The Pleasure Principle Harness Kit had me slightly anxious because I'm a bit of a purist when it comes to leather and this would be my first non-leather ASLAN product. In fact, it's one of the few faux-leather products in my collection of gear and toys. I wanted to like it, but was terribly afraid I wouldn't. In fact, initially I couldn't even get past the shock of it being...so...non-leathery. When I took this out of the package, I'll admit I did sigh a slightly wistful sight when I ran my fingers over the materials. But damn. This? For a vegan product? It is absolutely top notch and in terms of quality it stands right along side any leather ASLAN product.

The straps are made from tightly woven nylon which is surprisingly soft to the touch - including along the edges. Cheaper nylon straps (especially if their edges are carelessly sealed with an adhesive) often have very sharp, tough edges that can dig into the skin, but I found these to be extremely comfortable. The front of the harness is made from two different panels of material that lie flush against one another. The outer panel is fronted with vinyl (either black or pink, your choice) and is backed by faux-leather. Behind this section is a panel that is faux-leather on both sides. On the front panel, four nylon snaps allow the O-ring to be locked in place (two different sized rings are included in the kit) while the rear panel adds a unique option to the harness.

This section has a hole cut toward the bottom which allows for a dildo to be mounted facing toward the driver; yes, that means you and your partner get enjoy the sensation of penetration at the same time! This has been my first harness that is specifically designed for dual penetration and? It is amazing. As I am thrusting and getting into the headspace of "Driver", I also enjoy the the feeling of sexual gratification from the dildo shifting inside of me as I thrust. This adds a kind of oomph to my movements that I can't explain - it's as if I am not thrusting just for my partner's physical enjoyment, but for my own. It simulates what I imagine it would be like if I were thrusting with a fleshy, attached-to-the-body penis of my own. It's quite an experience, let me say.

Regarding design, the Pleasure Principle Harness is a traditional dual strap harness with a bit of a clever twist. Attached to the rear of the hip strap - which can be adjusted with sliding plastic buckles at each side to fit up to 50" hips - are two straps that attach to the front mount. However, one strap can easily be removed, and the remaining strap slid to the rear center then hooked to the front's hidden G-string notch, to create a G-string effect. This works excellently for helping keep a butt plug or dildo in place for the driver, or the dual strap allows the driver the be penetrated freely (or fucked, even!) while wearing the harness. The great part of about this design is that it's infinitely versatile; I personally am not a one position gal and what I'm in the mood for changes from day to day and even moment to moment. Sometimes I want to be entered vaginally by my partner while I get a reach around strap-on handjob. Sometimes I want to be the only one penetrating anything! The Pleasure Principle Kit gives you the option to change that up at a moment's notice, which I love.

Though what I have to say I love best about this harness? Well, for a leather lover I do have to give these materials their due over leather in just one area: weight. Leather has a luscious heaviness to it which is glorious sometimes, but the Pleasure Principle harness? I absolutely forget I'm wearing it because it's so light! This is an excellent option for those that really want to create a feeling of singularity with themselves and their cock - trans fellas and those into genderplay absolutely DO consider this harness for this reason. It's also easy as pie to fold up the straps and stick this in a bag to travel with, or back in the toy chest, and I don't have to worry about it getting scuffed or bent out of shape like leather. It's far less delicate and therefore easier to be spontaneous and carefree with. These qualities really make the Pleasure Principle harness a keeper for me.

Included with the kit is a special edition Happy Valley Eros dildo - one that is not sold separately by Happy Valley, but is rather only available with the kit. The Eros is a simple, modest dildo that is like a longer, somewhat girthier version of the Tantus Silk Medium, though certainly not as bulbous as the Silk Large. Its base is 2.75" in diameter and locks securely into the Pleasure Principle harness - and all others that I own including the ASLAN Jaguar, ASLAN Commando and Stockroom La Femme harnesses. Unlike many other dildos, this base is thick enough to provide unwavering support for the shaft, as well as a good handle if you choose to use this dildo for hand-held thrusting.

The cock itself? A gently sloping 5.5" in length, and a nice intermediate girth of about 1.25" across. There is no graduation to the thickness; the dimensions are constant throughout, which does not make is the greatest beginner cock for anal play. This set seems to be geared toward anal play and novices at it, but I'd have to say that this particular dildo may be a bit large for some beginners. Its smooth, matte texture is very forgiving with a little bit of lube, which is a beginner-friendly feature, but its lack of a graduated width is not. For total anal beginners I would suggest a dildo like the Tantus Compact or the Sedeux Pleasure. This is still a good kit for those just starting out, though. Snag a smaller insertable for starters, but hold onto your Happy Valley Eros for when you're ready to move up to the next level of anal play. Its gradual curve is great for prostate massage or G-spotting through the rectal wall and the density of Happy Valley silicone is so intense that it REALLY provides some yummy pressure!

Overall, I really loved this kit and continue to use it regularly. I don't know if it has usurped my leather gear per se, but it certainly rivals it. Unfortunately the harness itself is perhaps even more difficult to clean than leather (is that possible?) because it's made of some more fragile synthetic materials. The vinyl can easily be wiped down with isopropyl alcohol or toy cleaner, and while the faux-leather areas can be as well, I would take extra care with them. The faux-leather is not especially tough and so too much scrubbing with harsh chemicals could probably damage it over time. The nylon straps are an easy task. These can be unhooked and tossed in the washing machine, really - I've washed items with nylon straps this way before without any trouble.

Of course with your 100% silicone Eros dildo, you can boil or wipe it with a 10% bleach solution to sanitize it. It can also be scrubbed with antibacterial soap and hot water in less thorough day-to-day cleaning. Also take care to avoid using silicone lubricants with it; only water and oil based are safe for this material. Finally, do not store your Eros openly with soft toys not made from 100% silicone as it may melt, warp or otherwise degrade these materials.