For a first time buyer, choosing a cock ring can be a bit daunting. Leather or metal? Snaps or velcro? One strap or multiple straps? What people worry most about, however, is size because the tightness of the cock ring is crucial to how effective it is.

First, let’s start with the basics: a cock ring works by allowing blood to flow into the shaft of the penis but restricts the flow back to the body. In order to do this, the cock ring needs to have a certain level of snugness - too loose and the blood will flow as it normally does; too tight and all blood flow will cease - and anyone can tell that you don’t want that. When the cock ring is just right, the extra blood in the shaft can make erections feel much harder. For some people, this makes them more sensitive and they will come faster. For others, it helps them last longer. Everyone’s experience is a little bit different but many people love them.

Back to the other questions - snaps, size, etc. There are so many different kinds of cock rings to choose from that it’s hard to know what to pick. The most important thing is to get a cock ring that is adjustable. That way, you can find that perfect tightness.

There probably isn’t a cock ring more adjustable and versatile than the new cock ring that allows you to Tie Your Own Cock Ring. That’s right. No snaps, no velcro, just tie it and you’re good to go. It’s made of a fun stretchy soft material that holds its own without digging or pinching. Plus, you can get glow-in-the-dark.

Check back here every Monday for a review of a fun new sex toy at Babeland.

Rachel Kramer Bussel, former Village Voice Columnist and author of many fantastic erotica books as well as a great blog called the Lusty Lady is going on a virtual blog book tour to promote her newest books: She’s on Top and He’s on Top - erotica of domination and submission. On May 6th, she will be wrapping up her tour at Babeland! Check back here then to read an excerpt from one of the books and a review from yours truly, check back here on May 6th. And be sure to visit the official tour site to check out all of the other fantastic blogs that Rachel will be visiting.

One of the things I like best about Rachel Kramer Bussel’s erotica collections is that they tend to focus on a particular topic - spanking, voyeurism, cross-dressing, etc for those of us who know what we want and don’t want to fuddle around with a lot of stories that aren’t quite doing it. Anthologies that range far and wide are great for beginners who need a sense of all of the possibilities. But once you know that lesbian cowboys are your thing (ahem), then stories that take place in spaceships and don’t involve rope might not be quite as exciting.

One of the reasons that I love all erotica is because I get to supply the pictures on my own. I love to watch porn, but sometimes I prefer not to have every toss of the head and slap of the ass pictured for me. When I read erotica, I can imagine the types of people I’m most attracted to and I can adapt the location to suit me. Is that kitchen a cozy, vintage style or sleek and modern? Is that woman leaning against a cool, sub-zero fridge or a quaint porcelain sink? It’s up to me.

The other great thing about erotica is that it’s inexpensive and new, good erotica is being written everyday. For some of the best, check out Sugasm, a weekly collection of the best sex writing, both information and enticing. It’s a great way to explore new erotica and get a lot of great tip and tricks as well - and watch out for this blog, because we’re sometimes in there!