Just after Christmas a new-to-kink guy I was chatting with sought some help on purchasing his first gear in a cost efficient manner. He had consulted my post on Accumulating a Gear Collection but he wanted to chat through some more specifics. Our conversation focused upon whether it was best to purchase fewer pieces of quality gear or get more total pieces of lower quality gear. We are both biased toward purchasing quality gear but I also helped provide him with some options that helped him save some money.
Below I have included some of the thoughts I shared with him and, in many cases, point out less expensive alternatives to traditional sex shops for some items. Many of these tips are obvious to experienced guys but they may not be as obvious to those just starting out.
The Gear:
Collar
If you are going to use a collar when you play I recommend getting a quality collar like the locking leather collar from Mr. S Leather. It is reasonably priced, you can be proud to wear it, and you will not need to worry about replacing it after a couple years of use. I have had one of these for several years now and I still enjoy leveraging it in a scene.
For a less expensive option you could pick up a collar from a pet store but they normally do not look quite as nice as a collar made for a sub. You could also go to a hardware store like Home Depot and have them cut a chain about 18 inches long – add a lock and you have a collar although this may not be comfortable for the sub.
Leashes are a good tool if you are into pup play or humiliation and it will only set you back $15-$20 if you purchase one from a pet store.
Rope, Chain, & Locks
You do not need fancy rope if you are just getting into rope bondage. If you plan on tying limbs together you can pick up some rope from Home Depot. Rope work is not my forte but I believe you would want rope that is around a quarter inch in diameter.
Home Depot is also a good source for chain. They have a number of different chain diameters and they can cut the chain to any length(s) you request.
If you are going to purchase locks pay a little extra and get quality locks. I have had the best success with Master Locks and you can usually get a couple packs that are keyed alike so you can have 8+ locks and only need one key.
Blindfold
You probably already have items you could use as a blindfold laying around. Bandanas and socks make great blindfolds. Be aware that a sub may be able to see through the blindfold if it is stretched too thin or not properly placed. If you are worried the sub will see through a stretched blindfold you can always apply a bit of duct tape on one side of the blindfold.
Duct Tape & Shrink Wrap
Warehouse clubs are the perfect place to purchase duct tape and shrink wrap. A couple years ago my partner and I purchased an 18 inch by 3000 foot role of shrink wrap for about $15. We still have a long way to go before we run out of it.
Handcuffs
Handcuffs are an ideal item in a kinkster’s gear collection. They are somewhat inexpensive, extremely functional, and easy to store. A good set of handcuffs can last for many years, in fact, I still have the first handcuffs I purchased when I was 15 years old. When you purchase handcuffs be sure you get a set that is double locking (and use it) so they do not tighten up too much on a sub’s wrists. You can find handcuffs from numerous stores on the internet – I have purchased from the Handcuff Warehouse before so you may want to check them out.
You could also purchase flex cuffs (similar to cable ties) that are single use and cost about $1 each.
Black spandex hood
My recommendation is to purchase the Spandex Hood from Mr. S Leather. This is one of the first items I purchased from Mr. S Leather many years ago because it is functional, easy to store, and inexpensive.
You could also utilize a pillow case or cloth bag if you have one but it is important to be sure the sub can easily breath through the cloth.
Nipple clamps
These are available through a number of kinky websites and most are relatively inexpensive ($20 – $40) and most of the less expensive alternatives are functional but lack aesthetic appeal.
Knee pads
Check out a (used) sporting goods store for a good pair of knee pads. Consider if you will be crawling around on them like a pup or if you just want them to support a sub in kneeling position. Try them out in the store…it is OK to be on your knees in a sporting goods store since you are trying the kneepads on. And who knows, someone just might walk up and give you something to do while you are down there 🙂
Condoms & lube
These are not items to neglect – always have more condoms and lube than you will need on hand. Take a look at a website like Walgreens or CVS – their websites usually have more options for products that they do not carry in store. I have saved a lot on lube by purchasing it through Walgreens.com
This list was not intended to be a comprehensive list of the gear you should have in your collection. Rather, my intention was to give you some thoughts to consider if you want to add some gear from the referenced categories to your collection while being mindful of the costs.
Note that if you purchase something through the Mr. S Leather links included above I will be compensated for referring your purchase. I have purchased from every other retailer mentioned in this post although I do not have an affiliate relationship with any of them