Choosing a pump, prices, cylinder sizes

Summary : Basic coverage of the types of pumps available, from inexpensive to the elaborate. Choosing the right pump and sized cylinder. How much to pay...

ORDER | Main Homepage | Chat Room


There are a wide variety of vacuum pumps and cylinders available. The range is from about $15.00 on the low end up to systems which cost several hundred dollars. The midrange however provides a quality pump and good results for most men, at about $100 to $150 for single cylinder and a brass hand pump. If you've bought an inexpensive pump at an adult book store and been dissatisfied with the results, you haven't really given pumping a fair shot. For the most part the inexpensive pumps don't work well. They are usually poorly made, and unable to create or maintain the type of vacuum level necessary to see results. In some cases you may be able to get one to work. The basic principal is the same. Some sort of cylinder around the penis, in which you are able to create a high level of vacuum, so that the penis expands inside. There are many stories of guys creating their own pumps out of things they have in the garage, or things like PVC pipe. One of the main advantages to buying a quality cylinder are that you get a clear view of exactly what's going on with your penis. The cylinders are made from clear acrylic, so you get a nice view of how big your penis is getting. It can a real turn on to see you penis "grow" before your very eyes, to get bigger than you ever could "naturally." It's also important to be able to see your penis so that you can be aware of problems, for example, if you are raising the vacuum to too high a level and your penis is starting to discolor, or rupturing small blood vessels. Without a clear cylinder you may be surprised by the results. A great number of the pump manufacturers seem to use the same brass hand pump with their cylinders. I haven't tried an electric unit, but I like the degree of control that a handpump gives. In addition, they are quiet and don't require you be near a wall socket or have a power supply to operate it. Another advantage of most of the cylinder/pump combinations is that on most models after you've pumped up, you can disconnect the hand or electric pump with a quick release valve on the cylinder, allowing you to maintain the vacuum and keep the cylinder on without having to carry around the pump.

Buying your first pump?

If you're buying your first pump, one of the most important factors to consider is getting the right sized cylinder. Just as penises come in all lengths and diameters, so do the cylinders. Many people suggest starting with a cylinder that is 2 inches in diameter, and then "graduating" to larger cylinders as you continue. You need only buy the brass pump once, and then buy necessary cylinders. Most pumpers report bigger gains in girth than in length, so you may want to be particularly careful about choosing the diameter of the cylinder. The lengh is fairly easy. Just measure the length of your penis and add about 3 inches to the length. If you're 6" get a 9" cylinder. The only mistake you could really make is if you got one with no room to stretch in length, so that your penis head is hitting the end of the cylinder. Girth is harder to determine. If you've never pumped you'll be amazed at how much increase in thickness is possible. So be careful not to choose one without room to grow. I'd say it's better to get one larger than it is to get one that's too small, that doesn't let you get really big. So if in doubt, get the next size up.

You get what you pay for? Sort of...

Obviously if you spend $125 to $150 on a good brass pump and an acrylic cylinder you'll get a better product than a $20 to $40 system from an adult book store. If you're serious about getting really big, consider it an investment in yourself. Spend a little. A good pump and cylinder will last for years. Buying a cheap system will probably just result in disappointment. On the other hand, you need not go overboard. The principal remains the same with all systems. While some manufacturs might tout all sorts of advantages and raise the prices accordingly, don't believe everything you hear. Spending several hundred dollars you may hit a margin of diminishing return, and not get too much back from the extra dollars spent. Go for the midrange system.

Return to Pumpers Homepage