Videos

31+ Best Sex Apps To Find Casual Sex in 2023Corvelay Mediaon January 10, 2023 at 8:20 am

Let’s be honest—sometimes a casual hookup is just what you need. A serious relationship can be great, but it can also be exhausting and stressful. And if you’ve just gotten out of one, especially a long-term one, the last thing you probably want to do is try plunging yourself into another one.

People have long enjoyed the thrill of the one-night stand, and it’s now easier than ever to find one thanks to the internet. In recent years, dozens and dozens of sex and dating apps have popped up, but they are definitely not all created equal.

So, we’ve put together this list compiling 32 of very best sex apps available in 2023. There’s seriously something here for everyone interested in casual hookups, so keep reading to find the sex app that’s perfect for you. Before you know it, you’ll be well on your way to getting laid! And most importantly, in a safe way (scroll to the bottom for more information about how to stay as safe as possible when using these apps).

Best Sex Apps for No Strings Attached Sex in 2023

RankSiteBest For1.Adult FriendFinder Best sex app overall2.Tinder Best mainstream app3.SeekingBest for meeting wealthy men4.Ashley MadisonBest for affairs5.OKCupid Top choice for millennials6.BuddyBang Best pure hookup app7.BeNaughty Best for naughty singles8.ALT Best for alternative and BDSM9.Hinge Best for FWB and more serious possibilities10.ZooskBest for short-term dating11.BumbleSafest for women12.Plenty of Fish Best user community13.Pure AppBest for fantasies14.Feeld Most open-minded community15.Sex MessengerBest for anonymity16.Reddit R4RBest free option17.Flirty MatureBest for ages 40 and up18.FlirtBest free trial19.JSWIPEBest for Jewish singles20.OneNightFriendBest mobile site21.ThursdayBest new app22.ShipMost innovative app23.BlendrBest for young professionals24.HUDTop choice for sex positivity25.PureBest for women26.3FunFor threesomes27.WingmanBest for frequent fliers28.HerBest for LGBTQ+ women29.HappnBest for urban dwellers30.CasualxFor extremely casual hookups31.StringBest for the bold32.Established MenBest for finding a sugar daddy

1.  Adult FriendFinder – Best app overall

Some sites are more obvious than others about being sex apps. Adult FriendFinder is pretty clear about that. This means that it’s established a userbase full of people who are looking for casual hookups, which is a big plus if that’s what you’re hoping to find.

Adult FriendFinder also has a bit of a niche when it comes to swinging and open relationships. If you are already in a relationship and looking to open things up, or are hoping to be the third person in a threesome, then Adult FriendFinder is one of your best bets out there.

AFF is also one of the longest running sites, so it’s pretty trustworthy. Another nice aspect of AFF is that you can modify searches to find people looking for the same thing as you. This can help you save time and get down to business faster.

Pro tip: You don’t have to hold back on Adult FriendFinder, so be yourself! There are plenty of other people on there who will be looking for the same kind of thing as you, no matter how kinky.

Check out our full AFF review.

Pros:

Straightforward sex-oriented site
Makes finding like-minded people an easy process

Cons:

Relatively expensive compared to some sites/apps
The free membership is heavy on the ads

Pricing:

One-month membership: $39.95 totalThree-month membership: $26.95/monthOne-year membership: $19.95/month

2.  Tinder – Best mainstream app

When it comes to sex apps, Tinder is very likely the world’s most well-known and popular one. It’s definitely true that Tinder has garnered a hefty share of the market when it comes to the hookup and dating space. This is particularly true of younger people, like millennials and Gen Z, but you can find people of all ages on Tinder these days.

Tinder has long had a reputation for being a casual hookup or sex app. That’s still very much true, but there are also many people who are on there hoping to find true love or something serious. It helps to pay attention to people’s profiles—oftentimes they will specify if they are not looking for something casual.

Even though it’s gone more mainstream and there are now lots of people on there who aren’t so interested in casual sex, Tinder remains one of the best sex apps out there. This is largely due to the fact that it has such a big userbase, meaning that your chances of finding someone to hook up with are pretty solid.

Pro tip: Understand that not everyone on Tinder is looking for casual hookups. You should be upfront about your intentions in order to waste as little time as possible.

Pros:

Massive userbase
Many people looking for casual hookups

Cons:

Lots of fake profiles and spammers
Arguably oversaturated at this point

Pricing:

Free: limited number of swipesOne month: $19.99 total if you are under 30One month: $39.99 total if you are over 30Six months: $59.99 total if you are under 30Six months: $119.99 total if you are over 30

3.  Seeking – Best for sugar relationships

Some people may just be looking to hook up, but others may be looking for something more. And no, we don’t mean a romantic, long-term relationship. We’re talking about extra benefits, the kind that accompany sugar relationships.

If you’re looking for a sugar relationship, which is when a (usually) older person spoils a younger person in exchange for dates, company, and whatever else they agree to, then Seeking (fka Seeking Arrangement) is a great bet.

This is a specific niche, and it may not appeal to everyone. If it does, however, it’s hard to go wrong with Seeking since it’s one of the first and most popular sugar sites around. They’ve been attempting to go for a more mainstream angle lately, but they very much remain a sugar-focused site when it comes to its user base.

Pro tip: If you’re a woman, Seeking can be quite competitive. If you’re a man, however, you should have more than your choice of young women to spoil.

Pros:

Free signups for women
Favorable woman-to-man ratio for men
Relatively safe way for women to find a sugar daddy

Cons:

Fairly expensive to use as a man
Hookups may not feel natural, more transactional

Pricing:

One-month membership: $89.95/monthThree-month membership: $79.95/monthDiamond membership (more premium features): $249.95/month

4.  Ashley Madison – Best for affairs

Ashley Madison is another sex app that doesn’t have any haughty pretenses to morality. They know what they are and they own it, hence the company’s motto “Life is short. Have an affair.” Hell, they even advertise on porn sites, where they know they might find some people who are feeling unfulfilled in their relationships.

If you don’t mind Ashley Madison’s straightforward and rather amoral approach, then this is a great place to go for finding casual hookups. They’re all about discretion, meaning that you don’t have to worry about “ASHLEY MADISON” showing up on your credit card bill.

The main thing is that you recognize that there will be plenty of people on there who are looking to have an affair. If that doesn’t bother you, then you’ll be in good shape. Just be careful!

Pro tip: Ashley Madison works on a credit-based system. The more credits you buy the better cost-per-credit average you get (which is fairly common when it comes to these apps/sites).

Pros:

Women can use it for free
Discretion prioritized
Judgment-free space

Cons:

Site actively advocates cheating
Can get expensive for men

Pricing:

Basic Plan: 100 credits at $0.59/creditClassic Plan: 500 credits at $0.34/creditElite Plan: 1,000 credits at $0.29/credit

5.  OkCupid – Best for millennials

OkCupid has been around a long time, before Tinder and some of the newer sites that have gained in popularity (e.g. Hinge, Bumble, etc.). Due to this longevity, OKCupid is quite popular with some older millennials who may have used it back when they were teens or in their early twenties.

In any case, OkCupid is doing some things right, because young people continue to gravitate towards it. It may be not be as popular as Tinder, but OkCupid still has a huge user base of people. As with most of these sites, it’s best to be upfront about your intentions. Thankfully, OkCupid lets you easily do that.

Pro tip: Be sure to set your gender and orientation options, as well as what you’re looking for, to have the best success and avoid wasting time!

Pros:

Solid filtering options
Varied and large user base
Relatively affordable

Cons:

Many people are looking for love (i.e. Cupid’s arrow)
It can be fairly time-consuming compared to other apps

Pricing:

One-month membership: $19.95 totalSix-month membership: $9.95/month

6.  BuddyBang – Best pure hookup app

The concept behind BuddyBang is pretty simple. Like the name suggests, it helps you find a buddy to ba—… *ahem* sleep with. Like Adult Friend Finder and Ashley Madison, this is another site that doesn’t hide what it’s all about. So, if you’re looking for casual sex and to find a friend with benefits, then BuddyBang is a solid option for you.

BuddyBang is pretty much a pure hookup app, which may turn some people off. In fact, some people may be so thirsty that you feel like you can’t even have a little warm-up conversation first. If you run into this problem, then you may want to try something else.

Some benefits to BuddyBang are that it’s straightforward about what it’s about (i.e. casual sex), it’s relatively affordable, and there are a number of useful features (like filtering options that help you pare down possible matches).

Pro tip: If you use BuddyBang, be prepared for people who are looking to get down to business fast. If this isn’t your cup of tea, then you’re probably better off trying something else.

Pros:

Engaged user community
People are very direct
Nice filters to make things go faster
Not too expensive

Cons:

Obnoxious ads on the free tier
People may be too direct for your taste

Pricing:

One-year membership: $19.95/monthOne-month membership: $39.95 totalThree-month membership: $26.95/month

7.  BeNaughty – Best for naughty singles

We’re talking about sex apps here, so it might not be too surprising that many of them have names like BuddyBang or BeNaughty. You might find them obnoxious, or maybe you appreciate the straightforward aspect. Either way, the name definitely helps ensure that everyone’s on the same page.

So yeah, as you might guess, BeNaughty is all about casual hookups. The goal is to connect people so they can chat and get down to hooking up asap. One cool thing about BeNaughty is that they have numerous ways of finding people, not just the swipe method that has become so ubiquitous. There are various chat rooms you can join and even galleries to look through before starting a one-on-one chat.

Overall, BeNaughty is a strong choice as a sex app because people are there for the same reason. It also features some solid filtering options, meaning you can save some time and get to what you’re there for in the first place.

Pro tip: Be sure to try the various options offered on BeNaughty for meeting people, like the communal chat rooms and galleries.

Pros:

Innovative options for finding people
Community that won’t judge
Couples as well as singles
Trial option won’t break the bank

Cons:

User base can be a bit superficial and thirsty
Hard to use without the premium membership

Pricing:Three-day trial: $1.05/dayOne-month membership: $27.01 totalThree-month membership: $15.15/monthSix-month membership: $12.24/month

8.  ALT – Best for alternative and BDSM

At one point, the homepage of ALT featured a man bound and gagged with the words “Don’t get tied down, get tied up.” This should tell you just about everything you need to know about this hookup site!

Yes, ALT is all about casual sex and specifically for the kinky ones out there. If you’re hoping to go nice and slow and find some vanilla sex, then this is probably not the place for you. People on ALT generally know what they want, and they want it now.

If you’re a kinky type, then you’ll probably be in heaven on ALT. You can find someone out there for just about anything you might be into. Plus, there’s a user base of over two million people, meaning that you have a good chance of linking up with someone like-minded.

Pro tip: ALT has a super specific niche, so if you’re not down for fast and kinky hookups, then you should probably stay away.

Pros:

Sort by your kinks
Browse NSFW content
Webcam shows

Cons:

Watch out for bots and scammers
Premium account required to really get the most out of the site

Pricing:Silver Membership: $19.95/month (with longer plans available)Gold Membership: $29.95/month (with longer plans available)

9.  Hinge – Best for FWB & more serious possibilities

In recent years, Hinge has become super mainstream. At least on the surface, they are all about matching people up for long-term relationships, hence their motto “The dating app designed to be deleted.” (We’re not sure how that makes for a good business model, though.)

In any case, Hinge is popular with all kinds of people looking for all kinds of things. So, if you want to use it as a sex app only, don’t hesitate to give it a try. Yes, you may come across people who specify that they want something serious, but you’re also sure to find people who just want something casual.

Luckily, Hinge makes this a smooth process, thanks to a filtering feature that allows you to specify what kind of thing you’re looking for. This saves everyone time and energy.

Like Tinder, Hinge has a massive user base, which makes it a solid option, especially if you live in a sparsely populated area.

Pro tip: Be straightforward on Hinge, since many people on there will be looking for something more than just a casual hookup. If you state that you’re looking for friends with benefits upfront, you’re less likely to waste time and hurt people’s feelings.

Pros:

Trendy app with younger generations
Top-notch matchmaking algorithm
Can find people looking for friends with benefits
Massive user base

Cons:

Many people here want something serious
A bit pricey

Pricing:One month: $12.99 totalThree-month membership: $20.99 totalSix-month membership: $29.99 total

10.  Zoosk – Best for short-term dating

Despite its silly, Dr. Seussian name, Zoosk is a good option for short-term dating. It’s actually in 80+ countries now, meaning that it may come in handy if you’re a frequent traveler.

Another big benefit to Zoosk is that it has a very diverse user base. Many people may want something more serious, though, so if you’re looking for casual hookups only, be sure to be clear about that.

Pros:

Engaged user community
Worldwide user base

Cons:

May not find as many casual hookup opportunities as other apps
Additional features can add up

Pricing:One-month membership: $29.95 totalThree-month membership: $19.98/monthSix-month membership: $12.49/month

11.  Bumble – Safest for women

Not sure why, but Bumble has gone with a “bee” vibe with its name and branding. In any case, this app has succeeded in getting a lot of buzz by helping people find their next honey. (Yes, we know, that was god awful.)

Part of its popularity and trendiness is that women are the ones to make the first “move” on Bumble. So, if you’re a man on this site, you won’t be able to reach out to women first. This is quite frankly a nice change of pace for everyone, especially if you’re a confident woman or a somewhat shy dude.

Women have flocked to Bumble since it puts them in the driver seat and means they are much less likely to get harassed and deal with asshats. For men, this is a great place to find a confident, self-assured woman. That said, many of them may want something serious, so you’ll have to be sure to be clear about what you’re looking for upfront (as always with all of these sites basically).

Pro tip: If you’re a guy, work hard on your profile, as that will be the one thing that women assess before deciding to message you or not. And if you’re a woman, don’t be shy! It’s up to you to make the first contact.

Pros:

Nifty premise (women make first contact)
Solid ratio of women to men
Basic but well-crafted UI

Cons:

May have trouble finding people down for casual only hookups
Premium membership will cost you a pretty penny

Pricing:Premium Membership: $8.99/week

12.  Plenty of Fish – Best user community

You have to go back nearly twenty years to the beginnings of Plenty of Fish (POF), all the way back to 2003, which honestly feels like forever ago at this point. The good thing about this is that POF is not one of these dating sites that has just popped up, and its longevity suggests that it’s been good at connecting people.

One of the best things about POF is its large user base and the matchmaking algorithm it uses to pair people up. While this is standard with dating sites in general, POF seems to have one of the more robust algorithms out there.

Since it’s not a casual hookup-focused site, you’ll have to be upfront about what you’re looking for to ensure you don’t waste anyone’s time.

Pro tip: Be thorough when answering the questions and when providing other info to POF. Doing so will help ensure that you get the best possible matches.

Pros:

Top-notch filtering options
Huge user community
Cheaper than other apps listed here

Cons:

Many people may want something serious
Watch out for fake bot accounts and scammers

Pricing:One-month membership: $19.99 totalThree-month membership: $9.80/monthOne-year membership: $5.95/month

13.  Pure App – Best for fantasies

Pure advertises itself as all about “shameless dating,” and is pretty straightforward about its approach as a hookup site. Hell, the logo they’ve even used at times (see above) resembles a vagina…

In any case, Pure is great for people who don’t quite feel at home with the more mainstream apps and sites. You can really be yourself here, and doing so will ensure that you find other people you’re compatible with.

Pure is one of the best apps out there for no-strings attached hookups, and it has some solid features that help keep things feeling safe and secure, like disappearing profiles and safe video chatting.

Pro tip: If you aren’t in a major urban area, you may have trouble finding people near you on Pure since it hasn’t yet taken off quite like some of the other apps reviewed here.

Pros:

Focus on privacy and discretion
A breeze to join and get going
Good for fantasy seekers

Cons:

Relatively small user base
Better if you’re in an urban area

Pricing:One week: $14.99 totalOne month: $29.99 total

14.  Feeld – Most open-minded community

Feeld isn’t one of the best-known hookup apps out there, but it makes up for its relative youth by being a great platform for open-minded people looking to find other open-minded people.

With Feeld, it’s all about creating a non-judgmental space where people can feel comfortable looking for no-strings attached hookups. Its focus in particular is in enabling couples to find a third person to join in on the fun.

Feeld’s sex-positive ethos and inclusivity make it one of the best new hookup sites around, and we’re honestly hoping that it takes off soon.

Pro tip: A Facebook account is (unfortunately) needed to verify your identity in the sign-up process. Also, Android users can’t use the premium version, which is a major downside.

Pros:

Very sex-positive platform
Open-minded community
Top app if looking for threesomes

Cons:

Android users locked out of premium version
To verify your profile you need a Facebook account

PricingOne-month membership: $14.99 totalThree-month membership: $29.98 total

15.  Sex Messenger – Best for anonymity

Messenger (fka Facebook Messenger) and Whatsapp are used and loved by more than a billion people on the planet now. Sex Messenger is hoping to play into this appreciation for messaging apps by creating a hookup app that focuses on discreet sexting and messaging.

Sex Messenger is so discreet, in fact, that your name is not even shared with the other person. This helps keep things anonymous, which is especially appreciated for people who prioritize discretion and may be already engaged in a relationship (or relationships).

Sex Messenger is great for discreet sexting, which ramps up the tension, and then meeting up to really get down to it.

Pro tip: This app is all about anonymity and discretion, so don’t go around sharing details about your personal life or asking other people for information about theirs. The whole idea is to keep things light and discreet.

Pros:

Makes sexting relatively safe and secure
Ideal for casual hookups

Cons:

For full access you need a premium account
The anonymity part may not be everyone’s cup of tea

PricingOne-month membership: $14.95 total

16.  Reddit R4R – Best free option

If you’re aiming to find a casual hookup buddy, you might as well try Reddit’s personals forum (i.e. “subreddit.”) Why? It doesn’t cost anything, so you really have nothing to lose (besides the few minutes it takes you to make the post or browse other people’s and send a DM or two).

You won’t often find pictures on r/R4R, which makes it somewhat less superficial and more anonymous than mainstream apps like Tinder or Hinge. It’s more about shared interests and conversation. If the DM’ing goes well, then you may be well on your way to a casual hookup (and without paying a cent).

Pros:

Totally free
No subscriptions or memberships necessary

Cons:

Can be competitive
No way to get priority (no paid features)

Pricing:Free

17.  FlirtyMature – Best for ages 40+

Not everyone is a millennial or Gen Z’er and wants to jump on Tinder, Bumble, or Hinge. For people a bit older, FlirtyMature is a solid option. This hookup site is all about older people, so it’ll be of interest to you either if you are older yourself or want to find someone older than you.

FlirtyMature has a pretty simple and intuitive IU, and its user community is fairly active. There’s a high response rate here, which you definitely don’t always get on other sites (like the ones mentioned ab0ve).

Pro tip: FlirtyMature, like the name suggests, is targeting older users, so it doesn’t make sense to join unless you’re in the 40+ age range or you’re just looking for someone in that age range.

Pros:

Pretty affordable
One of the few options for Gen X and older
Straightforward to use

Cons:

Somewhat annoying registration process

Pricing:1-week: $7 per weekOne month: $28.80 per monthThree months: $48.60 ($16.20 per month)

18.  Flirt – Best free trial

Are you a flirt? Well, here’s an app with your name—so to speak— on it!

On Flirt, you know that you can find other people who are ready to get flirty and find other people who are ready for casual hookups. There’s a solidly active user base on here, despite the fact that Flirt doesn’t yet have the name-brand recognition that a Tinder or Hinge has.

Pro tip: Take advantage of Flirt’s free trial before committing to a paid membership. It’s one of the better free trials around when it comes to hookup sites/apps.

Pros:

Cool SMS feature to take things off-site
Engaged user community
Registration is a breeze
Truly free trial option

Cons:

You can’t do much without a premium membership

Pricing:Free: limited featuresOne month: $22

19.  Jswipe – Best for Jewish singles

Known by some as the “Jewish Tinder,” Jswipe has a pretty obvious niche—catering to the Jewish community. So, if you’re single and Jewish, then JSwipe could be a good option for you to find someone. If nothing else, you have Judaism in common.

While some younger and less orthodox people of Jewish faith may be more open to casual hookups, you’ll have to recognize that many people on JSwipe will be looking for something serious and longer lasting. To prevent wasting your time or anyone else’s, you’ll want to be clear about your intentions upfront if they involve casual hookups.

Pros:

Top option for Jewish singles
Relatively affordable
Nice UI

Cons:

You need Facebook to sign up
Not targeting users after casual hookups

Pricing:Free: limited featuresOne month: $24.99 totalThree months: $44.99 total

20.  OneNightFriend – Best mobile site

Like BuddyBang, AdultFriendFinder, or BeNaughty, the name behind OneNightFriend attempts to make things pretty clear. So, if you’re looking for a “friend” for one night, then this is a solid option to consider.

That said, there are a fair number of issues with OneNightFriend. The main problem is that it doesn’t do a great job at preventing bot profiles. This means that you may have to be rather patient when using OneNightFriend.

One big positive for OneNightFriend is its easy and free sign-up process.

Pro tip: You might as well give OneNightFriend a try since it’s free, particularly if you’re on a budget. Just be careful for spam profiles.

Pros:

Can’t beat free sign-up
Streamlined for mobile

Cons:

The free plan is limited, and the one-month plan is pricey
Tons of fake profiles to wade through

Pricing:Free: limited featuresOne month: $39 totalThree months: $65.70 total

21.  Thursday – Best new app

Thursday is a cool app with a unique premise. It gets rid of the idea of 24/7 dating that’s available due to the internet. This gives you the chance to take care of the rest of your life the other 6 days of the week, including focusing on actual in-person dates.

For the moment, it’s restricted to certain large urban areas (like London and New York), but they have plans to open up to other cities soon. This is one app to keep your eye on for sure.

Pro tip: Thursday is full of young professionals and is trendy, so this may not be the ideal scene for everyone.

Pros:

Unique concept (available on Thursdays only)
Trendy, lots of young professionals

Cons:

Geographically limited at the moment
Concept may not appeal to everyone

Pricing:Free: limited featuresPremium (“BlackCard”): $14.99 per month

22.  Ship – Most innovative app

Ship is another cool and trendy app based around a new concept. Rather than endless swiping and waiting around for matches, Ship has your friends help you play matchmaker.

It works by setting up a group chat with your friends. You then pick people you think would be good for your friends, and they do the same. You can then discuss possibilities with your friends.

This is a fun concept and is great for people with lots of friends, but it may not appeal to everyone.

Pro tip: Ship is pretty new, so you may need to give it some time before it takes off. It’s got a promising concept, though, so we won’t be surprised if it does sooner rather than later.

Pros:

Emphasizes the social aspect of dating
Nice change of pace from most apps

Cons:

Small user base (because new)
Concept won’t be for everyone

Pricing:

100 credits = $0.99500 credits = $3.991,000 credits = $6.992,000 credits = $9.99

23.  Blendr – Best for young professionals

Blendr depends on Facebook and is primarily for iPhone users, so you’ll need those two things if you would like to use it. The focus with Blendr is on young professionals, so this is great if you fall into that kind of group. If not, you may want to look elsewhere.

The people on Blendr tend to be pretty open (and up for) no strings-attached sex, making it a nice option for people looking for casual hookups.

Pro tip: Ensure your Facebook is up to date (with information you want to be shared) so that when Blendr pulls your info from Facebook it gives you the kind of profile you want.

Pros:

Relatively simple process to get started
Free for iPhone users

Cons:

Mainly compatible with iPhone
Requires Facebook to get set up

Pricing:

Free: limited featuresPremium: price per feature varies

24.  HUD – Best for sex positivity

HUD has a motto that gives you a pretty solid idea of what they’re about: “Why be limited to one option at a time?”

In other words, HUD operates in the same vein as Ashley Madison or AdultFriendFinder, aiming to find users that are looking for discreet sex (and who may be in relationships already).

If you’re after purely casual hookups, then HUD is a solid option seeing as they have a large user base (roughly 9 million members).

Pros:

Large userbase
Designed for casual hookups
Video chat has safety features
Prioritizes discretion

Cons:

Anonymous sign-ups can detract from quality and safety

Pricing:

1 month: $24.993 months: $49.996 months: $69.9912 months: $199.99

25.  3Fun – Best for threesomes

3Fun is all about having fun—3-person style. Yes, we’re talking about threesomes. While this is fairly niche, it’s nice to have a site dedicated entirely to what you’re looking for (assuming that’s the case). This makes it way easier to be on the same page from the get-go.

3Fun has a pretty straightforward concept. You simply press “X” if you’re not interested in a profile, while tapping the heart button if you are. From there, you’re matched and can start chatting (just like Tinder and many other dating/hookup apps).

One cool feature is that you can sign up as a “couple,” which means your account can be used from two different phones at the same time, helping to facilitate finding a third person for your threesome.

Pros:

All about threesomes
Innovative features
Intuitive UI

Cons:

Very niche
Messaging feature could use improvement

Pricing:

1 month: $29.996 months: $79.9912 months: $99.99

26.  Wingman – Best for people who trust their friends

No, wingman isn’t about finding someone to hook up with on your flight. And it has nothing to do with Top Gun. Like the app Ship, it’s all about having your friends help you out with your dating by playing matchmakers.

In fact, it’s basically the exact same idea as Ship, although it doesn’t seem to be quite as popular yet. If you’re interested in this kind of app, you may want to go with Ship for now, though there’s nothing stopping you from trying both out and seeing which you prefer.

Pros:

Facebook log-in is convenient
Fun concept that involves your friends

Cons:

Not great if you don’t want to involve your friends
Relatively new = small-ish user base

Pricing:

Free

27.  Her – Best  for LGBTQ+ women

Billing itself as the “world’s most loved LGBTQIA2S+ dating and community app,” HER is the perfect app for lesbian, bi, and queer dating. You can kind of think of this as the more feminine version of Grindr.

While there aren’t a whole lot of apps to compare this to, that works in HER’s favor as it has attracted a large number of its target audience. Many people have found love or just a casual hookup through Her, and the site allows you to specify what you’re looking for, which is always ideal in our opinion.

Pros:

Great for the LGBTQ+ community
Sleek and intuitive UI

Cons:

Not for everyone
Not exclusively for hookups

Pricing:

Monthly: $14.99 per monthAnnual: $89.99 per year

28.  Happn – Best for urban dwellers

Happn revolves around a neat concept—it uses location tracking to find people that you might have crossed paths with (and how many times). For example, it might let you find someone who’s always at the same coffee shop as you. If you both like that coffee shop, why not get coffee there and see if there’s a spark?

That’s the whole concept behind Happn, and it’s a pretty cool one ngl. The only problem is this will definitely not appeal to people who are more discreet and have privacy concerns (like letting an app track them 24/7).

Nonetheless, many people might find it nice that technology can allow us to rectify what otherwise might have been a narrowly missed opportunity.

Pros:

Unique and innovative concept
Growing user base

Cons:

Requires location tracking
Poorly rated app on Google Play (better rated on Apple)

Pricing:

Monthly: $24.99 per monthAnnual: $79.99 per year

29.  Casualx – Best for casual hookups

The idea behind CasualX is that it’s another Tinder-style dating app but with a focus that should be obvious from its name—casual hookups.

If this is what you’re after, then you’ll be in good shape. If not, then you should probably look elsewhere (but we’d also be kinda confused why you’re reading a “sex apps” article tbh).

One downside to this is that it’s a relatively small userbase compared to many of the apps reviewed here.

Pros:

Perfect for casual hookups
Simple interface

Cons:

Small-ish user community at the moment
Limited to 45 swipes per day

Pricing:

1 month: $15.993 months: $36.996 months: $55.99Free: Promote it on social media (1 day per every 10 followers)

30.  String – Best for the bold

String is another app that’s all about one specific concept. In this case, it’s voice memos. This is a popular trend among younger generations—i.e. communicating by sharing voice memos rather than texting. So, as you might expect, the community on String skews rather young. This might be a positive or a negative depending on your perspective.

It’s undeniable that there’s a greater level of intimacy and connection in communicating by voice rather than text. Texting has always been rather sterile, after all.

Unfortunately, some people have complained about the glitchiness of this app, so it would appear that they have some kinks to work out (and not the fun kind!).

Pros:

Perfect for people who like voice memos

Cons:

Fair number of glitches
Niche concept won’t appeal to everyone

31.  Established Men – Best for finding a sugar daddy

We started with a sugar site (Seeking) and we’re ending with one as well. Established Men is all about pairing successful, i.e. “established,” men with young and beautiful women. This is the classic “sugar baby-sugar daddy” relationship.

If you fit into either one of these molds and are looking for a sugar relationship, then Established Men is a top option for you (along with Seeking). If not, then it doesn’t really make sense for you.

Pros:

Top option for sugar relationships
Free for women

Cons:

Lots of scammers and bots
Gets costly for men

Pricing:

Free: limited features1 month: $793 months: $14712 months: $300

FAQs About Sex Apps

Is it safe to use sex apps?

Generally speaking, yes, it is safe to use sex apps. Tinder, Bumble, Hinge, and dating apps in general are used safely everyday by millions of people. That said, you should always use common sense and basic safety tips. It’s important, for example, to watch out for scammers and phishing attempts.

How do you stay safe using sex apps?

Always trust your gut instincts and be cautious. It’s also super important to meet someone for the first time in a public place where other people are around (like a coffee shop, for example). It also doesn’t hurt to inform someone close to you where you’re going to be and that you’re meeting someone for the first time. You should also be wary of giving away more than very basic personal information to anyone you don’t know well.

Are there any free sex apps?

Yes and no, at least if you’re a guy. You can try platforms such as Reddit r/R4R or Craigslist, but don’t hold your breath. As for the other sex apps reviewed above, some of them offer free trials. Unfortunately, some of these free trials or free memberships are super limited. For the most part, you’ll have more success if you shell out for a membership.

Can women use sex apps for free?

Yes, many women can use sex apps for free. Some of the major ones that offer free memberships include Bumble, Hinge, OkCupid, Happn, and Plenty of Fish.

Final Thoughts

You know what, sometimes relationships can flat out suck. And if you’re in a bad one or just got out of one, then the best thing for you may be some good old-fashioned casual hookups.

Nowadays, the power of the internet has made it easier than ever to find no-strings-attached sex. It can be as anonymous, open, kinky, or vanilla as you like. There are millions of people out there looking to hook up, and these sex apps we’ve reviewed will enable you to find them.

If you’re still unsure what’s right for you, you probably can’t go too wrong with some of the biggest names in the sex app world, like Tinder, Hinge, Bumble, etc. But if you’re after something more niche, then use our guide above to find the one that makes most sense for you.

Whatever you choose, stay safe, have fun, and good luck!

Read More

31+ Best Sex Apps To Find Casual Sex in 2023Corvelay Mediaon January 10, 2023 at 8:20 am Read More »

Bears GM Ryan Poles can downplay it, but this offseason is his big moment

This probably will be the most important offseason of Ryan Poles’ run as Bears general manager. After the team plunged to the NFL’s worst record while he cleaned up Ryan Pace’s mess, the demolition is done and construction must get underway.

He has $118.1 million in salary-cap space and full slate of draft picks, including No. 1 overall. It’s a far more advantageous position than the one he inherited.

But Poles tried to hit the brakes on the enormous expectations of what he’ll do with those resources.

“Everyone’s talking about how much money we have and how we’re just gonna go crazy; We’re gonna be sound so that we get the right players and we get good value,” he said Tuesday.

He continued, “You make a mistake and say, ‘This is it.’ No, we’re gonna approach it the same and be consistent so that we make sound decisions.”

Poles doesn’t have much of a body of work to evaluate his decision making at this point. Most of his moves have been comparable to what any new general manager would’ve done when taking for Pace, who mortgaged future draft picks and cap space to build a 6-11 roster.

His two boldest acts came within about 24 hours when he traded linebacker Roquan Smith for the Ravens’ second-round pick and used his own second-rounder to land wide receiver Chase Claypool from the Steelers.

The Ravens, by signing Smith to a five-year, $100 million contract Tuesday, showed they agree with Smith that Poles undervalued him.

Claypool, conversely, created more questions after the trade. It was reasonable that he needed time to adjust after a midseason trade, but there’s no way anybody at Halas Hall was satisfied with his 14 catches for 140 yards and no touchdowns in seven games.

The draft pick Poles dealt ended up being No. 32 overall (the NFL stripped the Dolphins’ first-rounder), and when a general manager pays that price, he’s planning on having him for a long time. Poles showed no regret, saying he isn’t “blinking at that one at all,” but cooled when pressed on whether it influenced his opinion on signing Claypool to the contract extension he’ll almost certainly seek before next season.

“I wish he came in with 1,000 yards, but it didn’t happen that way,” Poles said. “But do I believe in that talent and what he can bring to this team? Yeah, I still think we’re going to get that.

“In terms of the contract stuff, we’ve just got to … see how he gets implemented and how he does in this offseason. He’s going to spend a lot of time with Justin [Fields] as well as the other receivers and build that chemistry. We’ll evaluate that even clearer next year.”

Claypool is going into the final season of his rookie deal, as is cornerback Jaylon Johnson, wide receiver Darnell Mooney and tight end Cole Kmet. Any player who has produced, as Claypool did with 1,733 yards and 11 touchdowns over his first two seasons, would want an extension before training camp.

But even at their best, neither Claypool nor Mooney is the game-changing wide receiver the Bears need. Poles has to bring in

someone over top of them through free agency, the draft or the ever-unpredictable wide receiver trade market, though he doesn’t necessarily see it that way.

“You can have a collection of guys that work really well [and] a tight end mixed in with the group,” he said. “You would love a No. 1. I hope one of these guys on our roster — or if someone’s available — can develop into that guy… We’re always trying to look for playmakers, and hopefully one of the guys that we have will elevate to that position.”

Every position needs upgrades, by the way. Poles’ job is to prioritize and fix the most glaring deficiencies.

If he’s certain of Fields as his quarterback, next is defensive end. The Bears were last in the NFL in sacks this season and have the flexibility to replace their entire defensive line. Poles listed pass rusher first among “premium positions,” followed by offensive line and cornerbacks.

The Bears are far from complete in all three of those spots, and they’re only solidified at quarterback if Fields makes substantial strides.

Poles is looking at a team that needs almost everything. But he also has everything he needs. He can downplay it, but this is the time for him to show he was the right pick for the job.

Read More

Bears GM Ryan Poles can downplay it, but this offseason is his big moment Read More »

Cubs’ David Ross gearing up after offseason of fun, family and free agents

The nerves kicked in for David Ross heading into this week as he flew home to Tallahassee, Fla., after a couple of hearty days and nights celebrating dear friend Jon Lester’s retirement and birthday in Georgia.

These were the good kind.

“The nervous excitement, the nervous energy,” he said, “starting to organize my thoughts, starting to write down lineups.”

Ross’ fourth season as Cubs manager — and his first with a team that will look vastly different — is close enough that he can smell it, taste it.

“There’s been so much good about this offseason,” he said. “In my eyes, it’s go time.”

Ross will be back in Chicago at the end of the week for Cubs Convention, which opens on Friday, and on another plane Saturday to Orlando, Fla., where he’ll grab a car and head an hour-plus to Ocala to watch daughter Landri play in a volleyball tournament. She’s a few weeks shy of 16 now, a 5-10 left-handed setter and outside hitter who’s starting to talk to colleges and has a good bit of the old man’s fire in her belly.

“If practice starts at 2,” Ross said, “she wants to be there at 1 and stay until 5. She’s got the itch to stay and do extra and all that. It’s fun to watch her really take hold of something.”

Soon, Ross will be in Arizona to take hold of a Cubs team that has added shortstop Dansby Swanson, center fielder Cody Bellinger and first baseman Eric Hosmer, among others, and seemingly is on the uptick. What he does with it will go a long way in shaping his own reputation as a skipper.

“I have optimism in everything that I do and have gone in with the highest of expectations every single year that I’ve had this job,” he said. “But are those expectations more realistic now? Probably so.

“We still have to have a lot of things go right. I don’t get as excited, maybe, as the fans might with the names we’ve brought in because I know how much work we still have to do, the holes we still need to fill. I’ve learned so much every year as a manager — and I’m definitely getting better — but I’m constantly looking at, ‘Where are we going to get better?’ “

But before Ross fully plugs into the 2023 season, he wanted to get unplugged. It started almost as soon as last season ended in Cincinnati, where most of the exit interviews with players were completed. A few days later, he was watching Landri’s high school playoffs and eighth-grader Cole in middle-school football — and fretting only a bit about a knee in need of meniscus repair, surgery he’ll try to put off for at least another season.

Ross, divorced in 2020, lay low for the holidays in Tallahassee with Landri, Cole and younger daughter Harper. They stayed up late watching movies, playing board games, waging ferocious Uno battles. It was a break he wanted and needed.

That went for his personal time, too, when he didn’t have the kids. He got himself into better shape, the knee being one reason. Before baseball’s winter meetings in December — and after meeting with Swanson to pitch him on the Cubs — Ross spent most of a week in Las Vegas, taking in country music and playing golf with ex-Cubs Kris Bryant and Dexter Fowler and former Red Sox teammate Shane Victorino.

After the kids returned to school from winter break, Ross — the damn knee barking at him — went skiing in Beaver Creek, Colo., with his agents. From there, he high-tailed it to Lester’s shindig, where he ate, drank and swapped baseball stories with a motley crew of World Series pals from Boston and Chicago: Dustin Pedroia, Jarrod Saltalamacchia, Kyle Schwarber, John Lackey, Travis Wood, Eric Hinske, Mike Borzello.

“Oh, man,” Ross said. “Such a good time.”

Ross made time in December to check in with another friend: Willson Contreras, newly signed by the Cardinals. Ross’ phone rang almost before he’d pressed “send” on a text.

“We’ll be competing our butts off against each other,” Contreras told him.

“I told him how much I’m going to miss him and thanked him for everything,” Ross said. “That’s a World Series brother for me. I’m happy for him. He’s going to a good organization, a place he has a chance to win. But that guy and myself are connected for life. That, to me, trumps anything he can do over there.”

And Ross always had the plug handy, because he was there for face-to-face meetings with all the free agents who would become Cubs — and some who wouldn’t — as well. President Jed Hoyer and general manager Carter Hawkins saw to the nuts and bolts. Ross contributed to that, of course, but with the personal touch that is his gift.

“I believe my passion came out,” he said, “my love for Chicago and our group of guys, the coaching staff. The stuff I start talking about, man, it just pours out of me.”

Baseball is coming. Ross’ nerves are tingling.

“How much more am I going to appreciate rolling out the Dansbys and the Bellingers, and Nico [Hoerner] at second and the Hosmers? Seiya [Suzuki] is going to be better, and [Ian] ‘Happer’ took a huge step forward last year being a consistent All-Star and a Gold Glover. There’s just so much to be excited about.”

All that and Wrigley Field, too.

“Just wait ’til it warms up and that sun comes out there,” Ross said. “There’s no place better.”

Read More

Cubs’ David Ross gearing up after offseason of fun, family and free agents Read More »

African lion Zari gives birth to 3 cubs at Lincoln Park Zoo

Lincoln Park Zoo’s lion pride just got a little bigger.

Four-and-a-half-year-old African lion Zari gave birth to three cubs on Monday, zoo officials said. The cubs appear to be healthy and reached a critical milestone when they began nursing within their first hours.

The cubs have not been named or had their sex determined yet, officials said. Over the next few days, the cubs will open their eyes and be more mobile though they will remain dependent on their mother for several weeks.

“We could not be more honored to care for Zari, her cubs, and the rest of the pride here at Lincoln Park Zoo,” said Mike Murray, curator of mammals and behavioral husbandry. “The animal care and veterinary team confirmed Zari’s pregnancy after observing breeding behavior, monitoring hormone levels, and conducting voluntary ultrasounds.”

Murray said it will take some time for the new additions to meet the rest of the pride, and it will be up to Zari to decide when to make the introductions. The other lions are separated from Zari and her cubs, but they can all see each other.

“Zari is just an incredible mom, and she was immediately attentive to the cubs,” Murray said.

The new cubs and Zari will not be visible to the public for several weeks. In the meantime, staff will keep watch for important milestones in the cubs’ development.

Zari’s pregnancy came after the zoo used breeding recommendations from the Association of Zoos and Aquariums’ “survival program” for captive African lions. It was suggested Zari and her 5-year-old mate, Jabari, produce cubs after genetic testing.

This is Zari’s second pregnancy. Pilipili, her first male cub with Jabari, was born in March, officials said.

“It’s a wonderful pride that we have here, and it’s thrilling to watch them settle in and have this pride grow the way it has,” Murray said.

African lions are considered a “vulnerable” species, with declining wild populations estimated between 23,000 and 39,000, down from half a million in 1950, according to the International Union for Conservation of Nature. This vulnerable species is found in parts of sub-Saharan Africa, and its habitat ranges from forests to shrublands and grasslands.

The zoo’s Pepper Family Wildlife Center, which opened in 2021, recreates a savanna-style living environment for the lions. The habitat won a Chicago Innovation Award in November.

The facility is also home to two Canada lynxes, two red pandas and two snow leopards.

Read More

African lion Zari gives birth to 3 cubs at Lincoln Park Zoo Read More »

Head of City Council’s public safety committee renews call to fire Chicago cop with ties to far-right Proud Boys

Ald. Chris Taliaferro (29th) says he wants to keep the heat on Mayor Lori Lightfoot and Police Supt. David Brown to fire an officer with alleged ties to the far-right Proud Boys and send a message that hate groups won’t be tolerated.

Taliaferro held a news conference Tuesday days after the Southern Poverty Law Center sent a scathing letter to the mayor and superintendent over the decision to suspend the officer, Robert Bakker, instead of firing him.

The West Side alderman and two other members of the City Council are sponsoring a resolution calling for Brown to attend a public hearing on the investigation into Bakker.

The resolution hasn’t been called to the City Council floor.

Taliaferro said previous superintendents would’ve fired the officer, not just for his extremist ties, but because an internal investigation found that he lied in an internal police investigation.

“My opinion is that the superintendent should fire this officer,” Taliaferro said Tuesday at a meeting of the Leaders Network at the Columbus Park Refectory, 5701 W. Jackson Blvd.

“We have fired officers in the past with less transgressions in their associations,” said Taliaferro, who is chair of the City Council’s public safety committee.

Brown has defended his decision not to fire the officer, saying the Proud Boys are not considered a hate group by the FBI. But Taliaferro said Brown’s position defies common sense.

“If anyone associates with a group — whether or not the FBI has labeled them a hate group or not, but they’re generally viewed in public as a hate group — they should be fired,” he said.

Asked to comment, the police department repeated a statement issued last week that it doesn’t tolerate its members associating with hate groups and will investigate any new allegations that arise against Bakker.

Bakker’s suspension ends March 1, following two internal investigations into his ties to the Proud Boys.

Those investigations began after antifascist activists outed Bakker’s ties to the Proud Boys in May 2020 by releasing private communications between him and the group.

Police investigators then learned Bakker had failed to disclose that FBI agents contacted him months earlier about his ties to the far-right group.

Bakker was initially handed a five-day suspension for failing to disclose the interview, but other allegations on his association with criminals and members of the Proud Boys were not sustained.

The case was reopened at the request of city Inspector General Deborah Witzburg, who in November 2020 said investigators overlooked incriminating evidence and “inconsistent statements” Bakker made to investigators.

Taliaferro said the second investigation resulted in five sustained allegations against Bakker, including one allegation that he made contradictory statements to investigators.

Bakker then offered to serve a 120-day suspension for those violations.

Taliaferro, who served as a Chicago police officer for 23 years, said he had never heard of an officer recommending their own suspension. “I served in internal affairs for nine years and I never had an officer recommend a penalty. It’s unprecedented,” he said.

Although that suspension was the result of a binding agreement between Bakker at the city, Taliaferro said the superintendent can still fire the officer.

“I want to stress that,” Taliaferro said.

Taliaferro claimed CPD has taken a relaxed attitude toward officers accused of breaking a department rule against lying in investigations.

When Taliaferro was an officer under Supt. Jody Weis, he said it was a given that any officer would be automatically fired for lying in an investigation.

“The officer would be fired because he would no longer be credible in court,” Taliaferro said.

Taliaferro said the new Community Commission for Public Safety and Accountability should take a stand on the issue.

“We also have to engage that commission as well to push for policies that could hold the superintendent accountable,” the alderman said.

Read More

Head of City Council’s public safety committee renews call to fire Chicago cop with ties to far-right Proud Boys Read More »

Bears podcast: On Ryan Poles, Justin Fields and the No. 1 pick

Patrick Finley and Mark Potash break down GM Ryan Poles’ end-of-season comments about Justin Fields as his starter, what he’ll look for in the No. 1 pick and what he’ll do next.

New episodes of “Halas Intrigue” will be published regularly with accompanying stories collected on the podcast’s hub page. You can also listen to “Halas Intrigue” wherever you get your podcasts, including Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Luminary, Spotify and Stitcher.

Read More

Bears podcast: On Ryan Poles, Justin Fields and the No. 1 pick Read More »

Bears News: Ryan Pole’s quote about drafting a QB is concerningVincent Pariseon January 10, 2023 at 9:04 pm

Of course, anything and everything should be on the table if you are a team like the Chicago Bears who have been nothing short of a joke for multiple decades. Nothing they’ve done has worked in a very long time so they need to be always trying to improve everything.

Ryan Poles is currently the man in charge right now as the general manager. He has been working well with new head coach Matt Eberflus as they try to get this franchise turned around for the long-term future. The fans of this team deserve that.

Well, one thing that went right for the Bears for (most of) this season is the quarterback. Justin Fields still has a bit more developing to do when it comes to the passing game but getting help on the offensive line and better weapons will help with that naturally.

He was running for his life this season when trying to make passes which is why he was actually much more effective in the running game.

The Chicago Bears saw some good things from Justin Fields this year.

That makes some old-school people upset but that is the way the position is trending anyway. That doesn’t mean that he doesn’t have to work on his throwing as well but again, it is coming in time.

Now, because they were the worst team in the league in terms of wins and losses, they have the first overall pick in the 2023 NFL Draft. They could do a lot of different things with that choice as they are now on the clock for a couple of months. The off-season goes through them.

When asked if he plans on Justin Fields to be his starting QB in 2023, #Bears GM Ryan Poles says “Yeah. We had good conversations. I’m excited for the direction he’s going.”

But what about drafting a QB No. 1?”I’d have to be absolutely blown away to make that type of decision.”

— Adam Hoge (@AdamHoge) January 10, 2023

Ryan Poles was asked about drafting a quarterback number one overall and he didn’t dismiss it. In fact, he said he’d have to be blown away to draft one which is a bit concerning. That means that he doesn’t have 100 percent faith that Fields is his guy long-term.

He clearly believes that there is a chance that he is but another quarterback can impress him enough to move on. Again, nothing should be off the table but it is concerning that Poles can still move off Justin which means he hasn’t seen enough.

This is probably a quote that will lead to nothing but it has to be noted as we move along in the off-season. We’ll see how it goes with this pick as it is going to be the topic of conversation all year long for the Bears.

Read More

Bears News: Ryan Pole’s quote about drafting a QB is concerningVincent Pariseon January 10, 2023 at 9:04 pm Read More »

Petr Mrazek’s friendship with Petr Cech leads to surreal Blackhawks sports crossover

Blackhawks goaltender Petr Mrazek grew up idolizing former Chelsea goalkeeper Petr Cech. He proudly wore Cech’s blue-and-white jersey all around his hometown of Ostrava, Czechia.

So young Mrazek probably would have been shocked and starstruck if he knew what he’d be doing on Jan. 9, 2023.

What he was doing Monday was attempting to convert soccer penalty kicks against Cech — then futilely trying to save Cech’s kicks — at the Chicago Fire’s practice facility while a handful of Hawks teammates watched and, later, joined in. He converted two of five, a respectable effort. He saved zero of five.

“[I was] not bad,” Mrazek said, grinning. “I hit the crossbar there. The thing is, I think [Cech] read almost every single ball from everyone. When he reads that, it’s lucky to get in.”

On Tuesday, the two countrymen switched sports — and thus drastically flipped their hierarchy.

After the Hawks’ team practice at Fifth Third Arena, Cech hit the ice in full hockey-goalie gear and a mask styled like the U.K. flag. He took shots first from Hawks goalie coach Jimmy Waite to warm up, then from the defensemen from longer distance, and later from the forwards in a very well-attended iteration of the customary post-practice game of “two puck.”

Cech said he felt more comfortable once he made a few saves and started moving. He had some trouble stopping the NHL forwards one-on-one, but did manage to knock out a few guys — including Andreas Athanasiou and Tyler Johnson — right off the bat.

“You’re facing the top players in the world, so you have to expect that they will have a good shot and be clever and in control,” Cech said. “But you try to do the same thing: you try to fill the gaps and try to read them, which is harder. Overall, I really enjoyed it. It was a priceless experience for me.”

Petr Mrazek scored on two of his five penalty-kick attempts against Petr Cech.

Ben Pope/Sun-Times

Of course, there’s a backstory to all of this. The idea of Mrazek and Cech uniting in Chicago, as well as the idea of Cech playing ice hockey at all, makes much more sense when it is provided.

The two of them met about 10 years ago, when Mrazek’s pro career was just beginning with the Red Wings while Cech was cementing his legacy as one of the best goalies in Premier League history. It turned out they were both represented by the same agency.

It also turned out they loved each other’s sports. Cech was skating during his free time with a local semi-pro hockey team in England, dreaming of a late-career change that he has since made a reality. He may be a soccer superstar, but he calls hockey his passion. He actually grew up idolizing Dominik Hasek, whom he now wears No. 39 to honor.

And Mrazek, as mentioned, is a diehard Chelsea fan. It became an annual tradition for Cech to host Mrazek in London every August.

“Having that connection…was incredible,” Mrazek said. “Even when he wasn’t playing, he would still take care of us. We would go to Arsenal and Chelsea games, or we would travel with Chelsea somewhere close around London.”

The two of them long ago first discussed Cech returning the favor and visiting Mrazek in North America, but the Premier League and NHL schedules — which both start in the fall and end in the spring — never lined up properly. But they finally made it happen this year, bringing Cech to Chicago for the first time since 2006 (when Chelsea played an exhibition game against the MLS All-Stars in Bridgeview).

Cech attended the Hawks’ overtime win over the Flames on Sunday — a “great game,” he said — and will stick around for the Hawks-Avalanche matchup Thursday.

And now, the backstory explaining why this year worked for his visit. As crazy as it sounds, Cech resigned this past summer from a position in Chelsea’s front office to focus full-time on his hockey career — at age 40.

He previously played part-time for the Guildford Phoenix, an English fourth-division team. This year, he signed with the Chelmsford Chieftains, a third-division team, and has gone 3-1-0 with a .907 save percentage in five appearances. He also practices occasionally with the Guildford Flames, who are currently the first-place team in England’s top league (the EIHL).

“I’m a bit older, so I don’t play back-to-back games,” Cech said with a laugh. “But otherwise, I’m happy. As long as I feel fit and feel like I contribute and I enjoy it and my body enjoys it, then I carry on.”

The positioning aspect of hockey goaltending — determining the correct depth and angle in any given moment — is surprisingly comparable to soccer goalkeeping, he insisted. The playing surface, however, is obviously not.

“The big challenge is skating, because you need to get the technique,” he said. “Once you’re on the ice, the slides and the recovery, that’s something you have to really work on. There’s no other way around it.

“In terms of the positioning, you need to be in the right place and set before the shot comes, so that is a similarity. The pressure on the goalie remains always the same. But obviously, the nature of the game is completely different.”

Mrazek has helped Cech’s training. He often sends videos of himself — some self-recorded on a GoPro camera set up in his garage — for feedback and tips. The fact Mrazek catches with his left hand and Cech with his right complicates things slightly, but Mrazek has still taught him to keep his glove further out and use it more aggressively, in particular.

Cech repaid Mrazek for his consulting time by referring him this fall to a New Jersey-based chiropractor, who ultimately aided Mrazek’s recovery from his recurring groin injuries.

And come Monday, Cech and Mrazek were all smiles and laughs as they filmed silly videos with the Hawks’ marketing staff and kicked the ball around with Hawks teammates.

The whole arrangement was somewhat surreal. Cech explaining how to handle the pressure of World Cup-level PK shootouts to Mrazek, Seth Jones and Max Domi almost sounds like a Mad Lib. So does Cech comparing late-arriving Jonathan Toews to Chelsea star midfielder Jorginho. But both things actually happened.

Jones and Jason Dickinson even demonstrated some soccer prowess, in case they ever consider Cech-esque career changes. Mrazek, meanwhile, would probably be best-served sticking to hockey — but at least he has a friendship with one of soccer’s all-time greats to brag about.

“It’s cool to see that we’ve become this close and that we have a chance to do this,” Mrazek said.

Added Cech: “I’m kind of living my childhood dream.”

Read More

Petr Mrazek’s friendship with Petr Cech leads to surreal Blackhawks sports crossover Read More »

Thanks to remaining schedule, recent play, Bulls upbeat at halfway mark

WASHINGTON — The headphones were in his ears, the dental floss pick was actively going between his teeth as he listened to the question.

For a guy that had been dealing with an ailing quadriceps the last few weeks, DeMar DeRozan appeared to not have a care in the world.

Not exactly the normal body language for an NBA All-Star on an underachieving team at the halfway point of the season.

Then again, DeRozan’s a student of the game.

He knows what this Bulls roster has done so far in big-game moments, he’s well aware of what’s left in front of them.

And frankly at that moment on Monday night, healthy gums and mouth hygiene might have been a more daunting task.

“We’ve been coming together offensively and defensively, communicating, challenging each other, holding each other accountable,” DeRozan said of the first-half journey. “[We’re] at the halfway mark and we’ve made great strides the last few weeks. I feel we’re going to continue to build on that and up our confidence. We’re showing we can compete with all the top teams in the league and that’s a plus we’ve got to use going into this next half of the season. Turn it up and take advantage of everything we’ve learned from these first 41 games.”

Which means taking advantage of the easiest schedule in the NBA.

With 41 games left, the remaining teams on the Bulls’ schedule have a combined .480 winning percentage, which was 30th in the league. To put that in perspective, the Los Angeles Clippers have the toughest remaining schedule, facing teams with a combined .524 winning percentage.

Even better news for DeRozan and his teammates is teams like Philadelphia, Miami, New York and Atlanta — all teams that the Bulls will have to jump if they want a first-round home playoff series — are in the top eight in toughest remaining schedules.

The Bulls have taken the punch on the nose, withstood the 8-count, and now are actually playing consistent basketball.

It took some embarrassing losses, some hurt feelings in a halftime locker room “meeting,” and the realization that Lonzo Ball playing this season is more bonus rather than likely, but here the Bulls are.

“We struggled so much early on,” DeRozan said. “We felt the frustration and let downs and went through almost every negative emotion the first half of the season. Lately channeling everything we went through to the positive, and that’s the team you’ve been seeing over these last 10 games and I think the next 10 we know what it takes to close out games, how to come together, win games, guys understanding what role is needed on an everyday basis and with that we can’t do nothing but continue to build.

“Over the last 10, 12 games we’ve been playing up to that standard.”

A 12-game standard that very well could have changed the trajectory of the season in the mind of the front office.

Even when the Bulls were struggling with consistency in November and December, executive vice president of basketball operations Arturas Karnisovas was very limited in what he could actually do with this roster.

Blowing it up was fan overreaction rather than reality.

What could become reality as the Feb. 9 trade deadline approaches is looking to add some depth, especially in the shooting department.

Either way, it’s now a roster of players that feel good about what’s in front of them.

“I think we’ve caught our rhythm and stride,” guard Zach LaVine said. “We’re understanding players’ roles and what we’re doing out there and how to compete and how to win games, especially after these last 10 [games].”

Read More

Thanks to remaining schedule, recent play, Bulls upbeat at halfway mark Read More »

Former Bears linebacker hits jackpot with new contract

A former Bears linebacker gets his payday

The Chicago Bears had a contract dispute that had a lot of attention in training camp. Roquan Smith held out during camp. He then demanded a trade when general manager Ryan Poles didn’t arrive at the figure Smith wanted. The former Bears linebacker found a figure to his liking Tuesday.

According to Ian Rapoport with the NFL Network, Smith signed a five-year deal for $100 million. $45 million is fully guaranteed. Smith became the highest-paid off-the-ball linebacker to earn $20 million a year.

Per Saint Omni, The #Ravens agree in principle with All-Pro LB Roquan Smith — now the highest paid at his position in NFL history with a 5-yr, $100M deal. $45M fully guaranteed & $60M in total guarantees. Huge. The 1st off-ball LB to get $20M per year. Roquan represented himself. https://t.co/KCy7t26SpZ

The Bears weren’t going to be suckers for that. That’s 16 Equanimeous St. Brown equivalents Poles can stock up on.

Head coach Matt Eberflus pretty much mocked Smith’s positional value this season following his trade to the Ravens. The former Bears linebacker believed he could play middle linebacker for the Bears in the 4-3. Eberflus disagreed, which made it all the more interesting when he started undrafted rookie free agent Jack Sanborn at middle linebacker after Smith’s trade. Nicholas Morrow switched to weakside linebacker.

Smith has started nine games for the Ravens since the trade before the Nov. 1st deadline. He has 86 tackles,  seven tackles for loss, and one interception with the Ravens. Those numbers just don’t equate to the ball production stats Eberflus envisions his defenders making in the future. But good on Smith for going agentless and finding a team dumb enough to toss him that bag.

For More Great Chicago Sports Content

Follow us on Twitter at @chicitysports23 for more great content. We appreciate you taking time to read our articles. To interact more with our community and keep up to date on the latest in Chicago sports news, JOIN OUR FREE FACEBOOK GROUP by CLICKING HERE

Read More

Former Bears linebacker hits jackpot with new contract Read More »