My first cock ring was some jelly garbage that broke after a couple stroke sessions. Luckily it came with some other toy that worked out much better. I was also lucky in that I really enjoyed what it did, despite it being cheaply made and entirely too small. It was very stretchy, though which helped a lot.
When it came time to buy my first real cock ring, I just kinda guessed at what I needed and just kinda got it wrong. I didn’t measure at all and greatly underestimated how much ring I needed to encompass everything. This new ring was a better material – silicone – but not nearly a stretchy despite its name. So, although its diameter was 3x as large normally, when stretched, the original turned out to be twice as large. From that and many subsequent test runs, I learned a few things:
Consider your materials
Silicone, while ideal for most cock ring uses will only stretch about double its normal size, while thicker banded silicone rings will stretch roughly 1.25 times its normal size. Jelly or other softer materials, while incompatible with most condom materials, will stretch up to four times the size with the same amount of pull applied. Steel has absolutely no give. Leather is slightly forgiving but, more importantly, usually features variable sizing through steel buttons. Nylon bands have lots of give but usually feature some kind of Velcro closure, which isn’t great for body hair.Something else that’s not great for body hair, stretchy silicone and pull adjustable rings, for similar reasons. If the skin around your penis and scrotum is taught, adjustable rings will be more comfortable for you. If it’s looser, you’ll probably prefer something with more grip and rigidity.
Measuring
If you choose stiffer silicone, steel, or any unforgiving material, measurement becomes crucial. For most folks, you’ll be better off using a string than a tape measure to do this, unless the tape is relatively thin. If you know you want a thicker ring a regular tape measure is going to be preferable. You’re going to measure from the base of your penis, down the thigh crease, behind the scrotum, and back up the other side to make a complete circle.You may be surprised by the number of inches you get from this measurement. Our genitals often have a heft and presence one only experiences through close contact. Perhaps it’s a good time to re-familiarize yourself with what’s going on down there, but that’s a topic for another time.
The next measurement, you’ll want to do is around the largest circumference of your larger testicle. You’re trying to make sure you can easily plop your testicles through a stiffer ring. If you can’t get your largest testicle through, there’s no chance for anything to fit comfortably. With those two measurements you can safely estimate a size that fits you.
Sizing
Most cock rings are sold by diameter not circumference. The latter value is usually much bigger. So, to get a usable number, we go back to algebra one. Simply take the circumference and divide it by pi or roughly 3.14.For me: Base of penis and scrotum 8"/3.14=about 2.5 inches.
I’ll use that sizing for general suggestions going forward.
If you’re getting an extra stretchy cock ring, you’ll want to get one closer to 2 inches. If it’s more rigid, you’ll want to try 2.25 inches. If it’s steel, you’ll actually want to get one almost exactly 2.5”. Just by applying the ring, you’ll begin to swell a bit and it’ll be easier to remove if it’s in the larger range for you. As you become more aroused, your testicles will bunch up a bit too, adding more girth and pressure.
For thinner rings, you can safely try shifting the sizes down by a quarter inch. For thicker rings, you’ll want to go up by the same amount.
Bodily considerations
As a fat hairy guy, my favorite rings are thicker, more rigid silicone roughly 2.25” in diameter. Although, as I age that diameter is a little small for my testicles, so it might be time to size up or switch to steel from silicone for a slicker/larger entryway. Something for you to consider as well, if your scrotum hangs. If it doesn’t, you’re probably going to prefer thinner or stretchier rings since you don’t have the flesh to support a thicker one.If you have rather large testicles, make sure to find the diameter for your testicles as well. This will let you know if it will fit through the ring you choose. Keep in mind you’ll place one testicle in at a time, so if your testicle is any smaller than the ring, you’re good.
Usage needs:
How long do you plan to wear your cock ring? If it’s all day long, you’re going to need to be careful that it’s looser than normal. In fact, if possible try for the more rigid steel or silicone. Those are usually the most comfortable as they don’t press down harder or get twisted throughout the day. In this case the looseness is more that it holds its shape rather than trying to pull tight like a stretchy material would.Is this treatment for erectile issues? If so, a smaller, stretchy ring might be better. Because they do tighten slightly over time, you’ll find it settling into a stronger seal on your erection. Yet, if your erection expands beyond what you expect, it won’t be much of a hindrance. You might also try something that only wraps around the penis.
Are you trying to create or enhance your bulge? If so a cock sling or ring with more heft to push everything forward would do wonders for that goal. If you don’t want anyone to know, opt for something smaller. You’ll still get amplified erections, but you won’t be grabbing as much immediate attention.
By: Jerome Stuart Nichols
Follow on Twitter @NotJeromeStuart
