A ball gag is a ball, BUT, can be lots of different shapes and sizes for different uses. They are usually made from rubber or silicone. They are placed in the mouth and are attached to a strap that goes around the head.
Now, this is a simple explanation but believe me, there's much more to BDSM gags than that. Read below and find out...
Do you have a drool fetish?
What about a bratty sub who constantly talks back?
Just want to try something new?
If so, you might want to make a ball gag your next progression along your kink journey. Ball gag fetishes are quite common and gags are often used in all sorts of kinky sex by all sorts of kinky people with all sorts of kinky experiences.
So, let’s discuss which type of gag might be best for you and what’s available out there right now.
Before the reviews let me give you the 101 on BDSM gags and ball gags and what you need to know to pick the best gag for you...
What Is A Ball Gag?
A ball gag is a ball, often made of rubber or silicone, with a strap that goes through the center of the ball and attaches to a strap/harness, which is wrapped around the back of the head.
The ball part is inserted into the mouth behind the teeth and the strap is wrapped around the back of the base of the skull. The strap will almost always have some sort of buckle to secure the strap around the wearer’s head.
Once it’s in, it prevents the wearer from speaking effectively.
But wait, there are different types...
Types Of Ball Gags
Even though this article focuses on ball gags, there are plenty of other types of BDSM gags that can be used in the bedroom.
There are bit gags, which differ from ball gags in the shape of the gag - and sometimes the material of the gag, like this one.
Ring gags are a fairly popular choice among kinksters, too. The biggest advantage to a ring gag from a ball gag is there’s room for you to insert things into the wearer’s mouth.
Penis gags are like ball gags, but instead of a ball, it has a penis-shaped gag. This usually protrudes a bit farther into the mouth than just a ball.
A dildo gag is a gag that often has a ball gag in the mouth, with a dildo protruding out from the front.
And last but not least…
One of the more interesting types of gag is the inflatable gags. This gag consists of a pliable gag that can be inflated with the hand pump attached to it. The more you pump it, the bigger it grows inside the afflicted mouth.
My Experience Using A Ball Gag
I, a ‘switch’ (someone who considers themselves both a Dom and a Sub - just at different times), used to date another switch.
We loved bringing toys into the bedroom and it was even more fun if we bought them without telling the other about it until it had arrived. Which is exactly what I did when I bought a ball gag, collar, and some nipple clamps.
I laid them out on my bed, took a photo of them, then texted her the photo with the caption
“You’ll be wearing these tonight.”
A few minutes later, I got her response.
“You first.”
So I put the ball gag in, tied the nipple clamps to the collar, snapped a photo, and sent it to her with the caption...
“It’s a good thing we’re messaging because I’m wearing the gag right now.
I can’t wait to shove it in your mouth and watch you drool down your chin and onto your tits, knowing full well the only reason I’m going to take it out is to replace it with my cock.
I’m going to put the gag in before I clamp your nipples so your moans are muffled by the rubber ball pressing down on your soft, wet, drooling tongue.
I hope you’re ready.”
...while she was sitting in class.
And she did wear the gag and clamps later that night. Fun was had by both parties.
(If this is an experience you might want to recreate, the DOMINIX Deluxe Large Breathable Ball Gag with Nipple Clamps might be the right choice for you.)How To Clean A Ball Gag
“Cleanliness is next to Godliness.”
Apparently, that phrase was discussing both moral purity and personal hygiene. Since you’re reading an article about ball gags, I’ll assume the moral purity ship has sailed. Let’s talk about hygienic practices and how they pertain to ball gags.
Your mouth contains bacteria, and your ball gag goes in your (or your partners) mouth. Ipso facto, you’ll want to wash it after each use.
Depending on what both the ball and the strap is made of, some are easier to clean than others. If the ball and the strap is made of silicone, it will be easier than a silicone ball with a leather strap. Use your judgment along with a clean towel dipped in warm/hot soapy water to clean the ball and any other part covered in spit.
Of course, if it’s a leather strap, you’ll want to be careful with water application and you’ll definitely want to dry it.
Slide the ball over to one side to allow the other side to dry, then switch, allowing the other side of the strap to dry.
If it’s only you and your partner - and you’ve already swapped spit - warm water and antibacterial soap will be enough to wash it after each use.
Some people recommend you use a 10% vinegar or 10% bleach solution to disinfect it every few uses, but we would recommend a sex toy cleaner so your toys don’t smell like vinegar or bleach. (Not to mention the potential health hazard of using bleach on a toy that will end up in your mouth. Gross.)
Which Ball Gag Produces The Most Drool?
This is like asking which dog breed drools the most; St. Bernards or Newfoundlands?
I don’t know, but Pavlov might.
(If pathetic, pitiful, painfully perfect Pavlov jokes make you salivate, you might want to try this dog bone gag.
The truth is...
Almost all types of gags will make the wearer drool [nearly] uncontrollably.
Some people say a breathable ball gag - complete with holes in the ball, helps drool drip out of their mouth. Others say a ring gag (also called a gag ring) makes the drooliest mouth gag.
That said, if your goal is to make your sub drool, I think you’re safe with any choice of the ball gag.
How To Use A Ball Gag Safely
Speaking of safety, there are a few things you’ll want to consider when using a ball gag.
Experience level
If you’re a beginner and this is your first time wearing a gag, try it out by yourself at home. Put it on, start a stopwatch, and gauge your comfort level every few minutes. If it feels good, aim for 10 minutes to start, eventually working your way up to longer durations.
You can try it sitting around not doing anything (ball gag meditation’s totally gonna be a thing) or wearing it while doing chores or watching tv - anything that might distract you. See if there’s a difference in how long you’re able to wear it.
I suggest this because it’s unlikely that when you do get a chance to use your gag in the bedroom, it won’t be without other distractions.
Safe Word Or Safe Action
We’ve all heard of a safeword, yes?
Which brings us to the catch-22 of having a safeword while wearing a ball gag.
Ball gags prevent you from speaking, or, at least speaking effectively. If the person wearing the ball gag can’t speak their safeword, there’s another option:
A Safe Action.
It serves the exact same purpose as a safeword, but can be used when the sub can’t speak but can make a small, simple movement that communicates “STOP.
”Let’s take a somewhat specific example. Let’s say you have a woman tied to a St. Andrews Cross. She’s got quite a bit of experience with the things she’s about to do in this particular scene - flogging, forced orgasm with a Hitachi, exhibitionism, wearing nipple clamps, wearing a butt plug… wearing a ball gag.
She’s about to be flogged, so she’s about to be... screeching.
She’s got a spreader bar between her legs, with a Hitachi taped to it in juuust the right spot to hold against her clit, so she’s about to be... squealing.
Her nipple clamps are tied to chains on the St. Andrew Cross, so any time she moves, she’s about to be… screaming.
She’s got a ball gag in her mouth, so she’s about to be... uncommunicative.
A perfect “safe action” in this scenario would be for her to open and close her hand into a fist, then back open repeatedly.
Previously agreed upon in the pre-scene negotiations, this is the sub’s “safe action” which will replace her safe word because she’ll be wearing a ball gag.
Any time you use a ball gag, you should ALSO have a safe action.
Some examples may be shaking your head “no” side to side repeatedly or the one mentioned above, opening and closing your hand and fist repeatedly.
Whatever it is, make sure both (or all) players in the scene understand the action and what it means.
Breathing
Wearing a ball gag will obstruct the airway known as the mouth. Because that leaves the nose as the only other airway, it’s recommended that you don’t wear a ball gag when you have a cold or stuffy sinuses. Doing so may make it difficult to breathe and pose a safety issue.
Ball Size
Unless you’re particularly experienced and specifically want a large ball to cause a bit of discomfort, you’ll want to find a ball gag that’s comfortable.
There’s no real way of effectively finding the dimensions of the inside of your mouth. Your best bet is to find the dimensions of the ball gag in the product description to get a decent idea. You can even draw out a measured circle on a piece of paper to see exactly how big the ball will be.
If you’re choosing between two sizes, your best bet is to choose the smaller one - especially if you are a beginner. NOTE: Some ball gag sizes are listed as the circumference and others the diameter. To compare gags listed in both sizes, divide the circumference by pi (3.14) to get the diameter.Ball Material
The ball gags on this list are made from either silicone or rubber - both of which are fairly gentle on the teeth. If you’re combining the use of your ball gag with something that might cause someone to bite down - say, paddling - you’ll definitely want to make sure the gag is made from something that won’t chip your teeth.
Again, while technically not a ball gag things like ring gags or spider gags (which are usually made from metal) must be used with more caution to ensure the safety of one’s pearly whites.
(This is coming from someone who finally took his labret lip piercing out after biting down on it and chipping my tooth. Do not take this warning lightly.)
Silicone is a great choice for both beginners as well as more advanced kinksters.
Should Beginners Use Ball Gags?
Absolutely you should.
If you have a ball gag fetish, don’t let your beginner status - or anything else - stop you from indulging. Of course, pay close attention and follow the safety tips above.
A small, silicone gag makes for a perfect beginner ball gag and will make wearing a ball gag as positive of an experience as possible. It’s actually a very common first item to begin your collection of kinky toys.
How Do You Pick The Right BDSM Gag One For You?
Chances are if you’re looking to use a ball gag, it’s to make yourself (or someone else) unable to speak while drooling uncontrollably. Pretty much any gag you choose will accomplish this.
So when it comes to choosing the right one for you, it mostly comes down to material and size. A silicone ball gag is both a great choice to start with and will keep you satisfied for quite some time. Only when you’re comfortable with ball gags should you try a metal gag like a ring or spider gag.
When choosing the size, that’s completely dependent on the size of your mouth. What fits perfectly for one person may not work at all for another. Your best bet is to get out a ruler and get a visual of how big a certain diameter is, then you can decide if you think you can handle that size or not.
As a general rule, if you’re deciding between two sizes, opt for the smaller one. It will be more comfortable and just as effective as the larger one.Product Reviews
DOMINIX Deluxe Large Breathable Ball Gag with Nipple Clamps
This gag has a lot to offer. The breathability of the gag is much easier than its counterparts due to the holes in it. The silicone material is soft to the teeth and the attachment to the metal rings are silicone too, so it’s easy on the sides of the mouth.
The all-silicone-and-metal construction is sturdy and easily cleaned.
Depending on who’s wearing it, the nipple clamp chains might not be long enough. On larger breasts where the chain is pulled taut, any movement will be enough to yank the clamps off.
Pros
Cons
Bondage Boutique Large Silicone Ball Gag with Dildo
This might be the closest you’ll ever become to being a unicorn.
Sadly, the actual gag ball isn’t attached to the dildo attachment. If it were, it would provide a more “secure” riding platform and a more “complete” gag experience. The ball is also slightly large, making long durations difficult, but not impossible.
That said, this gag is different from most others because it offers the perfect addition to a facesitting fetish. Laying on your back and watching your partner ride you from above is a point of view unlike any other.
She enjoyed the shape and size of the dildo, so that’s definitely one of the bigger plusses on this list.
Pros
Cons
Bondage Boutique Black Rose Silicone Ball Gag
This gag has a perfect (for me) sized ball gag. The strap, on the other hand, is too large as it comes out of the box. If you can do a little DIY, you can add your own holes to the strap and it’s a great gag.
The soft straps feel great from the part that goes against the sides of your mouth to the larger strap that goes around your head.
Pros
Cons
OUR TOP PICK! 
Bondage Boutique Medium Silicone Breathable Ball Gag
This is a high quality gag for both beginners and experienced alike.
If you were to buy this as a beginner, it will still be around by the time you consider yourself super-experienced with gag play. The build quality of this is fantastic.
The three holes in the ball improve both breathability and drool-ability. The holes make it easy to breathe and provide an exit for all the drool that pools in your mouth (which earns it extra points!)
The silicone ball and attachment arms that connect to the metal rings that separate the leather strap from any drool makes this VERY easy to clean.
The strap is extremely comfortable, making long(er) duration gag-sessions possible.
Pros
Cons
Bondage Boutique Faux Leather Small Ball Gag
This ball gag is on the smaller side, so if you’re a beginner or you just have a small mouth, this is a great fit. The ball itself is also very comfortable, making it easier to wear for longer periods of time.
Even though it’s small, it will still muffle moans and make the wearer drool as much as any other gag would.
The faux leather strap feels nice against the skin and the buckle on the strap is easy to do and undo.
Conclusion...
The BDSM world is filled with all sorts of gags - and why shouldn’t there be? They’ve got one for every kink! But while there are many good choices, there’s one clear winner:
This gag checks all the boxes. It’s great for beginners and experienced alike. It’s easy to breathe while you’re wearing it. Both the ball and the strap are super comfortable. It’s very easy to clean. The build quality is great.
If you’re just beginning and looking to start with something comfortable AND effective in providing a positive ball gag experience, this is for you.
And if you do choose to buy this gag and begin your gag journey on it, it will be just as useful to you years down the road as a highly experienced gag-wearer.