Mates King Size Condom BX144 Clinic Pack Review
Editor's opinion
The Mates King Size is a standard latex condom made wider at 56mm for those who find regular condoms snug, sold here in a 144-count clinic pack. It suits anyone who reliably needs a roomier fit and uses condoms often. If you only need the occasional packet, this quantity is more than you require.
King Size condoms exist to solve a specific, common problem: a standard-fit condom that feels too tight is uncomfortable, harder to put on, and more likely to be used incorrectly. Mates addresses this with a wider 56mm width and a minimum 180mm length, and packages it in a clinic pack of 144 aimed at regular use or shared settings.
The thing to weigh here is really two separate decisions. First, whether a wider fit is right for you, and second, whether a bulk clinic pack is the format you want. Both matter, because buying 144 of the wrong width is a poor outcome, and buying 144 of the right one is only sensible if you use them regularly before the expiry date arrives.
The good and the bad
What works
- Wider 56mm fit for those who find standard condoms tight
- Pre-lubricated and transparent for straightforward, discreet use
- Both dermatologically and electronically tested to standard
- Clinic pack of 144 offers strong value per condom for regular users
What to be aware of
- 144 is a lot to store and use before expiry if you only need them occasionally
- Latex, so unsuitable for anyone with a latex sensitivity
- King Size is genuinely wider, not longer to any dramatic degree
- Standard thickness, so not a thin or sensation-focused option
Buy it if
Anyone who consistently finds standard condoms too snug and uses condoms often enough to work through a large pack, as well as clinics, halls of residence or shared households wanting a reliable supply to hand.
Skip it if
People who only need condoms occasionally, who would be better with a smaller box, and anyone with a latex allergy, who should look for a non-latex polyisoprene alternative.
Fit and design
The defining feature is the width. At 56mm nominal width, the Mates King Size is wider than a typical standard condom, which usually sits around 52mm to 54mm. That extra few millimetres is what makes the difference between comfortable and constricting for those who need it, and a condom that fits properly is also a condom that performs as intended.
Worth being clear about: King Size in this case means wider rather than dramatically longer. The minimum length of 180mm is generous but broadly in line with many standard condoms, which tend to be long enough for most people already. If your reason for looking is girth, this is aimed squarely at you. If it is length alone, the gain is more modest.
Material and feel
These are transparent latex condoms, pre-lubricated to ease application and reduce friction. The quoted thickness of 0.060 to 0.080mm is standard territory rather than an ultra-thin design, which is a reasonable trade-off: a wider condom benefits from ordinary wall thickness for security, and thin variants are a different product category built around sensation.
Because the body is latex, only water-based or silicone-based lubricants should be used alongside them. Oil-based products such as lotions or petroleum jelly degrade latex and must be avoided. The built-in lubrication helps, but many people top up with a water-based lubricant for comfort.
The clinic pack format
This is a bulk pack of 144, which is the real deciding factor for a home buyer. For a clinic, a student setting or anyone in a shared living arrangement, having a large, neatly stored supply on hand is exactly the point, and the cost per condom drops considerably compared with small retail boxes.
For an individual, the maths is different. Condoms carry an expiry date, and storing 144 in a cool, dry place away from sunlight and sharp objects for years is not ideal, as heat and friction shorten their life. Buy this quantity because you will genuinely use them, not simply because it looks like better value.
Safety and care
Each condom is dermatologically tested and electronically tested for pinholes, which is the standard reassurance you should expect from any reputable condom. As with all condoms, these are single use only and must never be reused.
Handling matters as much as the product. Open the individual foil carefully rather than tearing at it, check the expiry date before use, and always check the wider fit is actually snug enough to stay in place, since a condom that is too loose is as much a problem as one that is too tight.
The bottom line
If you consistently need a wider fit and use condoms regularly, the Mates King Size clinic pack is a sensible, well-tested choice that works out economical over time. If your usage is occasional, or you are unsure whether you need the wider size, buy a small box first and confirm the fit before committing to 144.
Frequently asked questions
How much wider is King Size than a standard condom?
At 56mm nominal width, it is a few millimetres wider than a typical standard condom, which usually falls around 52mm to 54mm. That difference is enough to feel noticeably more comfortable for those who find standard sizes tight.
Is this pack too much for one person?
It depends entirely on how often you use them. A clinic pack of 144 is ideal for regular users or shared settings, but if you only need condoms occasionally you may not get through them before the expiry date, in which case a smaller box is the better buy.
Can I use any lubricant with these?
Because they are latex, use only water-based or silicone-based lubricants. Oil-based products such as lotions, creams or petroleum jelly damage latex and can cause the condom to fail.
Are these suitable for someone with a latex allergy?
No. These are latex condoms, so anyone with a latex sensitivity should choose a non-latex option, typically made from polyisoprene, instead.
How should I store the clinic pack?
Keep it in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight and sharp objects, and check the expiry date before use. Avoid storing condoms somewhere warm or where they are subject to friction, as this shortens their lifespan.