Appendix

Appendix A

Alternative Options

Before I end this article, I wish to address those who may have read up to this point, and are convinced that Squeak Latex is now, and will always be, a dangerous investment. Those who may be feeling destitute as for where they might possibly acquire a suit now. I don't mind if anyone ells hates me for what I've done here, but I don't want those of a similar affinity to walk away feeling depressed and hopeless that there's nowhere left to turn. There are still a few places where one may obtain such a rare treat, and I'll share a brief guide below of all the best substitute options I'm aware of. I technically can't "recommend" these options, but rather suggest them, as I've never bought from any before. I do still share everything below for a reason, of which some go beyond substitution. I leave it to you, dear reader, to decide what would be best for you at this time.

My apologies that the hyperlinks do not work on this platform. You'll have to copy and paste them yourself.

1. Latex Catfish, Kink Projects, eBay

While I still admonish the support of China in the inflatable suit market, I do recognize it's the best option for beginners. Not everyone in the inflation community is going to be a fan of inflatable suits. So, not everyone shall be willing to spend a four digit sum to obtain one. Not everyone's interest in this considerably broad kink is all-encompassing, just as inflatable suits are neither all-satisfying by their current limitations. Suits in which one can be properly "rolled around" are just barely being realized by developers. One still cannot expect to "bounce", "float" or fill out an entire room.

(I do think the future looks bright though, for inflatable suits. I believe they will one day be able to imitate art, in many ways. They will be able to bounce. They may be able self-inflate. They might even be able to change their shape "from human to ball, for example", simply with air pressure. It's only a matter of technical development, and implementation, of which the interest to do so is not growing any smaller. Yet for now, one is lucky if they can only inflate.)

Nevertheless, inflatable suits do still have a great appeal. They do "dress" one for the part, and induce sensations and feelings becoming of that part. Those best attributes of an inflatable suit can still be achieved in a cheep one. Though you get what you pay for, I think it's wise to start cheap with inflatable suits, even if it's only a question of material. Don't end up like me, who spent $1,200 on a PVC Ball Suit, only to discover they don't enjoy PVC.

If you're a beginner, who is unsure about inflatable suits, but curious, and wants to try one, then you should definitely buy from China first, before making a sizable investment on "supposed" quality. Buy directly from the manufacturer (just as Oz does), pay the minimum fee of production (just as Oz does), and receive a suit of adequate quality (just as Oz does). Even I have to admit; my first suit from eBay was one of the best purchases I've ever made. I saved hundreds of dollars from Squeak Latex and enjoyed that suit for years, despite it's flaws. I couldn't say the same if I bought it today, as one ready for the next level. Yet as a beginner, it was everything I could have hoped for.

Also, I know I've recommended the Big Blowup Suit as the best design option for beginners (unless one already "just knows" what suit is right for them, as I did). I still do recommend it, but I'm afraid, NOT from Squeak Latex. I gave Oz the chance to prove to me, that he was taking better care of his own designs then Latex Catfish, and he's failed to earn my endorsement. Regardless of equal quality from both companies, I might have still encouraged people to take the moral approach as I did; to support the original creator over Latex Catfish, if they had stolen Oz's designs without any help. However, it was Oz who trusted them, and gave his designs away. Oz opened that Pandora's box himself, and took morality off the table. The only way he can ever shut the lid, is to produce those same designs in a proper quality, at least. For now, if Latex Catfish makes it, then buy it from them.

Lastly, I must still warn; you always buy from China at your own risk. Oz will at least prevent a catastrophic flaw (unless anyone has anything different to tell, please do). For example; you might receive a suit which has it's inner layer ankles or wrists glued into the wrong outer legs or sleeves, in which case the inner layer is twisted, rendering the suit unwearable. If it's the Big Blowup Suit, you could spend an extra $1,275 with Squeak Latex and "likely" avoid that. Or, you could spend $30 on some mineral spirits, latex cement, a brush and a roller, peal the wrist and neck seams apart, then reset them properly yourself. Intimidating task for beginners, I know but, people who keep latex gear should learn basic skills in my opinion. It comes in GREAT handy, I assure you.

Latex Catfish

Inflatable Suits:

https://www.latexcatfish.com/hard-bondage/inflatable-suits

Inflatable Hoods:

https://www.latexcatfish.com/hard-bondage/inflartable-hoods

Inflatable "Pets":

https://www.latexcatfish.com/hard-bondage/inflatable-pets

Kink Projects

Inflatable Suits:

https://www.kinkprojects.com/index.php?route=product/category&path=127_133

Inflatable Hoods:

https://www.kinkprojects.com/index.php?route=product/category&path=127_129

Inflatable "Pets":

https://www.kinkprojects.com/index.php?route=product/category&path=127_135

2. Demask, Cocoon

Supposing you have some experience; enough to be sure that your ready to upgrade. Or, perhaps you already know this hobby's for you, even if you're still a beginner. That's fine too; sometimes it's not that difficult to figure out. You just know it. I mean, if you where someone like me, dear reader, who was casually inflating balloons under their shirt as a kid "to simulate the same", who sought cartoon or movie clips for "those" particular scenes, who picked the fan-blown animal suit every year as their Halloween costume (You know; those ones made out of that polyester windbreaker fabric?). Yeah, if you where trick-or-treating as the inflatable lawn decoration every single year, come on. Admit it; you know you're gonna love this stuff... Of course, if that is your case dear reader, then I would always tell you; Please, come and join us! I stumbled onto this party by chance years ago, and I'm still having as much fun now as I ever was. Sadly, admission can be high, and the host who welcomed me in has lost his touch, but if you can make it happen, don't miss out. Don't waist your time coveting the suits of others online. Work towards getting your very own, with a little sacrifice here or there and, trust me, you won't regret it.

Except, if you buy from China. In that case, you might find something great of small about your purchase to regret. Hopefully something small, but if you want to negate that risk completely, you should always choose reputation over discount. Whatever the case; if you are one of experience and passion like me, who is looking for trustworthy quality, here and now, you might do better with these options. If you are a beginner, but some sort of kinky rich kid, get out of my face... No, only kidding. If you are entirely new to inflatable suits, dear reader, and have the means to afford quality (and are ABSOLUTELY sure this is what you want), than you may certainly start strong with luxury, as you wish. Though if latex, I would still recommend starting cheep for the sake of practice. Again; don't end up like clueless me, as a beginner. At the very least, be sure to study and practice proper care if you spend so much on latex. Never fail a suit that won't fail you.

As for these companies; Cocoon and Demask have been operating long before Squeak Latex, and are highly reputable. You are very unlikely to be disappointed by their quality. However, neither is a perfect substitute. While both offer inflatable latex gear, their selections are rather bland, if not lacking. If one observes an inflatable catsuit from either company, they can tell it was designed more with general latex affinity in mind, rather than something such as the Big Blowup Suit, which was obviously made to satisfy the desire of inflation. Definitely not a satisfactory option for furries either. Even I would wait for something better to come along.

Except for one particular hood from Cocoon, which I may try for in the future. While it appears my "dream hood" is not yet out of the question, it is now very uncomfortable for me to admit; the similarity in appearance is rather suspicious.

Demask

Latex Inflatables:

https://www.demask.com/product-category/her/rubber/inflatables/

Inflatables:

https://www.demask.com/product-category/his/rubber-his/bizarre-3/inflatables-3/

Cocoon

Inflatables:

http://www.cocoon1.com/infs.html

3. Triple L

An intriguing company which I've only recently become aware of. Though not exclusively inflatable gear oriented, this, more than any other latex maker currently in operation, bears "on the surface", the closest resemblance to Pretty Pervy. Though their based in the United Kingdom, they do claim to ship worldwide. They offer custom service; most of their creations do look to be bespoke. Everything also looks to be produced in-house, as evinced by their website galleries. As such, I would also expect their service to be expensive. Regarding reputation however, I have no idea. I've seen their work in action on YouTube, and it does look impressive. Yet I could have said the same of Squeak Latex, ten years ago. Still, it is an option, I think worth mentioning. Definitely a better one for those seeking a quality alternative to Squeak Latex. I leave it to you, dear reader, to investigate and decide for yourself.

Triple L

Home Page: https://triplel.co.uk/

4. Candy Coated Squeaks

To be clear, this may not be a proper substitute to list, as it specializes in inflatable PVC "though they are beginning to branch off into latex". Nevertheless, this maker must be acknowledged and deserves to be mentioned here. The gentleman who oversees this operation is outwardly everything I expect from an inflatable gear maker; passionate, skilled, and 100% dedicated to a craft he clearly loves. Even that I don't prefer PVC; this is the next business I plan to support until something more suitable comes about. Though their prices are high, they are absolutely fair. All items are hand made, or at least modified, that they conform to an exemplary standard of quality. Quality which is apparent by the unanimous praise they've received in customer reviews after over 1000 sales. I would easily pay so much to posses one of their hand crafted item, which was a labor of love to create. Go on his YouTube, and one can see for themselves the great amount of time and effort this person dedicates to the craft; that his items are worth the prices he asks. I can see that his items would likely be worth my money (for which, I worked no less to earn, you understand). Unlike Squeak Latex, Candy Coated Squeaks is a fair trade. If Oz is not dedicating this amount of effort and care into his business, then his suits are not worth the prices he demands for them. And if Oz is in fact working so hard "as he likes to complain", than it's in all the wrong places. He's a busy idiot, playing wild goose chase with his "production team" in China.

Also worthy of admiration is that the proprietor of Candy Coated Squeaks puts a great emphasis on safety, both in design and use of gear. Presumably through personal experience, this maker completely understands the risks surrounding what he's producing, and is constantly developing new and multiple safety measures to preempt them. This is a person who apparently cares about his clients. Who is mindful of their safety, as well as their expectations as fellow enthusiasts. Who wants his fellow enthusiasts to experience and enjoy inflatable suits and gear; no less than he himself would prefer. Dare I say; who is genuinely trying to help make "dreams come true" in the community. It's a relief to know there is still someone out there willingly working so hard, to that end. To reiterate; I cannot yet "recommend", but if I where to purchase inflatable PVC gear, I would absolutely make Candy Coated Squeaks my first choice. As a creator of such, they make Hongyi look like a bunch of criminals.

Update:

There is one negative about this maker that I've noticed, just before publishing this article. It is apparent that they've recently partnered with a factory in China to produce "Beach Ball Shorts", along with a few other items in their selection. While these items are invariably inferior, and the practice itself, I'm so sick of, they at least do make it clear. They list these items as "Factory Made" and do warn in the descriptions that these items are without reinforcement. Also, the prices of these factory items reflect their worthlessness. I'm not sure why this person wants to list embarrassment alongside his better selection. Perhaps to offer better availability? Understandably, many handmade items in their selection are not always available. It could also be to bluster income.

Again, I'm not ignoring of all the hidden fees suit makers face. With great success, there's also the desire also to expand "and for cheep". Yet I hope this maker understands that it wasn't China that earned them such success thus far. It was themself. I hope they know "as a potential buyer", I am not as exited now to give them a try. I suppose it's "okay", as long as they don't become an exclusively "factory made" seller. I'll still give them a try, but with less enthusiasm, and more caution. I'll never buy a Chinese item from them. Instead, I'll be patient. For example; I want their Inflatable Bomber Jacket, but it's not available right now. If they offered a Chinese one for $200 tomorrow, I'd rather wait years for a handmade one to come available, pay the $400-$500 for it, and wait the further 6-8 week production time... and I had better be satisfied with it.

ALSO, I hope this maker knows the risk of what he's doing. I hope he sees this article as well and understands, from the example of Oz, the dangers of trusting Chinese manufacturers. Candy Coated Squeaks had better be careful of what they hand over, and watch out they don't also get their designs ripped off... They should withdraw the partnership, and find another way. I really don't see it ending well.

Candy Coated Squeaks

Shop: https://www.etsy.com/shop/CandyCoatedSqueaks

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@candycoatedkink

Website: https://candycoatedus.com/

5. Karin / Kariwanz

Of course, I would be remiss if not to acknowledge this gifted producer in Japan. They —whom I assume to be an overwhelmed, one or two-individual operation— specializes in latex suits (inflatable or not), and inflatable hoods, particularly furry oriented. When I first discovered this maker, they seemed ambivalent to sell outside of Japan, yet now appear to be opening up to a global market. At present, they occasionally sell premade items, and rarely offer custom commissions. Even then, one is only likely to obtain only a hood, and their asking price for a hood alone averages at $1,200 a piece. Despite all that drawback, most would consider themselves extremely fortunate to lose $1,200, but gain a Karin hood.

To express the full measure of my impression by the level of quality, craftsmanship, talent, and even imagination, which transfigures mere latex into the awe-inspiring masterpiece of every single hood which Karin gifts to the world, I can bluntly say this... Pretty Pervy, which I —like an obsessed fanboy— have praised so many times, and referenced countless more by comparison, as though the gold standard of inflatable latex gear, has finally been put to shame. Say what you will about construction. In terms of hood design alone, Karin leaves Pretty Pervy dead on the side of the road; there's no competition between them. There's no conclusion I can reason to the contrary, that Karin is presently making the greatest inflatable latex hoods in the world; the envy of the furry, rubber and inflation communities combined in one creation. I'm not a huge furry (one who exhibits or expresses themself publicly), yet I pray to obtain an animal hood from Karin some day. I did say I prefer my hoods more cute than ugly. Well, until Karin, I didn't think I could ever describe a latex hood as "adorable", but now I can. Though as I've explained, it's not easy to obtain one at this time. However, that's the ultimate reason why I bring it up...

Even if you, dear reader, are unable to get one "for whatever reason", I encourage you to please observe, the next time Karin sells a batch of pre-made hoods on their Etsy store. See for yourself, how quickly these $1,200+ hoods disappear from the shop. I would point to this instance as a prime example of the great imbalance that unmistakably exists in this market between supply and demand. That the relevant communities to whom these hoods appeal are STARVING for more state of the art, top of the line, quality options such as what this maker can only scarcely provide. Karin's hoods are literally selling faster than they can be produced. Such is also the clue that Squeak Latex already has one puffy foot paw in the grave. Imagine if five options, on the same level as Karin, came available (opportunity enough for everyone). Those who have the money to buy from either will choose Karin. Those who only have enough for Squeak Latex will save their money, or buy from China. Squeak Latex will become the overpriced, underwhelming "in-between" option that no one wants. Newer members of the communities, who have no attachment to any particular brand, will look at Squeak Latex as one of many options, and say "...Nah.".

Even now, though a single Karin hood costs nearly as much as a full Squeak suit, most will recognize the hood as the wiser investment. I'll spare Oz the disgrace of a side by side comparison here, but I do encourage you to quench your curiosity, dear reader, if you are not already aware. I challenge you; look at any hood from a Squeak fursuit, then go find a picture of a Karin hood. Behold, and tell me the former does not look like an absolute shitstorm between two shoulders. No matter how nostalgic you may be dear reader; look at your favorite fursuit hood from Squeak Latex, then to any hood Karin has recently produced, and tell me you would still prefer that saggy, wrinkled, hollow, one-dimensional, decade's old, carbon copied, soulless design, which has aged as well as guava, rotting for months on the jungle floor. This is why Oz desperately needs to get some help, and up his game.

The next generation of inflatable latex has begun, and this is what it looks like...

Karin / Kariwanz

Shop: https://www.etsy.com/shop/KARIWANZ

Twitter: https://twitter.com/karinKariwanz

Website: http://kariwanz.com/

Appendix B

References

Please watch Zaros's video, if you have not already:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j6ezh_POYAg

Please read AvWuff's article also. It's still as relevant today:

(Includes the email mentioned, between Squeak Latex and Latex Catfish.)

https://telegra.ph/Squeak-Latex-Buyer-Beware-12-25

Big Blowup Suit Prices

Oct 7, 2010, $620

https://web.archive.org/web/20101007202322/http://squeaklatex.com/galleryi/thick.html

Sep 1, 2012, $720

https://web.archive.org/web/20120901020216/http://squeaklatex.com/thick.php

Sep 26, 2014, $800

https://web.archive.org/web/20140926032906/http://squeaklatex.com/thick.php

Feb 18, 2017, $900

https://web.archive.org/web/20170218122901/http://squeaklatex.com/thick.php

Inflatable Hood Models

Inflatable Hood 2017:

https://web.archive.org/web/20170523061204/http://squeaklatex.com/ihood.php

Inflatable Hood 2010:

https://web.archive.org/web/20100508015549/http://www.squeaklatex.com/galleryi/ihood.html

Exploding Inflatable Suit (Video)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EfrFG6cCmYA&list=PLkZunFsFRF2LnHjDEcZC_QzRKk5Y8nSca&index=18

SqueakLatex.com

https://www.squeaklatex.com/

SqueakLatex.com (Oct 1, 2017)

https://web.archive.org/web/20171001031540/https://www.squeaklatex.com/

"The Bug" (Pretty Pervy)

https://web.archive.org/web/20081120070201/http://www.prettypervy.com/custom-bug.html

Oz / blowup_boy Comments on BodyInflation.org

https://bodyinflation.org/node/24479#comment-18349

https://bodyinflation.org/node/24934#comment-21447

https://bodyinflation.org/node/28423#comment-25771

"Squeak is back" Tweet

https://twitter.com/squeaklatex/status/1209305506256424960

Big Blowup Suit with crotch zipper Tweet

https://twitter.com/squeaklatex/status/733093784825802752

Termination of Oz's YouTube

https://twitter.com/ozkangaroo/status/1493679289098772481

https://www.furaffinity.net/journal/10133412/

Overinflated Big Blowup Suit at the MIR Competition

https://ilb2011nitro.blogspot.com/2011/11/very-slick-time-at-mir-2012-in-chicago.html

Oz's Status Tweets

https://twitter.com/ozkangaroo/status/590109583378546688

https://twitter.com/ozkangaroo/status/538540719255064576

"NEW Inflatable Husky Suit for Sale"

https://www.furaffinity.net/view/36026831/

Zaros's Tweet

https://twitter.com/ZarosTheFurry/status/1546494528927907841

"Chinese Rubber Fursuit review" (Video)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AwNMV6gIhYA

LatexCatfish Review (2020) - Gummi Guard (Video)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XzCEitITksY

Squeak Latex Livejournal

"As a latex lover myself, I beleive everyone should be able to afford rubber fetish and fashion products."

https://squeaklatex.livejournal.com/

Critter Country

https://web.archive.org/web/20170215104506/http://crittercountry.com.au/company.html

FurDU Gallery

https://furdu.com.au/gallery/

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1L4SXlEEJcADqop-6FO2FtytIElsuCOJG/view

NATALIS MMXXII