Jailbird spacing concern

We ordered and got my Jailbird around this time last year. It’s been wonderful to wear and fits tightly for most activities, though one thing seems problematic. I went back to martial arts classes where there is plenty of kicking and jumping kicks. Stretching can be tricky at times (to avoid getting squished), but the kicking reveals a flaw… I’m slipping out. My left testicle is smaller than my right one, and during all this physical activity, everything gets hot and loose so ‘lefty’ escapes about once every three classes. Perhaps the base ring has stretched things slightly over the past year, making the distance between the base ring and cage too wide? I’d love to hear your thoughts.

I experienced a similar problem with one testicle escaping, and it is quite painful! You can narrow the gap slightly by bending the "post". I did this by holding the ring in a vice and tapping the post with a hammer (wrap each part with some masking tape to reduce the risk of damaging the metal) It doesn't take much to improve things. I also experimented with different ring diameters, as the gap depends on both the spacing between the cage and ring measured along the post, but also the tangential distance between the opposing faces of the ring and cage. As the ring diameter approaches the cage diameter, the actual gap changes. (you need to think in 3 dimensions to understand why - I spent some time with a CAD drawing programme to work out the optimum dimensions) I have to say from my own experience with martial arts (Tae Kwon Do in my case) that I wouldn't wear any form of device during practice - a head-height front or round kick puts too much strain on the crutch area, and a misplaced punch or kick doesn't bear thinking about!

I have the same problem with my Jailbird and little lefty. However, class time is not a safe time to play so I am released until my shower after class. I would think Taekwondo would be higher risk than the grappling that I do. As far as the diagonal gap goes, I'll try to get MM to make one the old way with the post on the front rather than the top of the base ring when I get my next cage. Moving the post lowers the cage nearly eliminating the diagonal gap.

I’ve had similar issues with a different product. I recommend NOT using a hammer, but a firm rubber or wooden mallet. Place the ring on a piece of wood at least two inches think then firmly tap with the mallet. If you have a micrometer caliper, you can measure the change in gap after each tap to make sure you’re getting the movement you need. If you don’t have a micrometer, this is the perfect excuse to get one!

Keep in mind that a difference of only 1/16" made all the difference in the world for me!

I tell you that I genuinely fear taking a hammer/mallet to a custom device. I broke a cheap Chinese base ring doing something similar and it broke my heart. The Mature Metal products are made of better stuff but I really don't want to damage my primary/comfy/every day cage. It is not a frequent problem so I'll see where we go from here. Thanks for the ideas.

I agree. I am moderately handy but was reluctant to mess with my favorite toy. I sent mine back to MM. Very fast turn around. I think it only cost $10 for the adjustment. I suggest that you email M MM. She is a joy to work with.