FTM Gear

[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

[Linus]

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.

[Dylan]

Originally Posted by Linus

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.

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

[Linus]

Well, there are a couple:

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

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

[SFFemmePrincess]

Originally Posted by Linus

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.

So I peruse these threads looking for tidbits to share with Logic and I'm curious...how do you manage to get into your binder with a shirt under it? He has been pulling it up to get it on and I can't figure how to make that work logistically...any advice would be greatly appreciated...thanks!

[Linus]

Originally Posted by Rainbowchick07

So I peruse these threads looking for tidbits to share with Logic and I'm curious...how do you manage to get into your binder with a shirt under it? He has been pulling it up to get it on and I can't figure how to make that work logistically...any advice would be greatly appreciated...thanks!

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.

[The Oopster]

Originally Posted by Rainbowchick07

So I peruse these threads looking for tidbits to share with Logic and I'm curious...how do you manage to get into your binder with a shirt under it? He has been pulling it up to get it on and I can't figure how to make that work logistically...any advice would be greatly appreciated...thanks!

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

[Logicaly]

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.

[The Oopster]

Originally Posted by Logicaly

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.

http://www.underworks.com/983.html is the trip top i wear. I'm not sure where i got the sports compression shirt. It doesn't work for compression though, I was hoping it would be good enough for around the house, however the fabric it is made of seems to do the best for being under the binder. (it's a new balance shirt 80% polyester and 20% lycra and spandex)
my binder still rolls with a shirt under I just don't feel it like I use to. The funny thing is I thought a thicker t-shirt would lessen the pressure and it's just the opposite. The thinner slippery shirts work best under. Sometimes I have my binders on for 14+ hours and currently it isn't so bad. Before just a few hours in and it would be hurting. I was gettin really bad bruises on my ribs and sometimes sores. Since putting the shirt under. It still leaves marks but not the bruising it was leaving.

Plus it slides right on and off with the other shirt. Especially if I'm damp from the shower or sweating. Sometimes I would get stuck half way but have no problems with a shirt under.

[Andrea]

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

Andrea

[Linus]

Originally Posted by Linus

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.

I've had a few ask me what an A-Shirt is. Here's an example: http://tinyurl.com/4gc7uwb

[Sam]

great thread

[weatherboi]

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.

[Dylan]

Originally Posted by weatherboi

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

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

[Waldo]

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.

[Dylan]

Originally Posted by Waldo

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

[Waldo]

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.

[Waldo]

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.

[Linus]

Originally Posted by Waldo

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.

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).

[MsDemeanor]

Originally Posted by weatherboi

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

I am working with this company.

Originally Posted by Dylan

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

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.)