First, let me add the disclaimer that this was NOT free (like some other reviews). I paid for this one myself because my other harness finally decided to go to pegging heaven (with a painful sounding riiiIIIPP I might add). I know that this kind of product can be a pain in the ass (heh) to buy, so here are my experiences and recommendations.
THE PRODUCT
The harness is called “Bodice Corset Style Strap On Harness” (which is fine by me because a generic name is far better than a corny named one). There are two versions – one with a fabric lining and one without (as well as a leather one). I got the one without because it looked like it would be easier to keep clean.
- It’s a fake leather harness (product page says leatherette)
- The waist is 43in/109cm (max) circumference
- Fit’s a dildo 1.65in/4.2cm (max) diameter
- It has a velvety backing to it
- The fixtures are metal
- The corset string is nylon
THE PACKAGING
The product came in a plain cardboard box. The labeling was discreet – “XR LLC” and “Leather clothing”.
The inside contents had kind of been tossed in (I bought a dildo and got the free gift nipple suction cups as well). Since there was nothing fragile (like a glass sex toy) inside, it didn’t worry me. But the boxing had a bit of denting to it – either from shipping or from handling, hard to say.
The packing itself has an okay design, but the paper is flimsy and thin. This means that you won’t be able to use the box for storing the harness. Instead, I would get a nice bag to put it in.
MY EXPERIENCES
The first time putting it on was a bit of a clumsy experience – mostly because I had to spend time adjusting all the straps to find the best and most comfortable fit. But once it was in place, I could easily get in and out of it by undoing one of the side straps. I also had to tie up the extra length of corset strings so they weren’t in the way.
The dildo was easy to get in and out through the hole and the ring – I would recommend using the hole because the button clasps that hold the ring are on really TIGHT and hard to un-pop (which is not a bad thing).
One of the first things I noticed is that I could move the harness so the ring sat lower or higher on my body (my old harness sat REALLY low) I like this because I can change its position if my partner or I need it.
The second thing, and most important to me, is that it felt secure and strong.
I hate elastic or underwear strap-ons because things bounce and move all over the place, and while I’m trying to pull out, the dildo is lagging behind, and I can’t control the thrusting the way I want (which is important if you have someone who isn’t used to anal play). There were no problems with “lag” or “migrating harness”.
Clean up was exactly what I expected – the leatherette is easy to wipe down and the velvet backing needed an extra wipe to take away the moisture. Just make sure you use sex toy cleaner on areas (like the crotch strap) that will definitely get bodily fluids on it, and pay extra attention to the metal clasps and buttons (anywhere that might need more cleaning).
If you’re worried about cleanliness and safety, I would keep this harness for a dedicated partner and buy a cheaper nylon one for play with multiple partners, something that can be washed in a 10% bleach solution.
HARNESS PROS
The ring connectors are smartly designed.
The dildo ring is NOT connected to the harness straps that go around your waist. This is good because any thrusting will not put strain on the clasps or seams around the dildo (like my old one).
It’s very adjustable.
There are three places you can make adjustments – the side buckles, the back corset, and the crotch/butt straps. Personally, I didn’t need to make the corset bigger. The side buckles and back straps were enough to find a comfortable fit.
The strain is in the right places.
Instead of putting the stretch and strain on the stitching, all the brunt of the load-bearing work is on the metal parts.
The crotch section is comfortable.
The straps that go between the legs can sometimes pull or pinch or just be uncomfortable in general. I had no issues with it. Also, the studs that hold the straps in place – turn. This is great because you can move it to any angle you want without it putting strain on the material.
It’s great for bigger bodies.
Not everyone is a size zero. With all the ways to adjust the harness, this will fit a wide variety of people. Even as a curvy girl, I didn’t need to use as much of the strap length as I thought – which was a nice surprise because I’m so used to most harnesses being a snug fit.
There’s plenty of adjustability with the corset section.
The price is great
All things considered (the material, construction, buckles, straps, and size – and excluding the import taxes), it’s a very good price. You could go for the leather upgrade but this one is just fine.
HARNESS CONS
There is only one dildo ring.
This doesn’t have to be a terrible thing (because most dildos will have similar girth). I think there’s enough room for a slightly larger ring, but I don’t think you’ll be able to attach your own smaller ring.
That being said, I have a very small dildo, but the base was wide enough it could still sit in there with no issues. It just becomes a matter of careful shopping and paying attention to the dildo design and specs.
The edges are a bit rough.
I didn’t feel like it was rough enough to hurt me, but specifically where the velvet edge meets the fake leather I could feel roughness in some places but not in others.
There are taxes.
If you’re living outside the USA, there’s a good chance you’ll be paying extra import fees. I had to pay a 24 Euro VAT tax when it arrived.
The back straps might slide out of place.
This isn’t really a con, more of something to be aware of. The straps that go from the crotch to the back of the harness have a loop attachment. The loop slides back and forth so you can put it in a comfortable location. However, this loop is roomy enough that it could slide around.
I found that putting the waist straps under the loop helped it say in place. But if you need the waist bigger and the back straps closer to the hips, you won’t be able to do this. Still, it’s nothing that would a deal breaker in the slightest.
The loop you need to fit the strap under (if possible).
The back straps trigger my OCD.
This is only a superficial complaint and me being really picky. Just the nature of the material and the way it was packaged made the butt straps curve out and the slide loops can get a bit wonky.
This, of course, does not affect the harness function. And no one cares about what the back looks like when you’re in the middle of pegging.
FINAL RECOMMENDATION
I would suggest this harness for the adjustability alone. There is the issue of buying outside the USA, so you’ll have to factor in the VAT or other taxes into your budget.
Definitely worth a try.
Want more product reviews? You might enjoy these…
- My Fucsia – Testing and Reviewing a Porcelain Alien Sex Toy
- Model 1 Sex Machine Review – Firsthand Try of a Fucking Machine
- Zumio Review – The Ultra-Intense SpiroTip Wand
What is important to you when buying a strap-on harness? Share in the comments!
