I love that I can use the Hydromax while in the shower, it is much easier to fit into your routine and lifestyle than an air pump. That being said, it can be quite time consuming and not always easy to use. It would probably be best and more effective to use it while taking a bath or in a hot tub, but Americans don't do that on a daily basis, if ever. Using it in the shower requires your full attention unless you buy the hands-free strap (found it elsewhere) for $19 and even that doesn't just let you set it and forget it. The instructions that come with the unit are not the most detailed, but I found numerous videos online that helped demonstrated it so much better. Basically, you fill the Hydromax with water, stick your dick in the water chamber, release the lever that holds the water in and start pumping the Hydromax against your pelvis while keeping your sack away from getting sucked up into the opening. However, I did find that if not positioned just right, you can feel it pinch a little on your sack. It's not a painful feeling just very uncomfortable. 8/10 times I have been able to avoid this, but it does take practice and patience. The main thing with this is practice! It took me a week to figure out how much pressure I should be feeling, but even now, two months later, I find the unit is inconsistent in holding that pressure. To really get the maximum effect, I think you need to use two hands and hold it the entire session (each session is maximum 15 minutes) so the Hydromax isn't a pop it on and wash your hair type of pump as I first thought. I personally finish my shower and fill up the pump before turning off the water and start the session. You can use it every day, but it's recommended to use it every other day for beginners for the first week. During the first couple of months, you should not have an erection going into the pump, and you should be completely flaccid. After you're more seasoned, an erection will help increase gains, but attempting that too soon may cause injury.

This feels like a very sturdy, well made product. Thick plastic makes up the chamber and premium matte rubber acts as the pump. There's a valve at the top with a plastic lever to release or hold water. This lever isn't always easy to press back and forth. I have no complaints about the quality of the product's materials as it seems like it will last a very long time. I think most men would get tired of using the Hyrdromax before needing a replacement.

The X30 should fit most men. It is suggested that if you are over 8 inches (congratulations, why are you even looking for a pump?) then the x40 is the way to go. For the most advanced users (not in inches but in experience with Hyrdomax), you can go for the X30 extreme which allows you to use the unit as an air pump as well. I'm 6" and the x30 fits fine with plenty of room. If you are really girthy (and I mean REALLY girthy) it might be a tight squeeze. The X30 is the same size as the Hercules but the X30 is a newer unit. If you're deciding between the two, I would suggest just paying the extra bucks and getting the X30. According to Bathmate, the X30 can hold more water and give more pressure which equals bigger gains. The X30 also has a comfort ring which is a personal preference but I'm glad it's on this unit. I used it without the comfort ring and it makes the experience slightly less comfortable. The difference is like $20 and I think Bathmate is cycling Hercules out.

So, after two months of using it, I haven't been able to master getting it to hold pressure on my first try every time. When you put it on, you pump a couple of times until the unit remains pressed against your body, meaning it is holding pressure inside the chamber and expanding blood flow to your penis. Sometimes I put it on and it stays against my body. Other times I put it on and it won't hold any pressure. I have to keep refilling the chamber with water until I get it right. Each session is already 15 minutes and sometimes getting the Hyrdromax is work as it should can take another 10 minutes. I love the convenience of being able to do this in the shower, but my roommates are starting to think I take 45 minute showers. I also don't have the luxury of wasting that much time. However, I would also choose the Bathmate line over a traditional air pump. I totally believe a water penis pump is 1000 times safer than an air pump. There's only so much pressure you can get in the water pump that it makes it very hard to damage your dick. I've never tried an air pump, but I can imagine there's less of a fail safe against damaging your member. If at any time the pressure is too much in the Hydromax, you can adjust the amount of pressure from the top of the unit or simply take the whole thing off.

Since this thing always has fresh water running through it, I don't really think you need to care for it at all. That might just be the best thing about this. I use it in my shower and let it air dry on the shampoo rack (I have a private shower, not recommended to keep this around in a shared bathroom). The instructions says to wash with warm water and soap once in a while. But after two months, my unit still looks new and I haven't washed it once. If you don't let it completely air dry after use, I can see it getting dirty and start to smell. But even if you only have to wash it every "once in a while", then I say that's as pretty low maintenance as it gets.

I first heard about this product from a porn star who said he used it. I then found Goodlookingloser.com which seemed super legit and has TONS of videos on how to use it and showed his gains from it. I watched all of the videos (which you cannot do in one sitting). Every single blog and video I found about the Bathmate/Hydromax had nothing but great things to say about it for increasing penis size. Personally I think it's overhyped praise. I am in my 20's and have no trouble getting or maintaining hard on's which is one of the main selling points of a penis pump. If you are having trouble in this department and are considering a pump, the Hydromax is an awesome alternative/addition to medication. The biggest turnoff is the amount of time you put into using this. Most guys are going to be lazy and give up on this within a month. The first week, 15 minutes didn't seem so bad, but after a while, there's only so long I spend in the shower with my hands occupied by the Bathmate. P.E. forums always state it's a marathon, not a sprint. But, after using it every day for the past two months, I haven't noticed a permanent difference. It's not very encouraging to invest all this time and not see change!