Beginner's Bondage Kit

I've bought a lot of gear in my day, as most have seen from my personal photos. One thing I've learned is that some gear, however hot it is, will sit in your closet collecting dust and only get used every tenth scene or so. While this is fine for more advanced players who may have more scripted/sculpted scenes, a beginner should strive for versatility so they can find what works, what doesn't, and where to go from there.

The gear listed after the jump will cost about $540 pre-tax/shipping (or just over $600 if you get two collars to use for restraints). It might take a few months to scrape up the cash, but once you do you'll have a gear collection that's adaptable enough for a slew of scenes - both private and public - and which will last for years.

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Neoprene Wrist/Ankle Restraints

Pros: Very comfortable to wear, easy to clean, and low-maintenance. Although I personally prefer padded leather restraints, these are just as comfortable and are less intimidating to some. Cons: They lack the oh-so-distinct sound of a boy straining against leather. That's really the only down side in my eyes. The Gist: A less expensive alternative to traditional leather restraints. If you want the full tactile experience of leather, go all out for the padded, locking leather restraints. They last virtually forever, so you really do want to max out the features instead of needing to upgrade later.

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Ultra Blindfold
Pros: I'm a bit of a snob when it comes to bondage-related things, especially toys. With that in mind, this is the best blindfold I have ever worn. It can take some getting used to how to place it to maximize comfort (most people are used to one-strap blindfolds), but when you do it's both comfortable and 100% blinding. Cons: None. Seriously, this thing is perfect. The Gist: GET THIS BLINDFOLD. Even if you have a bandanna or duct tape fetish, you'll still find yourself wanting use this thing every chance you get.

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Front Buckle Gag

Pros: Not only is it hot as hell, it's effective at getting a boy to shut up. There's also locking buckle option so it can't be taken off which makes it suitable for a bar or other setting where the boy may not be restrained. Cons: As much as I love gags, there just isn't a gag that can compete with a good hood. The Gist:  Although hoods can offer better sound insulation, a gag like this is much more convenient. It's also good to have available for boys who can't handle hoods, which can easily scare newbies. It's also better-suited for long term use than a ball gag - a classic beginner's piece - as it's slightly easier on the jaw.

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Neoprene Sensory Hood

Pros: Whether you're in the bedroom/playroom or at your local leather bar, it's a great hood. The eyes can be left open so it's easier to navigate or the wearer can be blinded and left helpless, and the mouth is able to be open for boots or a dick or whatever suits you. Cons: For its thickness it offers decent sound insulation but, for instance, the isolation hood is so effective it's difficult to discern words at a conversational volume. The snaps on the eye/mouth attachments and over the end of the zipper also make it less suitable for more intense play where a boy may instinctively try to recover his eyesight or ability to speak. The Gist: At this price, you really can't go wrong. I know plenty of people who have t-shirts in their closet that cost about as much as this hood.

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Rope, Lots of It!

Pros: The most versitale thing you could ever have in your gear bag. Not only can it obviously be used for restraint and to create aesthetic harnesses, gauntlets, or corsets, I've used my play rope for packing or similar practical uses a number of times. Cons: Rope can be a bit daunting for new tops. Between having to manage where pressure is being applied and maintaining an aesthetic quality, there's a lot to consider. The Gist: It's a must-have item, really. If you want to up your game, you can always buy a book like Showing You the Ropes or Back On the Ropes (both by Two Knotty Boys) to get a grasp on some basic concepts. You may want to cut the rope down to smaller sizes, but don't go below 12.5-foot lenghths or you'll come short on even some basic hand ties.

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Locking 2" Leather Collar

I won't bother with pros/cons on this one; it's pretty straightforward. This collar can also work really well as bicep/above-the-knee restraints. Doesn't work quite as well as the actual thigh restraints, but it's a good placeholder while you decide if you want to experiment with more restrictive bondage. It also comes in neoprene for the same price if you prefer - personally I prefer leather so it works somewhat like a short posture collar. Extra bonus points for these collars fitting over those enormous racing motorcycle boots that are much thicker than normal boots.

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Adjustable Steel Spreader Bar

Pros: Great for most  bondage off the bed, especially with a standing boy. It's pretty customizable to any given position due to the resizing potential, so you don't have to worry about switching sizes for boys with different flexibility levels. Cons: Many fixed-size spreader bars will have additional o-rings for extra attachment points. Although I haven't personally tried it, it may be possible to find a bolt or o-ring at your local hardware store that would fit in the holes to prevent sideways movement if a rope is tied around the bar. The Gist: Worth having in your gear bag. If you have a playspace at home and can add attachment points its value is somewhat diminished, but having it to take when travelling to other places is incredibly useful.