Bondage kits like the CalExotics Scandal Submissive Kit hold a lot of potential. They’re often the most affordable and non-threatening way for people to explore using restraints and sensory or impact toys. A box of the basics – whether sought out intentionally or tossed in one’s cart as a spicy afterthought – can inspire new avenues of intimacy and play.

So, with those ridiculously high expectations in mind, let’s talk about the Scandal Submissive Kit! Kindly provided for review by SheVibe.

As implied by its name, this set is themed around submission. Included in the kit is a blindfold, a collar, a leash, a pair of clamps, and a pair of cuffs. The leash, cuffs, and the clamps can clip on the collar’s D-ring, which is – to borrow a scientific term – hot.

The collar, cuffs, and blindfold feature a black and burgundy pattern that’s some kind of leafy floral design accompanied by spiraled circles. This same fabric is used on most of the other gear in the Scandal line, including the Scandal Universal Cuffs, the Scandal Bed Restraints, and even the Scandal Spreader Bar.

scandal submissive blindfold

The Scandal Submissive Kit’s blindfold is basic but nicely constructed. It’s made of a polyester (like a windbreaker) that’s sleek and doesn’t sweat. There’s a thin layer of padding. The thin elastic band has a lot of stretch (and fits both my partner and I’s very different head sizes) and is sewn sturdily into the fabric.

I love blindfolds, because when I’m topping my partner, it gives me the power of surprise and the freedom to perform uninhibited. But the budget blindfolds already in my toy box all have the same flaw: there’s still peeking room.

The Scandal blindfold tackles this issue with a clever flap of extra material at the bottom. While it won’t work perfectly for every nose shape, it does a much better job than most at blocking the wearer’s view.

scandal submissive nipple clamps

I’ll be honest, these nipple clamps were my #1 reason for asking SheVibe to send me this Scandal Bondage Kit. They’re classic alligator clamps: PVC-tipped prongs with a screw for adjusting their grip force. Their chains can be detached from the collar and either drape loose or be affixed to something else (like weights!) I love this versatility, as it opens up so many other bondage scenarios. Ever wanted to clamp your partner’s labia and leash them to their cuffed wrists? Now you can!

The sleek black aesthetic makes these a favorite despite me owning a few of the exact same clamps (although these are a bit better made.) They’re just so much more visually impactful. I love how they look, latched onto my partner’s breasts, the chain straining between their heavy tits and the collar around their throat… Unfortunately, the black is just paint over the nickel-free iron the clamps and chains are made of, and it’s already wearing off where they get touched the most. Boo!

scandal submissive collar and leash

The Scandal Submissive Kit collar is 19.5 inches of polyester with a black lining made out of a material similar to a backpack strap. It conforms to the wearer’s neck, but the lining makes it feel a little rigid. The lining can also chafe if you tug the collar around too much. It fastens not with a regular buckle or velcro, but instead has a double D-ring fastener. The kind of buckle I haven’t had the displeasure of wrestling with since second grade.

Honestly, the Scandal collar is kind of a disappointment. It’s uncomfortable. The fastening leaves the excess length just hanging out. But most importantly it’s unfriendly to newbies and folks with limited hand mobility. If they’d gone with velcro like the matching Scandal cuffs, the collar would been been easier for (some) folks with limited finger articulation. And it would have been a lot easier to remove the collar in a hurry if a scene is interrupted.

I like what CalExotics did with the D-ring on the front of the collar, at least. Having it protrude off the wearer’s throat helps prevent pinching. I also appreciate the neck size range – my partner and I have vastly different widths, and the Scandal collar fits either of us.

As for the leash, it’s alright. The chain looks fragile, but I’ve given it some really good tugs and it’s held strong. (It’s also made of painted metal, and just like the clamps, that paint is wearing off.) The loop doesn’t have the CalExotics Scandal line’s black and burgundy patterned polyester, though, which makes it feel like an afterthought.

scandal submissive bondage cuffs

The cuffs – like the clamps – were made with versatile play in mind. They’re fully detachable from each other, with clips than can be clicked onto the collar, leash, or wherever else you can find a thin fixture. You can start the scene with the cuffs already on but untethered, and eventually be fastened into submission. The painted metal clips and rings are all very sturdy.

The Scandal Submissive Kit cuffs are constructed the same way as the collar: polyester outside, backpack strap lining inside. This means that just like the collar, they uncomfortably rub your skin if you squirm too much. Neither of us strained enough to get rug burn while playing, but notorious wigglers should be careful of their thrashing. I personally find this unacceptable for cuffs, but your mileage may vary.

If struggle isn’t part of your restraint play, the Scandal cuffs are actually quite comfortable. They have a velcro closure, which means you’ll be able to secure them flush against your wrists, and you can get them on and off easily even in a hurry.

final thoughts on the scandal submissive kit

I know sets like this are intended to be of lower quality and thus more affordable for newbies and folks on a budget. The standalone Scandal Collar With Leash and Scandal Universal Cuffs are both better constructed but together cost more than this whole kit. But I still wish CalExotics hadn’t used rougher material to line the collar and cuffs in the Scandal Submissive Kit.

If you were eyeing the Scandal Submissive Kit just because you wanted a collar or cuffs, and you plan on using them hard and often, I’d suggest just buying the standalone versions.

But if you’re interested in the Scandal Submissive Kit because you’d like an already-assembled starting point for light kinky play, I like this kit. For its asking price, I think they could have also included a basic ball gag, but otherwise the gear included – and the small but thoughtful tweaks that made them more versatile – offers a lot of room for experimentation. And while there’s definitely some wear and tear on my set – with the black paint rubbing off some of the metal, and some fraying here and there on the polyester fabric – I feel like it’ll still last a long time.

As your play introduces you to things you like and things you don’t, there’s a plethora of matching Scandal gear to expand your collection. And who doesn’t love matching accessories?

You can find the Scandal Submissive Kit on SheVibe.

Thank you, SheVibe, for sending me the CalExotics Scandal Submissive Kit in exchange for an honest review. Affiliate links were used in this post.