My fellow Inmates...
Many a time I have found myself listening to some salesman drone on and on in regards to the functionality of some piece of gear I am looking at purchasing...
Knees reinforced so they don't tear on the rocks...Sun visor built in to the hood... Inner mesh water-bottle pockets...
...Yeah yeah yeah, but does it have crotch access?
We are simple creatures with simple wants, tie me up in gear not designed for the kind of rugged use we ask from it and I am happy, end of story.
So when we are used to perving out such high quality gear, is it unrealistic for us to expect the same kind of attention to detail when I am buying kink gear that I am usually paying more for than the highly engineered sportswear?
One would think so...
So with that said, let's honestly look at the gear we use and buy, the shortcuts they take to save money, missing the high quality moniker in the name of a less expensive rivet or thinner leather...
Shouldn't we as gear consumers expect high quality as well?
Let's begin this
Our first piece of kink gear to be examined thoroughly is the 665 Neoprene Confinement hood
I purchased one of these for my partner, WetsuitJay, who as the screen name belays is a fan of neoprene, for Christmas, from 665 Leather...
...And priced at 50.00 it was a good first purchase from a company I have not dealt with before. A friend of mine owns their hooded neoprene sleepsack, and I likes what I saw in the construction of it. So I felt comfortable in my purchase.
The hood, at its basic level is a neoprene version of the zip over flap hoods that are made in leather and latex by many other companies:
First Concern: The Seams...
At first look I was a bit concerned about the seams running across the forehead and down the center of the face. For as we all know it only takes one point of aggravation to slowly build and build in a scene to eventually become a main point of focus... Which is not good.
I shall give it to 665 on this, inside the hood you can not feel the seams. In fact the neoprene they use is very soft and comfortable, and the wonderful rubbery smell is fantastic as well.
Surprisingly the seams, that were my initial concern, really add to the look if the face from the outside... Well while the flaps are open :) ... So I tip my hat for the design choice on the part of 665.
665 Hood: 1
Asylum Rant: 0
The Second Concern: The Face Holes....
I have yet to meet a company that can do neoprene well when it comes to cutting the holes for the eyes, nose, and mouth... So needless to say I was very skeptical when I put this on for the first time. It did take a bit a finagling, and I might even suggest some reinforcement around the eye and mouth holes as you really cant get around hooking your fingers in them to situate them correctly (A minor gripe at best)... But after all was said and done, everything fell in the right places... Oh once I was blind and now I see...
665 Hood: 2
Asylum Rant: 0
The Third Concern: The Zippers
Hmm... I hate to say it, on such a good review, but this is where the horse trips and the cart comes to a screeching halt.
The zippers that were chosen to be used on this hood are wimpy at best, and when you are talking a material as springy as Neoprene, unless this hood is baggy on you its going to be a fight, or a two man proposition to get the back zip closed; with one holding the zipper track close together, and one tugging on the small zipper which will want to keep opening back up on you until you get it past the midpoint sweet spot...
...And lubey fingers don't stand a chance...
This is actually my biggest concern. With the choice of the small zipper solo play in this hood might not be recommended. While being neoprene and stretchy, you can always hook your fingers under the neck and yank it off if necessary in a panic; Is it necessary to worry about potentially ruining a great hood because a lubed finger and a tiny zipper pull caused a panic?
Gear Factor Rating: (With Another): 4/5
Gear Factor Rating: (Solo): 2/5
Just my thoughts... I am usually wrong, and have be accused of being an asshole many a times...
...With that visiting time is over
Whatever you do, don't scream too loud as others are trying to sleep.
~Rubberasylum
One more comment about the zipper. I received one of these hood for Xmas too and it is very easy for the rear zipper to open completely on it's own (by moving your head/jaw/etc). They need a clasp/snap at the bottom to keep the springy nature of the neoprene from pulling at it. Maybe I have a big head :)
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