Hi guys, long-time lurker but new to posting.

I'm looking into buying an STP/packer for the first time. My main concern is durability. I have the money for a mid-range STP (I'm looking mostly at the cheaper/smaller EC and FreeTom models), but the idea of weak spots/tearing freaks me out. I'd like to be reasonably confident that whatever I end up choosing will last for hopefully the academic year without physically tearing. (I understand that silicone will degrade somewhat over that period.)

So far I think I've seen the least complaints about FreeTom packers, so that's the direction I'm leaning in right now - I've heard iffy stuff about their customer service, but it sounds like most packages do arrive eventually, it just takes longer than they say. The silicone looks pretty thick in the videos I've seen, and one of the main complaints about them is that they can be too bulky, which in terms of strength might be an advantage.

Does anyone have a packer that's lasted that long? What model? Between EC and FreeTom (or other companies?), strictly in terms of durability, which company is the best bet?

I'm afraid I don't have an answer but I am also interested in knowing about this. I've been looking at freetom versus peecock.

I have ordered about 3 STPs from Freetom and never experienced any shipping issues with them. I always get mine around the time they say I will receive it. I believe it's 2-3 weeks shipping on items and it can take an additional 2 weeks if you get the advanced paint added to the item (that also includes items that already have the advanced paint)
Durability hasn't been an issue at all with my products but then again I don't wear them 24/7 like most people do. I only wear it when I go out in public or when I go to work.

I had 2 of the rogue versions and I ended up buying another one after I received my first because 1) It was WAYYYYYY to large to pack with and 2) I didn't get advanced paint so it looked like crap and didn't match my skin tone at all. The second one I got I was able to pee with in urinals but if I got over confident it would fill up and leak out the back. After about a year they came out with the "Buddy" STP (more colors too) and I got that. The size was 100% better and a lot more natural looking than any other stp I had. The color was also on the money and matched me pretty damn good. The details of it were also amazing!

I'm kind of a pale white guy and I got the Warm Rosy skin tone and it was a perfect match. As far as actually using it to pee, it's been a complete hit or miss. First off the hole was wayyyyyyyyyyyyyy to small for my urine flow. I had to cut a bigger hole and I screwed that up. It helped a tiny bit but I still have to pull my pants down all the way so I can make sure it doesn't spill everywhere. I have to wear a harness with it or else it moves around way too much and starts moving wherever it wants to (i tried it with briefs and it stayed sort of but I still had to keep adjusting myself throughout the day). When you pee you have to tip it forward so you know the pee isn't really sitting in the back of the cup but for me I have to use toilet paper and wipe the cup out after because I don't want dribbles of pee on my legs.

I'm sure with practice a lot of guys have been able to get the STP part down with no problems but for me it's been a hassle and depressing (I've had this thing for about 3 months now). I was looking into the "My Favorite" because I really like the way it looks but it's noted to be an STP for intermediate users and it looks like it would be a bit more difficult to use. I have also had the Peecock and I was NOT very successful with it either.

Thanks for the info RaptorChops. I don't anticipate packing 24/7 either, although if I end up liking it it could turn out that way.

This forum seems to attract feedback immediately after receiving the product (which is understandable, as it's hard to remember to update six months out) and the people who have had bad experiences are quite vocal (again understandable, as I'm sure they want to keep others from trusting the wrong people). So it's valuable to hear from someone who's had them for a while and likes them.

Sounds like FreeTom is in the middle of moving, so I can't order right away (they're saying 1-3 weeks, but I don't know from when). But I think I'll probably go with a Buddy STP when they're open for orders again.

No experience with Freetom, but I've had my Gen2 Peecock for.. 2 years now (maybe even 3, can't really remember when I got it, but at least 2) and it's been through at least a year / year and a half of almost daily wear. Very comfortable packer and durable enough if you ask me.

That said, my partner has been wearing my old Gen1 since I got my Gen2 and that one's still whole and in working order as well. Just keep it away from sharp objects, because I can imagine that a small tear would end up tearing the whole thing rather easily.

Freetom normally updates their stock on the 1st of the month. I checked with them this month and it looked like nothing really got stocked. So they might be behind and have a lot of orders. Just a guess :p

I've had my Peecock gen3 for a while now, I've had a replacement one because the first one they've send me was defective (torn at the head and the base because of molding defects) and this one is starting to tear the same way.. again. Also it doesn't work with my anatomy and I find it nasty how lint sticks to it (in a mr.limpy kind of way) and it makes weird clacky sounds :/

However it does pack easily...

Raptor, the message is kind of buried on their website but it's at the top of some pages: they say they're moving to a new facility (bigger, apparently, which might help with shipping delays some have reported!) and will be back in 1-3 weeks.

I've pretty much written off Peecock because it seems like it's a total tossup how long they last. Some people keep them in good shape for a year or more, but for others it tears in like 6 hrs. Sounds like as soon as they tear they're pretty much a goner. It's also much more expensive than Freetom/EC, but so much less realistic... I have to admit that the design of the product appeals for me, but in the interest of cost it's at least not going to be my first try. Thanks for the feedback regardless!

I am concerned with the difficulty of packing with FreeTom but I figure I'll cross that road when I get to it. Definitely planning on getting one of their smallest models. The larger sizes just sound ridiculous to me (personal choice, of course; if 7" makes another guy feel great, I'm all for it).

It's tempting just to order from EC while FT is restocking. Their smaller models are fairly cheap, and if I end up liking them better it would be good to know... I have heard quality concerns, would love to hear back from someone who's owned one for a few months or more!

Yeah I was looking on their website last night and saw that about them moving. In general though the buddy is great to pack with. The funnel is kind of annoying and you do have to adjust it before you use it to pee. I wear mine with a harness and it's comfortable. It gives a pretty natural bulge and it's not outrageous looking either. Like I said it's just annoying to try and pee with, but overall I like it. It looks good in skinny jeans too if you wear them. I wear mine in a down position because it seems to short to try and tuck up in a waist band.

A few photos of my Buddy