I’m a big fan of strait jackets, and I think they are an important piece of arsenal for anyone into heavy bondage. Strait jackets, originally a medical invention, have been almost completely phased in medicine, but still find a lot of use in the kinky circles.
Strait jackets can be found made from many materials: rubber, leather, lycra, PVC, and of course canvas. All of these have their good sides and bad sides, but there is a reason medical strait jackets are invariably made from canvas: it is breathable, washable and comfortable.
Having already owned a couple of strait jackets, including an authentic Posey medical strait jackets, I recently decided to purchase a custom-made canvas strait jacket from Max Cita in Canada, a talented escapologist.
Max Cita has multiple models, but I settled on the Psycho II as a good compromise between constriction and simplicity: Max Cita has even more complicated models with more buckles, but my style of play is usually practical.
Ordering
As I was ordering a customized jacket, I had to first do the measuring myself. This proved to be easy (with the help of a friend, you should never measure yourself alone!) and then it was time to discuss features. In addition to the normal features of the Psycho II jacket, I specifically requested a second middle arm loop with a buckle. The jacket has a standard fixed loop, but it is somewhat loose and I wanted that constricting feeling. Max duly noted that if he puts on just a center loop with a buckle, at least he can escape from the jacket, so he suggested two middle arm loops: one fixed and one buckled. I agreed and we settled on that. Max also suggested additional straps around the wrists, which I also agreed on.
Delivery
All Max’s items are manufactured to order, and manufacturing was quick. The item was finished in two weeks, and shipped to a friend in the US (to avoid higher shipping charges, import duties and VAT in Finland). This happened without complications, and Max kept me constantly up to date with the progress of the order. Other kink companies should take advice!
The Jacket
Having now tested the jacket for a month in different circumstances, I can present my findings.
Build quality of the jacket is excellent. All seams are stitched professionally, and aligned perfectly. Points of highest stress are reinforced. The canvas base is reinforced with multiple canvas straps running through the entire length of the jacket.
Design and fit being a custom sizing is exact to my measurements. It is comfortable, and since I’m somewhat average in size, there is latitude to fit other average-sized people inside quite nicely.
Security is of course top-class. There is no getting out of this jacket when applied correctly!
Maintainability is easy, since the jacket can be washed in laundry, although I recommend a laundry bag since the metal parts may be damaged or damage the machine otherwise.
Value for money
Max Cita Psycho II medium (standard sizing): 375 USD
Mr S. Deluxe Leather Strait jacket: 1495 USD
Fetters Tie Down Canvas Straitjacket: 1075 USD
Strait jackets are expensive items. Max Cita’s pricing for its jacket, considering the build quality, customer service, is frankly a steal.