resin chastity devices Archives

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.

I’ve long been an avid fan of Badassworkroom and the company’s custom made steel chastity devices. I couldn’t be more satisfied with the two custom devices I’ve ordered from them so far. So, when I discovered they now offer a line of colorful resin devices, obviously “inspired” by KINK3D’s Cobra chastity cages, I had to try one. These cages, dubbed the HF-001 model, are available in five sizes. I chose the D1 size for this review. As far as I know, these are molded resin devices, not 3D-printed, but these devices are of high quality, smooth without any seams, and I love all the colorful options.

The last time I reviewed a device “inspired” by KINK3D’s Cobra chastity cages, I heard from a few guys who disapproved. One said he felt I had done a disservice to KINK3D by reviewing a device, clearly copying their design. I understand that opinion, and it isn’t wrong. However, as I’ve explained before, I try to review a variety of devices at different price points as I can imagine some guys simply can’t invest $155 to $185 in the devices KINK3D offers, but would like to get a similar product. And at the time I published that review, the made in China “knock-off” devices sold for between $9.99 and $16.99 depending on what seller someone chose. That device was truly a “knock-off” in that the manufacturer not only copied the design and manufactured the devices with 3D-print technology, they also copied the KINK3D nomenclature, using “Cobra” in the device’s name. Sure, they added two additional words, calling it the Cobra Male Chastity Lock, but just like the fake Holy Trainers that even had “Holy Trainer” stamped on them, I’m guessing they hoped to convince potential buyers in the same way they were getting the real deal at bargain basement prices.

While you can look at Badassworkroom’s HF-001 and see the obvious similarities with the Cobra, the company isn’t engaging in unethical marketing by representing the device as a Cobra. They aren’t trying to fool anyone. And it isn’t 3D-printed. Is that enough for the HF-001 to fall more into the inspired than the copied category? That’s your call to make. My take is if you want to buy an original KINK3D, made in the USA high-quality 3D-printed device and you’re willing to spend the $155 to $185, I applaud you. And if you like the style but can’t justify the significant investment and a similar product at a lower price that performs the same function satisfies you, I see no shame in it. I find it hard to believe copied devices take much business from the original creators. Someone who wants an original Cobra and can afford the cost isn’t likely to buy a copied version. And those who buy copied versions I doubt would have ever bought an original anyway. Using me as an example, I prefer steel devices and while I don’t doubt that KINK3D products are terrific and worth every penny, I’m in the camp of those who wouldn’t consider paying $155 to $185 to get one. So, to each his own.

HF-001 Chastity Device Specifications

Compared to the KINK3D device, available in eight sizes, the Badassworkroom offers the HF-001 in five sizes. I chose the D1, which is comparable to the Cobra N+ in size. The D-1 is a size smaller than the first Cobra-like device I tried and reviewed. While that one fit the length of my flaccid peen, if you read the review, I had an annoying issue with it. When my penis shrunk, as they do with the male organ’s constant state of contracting and expanding, mine would get stuck at about the midpoint of the cage and absent an actual attempted erection, the tip would never return to the end of the cage. This made peeing even more problematic than usual with chastity devices. So, I hoped a shorter cage would solve the issue. More on that bit later.

I admit the thing that first attracted me to the HF-001 was the availability of the four additional vibrant color options for those of us who like something other than basic black. I chose the purple color and was very pleased with my choice when the device arrived. Now let’s look at the specifications.

Besides the cage and “MagicLocker” the HF-001 comes with four different base ring sizes from 43mm to 51mm. The 43mm fits me perfectly. I think it’s an unusually wonderful variety of sizes where one should fit most guys.

Not only do you get the set of four base rings, you can also choose between “arc” rings (ergonomic) or standard round rings. Unfortunately, you can’t mix and match. You must take all four using the same option. I chose the round rings which do the job for me. I had an unpleasant experience with an ergonomic ring once, so I choose to stay away from them. Not to say others don’t love them. Before leaving the base ring topic, you can also get a custom-sized stainless steel ring with this device at an extra charge if you’re so inclined.

Comfort and Feel of the HF-001

As with all plastic chastity devices, the HF-001 is pleasingly light-weight. The cage and the base rings are smooth as glass inside and out, so I haven’t had even the hint of any chafing. The color is spectactularly vibrant and they color the resin itself so it doesn’t rub off or stain your skin. I put mine on September 1 and haven’t removed it since. It’s that comfortable. But alas, going one size smaller on cage length didn’t cure the same annoying sticking problem I experienced with the first Cobra-like device. With the HF-001, when my peen retracts, the head sticks about three-quarters of an inch from the end of the cage and that makes the issue even worse while urinating than I had with the longer cage. It positions my urethral opening right behind a bar at the top of the cage and even sitting, pee sprays like crazy. So, I have to use a Q-Tip to poke and prod to set things right every time I visit the bathroom. This issue results from two things. Like all Cobra-style devices (including the original I’ve now learned), the cage is (by design) not perfectly round. Instead, it’s slightly oval-shaped, from side to side. The other problem is me. My flaccid penis is chubby and I have a good bit of excess skin below the glans left over from circumcision. These two aspects of my organ don’t play well with the oval shape and that causes the sticking problem at the choke point. Other than that, I have no other problems with the fit and feel. It’s a comfortable device to wear.

Safety Considerations While Wearing the HF-001

Like any Cobra-style device, the design of the HF-001 is simple. There is a cage, base ring, lock, and two tabs on the cage that slip into a pair of sockets on the base ring to add stability. That makes the two components fit tightly together so there is no wobble. You must exercise a little care to avoid pinching when mating the cage to the base ring. It’s a simple ball-trap device, so the usual cautions apply. Choosing the proper size base ring is important. Choosing a base ring size that is too small can cause significant issues, including the risks associated with compromising your circulation. As a rule of thumb, skin discoloration or skin temperature of the scrotum that feels noticeably cooler than normal body temperature are indications of reduced circulation.

Hygiene Considerations When Wearing the HF-001

Thanks to the cage-type open style, I give the HF-001 high marks in the ease of cleaning department. It’s simple to keep the contents clean with a handheld shower head. I’ve worn mine for sixteen days without having to remove it for cleaning. Expect to sit to pee to avoid making a mess, and especially if you have the “sticking problem” I do, don’t even think about trying to pee while standing.

Final Thoughts

First, a word about “security” which, if you’re a regular reader of this website, you know by now is a relative term when discussing ball-trap chastity devices. The HF-001 does what the manufacturer designed it to do. It doesn’t fall off accidentally, but if you want to remove it while it’s locked on, it isn’t hard to do. The same thing is true of any device made using this design. So, if you want to compare it to the original KINK3D version, the HF-001 is no better and no worse. But it may not be the best choice for those with little or no willpower because there are other devices available that require more effort to escape from. That said, for those of us ready and willing to stay locked when required without cheating, this is an acceptably secure device.

I’m impressed by the overall quality of this device and love the color options. The darn sticking problem is my only real complaint. But as they say, if at first you don’t succeed, try again. I like this device well enough that I’ve already ordered another, this time the E1, the model with the shortest cage. Hopefully, with no extra length in the cage at all, the tip of my unruly peen will stay put at the end of the cage where it belongs. One way or the other, the E1 is what I plan to wear while flying when I visit Europe later this year. Several months ago, I bought one of the plastic locking plugs for the trip that I’ve mentioned that slides into the MagicLocker receiver and you then secure it with a plastic numbered lock. That means all plastic, baby, and it should speed me through security with no risk of having an embarrassing show and tell discussion in a small, locked room with TSA.

At $50, I think Badassworkroom has fairly priced the HF-001 given the high quality. If this device interests you, it’s available directly from the Badassworkroom official website, and also from the Badassworkroom Etsy store. Pro tip. If you get one, order from their Etsy store and you’ll get free shipping. Orders at the website incur shipping costs and you might as well save a few bucks.

Disclaimer: This review represents my own honest opinions. I purchased this device at the full retail price using my own funds, and I have no affiliation with Badassworkroom other than being a satisfied customer.

Tag Archives: resin chastity devices

Holy Trainer Nub V5 Review