I had stainless steel stretchers in .5, 1, 1.5, and 2 pound rings (split). I graduated from 0.5 in about a week then used the 1 then about another week went to 1.5 and a week or so later to 2 lb then started adding half and 1 lb to that after a couple weeks at each increment. It becomes increasingly more difficult to put them on and wear them with any degree of comfort. They are very restricting when you get over 2.5 lbs on that bag. I try to wear them several hours every day. Usually you will begin to feel some intense pinching or other pains that will tell you to take them off. I also have leather stretchers BUT I am convinced that real stretching will only come with the weighted stretchers. You need something actually pulling down on those balls not just keeping them at the already stretched length. I think you can consider leather stretchers to be like orthodontic retainers -- will help you maintain that longer bag you and I want so very much. It is fantastic when you can actually feel and see the bag hanging so much lower than before. Keep in mind that very few men ever get past 3 inches, steel or leather so if you can you will have a bag that (with retaining stretching I suppose for several months) will hang lower than 99.9% of men (except those born with a very long bag). I wish you much success and remember not to have them on when you go to the airport. I almost had on my 1 lb one that I wear off and on when I am doing shopping and other activities and almost got to airport with it on -- can you imagine the strip searching!!!
