy breathing.

The hood is one size fits all. Even though my head is average size the leather strap to lace the hood is too short but it was easily replaced with a longer one. Despite the leather being soft through the sturdy and thus stiff belts and thick padding the hood is rather stiff. In order to mould the hood to the sub’s head and make it soft and comfortable it takes a couple of hours. The body heat and sweat will do the rest.

Detail of the Lacing and the Roller Buckle of the Belts

Playing with the Parus Isolation Hood

With the lacing and the belts the hood can really be fettered heavily onto the head. Despite the little amount of light which bleeds through the nose grommets once you start lacing you quickly feel the world around you being blocked out. So some people who are not used to such intense bondage start to panic right away. In this case I recommend only using the belts to slowly accustom them to the sensation. But once you get used to it, being put into the hood becomes an intriguing part of the scene itself. While the soft, high quality leather is getting wrapped tighter around the head it emits a rich smell. So there is a feeling of being immersed in leather.

Detail of the D-ring and the rivetes Leather Loops

Like all isolation hood it doesn’t take away all the senses. But the padding muffles the sounds (to block out even more use earplugs) and creates the right amount of pressure. Not uncomfortable or putting pressure on the eyes but noticeable enough to create a strong bondage sensation. This in combination with the lack of sight creates a feeling of detachment from the surrounding. For a full immersion the hood needs to be made soft like described above. When the leather is still a bit stiff there can be light coming through the nose grommets. But once the hood becomes a little bit more flexible the padding over the eyes shuts the light out.

The loss of sight and heaving with the warmth and pressure sensation can lead to disorientation of subs. So I recommend not fettering them standing up without having something to hold onto respectively being tied to something. Especially when lying down the D-rings can be used to tie the head down completely. When doing so the top D-ring should be the one tied the strongest so that sub doesn’t suffocate when struggling.

Conclusion: Intense isolation hood
Pro Cons Where to get Price
Intense Bondage Experience Needs long time to break in Parus 219.99€
Adjustable
Many D-rings Can be too small for large heads
High Quality Leather
Disclaimer: This toy was sent to me by Parus for an honest and unbiased review.

Adjustable Nose Shackle

Vendor: Uberkinky

The Adjustable Nose Shackle from Uberkinky

Construction

The Adjustable Nose Shackle is made out of two square metal plates onto which two 25mm high shackles made out of wire are welded. The tips of the shackles are bent towards each other. Through the metal plate a screw is put through which the shackle can be opend up to 17mm and closed again. The screw head is textured for better grip yet especially with lubey fingers or when wearing heavy gloves it is a bit hare to turn. Below the screw there are two bars to guide the shackles. The entire toy is made out of stainless steel and weights 33g.

Playing with the Adjustable Nose Shackle

This toy might look small and innocent yet it is one of the most intense pieces of bondage gear I know. The nasal septum is a quite sensitive body area. For most bottoms just the weight of the lightly attached Adjustable Nose Shackle is a noticeable sensation. The pain of the shackle being pulled will make most subs comply and move in the desired direction. Of cause if you want to be mean you can tighten it even more for constant and agonizing pain.

Since the shackles are made out of wire instead of solid metal plates like other nose shackles are they can dig a little bit deeper into the tissue which results in better grip. To lead a sub around or incorporate the toy into a bondage layout simply put a little carabineer around the three bars and attach your favorite leash, rope or chain. But keep in mind that this will add extra weight which increases the experienced pain, especially when through dangling around movement energy is added.

The cartilage structure of the septum in combination with the smooth round tips of the Adjustable Nose Shackle is enough to prevent serious injuries if you tighten the shackle cautiously and not too tight. But especially when the bottom already has a septum piercing or the septum is damaged (through drug usage for example) be extra careful when pulling. Serious injuries might occur!

Detail of the Guiding Bars and the Screw to Adjust the Opening

The wide opening enables you to attach the Adjustable Nose Shackle to other body parts like the tongue, ear lobes, the foreskin or the frenulum. Some testees even put it on the sack (take extra care you don’t trap a spermatic cord!) or the perineum to lead their subs around. It is worth to experiment which body part gives the best reaction, where it can be worn the longest time or if you are extra sadistic get two, put them opposite ends of the body, apply some tension and see into which pain the sub will give in the most.

Being made out of stainless steel cleaning and sanitizing this piece of bondage gear is easy: Simply boil it in water for some time and let it dry properly.

Conclusion: Intense piece of bondage gear.
Pro Cons Where to get Price
Makes sub comply quickly A bit difficult to operate Uberkinky £19.99
Finely adjustable sensation
Allows to incorporate unexpected body parts into bondage
  Disclaimer: This toy was sent to me by Uberkinky for an honest and unbiased review.

Sinvention Padded Muzzle and Collar

Vendor: Sinvention

Sinvention Padded Muzzle and Collar

Sinvention Padded Muzzle and Collar

With the puppy community still growing and more kinkster discovering their interest in this form of play, the number about questions which gear to buy to live out this specific form of play are quite high. So I was very happy when Sinvention sent me this iconic muzzle as a review sample to answer at least some of these questions.

Construction

The central part of this toy is the heavily padded mouth piece which is lined with soft leather. It covers the chin and the lower half of the face with a little recess for the nose. Onto this mouth piece various straps out of thick and sturdy bridle leather are attached. One runs along the jaw line, a second one runs from the corner of the mouth piece just over the ears to the back of the head and the last one runs y-shaped around the nose to the temple. In front of the forehead another strap runs around the head. All four straps are fettered onto a large piece of bridle leather lined with garment leather that covers the back of the head using locking roller buckles. On top of this leather piece you find a D-ring. From the bottom of the mouth piece runs a short leather belt to a collar which is made out of bridle leather lined with soft garment leather. It is closed again with a locking roller buckle and features three D-rings in front of the collar. The collar can’t be detached so in order to put the muzzle on your sub you eventually have to uncollar him briefly.

Detail of the Padding of the Mouth Piece

Detail of the Padding of the Mouth Piece

The muzzle is available in all black or medical which means tan-colored straps and white lining.

Sinvention is also always open for customizations. So for example you can get the forehead piece padded or add a D-ring at the back of the  collar.

Playing with the Toy

The bad news first: This is no toy for extensive out of the box play. The high quality Canadian bridle leather out of which the belts are made is stiff! It takes very long to be broken in and fit comfortable. Even after being broken in properly some testees found the pressure on the forehead uncomfortable. I addressed the issue with a cotton pad I usually use for poppers play.

Detail of the Locking Roller Buckle on the Collar

Detail of the Locking Roller Buckle on the Collar

After I got the bad stuff out of the way, let me tell you how awesome this piece of headgear is! In the intro text I described it the Sinvention Muzzle as “iconic” and this is a true attribute. I am not sure if Sinvention were the first ones to come out with this specific head gear design which is available in countless low quality and more uncomfortable varieties. But when you look around Tumblr this is probably (one of) the most often used muzzle by kinksters. So why is that the case?

Detail of the Straps which go around the Head

Detail of the Straps which go around the Head

First of all: Once it is broken in, it is very comfortable. You can wear it over extended periods of time even being worn over a hood. The leather straps really adjust to the shape of the wearer’s head. That being said, you can put the muzzle on different subs. But it will feel best if a sub buys the muzzle and is the only one wearing it so the straps can really take on his head shape. In exchange for the long breaking in period you get a really heavy duty piece of head gear. Even with a heavily struggling sub the belts will not tear. With four D-rings you can strap the sub into many different, creative bondage layouts. Because there is a D-ring on top of the muzzle it is even designed to safely tie down the head: Just tie the top D-ring lower and tighter than the ones on the neck so that the sub can’t choke himself when he is trying to get up. The top D-ring comes in also handy for stress bondage, for example when connecting it to an anal hook to force the head back. A quite puppy like stress bondage position is connecting mitts or wrist restraints with the collar D-rings so you create a position like with these rubber bondage suits. Since in this position the entire weight of the sub’s torso rests on the elbows, I recommend padding them well! The only place where I missed a D-ring – especially when you are going for awalk holding your puppy on a leash – was on the back of the collar. But the leather flap which holds the buckle in place is large enough to house a shackle.

Detail of the Features on the Back of the Head

Detail of the Features on the Back of the Head

Speaking of belts and buckles: The belts are long enough with the holes going closely enough to the rivets that the muzzle is very adjustable so it fits every size and shape of head. Since all buckles are locking, the mindfuck of hearing and feeling up to eight locks closing around the head is quite strong, adding to the intense bondage experience.

Depending on how strongly you tighten the belts the muzzle will more or less reduce all communication to a mumbling. Despite the padding don’t expect your sub to be totally quite. But especially after the breaking in the mouth piece if flexible enough to fetter the jaw while a gag is placed in the mouth.

The Three D-rings on the Collar

The Three D-rings on the Collar

You can speed up the breaking in process by using leather oil on the belts. This is also the best product to care for the muzzle. This kind of oil is also available with black color if over time the color of the belt should rub off. Especially when you often use the muzzle in combination with a ball gag which will cause your sub to drool a lot, I recommend cleaning the inside of the mouth piece with saddle soap on a regular basis.

Conslusion: High quality heavy duty muzzle for an intense bondage sensation.
Pro Cons Where to get Price
Intense Bondage Sensation Relatively Long Breaking-In Period Sinvention $CAD 250
Highly Adjustable…
No D-ring at the back of the collar
… so it can be worn over another hood
Ample D-rings for creative bondage set-ups
Locking Buckles
Well build out of high quality materials

HML Fetish Isolation Hood

The HML Fetish Leather Isolation Hood

The HML Fetish Leather Isolation Hood

Vendor: HML Fetish

This hood is another toy I discovered when visiting HML Fetish last December. I already had the Heavy Bondage Special in mind back than so the guys sent me this hood as a review sample earlier this year. Since making pictures of a hood without person to wear it, all pics in this article were made while I tried out the hood for the first time.

Construction

This HML Fetish Isolation Hood is made out of soft black high quality leather. Every part of the hood is lined with leather so it has quite some weight and smells intoxicatingly good off leather. The hood’s basic design is a double face hood. There are zippers in the front and in the back. The back zipper covers a lacing possibility with a leather strap which is used to bound the sub tightly into the hood. Behind the front zipper lies the face hood which has a cut out for the mouth and a piece of leather that covers the nasal wings. The eyes are closed on this hood. What sets this hood apart from other double face hoods are the thick pieces of padding over the ears.

Detail of the Double Face behind the Front Zipper

Detail of the Double Face behind the Front Zipper

I have gotten the size M which measures roughly 34cm by 32cm. Depending on your forehead circumference and the amount of hair that has to fit under the hood HML offers sizes from S to XL.

Playing with it

This hood is a true isolation hood. The padding with its pressing sensation against the head creates an intense bondage sensation. It muffles all sounds. If you add ear plugs or headphones with white noise the sub looses it hearing all along. Since there are no cut outs for the eyes most subs remains blind when the front zipper is opened. However, depending on the nose shape and size light and glimpses of the scene can get past the nose. I am already discussing with HML how to address this issue. Because if the sub can’t see anything this hood is great for humiliation play. Leave him stored as a leather gimp and only open the hood to use his mouth for licking, sucking or pissing into him. Of cause while stored he will inhale the intense scent of high quality leather.

Detail of the Lacing Behind the Rear Zipper

Detail of the Lacing Behind the Rear Zipper

One of the most interesting scenes I had with this hood was stripping the sub naked and just putting this hood on. If you take away the sight and hearing of a sub he will probably get more and more disorientate over time. I would not recommend letting the sub stand unguarded for an extended period of time wearing this hood. If the area the sub is standing is obstacle free you can of cause turn this intensifying feeling into a game: Walk around him, tell him to walk towards you, smacking him with a riding crop from various positions and see him struggle.

Finally a word on the material: Last week I talked about a neoprene hood and said that you can put a cotton pad with poppers under the front zipper. With this leather hood, I would not recommend it! Poppers is a rather aggressive substance and it will damage the leather. If you want to get your sub high on this substance stick a gas mask hose between the two front zipper’s runners.

Conslusion: Very well made intense isolation hood with double face feature
Pro Cons Where to get Price
Heavy hood creating an intense bondage and isolation experience… … if the nose isn’t too small HML Fetish 495€
Very well made out of high quality leather
All over lined with leather.
Thightness can be varied through the lacing

665 Leather Neoprene Confinement Hood

Vendor: 665 Leather

The 665 Leather Neoprene Confinement Hood

The 665 Leather Neoprene Confinement Hood

Construction

Today’s toy of the Heavy Bondage Special is made out of soft neoprene. The soft side of the neoprene is always on the outside on this toy. I am reviewing the L/XL version that measures approx. 31cm by 29cm. While this may sound large please be advised that I have a somewhat average head size and this mask sits quite tightly and is a bit difficult to put on. While neoprene stretches and thus creates a great confinement sensation (see: next section) this hood is definitely not for quickly throw on, especially if the sub has much hair.

Over the entire front of the hood runs a zipper behind which a roughly anatomic mask with cut out for the eyes and mouth is sowed. On the back there runs a zipper up the half to make putting on the mask easier. In order to keep from hair getting caught in the zipper a piece of neoprene covers the zipper from the inside.

Detail of the Back Zipper for Easier Access

Detail of the Back Zipper for Easier Access

I am a bit indecisive what to say about the build quality. The seams of this toy are flawless. Again, they are not welded yet for a hood I don’t consider that important. Sadly the cutout of the double mask is not as precise as I would have hoped for. Luckily neoprene can quite easily be cut with a good pair of kitchen scissors yet this gets a deduction in the B-note. But what you should keep in mind: $50 for a double face hood is a bargain!

Detail of the Inside Mask behind the Front Zipper

Detail of the Inside Mask behind the Front Zipper

Playing with it

While last week’s reviewed toy was all about fitting loose this mask is the complete opposite. The neoprene fits tightly around the head, creating an intense feeling of bondage. If you add ear plugs they get firmly pushed into the sub’s ears canceling out noises very well and adding to the feeling of isolation. Once the front zipper is closed the sub is caught in darkness, inhaling the neoprene scent. This property makes this mask the ideal companion for the Neoprene sleepsack I reviewed some time ago because it creates total neoprene immersion/ gimpness. Another nice feature of neoprene is its waterproofness. This mask once served as a “storage tool” for a piss sub on a party: open the zipper if needed, close it once done. Since neoprene pulls together you get a bit of a cocksucker hood effect if you don’t open the zipper too much. So you can face fuck the sub while remaining anonymous. Of cause, it takes a bit of practice to find the sweet spot that the tension doesn’t open the zipper completely.

The amount of air that is let through the zipper is enough to allow for a good oxygen supply. Yet if you are into it, put a poppers drenched cotton ball behind the closed zipper and the intoxication is quite intense.

Conslusion: Inexpensive, well confining double face hood
Pro Cons Where to get Price
Great sensation of bondage and isolation Not as precisely cut as I would have wished for 665 Leather $50
A bit tricky to put on
Very inexpensive for a double face hood Sizing on the smaller end

Mr S Leather Bag Hood

_DSC2016

Mr S Leather Bag Hood

Vendor: Mr S

Construction

This hood is made out of six pieces of soft high quality black leather which helps to maintain the rough shape. It measures approx. 27cm by 33cm. The inside of the main body is lined with the same leather. The leather panel on the back side is not lined with leather but it is usually folded some way in order to seal the hood if the sub’s head is not gigantic. Besides this panel there are two eyelets through which a piece of leather string runs. You can use this string to close the hood tightly without constricting breathing. In the middle of the front of the hood there are two rivet-reinforced holes for breathing.

Detail of the Breathing Hole

Detail of the Breathing Hole

Playing with it

Despite appearing a simple piece of gear it is cleverly designed. The rather rigid part in the middle keeps the mask in place even when the sub breathes heavily so the hood doesn’t get sucked against the face of the sub. This is important for the main purpose I have been using this hood for: A beginner isolation hood. I tend to suffer from a bit of claustrophobia and thus stayed away from too intense hoods (until I saw myself forced to try them out for this website). As intimidating as this hood might look it fits loosely on the head without any pressure. So despite taking away the sense of sight (with most heads the breathing hole are next to the mouth so the noose blocks out most of the light) there is no sense of pressure that might freak a beginner out. Of cause the isolation feeling can easily be intensified with adding ear plugs or putting a Bishop Head Harness over the bag hood. If doing so pay attention that the breathing holes are not covered.

Detail of how the Hood is closed

Detail of how the Hood is closed

Even if they are not blocked, this mask has some form of breath play capabilities. When resting or being tied down, the sub can breathe easily. As soon as you start to talk or breath heavily to process pain there is too little air sucked in so a sense of breathlessness kicks in. I have never experienced that the oxygen supply was getting critical when using this hood yet it is something to watch when playing. If you are concerned about suffocation or usually play pretty heavy I guess the guys at Mr S can add another pair of breathing holes. Since the hood is made out of the high quality Mr S leather, when you are encapsulated in this hood every breath of air brings the intoxicating rich smell of leather to you.

Conclusion: Simple yet very effective hood
Pro Cons Where to get Price
Easy to use Have to watch oxygen supply in long scenes Mr S $139.95
Great isolation sensation without being to intense
Very well made

 

Mr S Bishop Head Harness

Vendor: Mr S or Regulation

The Mr S Bishop Head Harness with Eye and Mouth Cover Attached

The Mr S Bishop Head Harness with Eye and Mouth Cover Attached

I have long wanted to review this toy but since it is so complex to describe the construction I always chose something different to review despite being one of my favorite bondage toys. But since it is my birthday today I sat down to treat you to this review.

Construction

Before I talk about the construction a short word about measurements: Because there are no less than 6 straps with roller buckles and a Velcro patch it is almost impossible to talk about sizes because if you fasten one strap it naturally affects the other. I have tried out this head harness on subs with really small and really large heads and really beefy necks and it fit everyone.

The Mr S Bishop Head Harness without Any Attachements

The Mr S Bishop Head Harness without Any Attachements

The bottom of the head harness is a double layer of thick, yet soft leather which forms a collar. Onto it a strap with a roller buckle and three welded D-rings are riveted under thick saddle leather. Into this double leather layer the face mask part of the harness is sowed. It is made out of soft garment leather. While the part covering the neck and the chin is a single layer of leather, the part covering the face is also lined with garment leather. The face mask is roughly triangular shaped. On its ends it has another saddle leather strap with a roller buckle riveted onto it. At the end of this part and the collar a 90mm by 50mm patch of industrial grade Velcro is sowed for a firm and precise closure. The central part has an opening for the mouth and the nose with snap buttons around. Onto the lower ones you can put a through 2 roller buckles adjustable double layer garment leather strap. On it you can put one of two leather patches that come with the head harness. Both are made out of saddle leather lined with garment leather. One is just the patch with riveted loops to put on the strap, the other featured a pecker gag like their lockable gag. The upper 6 snap fasteners are for a triangular eye cover. The face masks runs out into a long leather strap onto which 4 other straps with roller buckles are sowed. Through these 4 straps you adjust the head harness so that it fits tightly on the sub’s head.

Detail of the later Added Loop

Detail of the later Added Loop

An alteration I had made on my head harness is a patch of double layered garment leather which a local leather shop riveted on middle of the strap running over the head. Under this flap I can put a shackle as an added bondage point. I strongly believe that the guys at Mr S can do the same thing if you want it.

Playing with it

There are two components which makes this head harness an awesome toy. First there is the sensual aspect of this toy: As I have written almost two years ago kneeling in front of a top and having the straps fastened around your head is a very intimate experience and a great way into the scene.

Detail of the Welded D-Ring

Detail of the Welded D-Ring

Once this is done, soft leather is hugging the sub’s face and the rich intoxicating scent of leather envelopes him. But in order to create this great experience it takes a lot of practice and experience how to fasten the straps in order to get tight and symmetrical without having to try and undo them too often.

Detail of the Two Straps with Roller Buckels on the Collar

Detail of the Two Straps with Roller Buckels on the Collar

After having experienced the sensual experience of having the head harness put on and just being in it, it is now time to start playing with it. First there is the bondage feeling around the head. It is not as strong as a full mask you get laced into but still the pressure of the individual straps can be felt to create a tight bondage sensation. This is good especially for a bit claustrophobic people where a full mask would be too much. If you don’t tighten the straps too much the more “airy” feeling and appeal is good newbies who would also be overwhelmed by a full hood. Also in the lighter/ newbie section belong the eye cover and the gag. While the cover does block the sub’s sight and the gag it good for chewing on and kind of hard to spit out, they are more a psychological support of a scene than made for heavy play. If you want the real deal (total darkness or a thigh, secure gag) I recommend to look at the reviews of the Ultra Blindfold or the Lockable Gag both from Mr S. A nice psychological touch I am missing is that there is no locking option for the collar straps. For real bondage aficionados knowing that they are inescapable locked into bondage gear is a great mind fuck.

Detail of the Roller Buckle of the Straps which wrap around the Head

Detail of the Roller Buckle of the Straps which wrap around the Head

Detail of the Pecker Gag Stuck Through the Mouth Hole Showing the Inside Leather Lining

Detail of the Pecker Gag Stuck Through the Mouth Hole Showing the Inside Leather Lining

With three D-rings the head harness it has ample anchoring points for a leash or attaching mitts or restraints. While the rings are tempt to be used for binding down the sub I would not advise it because there is a chance that the subs will strangle himself. Because of this I had the loop on top added. If you use the collar as an anchoring point make sure that the top of the head is even bound harder to when the sub tries to get up his head is stopped before he chokes on the collar. Another interesting way of using this head harness for bondage is attaching ropes to the four straps around the head and tying them to a bondage frame so the sub can’t move his head. It takes a bit of practice and time but the one sub which I witnessed being bound like that was entering bondage bliss after he realized that he can’t turn his head.

Conslusion: The best head harness I have yet played with
Pro Cons Where to get Price
Many different sensations Difficult to put on and adjust Mr S (Manufacturer) $379.95
Three D-Rings  No locking collar straps Regulation £389
Very versatile
High material & build quality

 

Mr S Ultra Blindfold

Venor: Mr S

Construction

Pads below the eyes

As always with leather toys from Mr S this blindfold is made out of high quality leather.  The basic construction is like a sleeping mask you get on an air planes but with measuring 20cm from one end to the other it is large enough to cover the face of even people with large heads. Around the part covering the eyes runs leather piping which helps keeping the mask in shape. Below the eyes there are two thick and soft pads which help to block any light coming from below while keeping pressure from the eyes. When worn the mask is held in place by two straps: One is running above the ears, the other below. The first part of the straps is made out of trifolded leather mounted to the leather using rivets. The second part is an elastic band which can be adjusted to make wearing it comfortable yet pull the blindfold tightly enough towards the head in order block any light.

Front view

Putting the blindfold on is a bit of a hassle because at least the clumsy me had problems adjusting the straps while the sub is already wearing the blindfold which resulted in taking it off several times until it fit perfectly. But once it does it is frankly the best blindfold I have every worn: It is comfortable enough to be worn for a really long time, when adjusted correctly it can even withstand a sub ferociously wiggling while strapped down to a bed and still will block out any light. A nice feature are the two little pockets formed between the padding and the leather which can catch the tears of the sub.

Besides the use in the playroom the blindfold has become my standard sleeping mask when travelling because it blocks the light so well and is so comfortable. It even led to some interesting conversations and encounters while traveling to kinky events. But that is a different story…

Detail of the double d-ring adjusting mechanism and elastic band

Mr S also offers a version of that blindfold called the Ultimate Blindfold which has only one strap running above the ear. I played around with it when I visited the store. It blocks the light as well as the Ultra Blindfold, is a bit more comfortable to wear because the ears sometimes get in the way of the lower strap and is $2 cheaper. However due to only having one strap to keep it in place it is easier for the sub to shed it when he is bound.

Conslusion: The best blindfold I have come across until now
Pro Cons Where to get Price
No pressure on the eyes and thus can be worn for an extended period of time Difficult to adjust while being worn Mr S (Manufacturer) $58,95
Blocks all light Regulation £54,99
Large enough for people with bigger heads
Good adjustability
Stays in place
Great quality