What’s The Best Spreader Bar For BDSM Bondage Play? [2024]

Discover the best spreader bar for BDSM that will satisfy YOUR bondage needs. After 30 hours of research & reviewing over 40 toys, I am here to share all that I learned.

I personally reviewed 46 BDSM spreader bars for sex. And identified 5 best of them that will satisfy most people’s needs.

Sounds good?

Let’s jump in!

---

The Best Spreader Bars For Perfect Bondage (Comparison Chart)

---

Bondage Boutique has made the ultimate spreader bar for an incredible price. Making it easily the best bang for the buck.

It’s adjustable from 18 to 26 inches. Inescapable thanks to the leather cuffs with padlocks. And you can also separate it into 3 pieces for easy storage or travels.

Then the outer cuffs rotate 180 degrees. And the inside of them is fur-lined ensuring that there are no marks or bruises left after the play.

Finally, it’s great that this combo kit comes with 4x padlocks and 8 keys included in the package. So you really have everything out of the box.

Are there downsides? Sure.

For example, padlocks require quite a bit of fiddling around. You cannot spontaneously lock your partner. It takes time. 

But for most, it only adds to the tension and excitement.

Then, those pins that adjust the length sometimes gets easily dislodge. So some people use Keyring to loop around the bar itself to hold the pin in place.

---

If you’ve heard of Liberator before. Then you might know that they make high quality sex wedge pillows and sex furniture. 

They use great materials that don’t budge under body weight. They offer washable covers, and have even Black Label restraint line.

Talea is Liberator’s take on spreader bars. They made the bar that’s comfortable, yet restrains. 

Most spreader bars require prior conversations. As your partner might be scared off if you pull out a scary-looking bar out from the blue. 

But this one can easily double as a sex pillow since it has a nice padded cushion. And the cover is removable and washing machine friendly.

Notice though that the base spreader bar doesn’t come with cuffs.

It’s not necessarily a bad thing as you can hand-pick and add any cuffs that you like. But it does mean that it’s getting pricier.

Together with the purchase, you can add:

• 4 adjustable Velcro wrist and ankle cuffs
• Or 4 leather cuff kit that comes with 4 D-ring connectors, 4 double snap hooks and 4 male to female connectors

Then we must talk about the fact that the spreader bar itself is PVC rod, NOT metal. 

If you’re looking for something unbreakable, then this rod might not be it. 

If you apply a maximal force you can definitely break it as it’s not really meant for a hardcore BDSM play.

I guess you can always upgrade and insert another bar in place of the PVC one if you need something sturdier

Also note that on Liberator site there are quite a bit of suggested position photos. As well as in the package it comes with a nice booklet giving ideas on how to get started:

---

Are you just looking to dip your toes into the restraint game for the first time? This is an inexpensive and non-scary spreader bar for just that.

The design is very simple, yet the bar itself is metal, not thick metal but still

You can bend it a bit and with tiny wrists, those cuffs could be escapable.

But if you’re not fighting too much, they will pin down for enough.

It’s not a great bar, but it’s not bad either. 

16″ length is a bit too short for serious spreading. But again this is the beginner budget option, not a full-blown BDSM restraint bar.

A great introduction to the best bondage toys though.

---

This is a similar spreader bar with Sportsheets budget option with a few differences.

First of all, it’s a bit longer (20″). And even though wrist cuffs (buy matching ones for a low price) are not included, the bar comes with an O ring in the middle.

Yes, you can get those wrist cuffs. But you could also simply use a rope and that O ring to tie the spreader bar for example to the bed frame.

O ring gives options for creative uses.

Then, even if the bar looks flimsy, it’s basically a metal bar padded with nylon. 

The cuffs itself are padded for comfort and is another beginner’s restraint bar with a twist.

---

The best feature of this spreader bar is its customizability.

The bar itself is made from a heavy-weight metal that is so well made that it won’t budge no matter how hard you try.

Also, the pins for adjustments are well-made to ensure no escaping is possible. 

You can adjust this bar from 30–38″ which makes it the widest bar from the selection.

Then, if you notice it has only 2 cuffs at the end… for ankles or wrists, but NOT both… 

You might see the quality of the cuffs and be disappointed. That there is no option to restrain both legs and hands, BUT…

Notice the O ring in the middle. And notice the detachable cuffs. 

Yup. You can upgrade both cuffs and you can use that middle O ring to add wrist cuffs afterward.

Basic wrist cuffs

Advanced soft leather handcuffs

Double metal carabiner

Sure, it will set you back a couple of bucks. But you can mix and match your favorite cuffs. Pretty awesome, eh?

It’s the favorite for customizability and long-term use.

---

Here’s something you probably never thought you’d see – an inflatable spreader bar. Even though air doesn’t sound like a particularly intimidating material, you’d be surprised how well this blow-up baby works.

This is a great option for beginners since it’s very affordable and easy to use, not to mention completely unintimidating. You can also use it in a variety of positions, either for wrists or for ankles (though not both at the same time, unfortunately.)

The fact that it’s both soft and relatively rigid at the same time makes it great for low-impact bondage sessions.

If you’re just dipping your toes (and other body parts) into BDSM, this is an easy way to get started. It also means you don’t have to find a way to shove a full-sized metal bar in your closet. 

Once you’re done, you can deflate your new toy and pack it away. Or if you want to bring your playtime to a different location, it’s perfect to take with you on a trip.

The main downside is that it can bend if you really get enthusiastic, which kind of defeats the purpose of a spreader bar. It also doesn’t have a second set of cuffs (nor the option to add them), so this is really for light, easy bondage play.

---

This is a spreader bar for those who want a luxury experience without the price tag. Honestly, it’s an amazing deal. 

If you love the look and feel of high-quality BDSM gear but don’t want to break the bank, this is a no-brainer.

The fact that it’s made with real leather is a huge luxury factor. Of course, if you’re vegan, this could be a big downside.

The shining metal and black real leather bar is very classy and really screams BDSM. 

Despite the high-quality materials, this spreader bar won’t bankrupt you. Sure, it’s pricier than the budget options. But it’s much more affordable than a full kit.

That’s because it doesn’t include wrist cuffs. That’s the only downside to this bar. 

If you’re already into bondage, it’s possible you already have your own cuffs at home. 

Couple those with this spreader bar and you’ve got yourself a complete set for a much more affordable price than the equivalent full version from the same brand.

---

Speaking of having your own cuffs, you’ll need them if you go for this option. The Sportsheets Edge Spreader Bar is literally just the bar itself, and it’s a relatively no-frills option.

There are two ways to look at this:

You can lament that you have to buy extra cuffs or you can rejoice at how customizable it is.

Again, if you already have your own cuffs at home, this should be no problem. 

If you don’t, though, remember to factor the extra price into your decision-making process.

That said, I love that you can make this exactly what you want it to be. You can add ankle or leg cuffs on each end, and the clips in the middle are perfect for attaching the wrist cuffs of your dreams. 

It’s also adjustable for even more customizability. Just be ready for quite a spread. This bar’s minimum length is already a challenging 29 inches and it goes all the way up to 37 inches.

---

Another spreader bar that doesn’t include cuffs (and is therefore customizable). 

This option has the balance of sexy and romantic that typifies a lot of the toys from the Fifty Shades of Grey line. 

If you’re into fantasy, this bar is made for it, with its slightly Victorian feel. Care for a little bondage, my good lady?

It’s covered in sleek faux leather, offset by bronze-colored rings and clips. Of all the spreader bars I’ve reviewed, I’d say this one pays the most attention to aesthetic detail. 

It’s very stylish, so if that’s important to you, this could be a good choice.

However, for the price, it’s a bit disappointing that cuffs aren’t included (no matter how much fun it is to choose your own). This is really an upgrade bar if you’ve already got cuffs and want to add something special to spice things up even further.

At 20 inches in width, it’s also on the short side. So if you want a wider spread, this probably won’t hit the spot.

However, if you’ve got the cash to spend and you want something extra fancy, this could be a great choice, especially if you have your own cuffs and want a more comfortable spread width.

---

Something a little different from the usual leather-and-chains aesthetic that you usually find in BDSM gear.

I love that this bar has a stunning red and black pattern – it makes it feel like a beautiful piece of art.

The bar itself is very sturdy and is fitted with universal O-rings, which are big enough to fit a padlock through if you want to. 

That kind of versatility is important with bars that don’t come with their own cuffs – you want to make sure you can attach your own cuffs to it without any fitting problems.

This leads me to this bar’s main problem. It doesn’t come with any cuffs included, which for this price, is a bit of a letdown. 

Still, if you want something special to add a splash of color to your bondage play, this is a contender.

This is the kind of bar that I would add as a second or third to my collection. I do love having different sex toys for different moods, and aesthetics can make all the difference.

It also has a reasonably widespread (and is adjustable), so if you already have shorter bars, this would be a good addition to amp things up.

Just watch out for the holding pins. They can be a bit flimsy. Luckily they’re easily replaced with a trip to your local hardware store.

---

Introduction To Spreader Bar Bondage

You may have tried bed restraints under the bed before. But did you know that leg spreader bars are actually a lot more practical for bondage and sex?

You’re bound to love them!

Yes, there is a pure domination aspect, but restraints do the same. 

With spreader bars you can move around, change positions, and change places. You are not tied to one place, you’re tied to one thing 😉

Then it’s incredible for orgasm denial or forced orgasms, especially if you have a vibrator handy.

What do you do when your girl is squirming and closing her legs subconsciously as she’s about to orgasm? 

You fight back, but she’s damn good at escaping huh?

Spreader bar helps by gently fixating legs and hands in one place and not letting go no matter what.

Ironically, this lack of control also lets the receiver relax. And expose the sexy bits totally to her partner’s mercy.

Now let’s discuss what you should know when looking for a spreader bar.

---

The BDSM Spreader Bar for Sex Buying Guide

There’s more to them than meets the eye. 

Learning those few important things will save you some valuable time and money:

Is It fixed size or expandable?

Many entry-level spreader bars will be fixed size. And actually, if you’re going for a budget option, I would recommend you go for it

Adjustable spreader bars are more versatile and better, but ONLY IF you get a high-quality bar.

Cheap adjustable spreader bars often won’t hold together securely. Allowing the partner to escape… and where’s the fun in there?

So either get a fixed size good quality restraint bar or if you’re willing to spend around $100 get an adjustable one. 

It will just give you more options to play with. You could choose to use it for wrist, ankle, or even as a thigh spreader. 

Then there’s a question about the length of the spreader bar:

• Less than 20″ spreader bars — these are beginner spreaders. And usually are fixed since the spread is not that long. These are the most comfortable spreaders. Giving the experience of this kink and leg spreading, but not too much.
• 30″ inch spreader bar—if you want to be your partner to be more exposed and uncomfortable go for 30″+. If the receiving partner is shorter 30″ will be great.
• 40″ inch spreader bars — if the partner is taller like 6 feet and you want to go for discomfort. This will be the best choice unless he/she has some hip or flexibility issues.

---

Does It come with cuffs? If not, you need to get your own

Most of the selections do, but for example, the Talea spreader bar doesn’t.

On top of that, some spreader bars have detachable cuffs, but the included cuffs aren’t that good. 

So you may want to upgrade later. Also, if the bar comes with an O ring in the middle you can always add extra wrist cuffs there later.

Also, a tip is to buy extra carabineer clips. They always come handy and allow to connect the dots and restraints 😉

---

How many O-rings does It have?

Many advanced spreader bars will come with more than two rings on each side.

There might be 3 more in the middle. Also, be wary as some spreader bars look like that there are O rings in the middle. But those are just pins meant for adjustment, not to secure cuff placement.

If you’re wondering – the outer rings are usually meant for ankles. The inner rings are for wrists. The middle one could be used to attach a collar. Or even hook it in the ceiling for full-blown BDSM suspension play.

---

Do you want a complete lockdown or have a chance to partner to escape?

This is the question on the budget and intentions.

The cheaper the spreader bar, the simpler the system and materials will be.

The cheaper cuffs are made from padded fake leather. Or they simply get buckled together without a lock or straps.

Velcro cuffs are a good choice. They are quite sturdy and feel nice to the skin.

Leather handcuffs are good. But you must watch out if the buckles will hold the wrists without escaping.

Then watch out for plastic connectors and Carabiner clips as those are very fragile. You can always upgrade to metal Carabiner clips. But you need a strong O ring for cuffs and the bar like these on Lovehoney.

More advanced spreader bars & cuffs are made from metal and locks. To avoid any escaping, but again better materials cost more.

It depends on how much realism you want.

If she makes a game of escaping, you’ll need to get more forceful in restraints.

Though, don’t use real handcuffs (like police uses). 

They are extremely uncomfortable and mildly painful always leaving red marks or scrapes.

---

Does it feel comfortable?

Even if the M in BDSM stands for masochism, that doesn’t mean you should subject your partner to any and all kinds of pain. 

Make sure you listen to them and understand their limits before you get into any BDSM play.

Spreader bars are designed to cause a certain amount of discomfort, yes, but that discomfort is usually psychological. 

Make sure you follow the length guide to have a good idea of what kind of sensation you can expect. 

You also want to be sure that whoever’s wearing the bar is strapped in comfortably. Check restraints to make sure they’re okay, and if it’s your first time using it, check in regularly to see how they’re feeling.

---

How To Use It & Best Spreader Bar Sex Positions

Even though bed bondage restraints are more popular. To be frank, they are not as practical as spreader bars.

Why? Think of it — how easy it is to change positions with bed restraints?

You need to uncuff, turn, cuff again.

With a spreader bar?

You just flip her over, bend her over… move her around without any interruption.

Which brings me to the best spreader bar sex positions:

• Doggy — this is the most delicious position of them all. You bend her over and she’s forced to be fully exposed without escape. It’s more comfortable if she keeps her knees under the body to keep the bar out of the way for him to play. Especially powerful if you have a vibrator (like Magic Wand) that pushes her to a powerful orgasm. And she cannot close the legs even during orgasm spasms 😉 Delicious. 
• Standing Doggy — This is the same position, yet standing. Bend her over the bed, sofa, or table while she’s at your mercy.
• Missionary with Legs Up — after you’re done with the doggy, just take the bar and flip her over. Put legs up high and again work to bring her to orgasm while her legs tremble with excitement and surrender. 
• Hogtie Positions— it’s up to you what you will do in there. But if you have ankle and wrist cuffs on the bar you can lay the receiver on the belly. And cuff the ankles on the outer side of the bar, wrists inside, and you’ve got extremely helpless submissive. (The same can be done in doggy too).
• Using the furniture for further restraint. – You can also further restrict movement by using the bar around furniture legs. Like putting the bar inside of table legs so she can’t back up and away from the table. Not a position, but a tip nonetheless. 

You can also use the bar on the wrists. But honestly, the main effect comes from leg opening. Plus her not being able to close them especially when close to climax.

The joy comes from teasing her with a vibe, tongue, & fingers. And anything else that seems fun basically edging her until she’s begging to cum.

If you need more ideas, just look at some BDSM porn. 

---

How To Make A DIY Spreader Bar? 

While there are certainly lots of pros of getting a specialized spreader bar like:

• It can be adjusted and expandable
• The material is well-made without rough edges
• More advanced metal bars can be used for suspension play
• There’s no work involved… duh ;D

What if you’re on a budget and are looking to spend $20 instead of $50–60?

Well, there’s actually a super simple way to make a DIY spreader bar.

Here’s the formula:

• Find a wooden stick, use sandpaper to smoothen the edges
• Screw the eyelet hooks on both sides
• Either paint the dowel or tie some rope around it for a nicer look
• Add the cuffs and boom, you’re done!

Alternatively, you could figure out how to use ropes to cuff the victim to the eyelets. And then you saved even more money on cuffs.

The extra rings in the middle would allow for more versatile use. Like attaching ankles from the outside and wrists in the middle.

Or maybe attach the wrists on the outside and the collar in the middle.

---

FAQs

What is a spreader bar?

A spreader bar is a rigid bar used to spread your partner’s legs apart, allowing you easy access to their most intimate areas. Many also come with wrist restraints which will force the wearer to bend over, revealing even more of their ass as well. 

It’s an incredibly exposing and vulnerable position to be in and it’s popular for BDSM play because of the bondage and Dom/sub dynamic it creates.

You might also hear them referred to as sex spreader bars or BDSM spreader bars.

---

Are spreader bars safe?

As long as you’re using them correctly, they’re perfectly safe. 

That means, if you’re the Dom in the scene, be careful how you move your sub. Be aware of the limitations of their limbs, and the way they would naturally move. Never try to pull, push, or twist their limbs suddenly or in the wrong direction.

Remember to check in with your partner and encourage open communication, as well as agreeing beforehand on a safe word or safe signal in case someone wants to stop. 

Aftercare is important too. 

If you’re new to BDSM, make sure you read up on best practices or join a local or online BDSM community to learn more about it.

---

Are spreader bars only for women?

Come on, it’s 2023. We should all know by now that your spreader bar doesn’t discriminate based on gender, and neither should you!

People of any gender can use a spreader bar if that’s their thing. Even though a lot of the imagery depicting spreader bars features women, there’s no reason they should have all the fun! 

If you’re curious to try one, know that there’s nothing stopping you.

---

What is the difference between a spreader bar and bed restraints?

There are a few key differences between spreader bars and bed restraints, even though they serve a similar purpose.

Both are designed to keep your partner’s legs apart, making it impossible to close them. This offers you access to their most sensitive areas, which can be an incredibly intense and vulnerable experience for the receiving partner. 

Both commonly feature wrist restraints too, keeping the submissive person totally at your mercy.

The way they differ is mostly in the positions they offer, and in their materials.

Spreader bars are made from a rigid material – usually metal – which works but (you guessed it) spreading the legs apart. The most common position you’ll use these in is a standing position. With wrist cuffs attached, your partner will be forced into a bent-over position which lends itself very well to ass play and doggy style.

Bed restraints, on the other hand, consist of straps that wrap around the top and bottom of your mattress. They feature attachment points (usually D-rings or O-rings) and/or cuffs so you can open your partner’s legs by pulling them apart. Generally the restrained person will be spread out in a starfish position, either face up or face down

Both are amazing bondage devices that provide very different positions.

---

What is the best material for a spreader bar?

Metal tends to be the material of choice since it’s very rigid and adds a real element to the sense of helplessness the restrained person might feel. That said, metal can be a little harsh and might hurt if the cuffs are also made of metal. 

That’s why a lot of people go for a metal bar covered in leather or fabric, with (faux) fur-lined leather or fabric cuffs. It gives a nice sense of rigidity without compromising comfort.

---

What is the proper way to clean a sex spreader bar?

If your bar is metal, you can use a damp cloth and antibacterial soap to clean it. For fabric, use water and fabric cleaner. 

If your spreader bar uses real leather, be very careful to clean it with a damp cloth using a mix of half water and half white vinegar. Don’t get it completely wet, as this can damage the leather.

If in doubt, always check the manufacturer’s instructions.

---

What is the average price for a spreader bar?

That all depends on what features you’re going for. Some will go for over $100, while others can go for less than $20. For a good-quality but still affordable spreader bar, you can expect something in the $50-$60 range.

---

Can you use the spreader bars in public?

As long as you’re in an environment that welcomes it, like a sex party or kink club, there’s no reason you can’t use a spreader bar in public.

Obviously, you should always check with both the venue and your partner(s) to make sure everyone is comfortable with that kind of public play.

---

Bringing It All Together

Now you’ve got no excuse to not recreate your own version of 50 shades.

Remember that this restraint play is all about imagination and creativity.

It can be as sexy, exciting as you make it be. 

Make sure you align expectations before the play itself. You want to know how far you can push your partner. A safeword is helpful.

My best times with restraints come from playful teasing. And powerful vibrator getting her as close to orgasm as possible and then denying it.

Driving her insane till she’s dripping wet.

This play is bound to be satisfying, enjoy!