Many moons ago, men who wanted to signal that they were available for horizontal dancing used the infamous Hanky Code. It worked, but it had more codes to memorize than a police cadet manual. The next step was personal ads in gay publications, as well as telephone chat lines and voicemail services. Chat lines were at least live, but you never knew what you were really getting until it was too late. Online hookup sites came next, and they revolutionized gay cruising. However, the newest way to hookup is with mobile hookup apps – an innovation that has made  getting laid almost as easy as ordering Chinese takeout. By serving up photos, profiles, video chat, and even GPS tracking right on our phones, mobile hookup apps have taken tricking to a whole new level. There are now dozens of iPhone hookup apps targeting gay men, but for this review I'll be focusing on free apps that don’t require any kind of paid membership at an online website.

The first app I tested was Grindr, which is perhaps the best known gay mobile app. To stay competitive, Grindr has provided a steady flow of new features. This rapid pace of updating has inevitably caused some temporary bugs, but these occasional annoyances have never impeded users in their perpetual search for new booty. Grindr really set the standard for GPS-based gay hookup apps. Accuracy can vary, but you're generally alerted to other homos who come within 100-1000 feet of you.  Nearby users appear as thumbnails that can be clicked to open a larger picture accompanied by basic stats and options to chat, block them, or mark them as Favorites.  Another tap removes the stats, letting you see the photo unobscured. Unfortunately, there's no option to see larger versions of images. Chatting happens in real time and it's also quick and easy to send pictures or a map of your current location to potential conquests. It's simple but elegant, and boasts one of the largest networks of users – which explains why it remains one of the leading gay hookup apps.

Boy Ahoy is a newer hookup app, and it seems to be giving Grindr a run for its money.  With an interface almost identical to that of Grindr, Boy Ahoy adds the ability to upload more than one picture to your profile. You also earn points as you use the app, which can be cashed in to become a featured profile, see who's been checking you out, get unlimited access, and more. It adds a fun gaming element to the mix. Even if you don’t hook up, you still get a consolation prize!  Interactive features allow you to send virtual gifts, and there’s also a flirt blog and Buzz, which allows people to comment on your uploaded pics. One of Boy Ahoy's few drawbacks is the inability to expand profile pictures – but it's a minor gripe.

Next I tried out Dlist, an app that attempts to translate its online success to the mobile arena.  Unfortunately, it doesn't do so very well.  Besides the app's tendency to shut down unexpectedly, no proximity was indicated when clicking on profile icons.  The features offered are very limited, so sadly the “D” gets an “F”.  Perhaps it will improve with future updates.

For all you twisted motherfuckers (you know who you are) there's Recon – an app that makes it easier for you to get your freak on.  Offering similar features to Grindr, Recon caters to the fetish community and also allows you to share more sexual pics than Grindr. Pigs everywhere, rejoice.
Last but not least was Scruff, a mobile hookup app targeted at bears, hairy muscle daddies, boys, and alterna-fags.  More than just a Grindr clone, Scruff does just about everything right. Navigation is easy, with icons to check out scruffy guys globally or nearby. You can also check in at your favorite haunts (as on  Facebook) and see who’s viewed or “woofed” at you. There’s no limit to what you can include in your profile, and Scruff actually offers expandable profile pictures! Hallelujah!  I could go on about the hot-manly-hairy-freaky action I got using this app, but I don't want to spoil the fun for you. Just download it onto your iPhone today and see for yourself!