XtoysMates SKYN Selection 9 Pack Review: A Non-Latex Trio
Editor's opinion
This is a variety pack of nine non-latex condoms split across three styles, aimed at anyone who wants to find their preferred feel without buying three separate boxes. It suits people who cannot or prefer not to use latex, though with only three of each type it is a taster rather than a stockpile.
Choosing a condom style can feel like guesswork, and buying a full box only to dislike it is a familiar frustration. The Mates SKYN Selection sets out to solve that by putting three of the brand's most popular non-latex styles into one pack, so you can compare them directly and then commit to the one that works.
The key thing to weigh here is not any single style but the format itself: a small, mixed pack designed for experimentation. That makes it useful for a specific job and less useful for another, and knowing which you need will decide whether this is the right purchase.
The good and the bad
What works
- Non-latex material, suitable for those with a latex sensitivity
- Three distinct styles in one pack, so you can compare feel directly
- Standard 53mm width kept consistent across all three types
- Every unit electronically tested during manufacture
- Natural colour and a soft finish across the range
What to be aware of
- Only three of each style, so it runs out quickly as a regular supply
- Non-latex condoms are typically pricier per unit than standard latex
- A 53mm nominal width will not suit those who need a snugger or roomier fit
Buy it if
People who want to try non-latex condoms for the first time, or anyone with a latex sensitivity who has not yet settled on a preferred style. It also works as a top-up for a drawer that already holds a mix.
Skip it if
Anyone who already knows the style they like and wants a proper supply, who would be better served by a full box of a single type. Those needing a notably tighter or looser fit should look for condoms sold in different widths.
What you actually get
The pack is split evenly: three Original for an everyday feel, three Intense Feel aimed at greater sensation, and three Extra Lube for added smoothness. Because all three share the same non-latex material and the same 53mm nominal width, the comparison is genuinely like-for-like, with only the intended sensation changing between them.
The honest limitation is arithmetic. Three of each is enough to form a view but not enough to live on, so treat this as a decision-making tool rather than a month's supply. Once you know your favourite, a single-type box is the logical next step.
Material and fit
Every condom here is non-latex, which is the pack's main reason to exist. That makes it a sensible option for anyone with a latex allergy or sensitivity, and many people simply prefer the softer feel of non-latex material. The manufacturer states it matches the strength of premium latex, so you are not trading protection for comfort.
The 53mm nominal width is a standard fit that suits the majority of people, and keeping it consistent across all three styles is a smart touch, as it means the only variable you are judging is sensation, not fit. That said, a fixed width is a fixed width: if you already find standard condoms too tight or too loose, this pack will not solve that.
Care and everyday use
Each condom is electronically tested during manufacture, so every unit in the pack has been individually checked, which is the reassurance you want from any condom. Store the pack somewhere cool and dry and out of direct sunlight, and check the printed expiry date before use.
Open the foil carefully by pushing the condom to one side first, rather than tearing across the middle, to avoid nicking it. As with any condom, pair it only with a compatible lubricant; the Extra Lube variant comes with more applied, but a suitable water-based lubricant can be added to any of them if you want more.
How it compares
Against a standard box of a single style, this pack trades quantity for choice. It costs more per condom than plain latex options, which is normal for non-latex, and you get variety rather than volume. If you already know what you like, that trade is not worth it.
Against buying three separate boxes to compare styles, though, this is the far more sensible route: less outlay, less waste, and a direct side-by-side comparison. As a first step into the SKYN range or into non-latex condoms generally, the format does exactly what it sets out to do.
The bottom line
The Mates SKYN Selection 9 Pack is a well-judged sampler for anyone exploring non-latex condoms or unsure which SKYN style suits them, with the reassurance of individual testing and a consistent standard fit. Buy it to make a decision, then move to a full box of your favourite once you have made it.
Frequently asked questions
Are these condoms suitable for a latex allergy?
Yes. Every condom in this pack is made from a non-latex material, which makes it a sensible choice for anyone with a latex allergy or sensitivity. If your allergy is severe, check the specific material details and consult your pharmacist if in doubt.
What is the difference between the three styles?
Original is designed for a straightforward everyday feel, Intense Feel is aimed at greater sensation, and Extra Lube carries more lubricant for added smoothness. All three share the same non-latex material and 53mm width, so only the intended sensation changes.
What lubricant can I use with these?
Use a water-based or a compatible non-latex-safe lubricant. Avoid anything that could weaken the material, and if you are ever unsure, a plain water-based lubricant is the safest all-round choice.
Is a 53mm width right for me?
53mm is a standard nominal width that suits most people. If you have previously found standard condoms too tight or too loose, this pack uses the same width across all three styles, so you may prefer condoms specifically sized for a snugger or roomier fit.
How many condoms are in the pack?
Nine in total: three Original, three Intense Feel and three Extra Lube. That makes it a good pack for comparing styles, though not a large ongoing supply.