The Tie Downs Pair is a simple, aesthetically pleasing, if not entirely functional pair of tethers for bondage play. I question the functionality of the tethers simply as compared with other sets of tethers I've used which were a bit easier to fasten to a fixed object either because they bore D-rings or clasps on both ends, or because the material was simply more amenable to being tied in a knot. It is my distinct impression that the tie downs pair is not easily tied into knots. However, despite the passage of many years, my courses in military mountaineering eventually led me to a knot from which even the tie downs pair could not unravel themselves. The tie downs pair doesn't require any special knowledge or skills for use, just the patience to experiment with knots and an enthusiasm for bondage or some kind of pet/pony play. As tethers, this pair would be great for beginners and more experienced users alike, although the elasticity of the material may not be desirable for those who want a more unforgiving hold.

I was surprised to find that the Tie Downs Pair is actually quite elastic: visually and even texturally the pair gives an impression of the kind of leather one would find on a dog leash. It's very smooth on one side, a bit rougher on the other. However, once anchored, I found that I could stretch the material an additional 6-8 inches by pulling on it. This isn't to say that the product is flimsy: far from it. I pulled on my restraints as hard as I could and didn't get the sense that the tethers were in any danger of snapping. Nevertheless, this may create a lot more freedom to struggle, and because the leather isn't very easy to knot, much less adjust, it may be difficult to achieve a very tight sort of bondage. The creative mind will work around such a problem, and of course one can always err on the side of keeping the tethers short and simply stretching them to reach the cuffs or whatever else they might be clipped to, but it's something you ought to be aware of, as one might not expect such give from something made out of leather.

Apart from the surprising elasticity, I can say that the biggest flaw I see in the design is the absence of some kind of tethering or clipping mechanism at both ends of each tie down, rather than simply at one end. The tie downs, while elastic lengthwise, are not terribly elastic across their girth, and can be difficult to tie into knots. The problem isn't insurmountable, but is certainly a drawback in an otherwise great design.

The aesthetics, on the other hand, are perfect for bondage tethers. The smell and feel of leather is incredibly sensuous, and, at least for me, gives a greater feeling of authenticity to bondage. While I've used other materials that have worked just as well from a utilitarian perspective, using plastic or polyester bondage gear can be a bit like using a wiffle bat for spanking, or getting married in a tuxedo made of duct tape. The function is the same, but the mood is entirely different.

I also found that the leather was more versatile than other restraint materials. Gripped properly, the tie downs can make a very satisfying substitute for a whip. This well may be true or rope, but I find that the flat leather stings more, gives a more satisfying sound, and leaves a cuter welt. While my girlfriend and I aren't terribly interested in pony or pet play, the tie downs could also make a great set of reins or a leash. So for those of you who might want to introduce your partner to something a little kinkier, the tie downs pair might help you make a smooth transition.

Despite a bit of awkwardness in fixing the tie downs to the feet of our queen-size bed, the tethers performed surprisingly quite well. I used a variation on the same sort of knot I'd use to fix a rope to my harness while rock-climbing (an ugly sort of figure-8 knot) that looked, and continues to look as though it is always on the verge of coming undone. However, perhaps because of the friction the material creates, it withstood a great deal of stress. As the tie downs are fairly long, I found it best to keep them tied short and then stretch them to attach the wrist cuffs. While I'm in the subject - these tie downs aren't a whole lot of good to you unless you've got a pair of wrist or ankle cuffs, or a collar to hook them into. I've used other types of tethers as restraints without cuffs, and even then it was a bit awkward, but in this case it's really just pointless to try. If you don't have cuffs, get them, or buy some rope.

Moving along. As expected, my girl found the leather much sexier than our previous tethers, which I believe we're made of nylon or some other synthetic fabric. In any case, I get a much more enthusiastic response nowadays based solely on the look of the material. The material is also much more versatile: it makes a pretty good whip. Sadly, my girlfriend doesn't much care for whips, good or otherwise. While I haven't had much of a chance to field test it as a whip, I can say it works well enough that she doesn't want me to use it again any time soon. So, you know, have that safe word ready.