Review: Fetish Fantasy Series Extreme Hogtie Kit

Oh man. Oh oh man. There has been few things brewing in the back of my mind longer than being restrained in some form or fashion. Whether with rope or restraints, it's pretty much been there as long as I can remember. Quite frankly I think my first sexual thoughts involved being restrained some way and finding sexual pleasure in that.

When I got my hands on the Extreme Hogtie Set, part of the Fetish Fantasy Series by Pipedream Products, I was psyched. Finally! Full immobilization and all the kinky thoughts that went along with that for me! Oh yes, please. Sign me up. Alas, I found myself ... underwhelmed by the products when I opened the box.

Included with this kit is: (2) neoprene ankle cuffs, (2) neoprene wrist cuffs, (1) "heavy duty" metal hogtie center piece and (1) free satin love mask. The actual restraints and connector are packaged in one bag and the free mask is packaged in another within the box you receive. When you first unseal the plastic baggies, the overwhelming scent of what I can only describe as "ICK!" greets your nose. My best guess is that it's the neoprene foam that each restraint is made from. That gross plasticy, rubber smell. Not exactly what I call the best impression a product can make.

Center hogtie ring

 The center hogtie ring that connects all the cuffs is what I first examined. The metal ring seems stable and sturdy enough. No complaints there. There are four smaller rings connected to the larger center ring by way of black mesh straps and two rivets on each strap. I pulled as hard as I could and the black mesh stretched, but didn't come apart. Despite this, I question its ability to withstand someone very strong pulling on all sides. From that alone I determined this is definitely what the more bondage-gear inclined would call a "beginner set." If you pull hard enough, I suspect the mesh would come away from the rivets holding the folded over mesh together. Additionally, the smaller rings are not solid rings and I worry about pressure on those as well. Sure it would take someone very strong to pull the ring apart, but it wouldn't be unheard of.

The cuffs next concerned me. As someone who has a very tiny wrist (I often have to take links out of bracelets or watches) I was worried that they wouldn't fit me. The wrist cuffs are 10 inches long and after a little maneuvering fit me. The neoprene had to be doubled up and the hook and loop tape had extra hanging over. That being said, the neoprene does make these fairly comfortable, though not exactly what I would call stylish. The ankle cuffs are of similar make, though slightly wider (the wrist cuffs just over 2 inches and the ankle cuffs just over 2 1/2 inches.) The ankle cuffs are also longer. They measure 11 3/4 inches in length compared to the wrist cuffs' 10 inches. These also fit comfortably on my ankle, but like the wrist cuffs I had to double over the neoprene to make them small enough. 

Closeup of the hardware on the cuffs

My biggest gripe with these cuffs is the hardware on them. It just looks flimsy and cheap. Hell, the rings that are attached to both the cuffs and clips to the center hogtie ring are split rings, like you'd put your car and house keys on. This is probably how the actual connector pieces were attached to them. The clip connector's swiveling base is wide and the ring it's connected to is very narrow. This leads to the actual connector sliding around a lot on the ring and while this might be useful in positioning and comfort of the user, to me it just seems like they took a stock piece of hardware and threw it on the cuffs. The metal on these is fairly thin for good cuff standards and also contributes to their flimsy and cheap look.

These cuffs look very beginner and newbie. Almost cheap. If you show up to a professional fetish club with these, you'd be shamed out of there. Or at least I'd be embarrassed if I showed up with these on my body or for use. They may be good for the occasional user at home, one who is curious about restraints and wants something simple and inexpensive, but outside of that I really can't think anybody seriously into bondage would use these. They just seem .... not very well executed to me. The idea was there and it seems like the manufacturers took a whole bunch of stock hardware and materials laying around the production facility and threw them together into this set.

And this free mask that is included with this set? Oh dear jeebus, just throw it out before you even take it out. Don't bother with it. The material reminds me of a pool cover. Crinkly and loud. It couldn't have cost them more than five or ten cents to make this thing and it certainly shows. If you want a mask and don't want to buy it from a sex toy seller, just go to your local mass market retailer and buy a sleep mask. While not as "bondage"-y, it will probably be more comfortable, smell better and last longer.

Of all the negatives to this set, do I have anything positive to say? After really searching deep for something I found it - the girl on the front of the box is cute. I really like her eye makeup and corset. And quite frankly? That's kind of sad that's the only positive thing I could find.

You want a hogtie set? You can find so many more out there that are quality sets than the Extreme Hogtie Kit, part of the Fetish Fantasy Series by Pipedream Products.