Ballistic Metal Hellfire
For a long while there, Ballistic Metal was releasing new and interesting designs regularly - and the Hellfire is one such interesting design. With a thick band of modest width as the base, this brushed aluminum ring features 3/16" holes drilled along the full length of the band on its centerline. This gives the unmistakable impression of a rocket pod on an Apache attack chopper (which is also loaded out with the Hellfire missile).
Ballistic Metal Tapered
As an experienced collector, I’ve long wanted a tapered ring that draws the eye from a wide base to a tightly and well presented package… and sure enough, Ballistic Metal delivered.
The tapered ring reduces in size by about 1/4" depending on the size you order. Each edge is accentuated with a slight “bulge” leading to the edge to give a more decorative impression. The 2oz weight is negligible given that this ring is made of lightweight aluminum, but the nearly 1" width of the band definitely makes for a commanding display. As with other rings bearing such a band, this leads to a pronounced package - with the common downside of more pinching under tighter clothes when worn all day.
Gear Essentials Total Plunge
Identical to the Plunge ring, the Total Plunge shares the same design but with a larger band width.
One of the most enjoyable rings in the collection, the Gear Essentials Total Plunge is an all day and all night ring. The smoothly domed inside creates a level of comfort not seen in most other rings. The thickness of the ring, coming in at about 1/4" and the width of the ring, coming in at 1" really makes sure that tight pinches in your jeans or edges digging in while fully erect just doesnt happen. The main downside to the Total Plunge (over the Plunge) is that the band width does push your business out further away from your body. While the appearance may be nice, an obvious bulge isn’t appropriate for ALL circumstances.
Gear Essentials Omega
The Omega, weighing in at over half a pound, is a worthy if not somewhat expensive addition to any collection. Gear Essentials knows how to produce a comfortable ring, and they’ve done an outstanding job as usual by producing one of the heaviest stainless steel rings available without going full custom. The comfort factor comes thanks to the generous (larger than 1/2") diameter of the wire’s width as well as the fact that large and round rings generally do not pinch while being worn. Finished with a handsome polished finish, this is a great looking and wearing ring.
Stainless Tuxedo
“Dress to impress” or better yet, “Dress for the job you want rather than the job you have.” Whatever the trite phrase is, out on this tuxedo and enjoy the spiffy look of black stainless offset by a nearly white band.
While this is an easy to wear ring thanks to the size and dimensions, it could be improved upon by adding a radiused inner edge/bevel. The weight is a bit forgettable, but that is to be expected for a stainless ring of these proportions. Coming in a almost half an inch in width, it’s not too small to dig in while… umm… you are getting to work so to speak.
Blue Aluminum
A fairly plain and even boring aluminum ring. While the color is nice, the ring itself is too small in height/width to be comfortable when fully hard. This is common with thin banded rings, but is also a matter if preference.
