A spreader bar is a type of bondage equipment used to spread and hold a person's legs or arms apart. Though not exclusively used for bondage, they are popular in the BDSM community and considered versatile in both physical and psychological scenes.
Example of a spreader bar. Pictured: Sportsheets Adjustable Spreader Bar.
Spreader bars are most frequently made of wood, metal, or plastic and many have built-in or detachable cuffs or attachment points on each end. Some versatile spreader bars have several attachment points or adjustable attachment points for the most customizable experience. In sex play, a person’s wrists, ankles, arms, or legs are attached to the ends of a spreader bar with cuffs or rope. Expandable spreader bars can be used to increase comfort for the person attached, or test their flexibility in BDSM scenes.
A spreader bar facilitates a number of different sex positions including suspended ones. For example, a spreader bar spreading the legs is perfect for sex standing up. A spreader bar that attaches the wrists and ankles forces a submissive to bend over for rear-entry and anal sex positions. A spreader bar that pushes the submissive’s legs back allows for deeper penetration and G-spot or P-spot action during Missionary sex. A spreader bar can also enhance oral sex by forcing the submissive’s legs apart for multiple orgasms. Changing positions during an extended play session is also simple with a spreader bar.
Also known as a bondage bar, spreader bars are also helpful in bondage scenes where there aren’t objects, such as headboards or chairs, to tether their submissive to. For example, a spreader bar can be used when playing outdoors or while up against a wall.
While spreader bars are typically used for couples play, you can also use one for self-bondage. Spreader bars are popular across sexual orientations and genders.
