I received the package (containing my Black and Blue Restraints) on my way out to meet some friends for a baseball game. As I was running late already, I signed in a hurry and took the package with me. It wasn't until I sat down on the subway that I realized my odds of entering a large stadium, unquestioned, with a sealed package were very slim.

With no other option, I decided I would simply have to wear the restraints for the evening. As such, I was pleased to find them soft and supple enough to justify wearing for an extended period of time.

It quickly became clear that these restraints were obviously more than just a simple fashion accessory, however. The padded layer underneath the straps is well-cushioned, plus the D and O rings are clearly designed for secure fastening; their weight matching their purpose. I opted to wear them on my ankles, under my jeans.

My first complaint with this product came as I attempted to fasten them. Although they are advertised as a size suitable for ankles and the photo on the package shows a well-developed man wearing them in that capacity, I was unable to fasten these further than the first hole in the strap.

Part of the difficulty came from the buckle hardware itself. While the rivets and D and O rings seem very sturdy, the buckle seemed less so. The part of the buckle through which I threaded the strap was slightly flattened and instead of rolling smoothly through, the strap caught each time it passed the seam. In addition, the metal seemed of a lesser quality than the rest of the hardware. I'm inclined to think if there is a chance these cuffs will fail, it will because the buckle gives out.

Since I like to struggle and strain against the restraints, one of the primary things I look for is durability. Upon initial examination, I pegged this pair as an "entry level" set of cuffs. Since the leather was so soft and light, I deemed these cuffs were probably more appropriate for the occasional dungeon party or for light to mid-range bedroom bondage.

When I was able to use the restraints with my partner, I was pleasantly surprised to find that they exceeded those expectations.

I had my partner strap me to the bed, face down. With my knees toward the bed, I knew I could really put some pressure on this product. As he tied me, I instructed him to pull my feet further apart, and tie me tighter. Throughout the evening's vigorous activities, I strained against the cuffs in every direction, using them for leverage.

When, exhausted and sweaty, I was finally unbuckled, two things became very evident: Firstly, despite the prolonged wear, both in and out of the bedroom, there was zero chafing or irritation on my ankles. And second, the cuffs showed no sign of the significant abuse I put them through. The rivets and rings were as tight as ever; also the leather had retained its shape and length.

Only time will tell, but given how comfortable and attractive they are, I suspect that the Black and Blue restraints by Spartacus will join me in a number of exciting adventures before their durability runs out.

As I suspected, these cuffs have really withstood the test of time.  From living in my sometimes disorganized toy chest, to being stacked in a box under others during a move, to being tugged and strained and struggled against time and time again, they have persevered; keeping their shape as well as their structural integrity.

It's important to note that these are not small cuffs; if you're looking to restrain someone by slender wrists (or someone with small hands), these are not  the cuffs for you. Further, with time, as with all leather items, the straps have loosened a bit. This at least resolves my previous concerns about fitting them around my ankles, even if it drives home the fact that they will not be securely holding my wrists.

Despite my concerns about the buckles, they have held up so far, even to the relatively intense abuse of keeping still ankles that want to thrash.

All in all, this continues to be a good, solid product, well deserving of the four stars I initially rated it and only barely falling short of the fifth.  Considering the cost of many leather restraints|Wrist restraints - Wrist cuffs by Spartacus, this item is an excellent value, as well.