My boyfriend and I often lament about the availability of different varieties of large-sized condoms. He is much more comfortable wearing Magnums than "regular" condoms, which is unfortunate because until recently there were only plain large condoms available on the easily accessible market. Trojan has really taken the lead recently on offering alternatives to the "plain" Magnums. In the past, I have enjoyed condoms with textures or other sensory-sensation features. Trojan now not only sells Magnums, but a thin variety of Magnum, Magnum Ecstasy, Magnum Warming, and now Magnum Fire and Ice.

These are tapered at the base, which prevents slipping but allows movement around the head of the penis. They are latex and, therefore, not recommended for anyone with a latex allergy or sensitivity. They should not be used with an oil-based lubricant. They are not spermicidal, and while Trojan reports a 2% instance of pregnancy over one full year of correct usage, I recommend using them with a backup method for optimal pregnancy prevention. The base width is 54mm (2.12 inches) and the length is 205mm (8.07 inches), whereas Magnum XL condoms have a base width of 58mm and have more head room. Magnum Fire and Ice have a thickness of .07mm. From my research, this thickness is the same as Trojan Her Pleasure and all Magnum condoms (including Magnum Thin). Trojan Ultra Thin and Trojan Thintensity are .05mm thick, and Trojan Bareskin is .04mm thick.

The box that contains the condoms is black and classy, with gold MAGNUM lettering and a funky "Fire & Ice" graphic. Warnings and information are printed on the inside of the carton, which is unfortunate because you have to pretty much rip apart the box to read this information, which is in both English and Spanish. The directions for use are excellent: use a new condom for each sex act (secretions can all transmit infections), don't use fingernails, teeth, or scissors to open the package, place the condom on properly before any sex act (there is a helpful diagram, remember to leave a reservoir), withdraw the condom while still erect, and how to dispose of the condom. It's very male-oriented and seems to assume that the person reading it is a male. Because this condom is latex, there is a reminder not to use oil-based lubricants, and also that if a female is treating for any vaginal conditions with suppositories or creams that they may weaken the condom. Store in a cool, dry place. All very good information that I'm sure no one reads because it is printed on the inside of the box.

The condoms are wrapped in a recognizable gold wrapper. The warning printed on them says that the condoms are intended to prevent pregnancy and STDs, and that it contains natural rubber latex and may cause allergic reactions. The text is printed in black, except for the expiration date on the front, which is printed in white. The condom itself is typical off-white in color. It has no noticeable ribbing, although there seems to be one rib/evidence of a manufacture seam near the head. This condom is lubricated on both sides with the special lubricant. The box does not list the ingredients of this lubricant, which I'm sure contains some small amount of possibly a menthol compound with possibly some sort of capsaicin-like compound. I can't find the exact information anywhere (not even on Trojan's website), so if you have any pharmaceutical allergies, I might advise not using these. All condoms may be weaker without lubricant, so using them in the shower or bath may not be recommended.

I liked these condoms. I didn't love them. The warming/cooling sensation is noticeable on mucous membranes, but not thicker skin such as hands or thighs. There was a sensation of slight burning when I performed oral on my boyfriend while he was wearing the condom and also after removing the condom, due to the presence of the lubricant. He seemed to notice the "cooling" more than the warming, even up to fifteen minutes after having intercourse. I noticed the "warming" (aka slight burning--not entirely unpleasant but rather stimulating) a while after, as well. I suppose that it helped increase blood flow to the genitals and, therefore, made me feel more sensitive during sex. I noticed that during and after intercourse I had a little irritation and swelling around my inner labia and clitoris, which can be sensitive to chemicals found in some warming lubricants. It was not a big deal and would not prevent me from using them again, and I do not have an allergy but rather a sensitivity, and this is probably something good to keep in mind. I would probably not use these condoms for anal intercourse because of the sensation, but I suppose that you could.

I've used these occasionally since I wrote my initial review, and it got to the point where we ran out of Magnum THINs and instead of opting to use these, we went out and bought more of the non-fire & ice ones. I gave a few away at an Earth Day event, but other than that, I'd prefer to use more traditionally lubricated condoms. The couple times that we did use these, I did experience that same slight burning sensation which I would prefer not to have. But I'm sure it's a personal preference thing and it's still nice to know that alternative large condoms are hitting the market.