It's not what's in the box, it's how you use it - that was my first thought when I opened the cheap cardboard box and saw the restraints rolled into a tube and stuffed unceremoniously into the bottom. For some reason when I order a new vibrator, there is a certain excitement that accompanies the box and I had that same expectation here. While I'm not exactly sure what I was expecting, I got exactly what I ordered which was, in all honesty, sex ribbons.

The packaging doesn't give much information about the product. There are no inserts and other than the photo of a woman wearing a blindfold with her wrists tied together, it didn't give me any new or exciting ideas.

My sex ribbons are black but red is a color option as well. The restraints (yeah, I'll quit calling them sex ribbons) are 4 inches wide and 4 feet long. The fabric is frankly a mystery; it is silky, but it's on the stiff side. The site states that it's silk but I have enough silk clothing to know what actual silk feels like. My guess is that it is a polyester blend. The packaging only says that it's silky and doesn't give any kind of material explanation. I am hoping that laundering improves the stiffness issue, but even if it doesn't, these are still very usable.

Despite the fact that the material is a little stiff, it is surprisingly comfortable to use. The width of the restraints keeps them from cutting into skin. The restraints, given that they look like ribbons, are not going to scream "sex toy". And since they are just ribbons, they aren't the least bit intimidating to use. Oh, and as a Martha-Stewart-in-my-bedroom bonus, the bows are really attractive when tied.

While the length seems generous on paper, I found it to be a bit short. It's just fine to use as a blindfold or tie hands or feet together but since I have a solid headboard (i.e., no slats and super-thick bedposts) it doesn't work for me for any use beyond the unimaginative. I have a feeling that I am in the minority on this and that 4 feet is plenty for the average user. If your bed falls into a category similar to mine, these may not be for you.

All in all, because the price point is low, I would recommend this product for beginners and those looking to dabble in restraints.

These restraints were great for me as a beginner, and I find myself reaching for them again and again. I don't think the advanced BDSM user would find them useful, but they are a great starting point for those who are interested.