My review of the Holy Trainer Nub V5, the latest edition of the Swiss chastity device maker’s popular bio-resin based, light-weight micro-chastity device.
First Impressions of the Holy Trainer Nub V5
Usually, I’ll wear a new device for at least ten days before writing a review. But in this case, I’ve owned a Holy Trainer Nub V4 for a long while and, spoiler alert, after six days in the V5 model, I have observed no noticeable differences. It remains, hands down, one of the most comfortable plastic devices I’ve tried, thanks to the ergonomic design. And the quality is second to none. I also own a Holy Trainer Nano, but I much prefer the compact fit of the Nub, which is why I chose it for my review of the V5 model.
After studying my Nub V5 and V4 thoroughly, side by side, I couldn’t see any changes in the design except for the new integrated lock that the V5 features. It’s a push-button affair that uses a barrel key. This is a key with a hollow shaft used to open tubular pin tumbler locks. These locks are used on various types of equipment. A soda vending machine is one application where most people might have noticed this type of lock.
You only need the key to open the integrated lock since, after mating the penis tube to the base ring, you simply push the button in the center of the lock to lock the device. There is a small hole drilled into the top of the penis tube, where it slides into the receiver molded into the top of the base ring. Pushing the lock button extends a small metal pin into the hole, locking the two components together. I consider the new lock an improvement that makes it even easier to mate the tube and base ring. Like all chastity devices using “MagicLocker” type locks (the type used with the V4), occasionally there is a minor misalignment that makes it difficult to insert the lock into the hole. The new integrated lock featured on the V5 model eliminates this potential issue.
Device Specifications
As shown in the above illustration, the full length (Length A) of the Nub tube is 2.2 inches (57mm). As most penis owners know from experience, flaccid lengths vary almost constantly. Having measured for several custom-made devices, on average, my flaccid length ranges between 2.5 and 3 inches. I always use 2.5 inches as the starting point when ordering a custom device. And then, depending on the device, I subtract .25 to .50 inches. That ensures the tip of my penis is always touching the end of the tube or cage and my urethral opening stays properly positioned at the urine outlet. And I don’t mind the minor turtling effect that happens when my flaccid length grows closer to 3 inches. So, the length of the Nub gives me the exact fit I want.
For those with longer flaccid lengths, Holy Trainer offers four other tube lengths:
- Nano | 80 mm (3.1 inch)
- Small | 85 mm (3.3 inch)
- Standard | 95 mm (3.7 inch)
- Maxi | 109 mm (4.3 inch)
Those options will cover most individuals, providing the internal diameter of Holy Trainer devices is sufficient, which I’ll cover next. But, as long as you aren’t bothered by “turtling” most guys, regardless of flaccid length, can wear the Nub. If the tub is shorter than your average length, when you mate the tube to the base ring, it will just push the excess length inside your abdomen. Most don’t find that uncomfortable.
Internal Diameter
The internal diameter of the Nub (and all other Holy Trainer devices except the Maxi) is 33 mm (1.3 inches). The Maxi internal diameter is slightly larger at 35 mm (1.4 inches). While I’m very average in length, my flaccid penis is thicker than average, and the internal diameter of the Nub tube is a little tight for me. The 35mm would fit me perfectly. So, the tube compresses me slightly. It still works for me and isn’t uncomfortable, but for someone even thicker than average, the 1.3 inches internal diameter will probably not work even if you could squeeze your flaccid penis into the tube.
Base Ring Sizing
Holy Trainer base ring sizing is a little different from what you might be accustomed to with other devices. They recommend measuring using the traditional string-method, the distance around the base of the penis and behind the scrotum. Then they have a chart that suggests base ring size within a range, based on your measurement.
As an example, my measurement in almost exactly 7 inches. So, consulting the sizing chart on the Holy Trainer website shows I fall in the range between 6.42 to 7.03 inches and they suggest ring size 55. That’s the size I ordered with my Nub V4 and found it was too large and allowed my right testicle to pop out of the base ring. So, I ordered ring size 50, and that worked perfectly.
My Holy Trainer Nub base ring size is a little larger than the ring size I wear with my custom made stainless steel devices and I need the larger size. That’s because of the design of the Nub. When you connect the tub to the base ring, it presses the tube into the scrotum a little, forcing your testicles outward. I need the larger base ring size to accommodate that, or it soon feels very uncomfortable. So, base ring sizing for the Nub isn’t as straightforward as picking a size from the chart. It’s probably best to follow the chart recommendation on their website as a beginning point. But be aware you might have to drop a size to get the right fit. If you have an earlier model, as I do, it simplifies things since you already know the size you need. And, if you’re new to HT and get the wrong size, they sell tubes and base rings separately as well as complete units. So, you can, as I did, always order a different size base ring. But for the V5 model, it isn’t cheap. Base rings go for $71.
Bases rings and tubes are fully interchangeable as long as it’s the same model. If you buy a Nub V5 and later decide you want a Nano or Small tube, you can just buy the tube and use it with your Nub V5 base ring. But parts from older versions don’t interchange with newer versions. Nub V4 parts won’t work with Nub V5 parts and Nub V3 parts didn’t work with Nub V4 parts.
One thing I love about HT base rings is they are thicker than garden variety base rings and ergonomically shaped, which makes them super comfortable.
Nub V4 Versus Nub V5
Having worn both, I find no difference in the design or fit. So, if you have a Nub V4, I can’t give you a good reason to buy a V5. The new style lock gets convenience points and is sort of cool, but unless you’re dying to try out the push button lock like I was, or simply want a different color, the design as far as I can determine is exactly the same otherwise.
If you are considering buying a Nub for the first time, then it boils down to what kind of locking mechanism you want. If you’re happy with or just prefer the “MagicLocker” Holy Trainer still sells the V4 model on its website. But don’t expect to save a few bucks by opting for the older model. The price for both models (full set) is the same, $165 for the basic colors (clear, black, baby pink) and $185 if you want one of the many custom colors on offer. The Nub V4 tubes alone cost the same as the V5 tubes, but the V4 base rings alone are considerably cheaper. And remember, the V4 and V5 parts won’t interchange.
Security of the Holy Trainer Nub V5
Holy Trainer chastity devices are “ball-trap” devices, and no ball-trap device is escape proof. But a well-fitted Nub minimizes the chance of escape. And I think Holy Trainer devices are more secure than many other plastic device options. The tightness of the tube and the way the tube extends through the base ring and a little beyond makes it very difficult to back your flaccid penis out of the tube from behind the base ring.
I didn’t even attempt it with the V5 because when I did that with my V4, I found it both difficult and slightly uncomfortable. Also, when I managed to back my penis out of the tube, I still wasn’t able to get my testicles free of the base ring. No doubt, with enough lubrication and determination, someone could do it. But I wasn’t willing to endure the pain to get the locked device completely off my testicles.
The only way to fully secure a penis in a ball-trap device is to use a piercing, such as a Prince Albert (PA), to actually lock the head of the penis inside the tube or cage. I can’t imagine there is enough room inside the tube of a Nub to accommodate a PA ring or that you could use any aftermarket locking device with the device. But, if you’re serious about chastity, you wouldn’t want to cheat by escaping from a locked device. So, for most, the HT Nub is secure enough.
Hygiene Considerations
Essentially a closed tube with only a urine outlet at the end, the Nub is a device that you must remove periodically to clean your genitals and the device. You can’t flush it through the urine outlet well enough to accomplish any effective cleaning. And over time, urine, semen, and dead skin cells will build up, making it an unhealthy environment for your peen. I remove mine once a week for cleaning and after wearing it a week, the smell it pretty ripe when you pull the tube off.
While almost impossible to clean effectively while wearing, the Nub is simple to clean with soap and water after you take it off. So, I don’t give it low marks for hygiene since it does not differ from other closed tube devices.
The Nub also has a generously sized urine outlet. So, as long as you take care to align your urethral opening properly, it minimizes getting urine inside the cage. I’m pretty adept at peeing while standing while wearing the Nub, but mishaps sometimes occur. So sitting to pee is the best practice.
Price
Given the quality of the materials and craftsmanship, I think Holy Trainer has priced its devices fairly for off-the-shelf, mass market devices that will work well for most individuals. But some may find $165 for a plastic, non-custom chastity device pricier than others. For that reason, Holy Trainer Nubs are one of the most copied plastic chastity devices. Some sellers of counterfeit models, at least acknowledge their devices aren’t authentic Holy Trainer devices. But I know of one retailer who has not only ripped off the design but markets their copies as genuine Holy Trainer devices.
I understand the temptation to buy a counterfeit instead of paying $165 for the original. Copies are available at a fraction of that price. But ethical considerations aside, there are many other reasons not to buy a counterfeit Nub. You won’t get the Holy Trainer quality of workmanship and the material of the device won’t be what they use. Even the “MagicLocker” type locks will be cheap imitations.
Spend some time on one of the many active online chastity forums and you will read plenty of stories of what can go wrong when people buy fake Nubs. I read a post today on one site where a guy was asking for advice about how to get the device off because the key turned but the lock wouldn’t unlock. I’ve also heard that many of the cheap imitations have sharp edges where the tube slides into the base ring receiver that have cut people when they were putting on or taking off the devices. Buying a counterfeit Holy Trainer like device is definitely a “you get what you pay for” situation.
The Verdict
THE PROS
THE CONS
- Sleek, stylish
- Quality materials and craftsmanship
- Comfortable, ergonomic design
- Not inexpensive
- Designed with the “average” in mind. Not a good choice for those with thicker than average penises
Disclaimer: As always, I purchased this device using my own funds. This objective review represents my own opinions. I have no affiliation with Holy Trainer other than being a satisfied customer.
Today is Day 2 of Chastity 90 for those of us who started May 1. But you can begin anytime.
Comments
One of the best chastity locks that fit.
If your lock holders goal is to keep you and your penis apart and give the feeling its no longer there, this is the one.
I find HT’s generally to be a very, very comfortable device. Possibly the most comfortable. I’ve worn one for a number of years going from a small, to a nano and now, having read your post, I have a nub.
I would say the comfort is maintained. For an uncut guy, having tip of my cock exposed takes some getting used to. The nub seems to ‘push’ my tip through the slot in the end slightly, so it rubs on my underwear something I have not noticed with the larger tubes. I also find that taking a pee in a nub, is a little different than in the other tubes. All in all I’m very happy with it and can see myself swapping between the nub and the nano depending on what I’m doing.
Author
Yes, I agree Sil. I too consider HT devices the most comfortable I’ve ever worn. Since I’m cut, I can only imagine the added challenge for uncut guys. But I sort of love the way the tip of my peen protrudes from the urination outlet and the feel of my underwear rubbing it.
What i would like to see is a micro lock that can be remotely unlocked via cell phone perhaps.
Maybe through blue tooth?