new restorer

[youssefb]

Hello everyone.
i'm a new restorer here. i've made a makeshift tugger out of baby bottle nipples and have been at it for approx a week.
i was wondering if anyone could recommend a few sites to help me measure the foreskin currently and its growth as i continue. i've seen people discuss it but i've not been able to find anything to teach me how to do it.
also, recommendations on tuggers? i saw the tlc-x site. i wasn't sure if there were some people who had reviews of other sites or had other suggestions?

i know it's a long process. but i'm determined.

[mjwise]

Here's what I use to track progress:

http://tlctugger.com/forced-erect-coverage/

Lots of devices have come and gone over the years, but the big two multi-function restoration devices these days are the DTR and TLC-X. They both offer similar options. I own the TLC-X and am satisfied with it. There's also the Cat II, but I personally wouldn't recommend it. It's too limited in what it can do (fixed internal tension and tugging is about it) and seems more primitive to me, plus I've read more than a few complaints with its gripping method (that it doesn't really work well). If you can make a makeshift tugger like you described work, you probably have enough skin for other tapeless options.

[youssefb]

thanks, mjwise. i, too, am an ohio guy from the 80s. your graph is really great. i hope to maybe do a similar one.
you mentioned there is an air tension time. what is that?
i'll probably get the tlc-x. it seems that it's worked for a lot of guys here.

[mjwise]

thanks, mjwise. i, too, am an ohio guy from the 80s. your graph is really great. i hope to maybe do a similar one.
you mentioned there is an air tension time. what is that?
i'll probably get the tlc-x. it seems that it's worked for a lot of guys here.

Air tension is with a HyperRestore Direct Air, which is an air-only restorer (it can only do that restoration mode).

If you get a TLC-X, I recommend using a strap to tug with it too.

[Allie2k14]

Hello everyone. i'm a new restorer here.
[...] anyone could recommend a few sites to help me measure the foreskin
[...] also, recommendations on tuggers?

Welcome Youssef.
Apart from the FEC level, there are also a couple of other indicators that are often referred to here.
Foreskin Coverage Index - CI
The Real Coverage Index - RCI

I started with some of the taping methods until I gained enough slack to wear a tapeless device. Then I switched to the TLC and, with the passing of the months, when I felt the need for spacers, I switched to the TLC-X. I'm also satisfied with it, it does its job.

What CI-level are you at? Also I'm glad you're determined to start your restoration. Go for it!

[youssefb]

hey there, allie2k14.
at first glance, it appears that i'm a CI-2 to CI3
and a RCI is 2 to 3 as well.
the FEC is 32%
i'm very much looking forward to having foreskin. i just hope i'm able to follow-through with it.
did you have any soreness at the base when you first began tugging?

[youssefb]

oh, and is it advisable to sleep with a tugger or not? i'm still confused about that. it'd make my day of tugging go by much easier if i could do so.

[etooey]

oh, and is it advisable to sleep with a tugger or not? i'm still confused about that. it'd make my day of tugging go by much easier if i could do so.

It's possible but I wouldn't suggest it without lots of experience first. It's too easy for something to go wrong without your waking up. Use a retainer at night and tug during the day.

[youssefb]

hey etooey and mjwise. i have been restoring for a few months now and have noticed major differences. i went from using baby bottle nipples to taping with the canister and now to using the tlc tugger without any issue at all (before i think i didn't have enough skin to appropriately use the tugger). i'm curious about the air method and how much skin i need to have prior to starting this method. any suggestions? do you guys know of any good websites that could explain this?

thanks!

[Going Hooded]

You will be so glad you've taken this journey when you are done and have achieved your goals.

[WoodyHoody]

Don't dismiss the CAT II Q. I did more than half of my restoration using the CAT. I had no problem with grip so long as I kept everything, including me, washed and degreased. It is counterproductive to apply formidable tension and, for me, this device produced just the right tension to maintain steady growth. Although having now restored to the point of being able to cover my erection with the skin I have grown, I still use the CAT as a tugger/retainer when I want a quick and easy tugging solution. That is the main strength of the CAT, it is easy to apply or remove, setting tension is a doddle and it is inconspicuous. You are more likely to maintain your routine over a number of years (yes, years) if the device you use is simple and effective.
When I retired I used weight and inflation devices made up using a tuba mouthpiece. Time, opportunity and bulky appliances were no longer an issue when I was not at work, but I am grateful to the CAT for much of my success.