A new fan of masks and restraints, I've been eagerly looking for a blindfold that would truly plunge me or hubby (depending on the mood) into complete darkness. When Spartacus' Extreme Blackout Blindfold came up for review, I pounced like Tigger hoping it would live up to its name.

My blindfold arrived in a clear plastic bag, but I don't think that is the norm. The Spartacus website shows a clear box with insert and when I called to ask some questions the representatives were surprised to hear my blindfold was naked in a bag. Regardless, it was clean, neat and had a very light leather smell.

The mask is made from textured cowhide, with a cotton tricot* fabric backing for the side that lays against your face. The mask has a height of approximately 3½" and is about 8½" across at the widest point, with a flapped and seamed cut-out in the center for the nose. I don't know if it is intentional, but the shape of the blindfold is reminiscent of lips to me. (*Please note: The fabric feels like neoprene to me, but the first representative I spoke with at Spartacus Leathers thought otherwise. I tried to get solid confirmation, but after two calls, an email, and two weeks of waiting, I don't think I'm going to get a response.)



Two straps roughly 10" each, are sewn between the front and back layers on the side. There is Velcro at the ends allowing for an easy-on, easy-off customizable fit.



When securely fastened the mask is very comfortable. The inside material is cushiony and I feel only a light, even pressure. The very first time I tried it on the nose area was slightly uncomfortable because the flaps placed pressure on my nasal passages and the bottom cross section restricted my air intake. However, after a few uses — some by my husband who has larger facial features — the flaps exert less pressure.

There is about a ¼" seam allowance on the flaps so you can trim a bit with fabric scissors if breathing is difficult. Just keep in mind that leather softens with use, so wear the blindfold a few times before committing to a cut. Also keep in mind that if you trim it, you might get more light leakage. I left my mask as-is since what I want is the extreme blackout effect.

Does this blindfold achieve 100% dark? No, unfortunately not. However it comes very, very close. Its size is roughly that of a sleep mask you can buy in any local drugstore, but its light blocking abilities are far superior.



Alas, it's slightly high maintenance. Unlike a cloth mask that can be washed in the sink or thrown in the laundry, the Extreme Blackout Blindfold is leather and that requires a little more effort. Per Spartacus' website you'll want to avoid getting the blindfold wet. All that's required to clean the leather is a slightly damp cloth and a very light hand, i.e. do not rub excessively. Also keep the blindfold out of direct sunlight (which may cause the leather to dry and crack) but make sure there is air circulation, i.e. no Ziploc bags. And if possible, avoid folding it.

The blindfold is light enough and small enough to fit in a purse, making it a great choice for out of town trips. However, I recommend leaving it in the checked baggage for a bus ride or flight. It may be the best at blocking out light, but the leather odor and kinky design may cause a stir among the other passengers.

With a word like "extreme" in the title, I really expected this to be a hulking mass with a fresh-from-the-barnyard smell. Instead, it's modestly sized and has a very light scent. The smell doesn't seem to bother my ultra-sensitive nose and my husband — who has shown no leather inclination so far — actually likes it.

The straps may not be as sexy as silk, but they are perfect for getting a great fit. I don't think I'll ever settle for elastic again. I was slightly worried because my hair is long and I feared it might get tangled in the Velcro, but to-date they've played nicely together.

My facial features fall into the small-medium range and the mask covers everything it is supposed to, but I do get a tiny bit of light leakage around the sides of the nose and the lower cheek area. My husband, whose facial features fall firmly into the large range, gets light leakage in the center (top and bottom). The good news is while we can see illumination, we absolutely cannot see what is going on. To provide an example, when my husband wore the mask he could tell that the light in our room was on, but he couldn't tell that I was waving my hand about 12" from his face.

The nose opening also restricted his breathing, though unlike me he described it as insignificant. Consider though that neither of us is interested in breath control play, so our idea of "restriction" may vary (greatly) from those who regularly engage in such games.

Overall, the Extreme Blackout Blindfold is very effective. We enjoyed playing with it and will most likely continue to use it frequently. It's just not perfect, so I give it four stars, though I wish I could award it an extra half a star since it is the closest I've come to pitch black.