The 5 speed cock-ring is by far, my personal favorite beginner's cock ring that I have tried. Basically, in a humble reviewer opinion, it is the best beginner cock-ring available.

A few things allows this to stand out above alternatives for beginners.
1. It is leather, as in cowhide, it looks sharp and has some give to it. Not only is it leather, but it is stitched, meaning it has some strength to it as well. Leather, is very comfortable material. Unfortunately, it doesn't really SMELL like leather for those enthusiastic leather fetishists out there. But it looks and acts its part rather well.

2. It is adjustable, assuming you are not one of those poor souls with a size that falls between two snaps for ultimate fit. There are 5 snaps, thus providing the title "5 speed cock ring". Each snap adjusts the band well over 1/2 an inch in the circumference. This might have some people thinking it just doesn't fit [italics|just] right. Be careful to watch when you strap it on, one pinch and you will never forget to watch again!

3. For the price, the design is good and the product is strong! Without the fear of being unable to remove the toy from your member should [italics|something] arise, should bring relief to beginners alike. Beginners need to make sure they understand exactly what the cock-ring does. In short, it restricts blood-flow to and from your penis to your body. As blood stays in the penis over time it can cause damage. Just be careful not to over tighten the cock-ring in an attempt to beat your personal record and you should be fine.

4. Cleaning, since it is leather, you [italics|could] clean it like any other leather item in your house. However, I tend to just hop in the shower with it afterwards and including it in some soaping. Maybe not the safest way to clean it-but my life situation is currently one of only one partner (til death).

5. Experience. This is not my first cock-ring, nor will it be the last. For the record, I am young and healthy and have no 'issues' to speak of. =However, until God changes his mind about the men's reproductive system, women seem to have the 'one-up' on us guys. I first purchased a cock-ring to simply make sure "junior" stuck around long enough to get my partner to the next orgasm. I was pleased with the 5 speed ring when I tried it with the better half. It was comfortable, it made it a little harder to orgasm which is natural and made it more explosive when it did occur. The cock-ring then made sure "junior" stayed large enough to please!

If we have more time on our hands we tend to break out the cock-ring and give our personal record a run for its money.

There are better alternatives out there for advanced users and cheaper alternatives for true beginners. However, few will hold up like this little guy. I recommend it!

Following up. I still like the 5 speed cock strap. I will point out a recent discovery. Getting the cock strap tight enough in all situations seems impossible. Besides the aforementioned pinching, it is hard to get it tight, because of pressing into the skin in order to produce the 'force' required to be a better preventative ejaculation aid.

If you NEED or WANT something that could take to the brink of an orgasm and hold you back, this may not suit your needs. It is still fun, simple and functional--just not as preventative as one might hope.