Good sex often requires well-behaved partners, but some partners need to be put in their place before they can perform to the best of their ability. And thanks to the millions of people who understand that, the sex toy industry is now flooded with superior BDSM playthings that range in size, shape, color, functionality and price. One of the most popular products in that category is the good ole ball gag – a staple in the modern-day bedrooms worldwide, even for couples who don’t necessarily enjoy the full spectrum of bondage and dominance play.
In fact, ball gags have the power to silently shape our sexual appetites in more ways than one. Sometimes, it’s what you don’t say that has the greatest impact. When your partner can’t beg for mercy as you force them into a submissive orgasm it’s much easier to complete perverted experimentations rolling around in your head. And when your partner can’t see what’s coming next it’s much easier to catch them by surprise and render them speechless without a gag installed. Apparently, some sex toy manufacturers wrote the book on effective tantra and that’s why they offer such well-rounded products.
One such product is the STRICT Set – a kinky gift I received from my ex-lover after a rousing round of “The Blame Game” as we tried to figure out why our sex life was so stale. Once it landed in my hands and got strapped to my face, everything started to change. But, were those changes good ones or did we end up splitting because he chose such a shitty sex toy? Well, let’s make sure we’re all clear about what we’re discussing first.
What Is the STRICT Set?
The full name of the product in question is the Strict Leather Black Gag and Blindfold Head Harness, but absolutely nobody is going to call it that so I won’t either. It’s made by a relatively small company called Strict Leather and it’s designed to provide full-face restriction for an all-inclusive BDSM experience. It can be used by both newbies and experts, although the somewhat complex strapping apparatus may require some finagling before game time. Either way, this well-rounded ball gag is supposed to offer superior sensory deprivation to the wearer through its high-end components and ergonomic form.
The Main Features
According to the manufacturer, your plaything won’t be able to see or speak when they’re wearing the STRICT Set. The reason is because it features a super-secure and adjustable 3-way leather strapping system that fastens just like a traditional belt and goes up over the top of the wearer’s head, around the back of it and beneath the nape of the cranium as well. That strap is connected to a buttery soft leather blindfold that’s colored a sexy shade of red and sized appropriately for almost all body types. And if that wasn’t enough to make you want to check it out, this thing also features an attached ball gag that measures 1.5 inches in diameter for a user-friendly fit that can instigate drooling and humiliation if left in long enough.
The gag strap is adjustable as well, making this one of the best overall BDSM products in the industry despite the maker’s somewhat unknown presence. Both the blindfold and the ball gag can be used together or separately for enhanced versatility and control, plus the entire thing is held together with secure stitching and high-end metal clasps that resist rust and can be used with any type of personal lubricant you or your partner prefer. And as the cherry on top, the whole thing features a smooth, cool black finish with a slight sheen so that it coordinates with the rest of your bondage supplies.
What Comes in the Box?
Some sex toy makers like to include a couple free items in the box with their products, but that’s not always the case. When it comes to bondage, dominance, sadism and masochism-based devices, you usually only get what you pay for. The STRICT Set is no exception. So, while it may not provide me with a bunch of stuff I didn’t pay for, it still gave me something to look forward to that night (and many more after it). Here’s what you get for the money you do spend:
- The STRICT Leather Black Gag and Blindfold Head Harness
- A set of care and maintenance instructions
I noticed there wasn’t a storage container, pouch or box included with the purchase. But, since the material is slick and washable, it doesn’t really need much in the way of discretionary management, so there’s that. Furthermore, you don’t get any spare parts or a manufacturer’s warranties with this thing, so be sure to read the maintenance instructions carefully.
The Experience
My best experience with a ball gag and blindfold harnessing system was with a nylon strap-on model that my college boyfriend willed to me in our breakup. The STRICT Set, therefore, had rather huge shoes to fill, which is why I bought mine a little earlier than my current partner expected. I wanted some extra time just in case it didn’t quite measure up. But, as luck would have it, this bad boy had me second guessing the quality of that first experience I was comparing everything to. I found myself thinking, “Maybe it’s time to step my game up,” but don’t tell anyone I said that.
Rewind to the unboxing and nothing too impressive happened. It doesn’t look like much when stuffed inside the relatively commercial looking packaging, but fortunately I try not to judge a book by its cover. Still, it would have been nice to receive a storage container or presentation box so my partner would be a little less apprehensive about trying this kind of BDSM play. Either way, the leather material felt super soft to the touch and it had a bit of a flexible nature to it which is always a good sign. Everything looked nice and secure too, with obviously industrial-strength stitching and shiny metal pieces of hardware composing its perfectly positioned three-way strapping system. I gave it all a tug to make sure the looks weren’t being too deceiving. So far, so good.
Putting it on wasn’t nearly as easy to fall in love with as the overall design. This thing definitely requires the help of a friend or partner. I also suggest installing the ball gag first so you can still see what you’re doing. However, simply having a partner put it on can eliminate all this frustration. It’s certainly not a device designed for solo play, I can tell you that much. When it’s placed securely on your head and tightened up just right, it also eliminates your ability to see and speak (just like the manufacturer promised). I only saw a pinch of light when I turned my face to the left, but that was because one side of the strap was tightened slightly more than the other. Easy fix.
It took about an hour and a half for the sweatiness to kick in and I ended up getting a few blemishes on my forehead as a result. I’ll bet some talc powder or a handful of baby wipes would have worked wonders for me that day, but I digress. Overall, the STRICT Set ended up being a smart purchase because both my partner and I like to whip it out at least once a week. And since it’s easily adjustable, it never takes too long to trade roles either.
The Ups and Downs
There’s not a single product on the modern-day market that’s perfect and the STRICT Set is no rule breaker. Here are ups and downs I think you should consider before spending any money on this thing:
PROS
- Detachable ball and blindfold options
- Three-way harnessing system for improved staying power
- Belt-like security straps for better user-friendliness
- Soft and washable leather
- Made from skin-safe materials
- Color coordinated with most BDSM sex toys
CONS
- May not fit all head sizes
- Could cause sweating and discomfort after long-term wear
The Takeaway
Looking for THE perfect ball gag isn’t the same as looking for A perfect ball gag. Since people’s bodies are all different, a one-size-fits-all model usually lacks in certain features or qualities in exchange for being highly versatile. But if you’re lucky, you might stumble across a well-made version that’s not only ideal for various head sizes but also equipped with features that enhance its overall functionality. The STRICT Set is one of those options – a balanced, expertly constructed ball gag/blindfold head piece with detachable parts and secure latches for a worry-free experience. If that’s not enough to get you ready to go then I don’t know would be. The only complaint I had with this thing was that it couldn’t fit extra small or extra large noggins and that it made my face sweat after a while. Still, it’s a terrific product in my opinion because it provides the sensory deprivation you desire without making you look like an idiot in the process.
