I have to start off by saying that the item listing for the Omega barbed wire cock ring is incorrect. Although the item is listed as “Omega barbed wire,” this cock ring is actually an Imperial series ring. The Imperial cock ring isn't quite as hefty as the Omega. It has a different cross-sectional profile. The pictures on the listing are correct for this product. Only the name is incorrect.

Here is a picture of this product sitting next to the Omega, to show the difference in shape and size. The Omega is on the left, and the Barbed Wire is on the right:

Although these rings are the same size, you can see that the Omega is much larger and bulkier.

Cock rings are worn around the cock and balls to either aid or enhance erections or just simply for decoration. They will lift your package up and out, prominently displaying your manhood to anyone you care to show off for. They restrict blood flow from the penis, giving you a harder erection and a more intense orgasm. Some people say it enhances sensations, making them orgasm quicker. Others say it reduces sensations, helping them to last longer. I suppose it all depends on the individual. There is a psychological factor involved that will make the sexual experience different for each person. In my case, cock rings do make me more sensitive, but I still last longer, and I have very strong orgasms.

To put the ring on, it will be much easier if you aren’t erect. Start by gently pushing or pulling the testicles through the ring one at a time. After the testicles are through, feed the penis through the ring. You may want to use a little lubricant if you have difficulty. Once everything is through the ring, adjust it to where it is most comfortable.

Gear Essentials cock rings are machined from a single piece of stainless steel. The engraved series rings have a brushed/satin finish, and the barbed wire design is deeply engraved into the metal. The design isn't going to wear off unless you stick it on a belt grinder. The engraving is actually deep enough to give the outside of the ring a rough texture. I can't feel that while I'm wearing it, so it isn't something to be concerned about. This ring does have edges though. If you look at the pictures on the item listing, you will see that the cross section of the ring looks like an oval with flat ends. Those edges can be uncomfortable for your partner, so that is something to consider.

The Imperial Barbed Wire cock ring is perfectly round with a contoured profile. The ring’s design is similar to the rounded “comfort fit” band of some men’s wedding rings. The one I bought has a 2” inside diameter and an outside diameter of about 2 3/4”, and it is 5/8” wide. It weighs in at 5.9 ounces, so it is big enough to really feel but not bulky enough to become uncomfortable. I suppose that depends on whether or not you are used to wearing a cock ring. If you are less experienced with cock rings, you may not enjoy having such a large chunk of metal between your legs for very long. I have worn this one for several hours at a time without any discomfort at all.

The biggest factor in comfort (and safety) is to make sure you get the right size! Getting the correct size is important with any cock ring but especially so with a metal ring. Since they don't give or stretch, you need to make sure it will be comfortable when you have an erection. Don't get the smallest one that you can put on unless you know that size will work for you when you are erect. That is not a conversation you want to have with the ER doctor.

Wrap a piece of 1/2” wide ribbon (the same width as the cock ring) around your package starting at the base of your cock. Wrap it around the scrotum behind the balls and back to where you started. The ribbon should be snug but not tight. Width is an important factor in determining a comfortable and proper fit. That’s why you should use ribbon instead of string. I recommend measuring with something as wide as the item you are measuring to fit. This will prevent some sizing errors. If possible, hold the ribbon in place for a minute or two and see if you develop any discomfort. This is a premium cock ring, and the price is a little high for trial and error fitting. Take the extra time to measure correctly.

Next, measure the length of the ribbon and divide that by pi (3.14) to determine the correct diameter. For example, if you measure 6.28" around, you should order a 2" ring. Try to be as accurate as you can be when measuring and dividing. The 1/8” difference between sizes doesn’t seem like much, but it is a big difference when you have the cock ring on. If your measurement comes up between sizes, go with the larger ring.

As a rule of thumb; the tighter the ring, the less time you should wear it. I prefer a little more constriction, and I’ve worked up to it over time using progressively smaller rings. Just remember to proceed with caution.

Since this ring is made of stainless steel, washing it with anti-bacterial soap and water will get the job done. I would also use a brush to clean the engraved areas. It would be easy for something to get stuck in the grooves and cause problems for you later on. Use a 10% bleach solution to sanitize it, or you could even put it in the dish washer if you wanted to. Just don't put it in there with the good china.

Some things can cause stainless steel to discolor. I haven't seen this happen to any of my cock rings, but with steel it is a possibility even if it is very unlikely. If it does happen, just buff the ring with some fine grade steel wool and that should take care of it.

Gear Essentials cock rings are packaged in a small black metal tin with the Gear Essentials logo embossed on the lid, and “Gear Essentials” written in a repeating pattern around the sides. The tin is lined with a black velvety material which makes the cock ring really stand out when you first open the tin. I think this adds a bit of class when compared to the usual plastic shrink wrap and cardboard packaging of most things these days. The packaging reflects the fact that these cock rings are well made, high quality products. If you give one of these as a gift, that fact will not be lost on the recipient.

I wouldn’t say that the package is discreet enough to leave lying around. Because it is black with a silver logo on top, it looks different enough to make someone curious. There is a small white sticker on the bottom of the tin that tells what's inside but that can be removed.

This is not a cock ring for beginners. For that matter, I wouldn't recommend any metal ring as a first cock ring. Play with the flexible ones first. Once you are comfortable wearing one and have a good idea of the proper size, then switch to metal. They really are different. I can wear a smaller flexible ring when erect than I can a non-flexible one. The flexible rings can change shape to fit you better when you're hard. Metal won't, so go larger with a metal ring unless you're sure.

If you are considering a cock ring, I say go for it. Don't miss out on a good thing. Start out with one of the cheaper versions to limit your loss if you aren't happy with it, but don't go too cheap. There is no substitute for quality, and you don't want your first experience to be a bad one. I'll admit I was a little reluctant at first. Now I've really grown to love them and don't like to be without one.

As cock rings go, I prefer the metal ones. I think they feel better. You know they're there. I enjoy the sensation the extra weight gives me. They have a more intense psychological effect from the way they look and feel. They can look a little intimidating. They can make you feel tough, or they can make you feel submissive. It all depends on the context in which you use them. No matter what though, they will make you feel something.

Give it a try. If you don't like it, you'll know. If you do like it, it will be well worth the effort.

The Imperial Barbed Wire is another exceptional cock ring from Gear Essentials. It is very comfortable to wear. It looks absolutely awesome. The engraving on this ring looks much better up close than it does in the pictures. I think the engraving makes it look a little less industrial and a little more like jewelry, yet it doesn't take any of the hardcore intensity away from it. It is a visually striking piece.

Functionally, it provides a good boost for my ego and my erection. My lover really likes the way it looks, and I love to see that hungry look in her eyes when she sees it. Even without the other benefits, that alone would make it worth buying. For us though, the design of the Imperial makes it more for show than for go. Even though I can't feel the edges of the ring, my lover can. She told me that the slight corners on the ring are “a little uncomfortable” when they rub against her in some positions. That is the only thing I have against this cock ring, and that is why I reluctantly rated it at 4 stars instead of 5.

No review would be complete without at least acknowledging the price tag on this item. It may seem a little high, but I still recommend it. The quality of this cock ring just can't be beat. It fits great, its comfortable, it turns me on, it turns her on, it does everything a cock ring is supposed to do. The Imperial Barbed Wire is one of the best cock rings available anywhere.