Durex Extra Safe Review

It has been a fair old while since we did a condom review so here's our latest. Rather than focussing only on the new stuff out there we thought we'd get back to basics with a trusty classic. Oh yes, it's the Extra Safe from Durex. It may not be the show-horse of the pack, but this one has stood the test of time so we thought we'd break out the testing equipment and give you our thoughts. First up, it's clear that Durex have been rolling out a number of new lines and updating older lines - for example with the refresh of the original Durex Fetherlite so that there is now also a Fetherlite Ultra. The Extra Safe hasn't been given this treatment though: Perhaps it's aimed specifically at the safety conscious buyer and appeals in its current form to that market segment and perhaps because it continues to sell very well. The question we'd like to answer is 'why'?
The vital statistics.
It is a latex condom, so not for those with latex allergies, and includes slightly more than the normal amount of lube. The measurements are 56mm wide at the base, 63mm wide at the head, 0.08mm thick (the thickness of the latex) and 205mm in length, which means that they'll fit most men (as we've credited previously, thanks for the measurements to this condom size chart). Extra Safe are given the 'Easy On' shape (that is, tapered) to make them easier to put on and give a better fit.

The woman's perspective.
These were fine from my perspective. They weren't earth-shattering, there was nothing special about them, but they did the job, and if anything, he lasted a little longer than normal using this condom. The only comment I would make is that I like my man to enjoy himself just as much as me, and he mentioned that there was less sensation. To be honest I didn't really notice any difference, but since safety isn't an issue for us (stable relationship with no STIs involved) I probably wouldn't ask him to use this type again. There was a faint smell of latex but nothing major, though there was no oral action once this came out of the wrapper - too much latex and lube!

The man's perspective.
I could definitely tell that they were thicker than other condoms. Because I could feel less I took longer than normal, but that's not normally a problem for me so it wasn't a result that I particularly wanted. I'd rather feel more and enjoy the sensation more. Having said all of that, I imagine that in different circumstances the extra thickness in the material could make a guy feel safer - less likely that the condom was going to split. I could tell that there was a little more lube than normal, which makes sense as it's normally when there isn't enough lubrication that condoms break so, again, it makes sense from a safety perspective but it didn't mean that it felt any better really. What this condom did do quite well was feel like it was staying in place though; it certainly did feel like the fit was tight and I felt sure that it wasn't going to start slipping off, which mean that I was more free to concentrate on the action.

Safety.
These definitely meet the gold standard for safety. They're thicker than normal and have extra lube. Durex meet and exceed all of the required safety tests and if they can make thinner condoms safe then they can definitely do it with this thicker latex.

Price.
One of the advantages of these condoms not having been rebranded or refreshed is that they're pretty cheap. We found loads of good deals online, the best at time of writing being £3.49 for 12 (loose) i.e. unboxed, which is what we went for as we don't need the extra cardboard in our recycling bin, and on the high street Boots were doing a great deal - two packs for the price of one! Conclusion. We thought that these lived up to their name. They really are extra safe, though as the extra safety isn't our main concern we'll be sticking with thinner condoms that give more sensitivity. If you're relying on a condom to prevent you from getting pregnant though, or from catching an STI, then the Extra Safe would have to be one of the best options.

Durex condom shortage - November update

This post is an update to an earlier post, here, on supply problems hitting Durex due to a dispute with one of its suppliers. Whilst Durex did initially state that condom stock remained available, it appears that its other suppliers have not been able to increase supply sufficiently to mitigate the impact of the dispute with TTK. In the UK the NHS has been using alternative products to minimise disruption to services and it is anticipated that other manufacturers (such as Ansell / Pasante) may benefit.

(Image courtesy of Generationbass)

Indications are now strong that the impact on supply is being felt by UK retailers, with reviews of online retailers showing various Durex lines listed as out of stock across numerous different retailers websites. It has been suggested that Reckitt Benckiser and TTK may even be exploring options to exit their joint venture.

The cheapest deals on our 5 favourite condoms

We're always on the lookout for cheap condoms, but that doesn't mean that we want to get second rate ones... we like what we like! We regularly review pricing on condoms in the UK and the following represent the best prices (including postage) that we can find on our favourite 5 brands of condom. Please feel free to comment and let us know if you find any cheaper deals. If you do find a cheaper deal please let us know the website and the price including postage: We have found that some websites don't show the postage cost (or even state that postage will be free) until reaching the basket, or checking out) - please check this before sending us the fab deals that you have found! All the prices below are for 12 condoms, whether boxed or loose, except for the Durex Deluxe which comes in boxes of 5.

Brand	Condom	Price	Company
One	Super Sensitive	£4.49	Ethical Johnny
French Letter	Sheer Caress	£4.08	Natural Alternative Products
Durex	Deluxe	£5.99	Ethical Johnny
Durex	Elite	£3.49	Ethical Johnny
Fair Squared	Ultra Thin	£6.49	Ethical Johnny

Well that's it for our little price roundup. We look forward to hearing about the deals that you have found.

Durex condom shortage - Update

This post is an update to an earlier post, here, on supply problems hitting Durex due to a dispute with one of its suppliers.
Durex has stated that there are plenty of condoms available and that its other suppliers have increased supply to mitigate the impact of the dispute with TTK. Notwithstanding this the NHS in the UK states that

NHS Supply Chain procurement has listed suitable alternative products to ensure disruption to your services is kept to a minimum.

and there are indications that the impact on supply is being felt by UK retailers.

Read more
Independent.co.uk News Article

Durex condom shortage anticipated

Price dispute between the TTK Group and Durex owner Reckitt Benckiser
Some newspapers are currently reporting on a price dispute between Durex and one of its major suppliers and indicating that this threatens to impact on the supply of condoms to the UK.

Opportunity
Whilst Durex is the biggest selling condom brand in the UK, we suggest that with so many other brands out there, there is likely to be room in the wider supply chain to cover any temporary shortages: There are many brands available to the UK and whilst these brands hold much smaller percentages of the market than Durex, by shifting stock more quickly than normal (not all of these suppliers work on a 'just in time' basis, we anticipate that the demand for condoms is likely to be met. In fact, this may be considered an opportunity by the niche Fair Trade brands that are beginning to make an impact on the market.

Want to read more?
Daily Mail News Article

Durex Deluxe Review

It’s high time for another condom review, and this time it’s going to be one of the new ones from Durex. This one is called Durex Deluxe.
Durex are clearly aiming this at the top end of the market, and it's certainly there in terms of price. They claim that it is the “diamond standard” in thinness. Hopefully this doesn't make you think of diamond cutting tools (not what you want to be thinking about to get you in the mood)... so let's get down to business and see if the claim supports the reality.

Vital statistics.
It is a non-latex condom (good for those with latex allergies) and stretches differently than latex condoms so, although the dimensions (thanks to this condom size chart) seem large - 58mm wide at the base - they feel fairly normal in size when putting them on. They are lubricated with a mild and non-spermicidal lube.

The woman's perspective.
I was keen to see whether I'd sense the claimed improved heat transfer but, before we even got into the action, I must say that I liked the packaging! The box opens from the top which made it easier to get the condom out, and once out of the box you find that it comes in a round plastic package rather than a foil wrapper. I liked this as, with foil wrappers, I sometimes feel that I'm going to rip the condom when I'm tearing the foil open. With this package you just peel back the lid and there it is. It might be fiddly if you already had lube (either human or from a bottle) on your fingers, but it would still be easier than opening one of the old foil wrappers in my opinion - I've had to resort to using teeth before! On putting the condom on my man it was obvious that these are much clearer than any other condoms we've used and as it stretched over the penis I could see the colour and detail of his penis clearly through the material. In use the condom was fine; it didn't smell, had about the right amount of lube, and the condom stayed in place throughout. I can't say that I could detect any improvement in heat transfer; perhaps others are more sensitive than me, but I certainly had no complaints. I've always felt that as long as my man is enjoying it he makes me enjoy it too, so I suppose the fact that my man seemed to be enjoying it is a good recommendation!

The man's perspective.
She seemed to like being able to see my penis through the material of the condom, though I have to say that, being pasty skinned, this is a dubious advantage in my opinion. I didn't notice any difference in 'heat transfer' though I do think it felt a little thinner than some other condoms. There was a bit more sensation for me which is the most important thing in my opinion so I like these condoms.

Safety.
It felt secure in use - my man let's me know pretty quick if he thinks it's uncomfortable or is going to break or slip off, and Durex meet and exceed all of the required safety test and certification so no complaints here.

Price.
They were pricey from most places and you may have to stump up around £2 per condom, though we found a good deal getting condoms online rather than from the high street.

Conclusion.
Whilst we can get these for a reasonable price we'll be sticking with them, though if the current price that we're getting changes then we may start experimenting with alternatives. For the moment though we really like these.

Durex Pleasuremax Review

Since I've said that I want information on condoms to be freely and easily available, one thing that I aim to do on this blog is post the occasional condom review. It's too easy to forget that it takes two to tango... so I'll always enlist the help of the fairer sex in getting both sides of the story!
Any Durex Pleasuremax Review needs to start by letting you know the intention of Durex in producing the Pleasuremax. Durex says that these condoms have "uniquely positioned ribs and raised dots to stimulate both of you" - so do they live up to this claim?

First, the vital statistics.
The Pleasuremax isn't the smallest condom out there - according to this condom size chart they are 205mm long and 56mm wide at the base. They are of course teat ended, and being Durex, they are the 'easy-on' shape - in fact, they are a full 63mm wide at the head end. The thickness of the latex is broadly comparable with many other brands at 0.07mm. They are lubricated with a mild and non-spermicidal lube.


From a woman's perspective.
I will say that using the Pleasuremax isn't going to make things unrecognisable from what you have been used to previously. You don't particularly notice the dots or ribs; you can tell that they're there, but without feeling that they are too obvious. Having said that, I did find that the Pleasuremax gave me a little extra stimulation which was undeniably enjoyable. Overall I'd definitely use a Pleasuremax again, as I slightly preferred using this brand to the ones that I have used previously that haven't had the ribs and dots.

From a man's perspective.
I was fairly positive on the Pleasuremax. Perhaps there was a little less sensation than with some of the condoms that are marketed specifically to give you more sensation, but I still enjoyed myself! Since they're quite long you will likely find that you need to leave some latex rolled up at the base when you put them on, but the wider head dimension meant that it was easier to put on. It also meant that there was more 'breathing space'! Maybe because of the larger head width the latex at that end moved around a little, meaning that I did get some of the sensation from the dots nearer the head end. My partner certainly seemed to enjoy herself so I'd definitely use these again!

Safety.
Durex has an unparalleled reputation for both safety and for reliability and the Pleasuremax is no exception to this, conforming to all of the necessary international testing standards. Since the shape of the Pleasuremax means that it is a tighter fit nearer the base than at the head end, it does feel more secure on whilst at the same time allowing more space at the head end.

Packaging.
They come in a bright pink box and are typically available in boxes of 3 or 12. If you want them more cheaply and you're not bothered about the box you can buy Durex Pleasuremax online (loose, just in their foil wrappers, which are the same pink colour as the box) in various quantities.
The individual foils have a slightly serrated edge which makes tearing them open in heat of the moment easier, not necessarily something that you think of but a good bonus. If you tear the pack before you start it makes it even easier - but remembering to do that isn't always easy!

Conclusion.
Whilst thicker than the brands marketed for their natural feel, if you are thinking of buying a Pleasuremax then it is not the natural feel that you are seeking but the extra stimulation. And so Durex can give itself a pat on the back: The Pleasuremax does indeed stimulate more than your average condom.