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Ring Sizing---Again

Posted: Mon Oct 11, 2021 12:08 pm
by JimR
Lots of information from forums and vendors regarding the proper ring sizing method. Insertion of the index finger up to the first joint, i.e about the diameter of a Sharpie permanent marker, seems to be a frequent recommendation for ring gap when flaccid. Have also heard about using shaft diameter at very erect state as a basis for ring selection, but need additional info. regarding that method. Appreciate your thoughts.

Re: Ring Sizing---Again

Posted: Mon Oct 11, 2021 12:29 pm
by LockedGreg
I go with the ability to insert a finger, any finger, comfortably. Any tighter and I've had issues with circulation during nocturnal erections. Any looser and it'll fall right off.

I imagine it's unique to each wearer. I think my testicles are on the smaller side, but that still works for me.

Re: Ring Sizing---Again

Posted: Fri Oct 22, 2021 8:35 am
by waitingforkeyholder
like you I've seen a lot of different advice. Here's the one that was the most useful

A/ Best way to size the base ring is to make one up from a pipe clamp that's then wrapped in insulating tape to cover the sharp edges. Then over the time of a week or two, wearing it overnight, you can gradually tighten it until you get a fit that wakes you up at 5am (or thereabouts). Then loosen it 1-2mm, and try wearing it for several consecutive nights. That should be tight enough for it to stay on but not too tight to hurt.
B/ Best way to size the tube diameter is with an engineer's caliper. Take several measurements when flaccid, and pick a diameter that'll be close but loose when flaccid. That way blood can circulate, and give some recovery. Note, there's a whole school of thought that has people go tight - I'm not one of that school. Maybe I'm missing out, but this is what works for me.
C/ Then to get the length, again there are differing advice. My own view is to size for fully erect length. If it's short you get a situation where the base ring is pulled along the shaft, trapping the scrotum and stretching it. This can lead to oedemas, and a lot of pain. Again, ymmv. I prefer a cage that is a tight fit, which blocks external stimulation, not one that is torture.
D/ Finally, when you have the diameter of the tube and the diameter of the base ring, you need to calculate or measure the gap between the bottom of the ring and the lowest point of the tube. This should be around 20mm. Too big and the device can pull off (possibly giving a nasty squeeze to the balls as they pop through). Too narrow and you can get swelling and oedemas.

Just my sharing. If you've tried some off-the-shelf devices and find that you can take something smaller or tighter, that's great, go with what works for you. I'm someone who's been forced down the custom sized path because (ahem) I need something bigger ...

Re: Ring Sizing---Again

Posted: Fri Oct 22, 2021 12:24 pm
by JimR
Waitingforkeyholder.. Thanks for your great and very helpful response. I understand your rationale for fully erect sizing, but believe the rationale some use is to fit for a totally flaccid member, so as to ensure an erection is stopped, or at least minimized, realizing that may or may not be totally successful.
Another measuring way I have used, similar to the hose clamp method, and more like an actual base ring, is to obtain a six inch or so piece of thick walled 5/16" tubing, and connect the ends with a short nylon or metal rod. Start out with sizing where it is a definite loose fit, and decrease ring diameter by a mm or so (by removing ~3 mm of tubing), and keep repeating until you find the perfect combination of security and comfort. Will accomplish the same thing as the pricy set of sizing rigs, but costs very little, with infinite adjustment possibilities.

Re: Ring Sizing---Again

Posted: Mon Oct 25, 2021 10:20 am
by waitingforkeyholder
Good method for sizing - yes there's no need for expensive sizing rings.

I totally realise there are two very different schools of thought on sizing the tube - in fact I'd go so far as to say the majority of the advice I've seen is "1/2 inch shorter than you". And if that works for you I can see the attraction.

On reflection I believe the difference is circumcised vs uncircumcised. Yes I'm uncircumcised, and after many wasted $ and failed trials with "normal" sized devices I can 100% confirm that anything too small fails on me. At least I can't wear it longer than an hour or two without getting a large puffy oedema, and that's way too short for fun! The device I have now still needs attention - especially light lubing every day - but it can go month(s) without swelling or chafing.

Re: Ring Sizing---Again

Posted: Mon Oct 25, 2021 5:19 pm
by JimR
Waitingforkeyholder.. Thanks, also being uncircumcised, I find that a slight compression works for me. Just enough (i.e. 1/4-1/2inch) to keep member properly aligned for urinal use, and very slight extrusion of shaft skin through openings in cage. This arrangement helps prevent pullout, intentional or otherwise, and sizing tends to stop an erection, as soon as it starts.