Pipedream Icicle No. 8: Thaw Me to the Core

Pipedream Icicle No. 8

Thaw Me to the Core

In my previous reviews, I mentioned on many an occasion my limited personal knowledge with glass toys, possibly to the point my readers roll their eyes in annoyance and say, "Yeah, yeah, we know." That one unsavory experience deterred me from seeking out another glass wand, and my hesitation persisted for several years. That is, until now! At long last, I feel ready to dabble in the realm of crystalline pleasure again. However, armed with more appropriate knowledge, I believe it best to avoid going big or going home in this instance and select a more realistic toy, at least until I can accurately determine my physical limits. While searching for the best toy to start my endeavor with, I stumbled across Pipedream's gorgeous and extensive collection of Icicle dildos and was immediately smitten with the detail and quality. Although I'm usually all about heavy textures, I opted for something small yet reasonable with enough size and surface variation to provide noticeable stimulation without pushing my limits too far off the charts. And I especially wanted to locate the perfect anal toy since my last experience with anal beads left much to be desired and borderlined on sheer misery.

I originally discovered Pipedream's Icicle No. 8 while browsing for art references on Google Images. Unsurprisingly, the official product images are usually doctored to seem more appealing with enhanced color variations in the core, so I stopped in to Spice 2 Nite to view it in-person first. While the inner spiral looks less like an aurora burst or multi-colored crystal and more of a solid singular color, the delicate blue swirls within the glass are still very arresting and beautiful enough to overlook the false advertising. I ordered mine from Amazon because of the drastic price difference. However, the trade-off was waiting three weeks for it to ship from China, but like Isyld's experience ordering her glass dildo online, mine too arrived in a lovely red box with a gold silk inlay that I still use to safely store it.

No matter how deep I delve, I simply cannot find the original MSRP of this toy, but it retailed in Spice 2 Nite for roughly $30 (ridiculously more than it needs to cost, in my opinion) and I paid $16.99 for mine with free shipping though I recall it available for as low as $10-11 a few months prior. Although one of the safest and most hypoallergenic materials available for sex toys, borosilicate/Pyrex glass costs very little to manufacture and therefore should not retail for much unless you find a massive dildo the size of your arm made out of it. Dish sets at Walmart are made from Pyrex and are reasonably priced, so there is no reason for you to break the bank for a glass toy. For $30, you essentially pay for the brand, so be kind to your wallet and search elsewhere if you decide to purchase one for yourself. I made it a general rule of thumb never to pay more than $20 for a glass dildo.

The Icicle No. 8 is one of the smallest/most slender toys I've ever owned with an overall length of 7 in (18 cm) and an insertable length of 5.5 in (14 cm), and it looks even smaller in person when held in your hand. The width at the widest point is 1.5 in (4 cm) with a 2.75 in (7 cm) diameter/8.6 in (22 cm) circumference. The profile is not something I normally gravitate towards, but I thought it the best and most reasonable option for testing the waters. The surface is utterly smooth except for three bulges in the shaft and a large bulb at the base that acts as a handhold or stopper. The tapered tip lends for easy insertion, and each corresponding bulge is slightly thicker than the last.

As previously mentioned, the Icicle No. 8 is made of Pyrex or borosilicate glass, one of the safest materials next to medical-grade silicone and stainless steel. Since I ultimately intended to use this anally, I need something comprised of the absolute best material available, and glass hands-down offers the easiest clean-up. Borosilicate glass is also surprisingly sturdy so you could drop a glass dildo on the floor without fearing it might shatter, but because the Icicle No. 8 has pinched areas between the bulges, I worry the structure could be compromised compared to a solid shaft and might snap at these weaker points if dropped. So while glass toys don't necessarily require additional care, I treat mine delicately just in case.

I first tried the Icicle No. 8 vaginally before any cross-contamination occurred just to satiate my curiosity, and in all honesty, it absolutely blew my mind! I expected the slim and short profile compared to my other toys to only offer a so-so experience, but I felt every knob sliding in and out and almost climaxed right away without any clitoral stimulation, and once I did throw that in the mix, I exploded immediately. I made such a wonderful gooey mess everywhere, but the simple clean-up took a grand total of two minutes, and my toy was like new again. This initial experiment made me exceptionally optimistic to test it anally. Unfortunately, that experience was sub-par in comparison. The bulbs felt nice but did not provide nearly enough to stimulate me fully, and I ended up abandoning the act, thoroughly cleaning the toy and resuming with it in my vagina instead. Because of the awkward spacing and number of bulbs, the Icicle No. 8 makes serious anal play lackluster. The tapered tip fails to truly stimulate unless you continuously pull it out and perfectly angle it to plunge it back inside you. Move it just off center, and it only causes discomfort or frustration. The last bulb might be a viable option for someone else, but for me, it was spaced just far enough that it felt too painful to press it far inside and put forceful pistoning out of the picture. That leaves only the middle bulge which on its own is simply not enough to bring me even remotely close to climax.

Despite the anal setbacks, the toy provides relatively easy use. The tapered tip makes insertion a breeze, and the pinched areas between the bulges prevents you from taking on more than you can handle at once, like a stopper. Like previous experiences with glass toys (both mine and others), this performs best when used in specific positions because of the rigidity, but its thinner profile offers more wiggle room. I find it the most manageable when sitting up perfectly straight or lying all the way back with my legs up. Any angles such as reclining or on my knees causes too much discomfort from pinching and pressing on the inside, though comparatively not as drastically to the point you lose your momentum.

Overall, the Icicle No. 8 exceeded my expectations and is quite effective although I argue it works best as a foreplay tool instead. It functions amazingly well at bringing me right up to the edge in a short amount of time but then fails at tipping me those last few steps over. That being said, as soon as I switch to some form of clitoral stimulation such as my hand or "Magic Mic," I generally climax immediately. In the anal department, it slides in rather easily and provides a pleasant massage but no more. I'm still disappointed in its performance as an anal tool since that was my entire intent, but I can't deny its ease of use and the fact I can spirit it away in my bag to use during those lonely late night hours at my job. The Icicle No. 8 is not a ground-breaking innovation, but for an inexpensive price it's a nice toy to have on hand if you so desire. It has no major downsides, and I have no regrets purchasing it. To some, it may not be worth the trouble if it doesn't offer what it appears to advertise, but if you have some cash to spare and think it can do you some good, I recommend it. It does encourage me to experiment with some of the other glass items in Pipedream's Icicle collection to see if another model offers what the No. 8 lacks.

Summary

Size: ★★★★☆

Cost: ★★★★★

Texture: ★★★★☆

Material: ★★★★★

Ease of use: ★★★★☆

Effectiveness: ★★★☆☆

Final rating: ★★★★☆

For more info:

Pipedream Website

                       Shop

Amazon

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Gift givers will receive a free hi-res file of the illustration promoting the item they purchased as well as a special shout-out as that month's patron.

Want to be a guest reviewer on the blog?
Send an email to missannabellehawkins !at gmail.com and we can set up an interview! Guests also receive a hi-res file of their toy illustration.

Gydoy Double Headed Glass Wand: Always a Curtain Puller, Never the Star (Guest Review)

Gydoy Double Headed Glass Wand

Always a Curtain Puller, Never the Star

Guest Review!

This month's review is brought to you by:
Isyld

This month, I bring you an extra special guest review from one of my regular readers! I reached out to Isyld to see if she would allow me the pleasure of interviewing her as a thank you for her kind words and continued support, and she eagerly agreed. As I mentioned briefly in the past, glass toys fall far outside my radar of experience, so including Isyld’s experiences with her own glass wand helps expand the horizons of this blog as well as my own. So, without further ado, please enjoy!

Isyld purchased her toy online via Amazon opting for something with positive reviews, discreet packaging and free shipping for Prime members. Unfortunately, she mentions Gydoy, the company behind her purchase, disabled their seller profile on Amazon and discontinued all of their toys. Further research reveals next to nothing about the company as they do not have their own website and rely solely on third-party marketplaces to sell their products. The only sites that still offer their toys give off rather seedy vibes, so I recommend avoiding them from now on and searching for similarly designed wands from other sellers. The Gydoy Wand normally retails for $16.98, but Isyld acquired hers for $12.49 with free shipping. At her time of purchase, shipping ranged from $3-6 bringing the toy to less than $25 total, a great value that unfortunately did not last. However, it is heartening to see that glass toys consistently retail online for relatively inexpensive prices even if their MSRPs trend towards the unecessary higher end. So although Gydoy no longer exists, you can still purchase glass dildos online for roughly the same price from other more reputable companies, such as Pipedream’s extensive Icicle collection. She also notes, “It came in a really fancy red box with this velvety holding bag as well. It was all rather luxurious.”

According to the dimensions provided on Amazon, the Gydoy Wand is about 7.5 in (19 cm) long with a 1.3 in (3.3 cm) diameter/4.1 in (10.4 cm) circumference at the widest point, and Isyld confirms the accuracy of these measurements. But because you do not use the entirety all at once, realistically the usable length is closer to 5 in (12.7 cm), less if shared with a partner. "As a first time sex toy, it was a good choice, but a more experienced user would probably not profit from this toy." She describes how the bulbous heads on each end make up this toy's pleasure profile and provide the focal point for stimulation despite the textures on the shaft. "I'd mainly focus on the head bulbs and think of the shaft as more of a handle than anything."

The Gydoy Wand is made from Pyrex glass, a type of borosilicate glass renowned for its durability and cleanability. “As my first toy, the material I chose was VERY important to me when making my decision. I chose Pyrex glass because it’s very body-safe and extremely easy to clean,” Isyld says. “It’s survived a couple of falls onto hardwood floor from pretty high places with not even a scratch. I’m sure it would last the rest of my life even with regular use. It’s a little heavy, and I feel like if someone ever broke into the house, I could give them quite the surprising bonk on the head!” Half of the toy offers a spiral pattern for stimulation while the other end provides a nubby texture. Unfortunately, because the bulbs on the ends are so large and require some coaxing before reaching the shaft, copious amounts of lube are necessary for the best experience. Isyld personally enjoys the twisting pattern most because it causes the toy to “naturally turn around inside you” while her partner prefers the nubs for external stimulation. “I’d say for the most part, the tightest parts of your body will notice the little nubs, but the twist pattern will get you no matter where it goes because of how rigid it is. I find the small nubs to only really be enjoyable if you are either going really fast or really slow, but not in-between.” She also describes how she and her partner attempt to pin the shaft between them and “grind it out,” but because the glass cools down too quickly for it to remain enjoyable, they usually abandon this endeavor.

While an effective anal massager, the Gydoy otherwise falls under the category of a novelty toy rather than a successful masturbation tool. “For its short-lived lifespan in our bedroom, my partner used it as a tease for me. She enjoys being dominant and powerful, but it’s hard to play rough with something like glass because it gets uncomfortable too fast.” Isyld describes how it worked wonders as a foreplay assistant, especially since she and her partner take several hours to both finish and have contrasting body types. Her partner's petite body structure prevents her from utilizing the entirety of the toy. "Even with copious amounts of lubrication, it is just too painful for her to even get the bulb inside." Isyld, on the other hand, slips the sucker in with a little jostling and a lot of lube and commences the jiggling! However, she still admits the Gydoy Wand works best as an anal toy.

Despite some setbacks and hurdles, it still spiced up their sexual endeavors and kept interactions interesting, at least for a little while. “We’d heat it up with warm water, and my partner would use it to sort of massage me. At first, it was fun to use internally, but we quickly found that the amount of lube and ensuing mess was just too much of a hassle for our needs.” Isyld discovered the toy’s full potential as a solo activity in the shower. It requires less lube, minimal clean-up and stays warm throughout the whole process unlike the cooldown they experience when transporting it to the bedroom. She also recommends it as a great toy for the fellas because its build manifests itself as the perfect prostate massager. This dildo requires copious amounts of preparation (such is the nature of glass) and limits your range of movement while using it or else you may accidentally find yourself in a world of hurt. The curve of the wand better lends to the natural shape of your body, but its rigidity means you must be mindful not to pinch your tender insides. Since Isyld’s body is built for endurance, the Gydoy Wand does not hinder her much, but she still takes care not to give herself a painful experience. “You have to go slow with glass. You absolutely cannot do a lot of hip movements with this toy. If you want to try and ride it, you will be going up and down only or else it’s going to hurt a little bit.” Other than some precautions during use, cleanup is an absolute breeze and the least of your worries. Simply use warm water and soap, or for a more intensive sanitation, boil the toy or run it through the dishwasher.

"This toy is not a superstar. It's more like a curtain puller. It'll open the door, but it's not going to finish the show. However, I do think someone who enjoys anal play would find this toy pretty refreshing." Isyld says the Gydoy Wand lost its place in her bedroom activities and only sees the light of day once or twice a year. "It has become my 'special' occasion toy, but for those moments it is very fun." Despite its lack of a lasting impression, she recommends this as a great beginner toy especially for those looking to test the waters of anal play. The bulbs act as a stopper to minimize any concerns about the toy falling out of place mid-action and also allow for use with a partner if desired or applicable. "I would never recommend this toy to an experienced user. It's just too small, and there are so many other options out there. Just remember to generously use lube and go slow!"

Summary

Size: ★★☆☆☆

Cost: ★★★★★

Texture: ★★★☆☆

Material: ★★★★★

Ease of use: ★☆☆☆☆

Effectiveness: ★★★☆☆

Final rating: ★★★☆☆

For more info:

Amazon

Want to help contribute to the cause? Check out the blog wish list on Amazon!

Gift givers will receive a free hi-res file of the illustration promoting the item they purchased as well as a special shout-out as that month's patron.

Want to be a guest reviewer on the blog?
Send an email to missannabellehawkins !at gmail.com and we can set up an interview! Guests also receive a hi-res file of their toy illustration.

Cobalt Blue Pleasure Wand: Lacking in the Pleasure Department

Cobalt Blue Pleasure Wand

Lacking in the Pleasure Department

A quick disclaimer before the review begins: the dildo in the above illustration is not completely accurate in scale. I try to depict the toys as true to life as possible, but I got carried away with this month's image. In the future, I'll provide a better representation of what I review so you receive authentic information. And now back to your regularly scheduled program!

I have little experience with glass dildos as I write this review, and my arsenal of sex toys still lacks in that department (although I'd like to change that one day). But I find glass dildos absolutely gorgeous, like little works of art you can stuff inside you. Whenever I swing by the nearby sex shop, the ones nestled behind the safety of the display case take my breath away. For a moment, I almost forget the creators intended them as sex toys. I used to own a lovely little number while in college, Don Wand's Pleasure Wand in a rich cobalt blue color from Amazon, yet sadly, because of said little number, I shied away from glass dildos for years. It set an unfortunate precedent for any future purchases because I experienced another world of pain each time I tried to use it.

When I purchased this Pleasure Wand in 2011, it retailed on Amazon for about $12, a fantastic price for a quality glass dildo, but years later you can own this piece for the low, low price of only $5.99! Unfortunately, Don Wand lacks their own official website, and their Amazon store keeps experiencing issues when displaying their complete inventory, but a search for Don Wand on Amazon or Google yields numerous results, and their dildos average around $10 each. The Pleasure Wand has a total length of 7.5 in (19 cm) with a 1.25 in (3.2 cm) diameter/3.9 in (9.9 cm) circumference shaft and a 1.5 in (3.8 cm) diameter/4.7 in (11.9 cm) circumference head, a pretty straightforward and standard dildo size, all things considered.

As previously mentioned, the Pleasure Wand and all of Don Wand's dildos are made of glass and a specific type of glass called borosilicate known for its improved shatter resistance compared to "normal" glass. With maybe the exception of medical-grade silicone, glass is one of the safest materials for the body (as long as no cracks or chips are in the surface) because of its natural hypoallergenic, non-porous and phthalate-free qualities. I prefer silicone toys mainly for peace of mind since I'm naturally clumsy and I know one day I'd knock my beautiful glass dildo off my desk and let out a slow-motion, "Noooooooo," as it falls to the floor. Even a shatter resistant material isn't completely invincible to linoleum.

You should prepare to hear this from me quite often, but I love and value the surface texture of toys, which I regard as a very important selling feature. If the toy fails to tickle your fancy, then why bother spending money on it? I know different people value different properties in their toys such as length, girth or angle, but texture still covers a lot of ground in the sex toy realm and is a safe bet to discuss critically. The nubs on the Pleasure Wand feel amazing since they stick a good two or three millimeters off the shaft, and every bump ripples against your walls when the dildo moves in and out of your body. And the color, while advertised as a deep cobalt blue, actually appears more black until you hold the toy up to the light. I personally find it gorgeous though some owners expressed their disappointment with how dark it looks in-person.

Unfortunately, the positive reception ends here. Despite its manageable length and delicious nubs, this dildo continued to give me painful experiences no matter what I tried. The Pleasure Wand has a slight curve to provide better G-spot stimulation and a large head to enhance this sensation, but the only sensation I experienced was the awful pinching and crushing of my vaginal wall against my pubic bone. Yes, it felt as painful as it sounds. Because the glass has zero flexibility, I could only use the toy in a very specific position: on my back with my legs tucked against my chest which made holding the dildo awkward and uncomfortable. Doggy-style? Out of the question; the head scraped across my pelvis and threatened to take some tissue with it. On top? Please no; the curve of the shaft refused to work with the curve of my body. Anal? I died a little inside; that head is just too big and solid so my muscles never relaxed around it. Maybe my physical make-up prevents me from using it to its full potential since the Pleasure Wand received positive reviews on Amazon, and many buyers raved about how wonderful it feels, but other buyers also expressed concern with its size and angle. I want to love this dildo when the bumps send me into a frenzy, but I simply can't when it keeps smashing against my tender bits.

In the end, I wish the Pleasure Wand was more effective in its mission to please, and it might achieve this goal with a smaller head or without the shaft curve, but I think just a smaller head would do the trick. Other reviewers say it's perfect as is and some, to my surprise, say it's one of their first toys ever. So with that in mind, maybe I'm too biased in my opinion. Always take what I say with a grain of salt, but at the same time, consider what I say as an alternate approach, the other side of the coin. You don't always want to hear just the positives of a product. Regardless, I recommend the Pleasure Wand for intermediate or flexible users and go into its purchase with your limits in mind.

Summary

Size: ★★★☆☆

Cost: ★★★★★

Texture: ★★★★★

Material: ★★★★★

Ease of use: ★★☆☆☆

Effectiveness: ★★★☆☆

Final rating: ★★★☆☆

For more info:

Amazon

Want to help contribute to the cause? Check out the blog wish list on Amazon!

Gift givers will receive a free hi-res file of the illustration promoting the item they purchased as well as a special shout-out as that month's patron.

Want to be a guest reviewer on the blog?
Send an email to missannabellehawkins !at gmail.com and we can set up an interview! Guests also receive a hi-res file of their toy illustration.