One of the greatest things about BDSM is the ability to explore your deepest, darkest fantasies without fear of judgment. One such fantasy? The feeling of being gagged, or the power of gagging someone else.

Fortunately, ball gags make it possible to experience such a fantasy.

But knowing where to start—from choosing the right materials to knowing what BDSM techniques and gear to use it with—can be overwhelming. So whether you’re a seasoned dom or sub, or a newbie to the world of BDSM altogether, this ultimate guide to ball gags is for you.

Safety First: Precautions for Ball Gag Users

I know logistical talk isn’t exactly sexy. But remember, safety is key to having a good time.

So how can you ensure that you and your partner use the ball gag safely?

1. Come up with a safe signal. You can give the gagged partner an object (i.e. bell, horn) to use to get your attention, or agree on a safe signal (i.e. snapping, slapping leg, etc). This will indicate that the ball gag to be removed.
2. Check in regularly with your partner. If you’re the dom, it’s just as much your job to keep your sub safe as it’s to give them pleasure. Come up with a check-in routine with your partner.
3. Never leave a gagged partner alone. When it comes to obstructing someone’s airway, things can go bad quickly. As such, the gagged partner should never be left alone even if you think they can unstrap the gag themself.
4. Know the limits. If you’re being gagged, know what you can realistically handle. If you’re the one gagging, do not ever pressure your partner to take more than they feel comfortable with.

And of course, as with anything BDSM, enthusiastic and continued consent is an important element.  

What to Consider When Buying a Ball Gag

There are two main things to consider when buying a ball gag: material and size.

Material

The material of the ball can make or break an experience. This is true whether you’re a novice or a pro.

Silicone is the most common ball material and for good reason. It’s soft, it’s breathable, and it’s forgiving. Leather is another option. Plastic and metal options exist, too, though these should certainly only be used by experienced users.

It’s not only the material of the ball itself that you have to consider, but the strap too. 

The most common materials include leather, nylon, and latex. While comfort is subjective, leather ball gag straps typically offer the most quality and comfort for the wearer. Many leather straps including our own contain a soft inner lining, like lambskin, for added comfort.

Size

Now that you’ve chosen the best material for your needs, it’s time to consider size.

The smaller the ball size, the easier it will be for beginners to use.

Now, if you or your sub are experienced and you want to inflict a bit of discomfort, then a larger size ball is the way to go. 

How can you measure size? 

Put your hand out with your fingers straight. Insert a few fingers into your mouth until you find a comfortable fit. Then measure the width of these fingers to get the diameter measurement of the ball gag.

How to Incorporate Ball Gags Into Partnered Play

Ball gags are a common feature in dom/sub relationships. That’s not to say that all dom/subs use ball gags in their usual play. 

Similarly, not all ball gag users are in a dom/sub dynamic. There are plenty of otherwise “vanilla” partners who want to use ball gags to spice up their sex lives.

So whether you’re looking to start with BDSM or are a seasoned sub or dom, here are some tips for adding ball gags into partnered play.

Start Slow

Ball gags take some getting used to, so start slow and work your way up to wearing them for longer periods of time.

Perhaps the first time you put the ball in your/your partner’s mouth but you don’t strap it. This gives the gagged partner the full freedom to remove the gag immediately if it becomes uncomfortable. 

Or maybe you strap it on the first go, but you remove it after just two minutes.

Take your time in getting used to the ball gag so you can ensure it’s a pleasurable part of your partnered play.

Use It In Your Foreplay

For the ball gag wearer, the pleasure may be in the domination. For the dominant partner, then, the pleasure is all in the muffled moans they are able to produce from their partner.

Use the ball gag in your foreplay as you tease, spank, and otherwise “torture” your submissive partner.

The squirms and muffled moans will likely be enough to get you both going.

Combine It With Other BDSM Gear

Whether a novice or a pro, the use of ball gags along with other BDSM gear can make your BDSM play even hotter.

Ask yourself: What is my favorite part of the ball gag, and how can I use other BDSM gear to amplify that?

For example, if the muffled moans of your gagged partner are enough to send you over the edge, then why not combine the ball gag with a flogger for even more muffled sounds?

Or perhaps you like the fact that the ball gag takes a part of your partner’s autonomy (their voice) away from them. In that case, combine the ball gag with a blindfold to make them even more helpless.

There really is no limit to the combinations you can make.

High Quality Bondage Gear for Everyone

When it comes to safety, comfort, and functionality, high-quality BDSM gear is a necessity.

While you may be able to find ball gags and other BDSM gear for cheap, they won’t last and they may even pose a safety risk. Instead, you need to buy high-quality gear that can withstand the typical wear-and-tear of bondage play.

So whether you’re looking to buy collars, cuffs, or even ball gags, Oddo Leather is a must-shop for all of your BDSM needs.