MATERIAL:

The Heart Beat collar is a Ruff Doggie Styles creation which is made in India using genuine leather and brass metal. It features the typical style metal buckle on one end and five punched holes the other. There is no loop to hold any excess strap you will have left over if worn on a smaller size. Due to the buckle and the nature of this leather, it does sit fairly close to the rest of the band, but the first spike may pose an issue for some. It could be cut, but that would open up the stitching. The band widens from ½” on the hole end up to 1” before it narrows down again for the buckle.



The black outer leather has a slight rough pattern with a matte sheen and features eight small cut out hearts. Musky pink leather has been placed between the top leather layer and a black suede backing that sits against your skin. The pieces are completely (even right around the hearts) glued together and then stitched around the outer edges of the collar in pink thread. It's very straight with no loose areas or ends sticking out.



In the middle of the widest section of the collar, between two of the hearts, is a small O ring with a inner diameter of just under ½” and dangles from a short post. The shape reminds me of one of those knockers (no, nothing to do with boobs) they use to have on front doors before door bells came about. It's not a large O ring by any means, but it should be able to carter for most leashes with a clasp, such as this one.



There are two spikes on either side of the ring. These spikes are ½” in length and come to a rounded point. Because of the points, it's probably not one you would really want to sleep in. Besides that, the leather is rather thick (almost ¼”) due to the three layers, so it's rigid in the depth aspect, but flexible in the length. All of the spikes and the O ring can be unscrewed if need be.





There is an odour if you hold the collar up to your nose. It has a delicious leather scent like a horse bridle.
The sizes are as follows:

Collar Sizes:
1st Hole: 16”
2nd Hole: 15 ¼”
3rd Hole: 14 ½”
4th Hole: 13 ¾”
5th Hole: 13”

There is an extra 2” on the end, so another hole or two could be punched out for those who may require more length.




CLEANING ~ PACKAGING:

Simply wipe the collar over with a mild soap and slightly dampened cloth if it requires a cleaning. There are also some products that are designed for cleaning and protecting leather items. Be sure to let it thoroughly dry on a flat surface.

The collar arrived in a clear plastic sleeve, nothing fancy but it does the trick. Attached to the actual collar was a small square of cardboard with the company's name and very little information. If you wish to store it, lay it flat or buckle it and allow the collar to sit on its edge.

EXPERIENCE:

Most probably wouldn't have an issue, but I find the suede against my skin is a little on the irritating side. When it rubs sideways, it feels coarse on my neck. I find there is more than enough length to fit me firmly or extremely loosely. I haven't put it to the test in a Dom/sub session, but it held its ground when I tugged on it myself. As long as the O ring is screwed in place tightly, it's not going to go anywhere. This isn't the type of collar I can sleep in, but it is sexy for everyday wear when I want a change from my Slave collar. Apart from it irritating my neck slightly, I really like the design of this collar.

This one earns 4 stars!