GayDemon's review of Fresh SX

FreshSX is the official site of the gay porn studio FreshSX, run by 3 models, James Connor, Andy O'Neill and Marco Di Lucca. "Europe's most innovative gay studio" promises real hardcore action, 100% exclusive content, regular site updates and news, and movies shot in HD (all downloadable with no DRM). The tour includes 45 DVD trailers and 21 single scene previews, all in streaming Flash. We last visited 21 months ago. So what's changed since our last visit?

The members' home page is straightforward. It's topped by a menu bar with links to the main content areas i.e. Gallery, Movies, Livesex, FreshSX magazine, Shopping and Xclusive. On the right is a drop down list of models, which allows direct access to a page for each one. Below is a dull presentation of the 8 most recent updates (each with a date), which can be either videos or photosets.

There are 258 scenes, up from 141 last time. However these represent only 167 unique scenes, because many DVDs are compilations of previously issued material. Other types of videos include DVD trailers, start and end credits, model interviews, behind the scenes clips, a 'Meet the crew' video and 3 tutorials. One of the tutorials tells you how to view a video, but lacks any lube recommendations.

15 DVDs have been added since our last review. With duplicates discounted, only 32 new scenes (23 action, 9 jerkoff) have appeared in 21 months. That's about 1 every 3 weeks. There are non-DVD exclusive scenes too, but it's hard to work out when they were added.

The streaming embedded WMVs require a username/password every time, and buffering before playing can sometimes be lengthy. Unfortunately, they are the only viewing option for some of the material. Flash streaming starts immediately, but because it is progressive, the ability to jump ahead is limited. Enlarged to full screen on a 1920x1080 monitor, it provides a satisfactory viewing experience. Nearly all of the scenes are now offered for download, a big improvement, and all are DRM-free.

Photo sets total 303, up from 227 nearly 2 years ago. Gone are the bonus sets from other studios. Galleries of thumbnails allow viewing of images in 2 sizes, but they cannot be saved with a right-click. Downloading is not available in the galleries. A check must be made under the relevant video on the Movies page, where a zip file may be available. Not all scenes have a photo set, not all sets are downloadable, some zipped downloadable sets lack thumbnails in the gallery and duplicate sets exist, matching duplicate scenes. None of the zip files contain the larger format images available on screen.

The 135 models, primarily British and European, include twinks, hunks and daddies, and range in age from 18 to 30's. Some are well-known names, others are newcummers. Each model has a page listing his scenes and photos, and more bio information than most sites provide. About 80% of the guys are uncut, and some are very big e.g. mega-hung Matt Hughes. James Connor is the most prominent, appearing in 21 scenes. 191 model galleries are accessible under the Gallery option, with some of the guys having up to 4 galleries each.

The videos are primarily hardcore, with plenty of sucking, rimming and fucking. Some are spiced up with toys, cum-eating, light bondage and double penetration. The DVDs often explore particular themes e.g. big cocks, suits, dads/lads, straight guys, threesomes, but scenes can't be selected by any of these.

The FreshSX Magazine is the key extra. It includes sex advice, written by James Connor, city travel guides, sex stories, gay news (not working), web radio and gay horoscopes (not working). The frequently updated blog often highlights upcoming material, as well as that just released. A monthly competition (prizes are items from movies e.g. a butt plug), free signed model photos, and a quiet forum, can be found under the Xclusive menu option. Finally, Livesex offers links to one site with recorded cam shows, and another which requires registration and payment to see anything interesting.

The biggest issue concerns updates. All updates are not equal. A 2-minute interview or a photo set are not equivalent to a full scene. Genuinely new sex scenes are added too infrequently and, with almost nothing dated, it is impossible to identify a schedule for them. A consistent range of viewing options should be available for all videos. No video should be added to the site without its sound being checked first. One very recent 'interview' has a music soundtrack and no audible voice for all 3 viewing options; for lip-readers only! If a photoset is downloadable, the link should be on the thumbnails page, not another part of the site. Non-working sections of the site should be either made to work or discarded. The site needs a major overhaul.

Although the number of duplicate scenes gives the impression that the site is bigger than it really is, there is still a solid body of material at FreshSX and plenty to like. On offer are a diverse group of attractive guys and a variety of hot action scenes. If you stick to streaming Flash and downloads (all non-DRM), you'll find plenty of entertaining material that should push your buttons and make a visit worthwhile.

Things we liked:

• Exclusive content
• Uncut cocks on about 80% of the guys; some are very big
• Videos are downloadable (No DRM)
• Can do 4+ simultaneous downloads
• Informative models pages
• Informative tour
• Prices lower by $5 a month then our last visit

Things we didn't like:

• Some updates are only a pic set or an interview
• No clear update schedule
• Too little material dated
• WMV streaming requires username/password every time
• Multiple copies of the same scene
• Some extras that don't work

Click here to visit Fresh SX