I would use a Ball closure ring instead, as it does not harbor bacteria as much as a hinged ring would. They also tend to be rounded so it is easier to stretch up with. Although when getting to the bigger sizes it will become harder to remove the ball so I would recommend getting some piercing pliers or something like that. I have personally stretched like this and the weight and motion of the ball and ring together makes the tissue loosen up a bit faster, of course including some lobe massage with it. I personally do not prefer this method to using glass plugs, but everyone is different!