FTM Gear
 

Have any recommendations or Definite Do Not Buys to pass along?

Binders, STPs, packers, PNPs, attorneys, doctors, pharmacies, clothes, whatnot...it's all expensive. So, please pass along your recommendations or save us all some cash by telling us what didn't work for you.


Dylan

I use Blowfish, The Transitional Male, and Asian Leather alot.

A huge no-no for gender counseling is Johns Hopkins. They are very anti-glbt.

Underworks for binders.

Underworks has some good compression binders that I use and recommend, not terribly pricey either.

www.underworks.com

I think you may have a typo, Andrew.

Is this the brand? www.aslanleather.com

What is blowfish?

I use underworks too, but I would really love to find something better. I hate the roll up, and they're just so f'ing uncomfortable. I would really like to find something cooler by summer...


Or A Big Bag Of Money To Pay For Surgery,
Dylan

Andrew, what do you use Transitional Male for? I know they have a binder program, and they started selling STPs, but I also heard their STPs weren't very good. Have you had different luck? You use aslan for harnesses or what?

I've found the best harness for a pnp is one I made myself (I got the 'recipe' from Hellboi...he has some brilliant ideas).

Also, there's an FTM Foundation I can't remember the complete name of it, but if you search that on youtube, you should be able to find it (although, I will look for it, and come back with the correct name), and they're making a packing harness that looks like it would work really well, and be pretty comfortable.


Dylan

Stay away from Mangos when it comes to STPs. It took them 6 months to finally ship and only after I filed a complaint with the BBB.

DJ Knows Dick isn't too bad and very responsive.

Underworks remains my binder of choice and I've started using their cotton/lycra based binders. These have been working well (a beard has also helped) and are very comfortable. The roll-up issue is reduced. A trick is to also wear a shirt (like an A-shirt) under the binder. I've found this to lessen the roll-up effect. Additionally, making sure the size is right and not going for the ultimate compressing one helps. Those, I find, tend hurt too much and sizing better helps reduce that as well as reduce the roll-up effect.

great thread

http://www.ftmprosthetics.com/designer.htm

I am working with this company.

This is also one I looked at working with.

http://www.likereal.de/shop/english/home

I realize these arent very cost effective.

Yeah, I've heard nothing but nightmarish stories about Mango...same deal as yours that stuff never got shipped. And then, when it finally did arrive, it didn't work well. I've been thinking about making my own STP (recipe alla youtube). I just don't see why I would pay someone else to do it when I have all the pieces laying around my house for free.

Although, I have heard wonderful things about DJ Knows Dick.

Also, if you go to the pharmacy area of Target, they'll give you medicine spoons for free. I found this out when I went to ask them where they keep the medicine spoons. They just offered them up. The medicine spoon is great, but dammit it takes a lot of practice. And you can't wait too long.

For those who can't master the medicine spoon, I've heard about something bigger for female(bodied) campers (christ, my brain is fried today, I can't remember the names of anything). I've seen guys use that attached to an stp. I haven't tried this myself tho, so I can't offer any sort of recommendation.

And then there's the uber cheap, coffee can lid idea which works well too.


Dylan

Well, there are a couple:

Go-Girl: http://www.go-girl.com/how-to-get-gogirl.asp

Female Freedom: http://www.femalefreedom.ca/

Please let us know if it's worth the cost. I've seen guys order something similar, but then, we never hear back.


Thanks,
Dylan

Dylan - I've used the Underworks T-shirt/binder dealio for a couple years. Granted, I'm not trying to pass for male, so my being pleased with the result may not matter.

They come long so they can be tucked in nicely. I've never had an issue with them rolling up and this kid has HIPS.

I would, however, NOT recommend their FTM swimsuit. That rolls and is uncomfortable as hell. And the bottoms are really just god awful.

I'm wondering how much of my rolling issue has to do with the 35lbs I've gained right smack in Mahhh Belly. I'm going to try the t-shirt-underneath trick and see if that works until those 6pack abs I ordered arrive (or until I do 1000 sit ups a day).


Dylan...needs to work out

this is the one I was referring to: http://www.underworks.com/images/974.jpg I may not have been clear in my previous post.

Hope it helps.

Interesting. I got the FTM swimsuit and love the top a lot (the bottom is weird). Again, this might be a sizing issue. I have a little more than 35 lbs to lose (damn Canadian beer belly) and actually found the swimsuit top great at compacting without discomfort (except for armpits -- little bit of trimming will resolve that).

this is the one I was referring to: http://www.underworks.com/images/974.jpg I may not have been clear in my previous post.

Hope it helps.

Ultimate Chest Binder Tank
Double Front Compression Shirt
Style 997 Color: White or Black
Size - fits Chest: X-small 29-31 / Small 32-34 /
Medium 35-39 / Large 40-44 / X-large 45-48
Price: $29.99 / 3 for 84.99

Size - fits Chest: 2X 48-52 / 3X 53-56
Price: $36.99 / 3 for 104.99

I have found its great for the money. Its tight even with great measurements, but does the job

Thanks for all the links guys

I will check em out when my head aint cloudy

Binders
 

www.t-kingdom.com for binders

Model 801 is GREAT for the summer. Light, but strong.

I also have Model 1700.

Both excellent choices. For a couple of bucks they will customize their binders for you.

I wouldn't hesitate purchasing any binder from these guys. The comparison chart is also very helpful.

Aren't they designed for small guys?

I don't think so? A few years ago it wasn't for guys taller than 5'6", but now I think it runs up to 5'9" in height.

Ok, just looked. 5'9" and 188 lbs. 40-42 chest. (XXL)

That is the largest size.

Check out size chart.

But, the custom sizing is an idea, too if you can't find your size.

I am not small chest size. On the end of large actually. My weight and height are average I guess.

I use tkingdom 1700 in combination with an underworks product. PLus a shirt...plus another!! Sheesh! I am surprised I can breath or move at all some days!!LOL

I didnt want to go tkingdom but I could nt get what I needed from underworks. Had to go with the combo! It doesnt roll up cause it is pretty long which works for me.

I can vouch for ftmprosthetics, and the dual was worth the cost to us. Joseph makes a great product and was excellent in communications when we dealt with him a few years ago.

We're looking around at what other companies are making, just to see if there's anything better around. If anyone has experience with similar products, I'd love to hear from you. (It's okay to send a PM if you're not comfortable discussing this stuff in public.)

I use the binder from Underworks too and get some serious rolling going on, but I think part of that is due to my hips and my stomach.

I heard that if you cut a slit in the sides, that takes some of the pressure off and stops the rolling, but I havent tried that yet, any thoughts on this? Anyone given it a try?

Great thread :)

Anybody got any swim gear recommendations?

I've purchased through Mango before, although I didn't have a delivery issue...I wasn't too thrilled with the product. Not to mention how pricey they are.

Underworks has served it's purpose lol. Not my ideal situation, but it's gonna have to do.

I haven't used Mango products at all. I've heard too many horror stories about the shipping issues.

Just found a great great FTM site. I'll PM folks with the address, or PM me if you want to know about it. It's a great FTM-only site with forums, groups, chat, etc.


Dylan

This is the company I will be going with. The reasons boiled down to urintion systems.
http://www.likereal.de/shop/english/home


Joseph from ftm prothetics was helpful in telling me he was working on a system. I look forward to trying his products in the future because his customer service is awesome!!

This is Dylan, posting as Firie, because she's makin' breakfast, and I didn't realize she'd logged in. At any rate, I wanted to thank you for the info. The STP part of their products look comfortable...wayyyy more comfortable than everyone else's favorite...the medicine spoon (which I am having a hard time getting consistent results with)


Anyways, Wanted To Explain The 'Thanked Post' From Mahhh Woman,
Dylan

Pardon me...
 

Pulling it up? What kind of binder is it? I pull mine over my head. Even with the stronger compression ones I do this. Anything tighter and it may be too tight and that could be dangerous. I've talked with other FTMs who have hurt their back and nearly crushed their ribs with binders that are too tight.

Does he use the full length or tri top? If I use the full length I have to step into it. But I rarely use it.

I've been usin the tri top with a shirt under and actually have found it easier to take the binder off and on. I put that one on over head.

I have a rash guard and a sports compression shirt which seems to work the best underneath it

Yeah, I have to step into mine, theres no way its going over my head. That being said, which tri top one are you using? And as for the sports compression shirt, what one did you find that seems to work good?

I have two different binders thus far, and the first one, well I may as not even be wearing one it was no different then a sports bra as far as compression goes. However the one I have now, works great, but it rolls, hence the needing to wear something under it.

I just posted some chest binders on Queerbay. Paying it forward so the only cost is $5 shipping.

Andrea

Very expensive...but holy cow!

http://www.tyron2.net/index.html

I never thought I would drool over a penis or a penis substitute, but well, I want one of these.