Each week The CSPH takes a look at a sexual aid that can be just so darn spectacular for some people, that it needs to be highlighted. This week we have Sportsheets’ Spread the Love spreader bar.
How does this product work?
The Sportsheets Spread the Love spreader bar is a 24” long nylon, neoprene, metal and velcro sexual aid. It consists of two internal bars (making the toy 2” wide) covered in layers of the nylon/neoprene/velcro material with four cuffs (two for the ankles, two for the wrists) sewn onto the bar. This toy would be ideal for someone who likes bondage and restraint play and who likes cuffs that are comfortable and soft, and easy to remove but not easy to slip or get out of. It would make a great bondage toy in general, but it’s important to note that it would be good for someone who is just beginning in that type of play because it is fairly cheap (so it’s not a huge investment) and texturally speaking it is a restraint that is cushy in feel (versus something scratchy or rigid). The bar itself has a little bit of bend, but not much. The cuffs are all sewn onto the bar, which is helpful because they won’t accidentally come off the bar, but it’s important to keep in mind that the cuffs are not removable and therefore this makes positions a bit more limited. The toy could be used just on one’s wrists, just one’s ankles, or some combination of the two. It provides a decent leg spread without discomfort for many people.
Important Things to Note
The interior of the wrist and ankle cuffs are made of neoprene, which is extremely soft and comfy for the skin. If adjusted properly, they should not cause discomfort, pain or irritation. However, the outer cuffs are 11 ½” long with 5” of velcro for closure, and the internal cuffs are 12” long with 4 ¾” of velcro. This is important because if cuffs are adjusted past a certain point, the scratchy part of the velcro will be exposed.
A plus about this toy is that it is great for on-the-go. It can easily fit into backpacks, luggage and even large purses because it is flat.
A con is that while this toy is certainly very durable and sturdy, it may not last forever. Since the cuffs are sewn on, after much use the material may begin to weaken and it could eventually rip or wear away.
Since it is difficult for some people to remain upright with their legs spread (and potentially also with their wrists cuffed to the bar), another recommendation with regards to this toy is to experiment with different ways of wearing it. Try it while sitting on a chair or bed while bent over so that you or your partner(s) have some leverage and won’t fall down. Or, try laying on your side on a bed with your arms and legs in front of you while curled over, giving your partner access to play with you in different ways.
Finally, keep in mind that the packaging for this toy does have pictures on it and the box is rather large. If you’re looking for a more discreet way of storing it, try purchasing or making a cloth bag for it to get carried around in.
Keeping It Clean
If it is necessary, this toy can be cleaned with mild soap and warm water. We recommend that you wash it by hand since the internal bars could pop out or the material could wear down and rip if you try throwing it in a washing machine, even if it’s in a laundry or lingerie bag. If you follow these care instructions, your toy should last you a long time. Be safe and have fun playing!
