ManSculpture for my First Binder?

[Contravene]

So I've been saving up for a binder for a while now and I'm finally thinking of getting one. I've looked at a couple different brands but I really like the look of the ManSculpture Man Zip Max.

http://www.mansculpture.com/collections/frontpage/products/manzip-max-black

I like that it unzips because I get a little panicky anytime I get stuck in something and there will probably be times when I want to get it on and off quickly. I don't have a huge chest but it's on the larger side so the extra compression will definitely help there.

I haven't seen many reviews of it though so I was wondering if anyone has tried the Man Zip and how well it works. I'm really concerned about the packaging it'll come in too when it's shipped because I have to keep it hidden from my family. Does anyone know how well this binder works and what sort of packing it'll arrive in?

[Nygeel]

That's really expensive. I think that's the one Dr Garramone makes, and it doesn't look like it binds well. Binding fabric should look tight, or fitted. If you look at the images of the binder on the dummy you can see waves and wrinkles in some parts. Most binding materials that I've seen (that work well) don't really do that. You could get two underworks binders similar to the 997 with hook and eye closures for the same price.

[Contravene]

You're right, it is pretty expensive =/ I've heard a lot of great things about Dr. Garramone as far as top surgery goes so I figured his binders would be some of the best too but I'm not really sure what to look for in one and it's hard to judge what they would fit like just by looking at them online. The one on the dummy does seem kind of loose, like it doesn't fit too well but in the pictures with the live models it seems pretty tight.

I'll definitely keep looking though and I'll check out the Underworks 997. I just need something sturdy that can stay in place while I'm active because I'm planning on wearing it at the gym and when/if I go skiing with some friends this winter. That's why the zipper and hook and eye closures appealed to me too.

[Nygeel]

Yeah, as far as I'm aware the binders are not good. I don't remember where I've seen reviews, they might be on here.

[King Malachite]

I have no experience binding but there were quite a few reviews here (don't remember which thread) saying the binder wasn't that good surprisingly. 

[Danielle Emmalee]

I've just gotta say, you FTMs have some really interestingly/weirdly named gear...

[NXTransit]

I bought two of the Numero Unos that were on sale. I originally purchased a manzip max but it was a size too small, so the numero unos are a size larger. For someone who's pretty heavy, these are the most comfortable binders I've ever owned (although, my only other experience is with a few 997[underworks]s.) The problem is that because they aren't the same material most binders are, or just underworks are, they don't compress as well. I've noticed that no matter how flat my chest is, I don't usually pass, so it doesn't matter how flat I get. But, because I'm heavy, when I do pass, my chest helps, because I "arrange" my chesticals to look more pec-like, or male oriented.

Bottom line;
Only get a mansculpture IF you have a smaller chest, or are heavy and can afford some moobage.

[aleon515]

I had one and initially liked it. Then I got to hating the stomach compression. I wear the Loveboat Air M pullovers. They are also long but only compress like underarmour. Mansculpture are serious compression type things. I think compress the stomach as much as the chest. Not for me really. I looked very nice in mine and they worked great on me. But the compression was just too much.

Sizing is a little odd.

--Jay

[Chaos]

Hmmm if they do compress the over all upper body then this might be where i buy my first *real* binder.Im sure the stomach area will get to me after awhile but compression of the stomach might make working that area easier (working out) and i like the look and how its designed.I could look into an chest only later but to me 67 isnt bad compared to alot of others i have seen.Defo on my top list atm

[aleon515]

Well personally would NOT work out in them. I might workout in a fairly large binder but don't really wear any to work out. I don't think that you breathe as well. I don't go to a gym, so don't have to deal with all that. BTW, just got a gym card (free-- part of my health insurance actually) in my birth name. Well don't care if it's free, no way am I using it.

--Jay

[Chaos]

Well personally would NOT work out in them. I might workout in a fairly large binder but don't really wear any to work out. I don't think that you breathe as well. I don't go to a gym, so don't have to deal with all that. BTW, just got a gym card (free-- part of my health insurance actually) in my birth name. Well don't care if it's free, no way am I using it.

--Jay

I dont go to the gym either but a big believer in home work outs.As long as you know what your doing and im sure it would be a very big hassle but personally i think it would be good for over all crunchs if anything else,not exactly an entire work out.My most problem area is my stomach and with the help of compression there,it will help greatly in forced stress/strengthing while doing those.Kinda like someone pushing in your stomach while your muscles are built against that resistance.Interesting to see how it goes lol and i would love a gym card but im crap a** broke,so no luck here lol

[aleon515]

I'd be more concerned with breathing while binding. Some people bind so tightly they don't really get good breaths in. I don't think I would have been able to breathe too well in a MS binder. I could exercise in the Loveboat, but I don't wear the binder around the house at all.

--Jay

[LordKAT]

I found it comfortable once I got it on, but I'm too claustrophobic to ever try putting it on again after the panic when taking it off. Same goes for any binder that doesn't zip, button, hook or otherwise open up lengthwise. I did not wear it for more than 9 hours and only for one day.