Enigma,
Thanks for chiming in. I wonder if you might elaborate on the pros and cons of the different rear options. I think myself and many others struggle with the decision on which one to go with. I'm in N.Y. and particularly interested in Locked in Steel so I'll word my questions accordingly. I'm also assuming you have a LIS belt.
1. The LIS penis tube looks like it would be easy to escape from. Now the thought of not having the tube entrance pressing against my pubic area sounds good but when you look at the tube you can't help but think that you could pull upwards or have the penis want to back out if you retract a lot. Whereas a Neosteel tube for instance looks like it would be secure even if you shrunk way down.
Yes I do have a LIS belt (and a My-Steel belt). If the belt (LIS belt) is properly fitted the the front shield should be tight enough where one can't dig the penis out. The tube is slightly below the pubic bone and makes the penis point straight down instead of curved forward then down like on the Neosteel and My-Steel. This is just as secure and creates a flatter front. Even if you did get the penis out of the tube, the front shield is still there and there isn't a whole lot you can do with the penis as a full erection would be painful like that if you could get one with the penis in that position out of the tube with the belt still locked on. Just as a note, I can pull out of the CB6k, but not my LIS belt.
2. Since LIS custom fits the tube to your flaccid size does that make it any harder to get the penis in the tube? I've also pictured being able to just slide it in without any lube etc. even though I've seen some people with full belts say they need to use lube.
Sometimes lube is needed but very little. I usually use a little spit (saliva) and that's all you really need as it does not leave any residue. Sometimes a quick hop in the shower with the belt on allows everything to settle in the right place.
3. You mention the silicone lining being essential. I've read some others who said it was too "sweaty" and that the silicone eventually separates from the steel. Can you comment further?
Any linning is going to be sweaty. Silicone is better. Neoprene is the alternative and many (including myself) have a skin reaction to it and neoprene absorbs water and other stuff. With silicon, you do need to keep it away from silicon lubricants (short term exposure is OK.) Silicon is less likely to cause any skin issues and does not absorb moisture. Silicon is glued to the steel belt the same way Neoprene is, so it's not going to separate any differently. The glue on LIS belts is silicone based as well holds up very well.
4. Rear thong. I'm always confused when people describe their rear thong systems. For one some say they can pull aside to poop. Others say you shouldn't be able to do that if the belt is fitted properly and it must be too loose. I've also heard people talk about two different thongs thicknesses on Neosteel I think. Where the thicker one can't be pulled aside and the thinner one can (I think thicker is used for Arch and thinner for other models?). Personally I think the rear thong would be best for me as "less is more" and I am very active. But I am really concerned about going poop as I like cleanliness, am on the go a lot, and usually go 2-3 times a day.
I've also considered rear cables but have read about negatives of those as well.
The rear thong can move a little, but not a whole lot, but it does help to pass poop to move and angle your butt the opposite direction. You'll still get a little poop on the cable itself, but it's extremely easy to wipe clean. Whereas the chains can be a disaster if you accidentally get poop in them. The main advantages to the rear thong is it allows the front shield to be tighter, does not get in the way of impact play (flogging, etc) and is more comfortable for sitting on hard surfaces especially if you are active. (I even do Yoga in my belt.)
I have had the rear Y-Cables as well and though it created a nice bondage contained feeling (it felt more secure in the rear,) but wasn't as secure in the front as the thong. At first I liked the Y-Cables, but later found them annoying. BTW, my My-Steel belt is also a thong.
5. Front Shield. I've really been thinking about the Arch from Neosteel as I don't want the front shield rubbing, chaffing, and generally getting in the way. I believe the front shield helps with security but frankly at a certain point I won't even try getting out so would sacrifice a little security for comfort. I also notice that most belts the penis points straight down whereas the Arch tube seems to curve underneath and partly into your crotch. I can imagine the Arch tube getting in the way like sitting down on it when seated or rubbing in between your legs?
All belts will get in the way a little bit there if your sitting on a solid surface (like a wood chair), but most furniture is OK. I've driven from NJ to TN (more than a 12 hour drive) by car belted many times without a comfort issue related to the belt. Since I'm a steel bondage nut, I like as much steel as possible on my belt without sacrificing comfort. The LIS belt front shield does not get in the way at all and I think it's optimally sized in width for most. The My-Steel belt I have is the Transformation model and it has the widest shield (to purposefully hide the balls and any maleness no matter what) of any steel belt out there (except maybe Latowski). It's too wide for some, but with my 36.5 inch hipbone, it's OK (I'm also 6'7). The My-Steel is more noticeable during Yoga, but not in the way. The arch looks interesting and the balls get tucked in like the LIS belt in a similar way and held by the shield, but I just prefere the look of the LIS belt over the arch and mentally it seems more secure, which is what I like.
6. Extra Keys. I thought I remember reading that LIS will not provide extra keys? Is this true? If so that is a dealbreaker. I mean this is for fun and a hobby for most!
That is true, however, it's a standard key that any key shop can duplicate, so that's not really an issue and you do get 2 keys.
I appreciate any insight you can provide
You welcome and you can always ask more questions and besides your not too far away from us.
-enigma
