Rope: available in many different types, qualities, thicknesses, strength and colors. For safety and comfort reasons you need to know about ropes if you plan to enter into erotic bondage.

Allow us to first of all put an end to the discussion about cotton rope versus synthetic rope (nylon, polyprop, etcetera). It is largely a matter of personal preferences and comes down to the basic preference for natural materials or synthetic materials.

These are the realistic pros and cons:

Natural ropes (hemp, silk) simply require more maintenance and are less durable, hence need to be replaced more often.

Natural material attracts germs (and works as a very fertile breeding ground).

Synthetic rope is three to ten times as strong as cotton rope on average, hence simply a lot safer to use, especially when it comes to suspension

Material

The synthetic material used is actually only a matter of budget, with one exception: NYLON. Nylon rope stretches and you may not want to use this for bondages that are not supposed to come off. However the stretching capability may be very handy in other parts of your bondage, such as in a hog tie where you will want to allow for some stretching between the arms and the folded legs.

Aramid and HMP (High Module Polyethylene) are expensive materials, hence more durable. Polyester and Polypropylene (polyprop) is cheaper and (a little) less durable.

Twisted Rope
Twisted rope is the most popular rope around, however not really suitable for bondage purposes, because of the twisted surface that may cause irritation or unwanted pressure on nerve endings when used directly on the skin. Since it is usually cheaper than other ropes and reliable, twisted rope may be used as suspension ropes as the connection between the on-body ropes and whatever she is suspended from.

Twisted ropes are available in two “directions” (S and Z), which has to do with the production process but is totally irrelevant in an erotic bondage context. The Z-direction is the most common one. Twisted rope is also known as tanned rope.

STRENGTH: 12 mm thick poly prop twisted rope will handle a peak tension of between 1,500 and 2,000 kilograms, which makes it suitable for suspension purposes. Its durability is reasonable.

Braided Rope

Braided rope is usually more expensive and may sometimes be more difficult to find. Boat and sport shops are usually your best bet, as opposed to for example Home Depot or other Do It Yourself shops. Braided rope is the preferred choice for use directly on the skin, i.e. for the bondage’s themselves.

Choose 5 or 6 mm thick ropes for your bondages. 6 mm will usually be the preferred choice for use on the body, 5 mm is very suitable to tie wrists and ankles. Braided rope is produced with different techniques. Strength is not an issue here since this will vary between 1,500 and 2,500 kilograms depending on the material used.

Hollow braid:
Although this is the most vulnerable rope (since it has no kernel, its durability is reasonable) it is by far the preferred choice for erotic bondages, since it is very soft. However, you need to be aware that untieing may sometimes be a bit of a problem if you are inexperienced.

Parallel kernel:
Is the best compromise between softness, ease of use and safety and especially suitable for inexperienced bondage lovers, since it it easier to untie. The only disadvantage is that you will have to put extra effort in securing the ends of the rope, If you don’t, the braid will easily slip over the kernel.

Braid on braid:
Is a good choice for those, looking for bondage in combination with discomfort or even pain. The rope is more tough, may be somewhat difficult to tie and again the rope ends require extra attention.

Multi braided:
Is better not used, since it is not very flexible and difficult to tie.

To Be Continued…

 The above article is a reprint from our information/educational site Kink Culture.
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