The Alchemy Metallics Band – a very utilitarian name, if you ask me, but if it works, it works, right? Coming in at an incredibly reasonable price, I figured it could serve as a decent introduction to the world of metal cock rings at a fraction of the cost, and it would look pretty much as good.

Of course, I had some concerns going in. Most of the other reviews had indicated problems with the size, which was entirely reasonable, as this toy is the definition of non-adjustable. I figured I was a bit slimmer than the average male, but there was no sense in taking chances – I measured. The product claims a 1 ¾ inch diameter, which corresponds to a 5 ½ inch circumference (see, junior high geometry does come in handy!); thus, I tied a piece of string into a 5 ½ inch loop and tested to see if I could get it on. I could, with not too much difficulty, and it provided a reasonable amount of pressure in the right places, although I could have used a little bit more. I figured that a metal band with the same circumference would be just perfect, since it wouldn’t be flexible like the string.

Once it came, I took it out to show my partner – it was relatively pretty in its shininess and had a surprising amount of heft, although we both agreed that a brushed metallic finish would have made it look slightly less cheap. (The brushed steel rings go for 7 times the price, so we really can’t complain.) There was only the slightest hint of a seam in the metal finish.

Eager to try it on, I worked my penis through the ring – it certainly looked and felt a lot classier than cheap plastic. However, it was surprisingly comfortable – aside from the extra weight, I wouldn’t have noticed it was there unless I squeezed my thighs together. That seemed a bit odd to me, but I shrugged it off and we went to work… I mean, play. It gave some erection support but not as much as I have had with other (adjustable) cock rings, which was a little bit disappointing. I didn’t figure out why until I took it off and measured it – it turns out that the diameter was not 1 ¾ inches, but was more like 1 7/8 inches. Whether this is true of all of these rings, or their manufacturing process is non-uniform, I can’t say. But I can say that the extra size (which works out to be around 7%) really does make a difference for me. This is unfortunate, because in all other aspects this is a quality toy and well worth the money.

I should ding this a little less for the size difference. I'm beginning to think that a 1.625 inch diameter ring would be best for me, so the difference between the stated diameter of this ring, and its actual diameter, is not as big a deal as I thought. Unfortunately 1.625 inch rings are harder to come by....