SPREADER BARS
The thrill of bondage sex is building intense arousal by limiting and controlling a partner's movements, and the restraint is usually handled by cuffs, ropes, or chains. Spreader bars were obscure bdsm fetish items until Fifty Shades mainstreamed the idea, and made them a must-try bedroom bondage addition. But this is an unfamiliar method of restraint, and so especially for new sexual adventurers, we've prepared an introduction to spreader bar bondage, along with some observations and recommendations.
So exactly what is a spreader bar? This is any device which holds a person's limbs (generally their legs...) in a fixed position, and unable to be moved either way. This can be done simply by tying your lovely submissive's ankles to a long wood dowel (curtain rod, anyone?) or very elegantly by using a leather-wrapped, adjustable metal bar with D-rings and matching padded leather cuffs; and there's lots of options in between. Spreader bars have connections for either two or four cuffs, located at the ends or along the length; some come with cuffs, some do not. There's two main types, as shown below: the traditional metal tube, adjustable or not, with rings for attaching cuffs, or a solid bar with the cuffs attached in fixed positions.
What's the difference between spreader bar types?
The traditional metal tube spreader bars come in several variations. There are fixed-length bars with rings at the ends for connecting cuffs, adjustable-length bars, and bars with permanently-attached cuffs which featuirng swivel fittings for comfort. This style of spreader is usually available in chrome or black finishes. If you already have cuffs, a metal spreader bar makes sense, and the look is always classic. The adjustable bars usually come in detachable sections, making them easy to pack for travel:
There's also a relatively new type of spreader bar, often called a ‘bondage bar’, which generally consists of a flat, rigid, non-adjustable bar covered in fabric, neoprene, or leather, with four cuffs in fixed positions; the location and spacing varies between models. These spreaders come in different lengths, usually with an ankle cuff attached to each end, and the wrist cuffs located somewhere in the middle; some bondage bars have both restraints at the ends. This type of spreader is less expensive than the metal tube versions.
Bondage bars are even more restrictive than traditional spreaders, since there’s absolutely no movement possible, not even the loose jiggle of cuffs and D-rings. Once your partner is strapped onto one of these, deeper trust, surrender and submission is required for the reward of more intense pleasures. There are also spreader straps, which also have four cuffs, but these are attached to a flexible strap. These allow more motion, yet are still very restrictive and exciting, like a soft hogtie. Great during foreplay.
How can a spreader bar make bondage sex even hotter?
We always say (remember, this is a personal opinion...), with more restraint comes greater potential for intensified pleasure. A spreader bar used between your eager submissive's ankles emphasizes any vaginal, anal or clitoral stimulation, by holding her legs open. When cuffed to a spreader, she can't move her legs - either apart or closer together - so there's no shaking off the stimulation, and the thrill builds 'round and 'round, like a pleasure circuit...! When your partner is held so exquisitely open and vulnerable, totally exposed for relentless teasing, intense vibrator play, and flogging, every touch will drive her crazy This new level of restraint is surprisingly exciting, a little dangerous, and more controlling than a spreadeagle tie-down, where your captive can at least move her legs outward, or independently. The effect is dramatic and immediate, with heady excitement and deep thrills. Can take a little getting used to...very worth it..
What about positions for sex with penetration?
As you can imagine, intercourse positions are somewhat limited by the bar, however, careful placement and ingenuity will make all things possible. In front-to-front positions (see Very Very Missionary), you, sir Dom, have to carefully maneuver into the perfect position, your knees placed just right between the bar and your lovely captive's thighs, remembering, she has barely any leverage - so adjust yourself. Remember - that metal bar is the hardest thing in the room, and could hurt either one of you.
In front-to-rear positions, for instance, when your restrained partner is laying face-down with a pillow under her hips, long spreader bars require careful knee placement and leaning. You may need to extend your legs backwards under the bar - if you can fit with the bar at the back of your knees, so much the better. Using a short (12") spreader allows straddling your partner with your legs outside, especially good for kneeling rear-entry positions. In most positions, we suggest laying a pillow over the spreader bar to protect your shins (you'll see what we mean...).
Many spreader bars include both ankle and wrist cuffs, for more extreme restraint scenarios, and some very intense positions for penetration. Cuffed into one of these devices, your willing partner has very limited movement, so instability and muscle strain are real possibilities. When she's standing in a leg spreader, and especially if she's bent over with her wrists also cuffed to the bar (one of those very intense positions we mentioned...), your eager submissive is very prone to falling, so be attentive, and make sure she’s safe - her well-being is entirely up to you. Then hold on for a wild ride. Have pillows and cushions ready nearby. Here's some examples of different spreader bar types being used:
