Allow me to begin my review by stating that the Spartan Black and Blue Medium Restraints are quality products that possess no inherent flaws or defects. They are beautifully made, they are incredibly sturdy, and they are almost universally compatible with anything with a clip, hook, snap, or clasp, be it tethers, ropes or chains. Their operation could not be more straightforward. Anyone at all can figure out how to put them on. They are made of smooth and silky leather, and the clasps and D rings are made of cool and solid steel. They are simply awesome to behold. Plus they come in my favourite colour: smurf blue!

Now allow me to add that when I received them in the mail, I had no idea how to use them effectively once actually wearing them. This is because when I first selected this product for review, I was looking to get into a little light restraint and bondage play. I figured: What better place to start than a simple pair of cuffs? But then several things occurred to me as I was taking these lovely cuffs out of their package.

First of all, I realized that once worn on the wrist or ankle, I needed other equipment in order to join the cuffs to, say, bed posts. On top of this, I was further disappointed to find that, without even more extra hardware, the cuffs could not connect to each other. And as my tethers were on back order, and I possessed no prior knowledge whatsoever on how to use any variety of restraint, I was unable to use these fine cuffs for yet another week and more.

Second, it should also be noted that these cuffs are on the larger side. They are certainly usable as wrist cuffs, but if you are on the smaller side, they are better used as ankle cuffs.

Now, I am aware that this is not the fault of the manufacturer, nor am I suggesting that this is not a good or ideal product. I am merely stating that at this early point in my exploration of the kinkier side of sex, these cuffs were not good or ideal for someone like me. What I needed was something that came ready-made, something that showed pictures on the box of suggested uses, that came with the option of using attached or detached, and that, oh I don't know, includes instructions?

Well, I have my tethers now and I should mention that each time my wife and I attempt to tie each other down with these cuffs, we do a slightly better job and we have a little more fun doing it as well. I'm now comfortably resigned to the fact that these cuffs are for more advanced users and that anyone possessing little to no experience in this area may be better served with a product a little more, shall we say, dinner-ready?

If, however, you are either a bondage veteran or a newbie that enjoys a challenge and have a little extra cash, then these cuffs are an awesome choice. And by all means, go with quality like I did. All it takes is a little time and practice, plus a few other small investments, and in the end you certainly won't regret it.

Even though these cuffs are a bit too big for my wrists, I'm quite happy with using them as ankle cuffs. They are very strong, and let's face it, they look better than anything else out there right now. I even starting to consider purchasing the matching whip and collar.