Something that’s definitely changed since I came out and started transitioning (or even since I started blogging) is how many companies are making packers. Back in the day — and please imagine I’m saying this in a crotchety old man voice while I tell you to get off my lawn — the only really accessible packer options was the TPE Mr Limpy or higher end (and expensive) silicone products that were more towards the prosthetic end.
While queer-focused companies like NYTC making packers isn’t hugely surprising, something I didn’t expect was mainstream brands to get in on it. There’s the Packer Gear line from CalExotics, and recently Evolved Novelties launched the Gender X line, which includes a 4 inch packer in three skin tone options (although they’re all relatively light)
Here’s the thing though. I’m very excited to see big brands launch gender expression lines. But I do not like the Gender X 4” Silicone Packing Penis.
If you just want a quick alternative recommendation rather than a full discussion of why, I’d recommend the (less expensive) On The Go Packer from Tantus. It’s also just released in some cute non-skin tone colours, including this great emerald shade.
However, I’m a big fan of dissecting why in particular products don’t work for me. To begin with, I want to give some context on where I came at this from.
My Body & Packing Methods
One of the first disclaimers I want to make is that part of the reason this product did not work well for me is that I am fat. I’m definitely a small-fat (I’m technically not currently plus-sized in men’s sizing, but I wear about a UK women’s 18), but my belly is present and I do have some tummy overhang. This isn’t at all the only issue with this product (and I don’t think it’s great even for thinner bodies), but the fact I have a bit of chub did add an extra issue.
I tend to pack with packing boxers. Specifically, I tend to use Cake Bandit briefs, boxer briefs, and occasionally jockstraps. I have a couple of other bits of packing underwear, like the SpareParts Pete Commando jock, and to give the Gender X 4” Silicone Packing Penis a fair shot, I did try packing it with pretty much all the packing underwear I own, as well as my SpareParts Joque strap-on harness.
The Tab
The feature that makes the Gender X Packer stand out to me among my other packers is the tall ’tab’ style base that it has. This is something I see a lot more on the more high end prosthetic side of things, but see on cheaper packers relatively rarely. For prosthetics, these tabs allow for prosthetic glue or tape to be used to attach the packer to a wearer’s body, rather than necessarily need packing underwear or a harness.
The thing is though, those prosthetics generally have thinner edges, allowing for the prosthetic to blend more seamlessly into the wearer’s body. The Gender X Packer’s tab is the same thickness the whole way through, and it just adds bulk to an already heavy packer. I’ll talk more about that heaviness in a second, but it does also mean that silicone glue or tape just isn’t likely to be able to hold this packer in place at all.
I mentioned that I’m fat at the beginning of this review, and the reason that’s relevant is — as a fat guy — I mostly just found that the tab jabbed me in the belly. It was fine when I was just standing up straight, but if I bent over or down, I ended up taking a jab of silicone in the belly.
That large tab ultimately doesn’t add any functionality to the Gender X Packer, while adding bulk to it, contributing to another problem with it as a packer
Heaviness & Bulkiness
I mentioned the Gender X Packer being quite bulky and heavy. Having actually done a weight up, it’s actually the heaviest packer I own by a large margin. This heaviness means that wearing it in packing underwear isn’t really workable — it pulls the fabric away from my body easily enough that it just doesn’t stay in place. The marketing copy mentions it fits into ‘close-fitting underwear’, so in the name of fairness I switched to a jock strap… and even then there was enough pull that it didn’t really feel secure. I could just about make it work in my Joque, but if I can only really use a packer by wearing it in a strap-on harness, I don’t think it’s workable as a functional packer.
That movement away from the body — combined with the general bulkiness that that unnecessary tab contributes to — ultimately makes it really hard to wear the Gender X Packer without it looking like I have a boner.
Additional Contributing Factors to the Boner Issue
There are two other factors I think contribute to the Gender X Packer pretty much always looking like an erection — the silicone firmness, and the shape it’s cast in.
In fairness, either of these might not be issues if they were the sole problem with the Gender X Packer’s design. The Tantus On The Go’s shaft has a similar angle to the Gender X Packer, but as it’s smaller and the silicone softer, it can be easily squished flat by clothing over the top. Some of the fantasy packers are slightly firmer silicone, but they’re cast in a more flaccid shape. But in combination — and in combination with the other issues around heaviness, bulkiness, and the tab — it results in the Gender X Packer not really being workable.
Overall/Better Alternatives
The Gender X 4” Silicone Packing Penis is not a product I’d recommend. I remarked to my partner at one point during the reviewing process that it seems like it was designed by people who’d seen pictures of packers and prosthetics, but didn’t actually have experience using them. The tab especially seems like it’s a feature that’s been copied from prosthetics without really understanding the function of tabs on those products, let alone the impact it has on the function of a product.
I want to highlight a few alternatives I’d recommend instead. I’ve already mentioned the Tantus On The Go, but if you’re willing to go a little bit higher than the Gender X 4” Silicone Packing Penis’ price point, I’d recommend the NYTC Archer or Pierre — they’re relatively identical, Pierre is just uncircumcised.
The Gender X 4” Silicone Packing Penis is available from SheVibe for $44.99
This product was sent to me by SheVibe, in return for a fair and impartial review. Affiliate links were used in this post.
