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.
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.