Some people want handcuffs that look like genuine, hard, cold metal and will seriously restrain their partner, leaving him/her with no chance of escape. Others want a gentler looking set, and sometimes would prefer something that one can escape from without the keys. These cuffs satisfy some needs for both.

Our question is this: on the spectrum of handcuff hardcore-ness, which ranges from intimidating to gentle, where do the Captivity Cuffs by Topco lie? The short answer is that they're in the middle, but closer to the gentle side. In developing the long answer, we'll first discuss the perceptual properties (including comfort) of the cuffs. Second, we can describe the other major features which play a role in determining the cuffs' place on the intimidating-gentle spectrum, most importantly, the easy-release-latch for keyless escape. Last, I'll mention some fun uses as well as cleaning suggestions.

APPEARANCE/FEELING: Intimidating or Gentle?
To begin then, the Captivity Cuffs are made of metal, and come with a black (or red, if you select that option) furry sheath around each cuff. This is certainly a push towards the gentle side, but if you're more interested in a genuine cuff look for your fun, then sheaths can be easily removed (which thus reveals the same looking metal as the rest, fortunately). So, looks-wise, the cuffs are friendly to both sides of the spectrum. Nonetheless, the furry sheaths provide little comfort if you're looking for something gentle. The feel of cold metal against your skin is still present, just with slightly less force, and so the Captivity Cuffs aren't particularly comfortable around the wrists. Thus, I rank the appearance/feeling more on the intimidating end of the spectrum.

KEYLESS-RELEASE?
Yup, you read correctly. There's a latch on each cuff which, when pressed down, releases you or your partner. I handcuffed my self earlier to see how easily I could escape, and there's nothing to it. Suppose you're handcuffed. To release your left hand, you can use your right to press the latch and free your left (and vice versa). As far as I know, this is unavoidable and you cannot lock the cuffs in place. Because of this, the cuffs are clearly more towards the gentle side, so the novice will be pleased by this. Now, there is one way to avoid this. By getting two sets and cuffing your partner to two bedposts (or some similar position), one set for each wrist. This way, the restrained party cannot use one hand to unlock the other hand's cuff.

To answer our question then: the Captivity Cuffs are more oriented towards the gentle side, and hence to the novice, largely because of the easy-release latch. The furry sheath contributes as well, but this is offset by the lack of comfort provided by them.

SOME FUN USES and CLEANING:
Light restraint is an enjoyable practice for many people, since it's not nearly as intimidating as many BDSM activities but maintains a high level of control and submission. Try handcuffing your partner's wrists together behind his/her back, behind a chair, or, if you're so lucky, to a high post of some kind so your partner's arm is raised up all the way. Or, get two sets and cuff your partner to each bedpost. There are lots you can do with these, so you can let your fantasies rip and have fun with these.

The furry part can be hand washed easily using warm water and soap, followed by air-drying. For cleaning the metal cuffs, it's recommended to use soap and warm water, but to dry immediately after. Also, avoid using strong cleaners on the metal.