Shibari Halo Wand: A Match Made in Heaven

Shibari Halo Wand

A Match Made in Heaven

As much as I enjoyed sex in my slightly younger years, it ultimately became something of a chore. Because I required clitoral stimulation to achieve orgasm, it made the act cumbersome and borderline frustrating. No matter what position I tried, arms had to twist under bodies, hands had to wedge between stomachs, and muscles screamed at me to just give up already. Countless heated endeavors ended in lackluster release or tears of discouragement. When my relationship with my lady became serious in the bedroom, I knew I finally needed to do something to address this predicament. I always wanted to own a wand massager ever since I first learned of their existence and heard nothing but rave reviews about them, but the universally high price tag made me shy away from purchasing one. But as my birthday approached, I decided it was time to treat myself to change the dynamic of my sex life for the better and ease my bedroom troubles for good.

While I still lived in Ohio, I occasionally visited a local adult store called The Garden, a clean and pleasant shop with some of the cutest and friendliest staff around. I explained to the girl staffed downstairs that I was looking for something powerful yet easy to use without breaking the bank, and she recommended the Shibari Halo Wand. She patiently unboxed one for me to handle, and I knew as soon as I pressed the power button that this was the solution to my bedroom griefs. I paid approximately $80 for the wand in-store, and while I think it a fair price for the quality of toy, I can't help but wish I purchased it online instead. You can find the same toy now for only $20-$30 on various marketplace sites. But I understand that when you buy a product in a store versus online, you are essentially paying for the customer service and hands-on experience. You have the opportunity to ask questions from knowledgeable and helpful staff while also testing the product before committing to it. I was also on the road frequently at the time so having it shipped to me wasn't feasible.

The Shibari Halo Wand is 12 in (30.5 cm) long, and the bulb has a diameter of 1.9 in (4.8 cm)/6.25 in (15.9 cm) circumference. It has a pleasantly light weight of 8.75 oz (248 g) most of which is centered into the "business end" making it very easy to handle, and because the head makes up the bulk of the toy, it allows more surface area coverage and provides a greater range of stimulation without being obscenely huge. The tapered handle also offers a solid area to grasp and makes it suitable for all hand sizes.

I love the overall aesthetic of the wand, a sleek and streamlined design with one clear purpose that it performs amazingly well. The straightforward two-tone coloration also appeals to me as I tend to favor modern, "sterile" and crisp appearances in my toys. The handle is consistently white between models but the tip comes in either black, purple or pink (I opted for black for contrast). The head is made from a high-quality silky silicone and a durable and smooth ABS plastic body, both of which are non-porous, phthalate and latex free and easy to clean. Because the handle is made from plastic rather than silicone, it allows gripping it with sweaty hands a breeze despite the dramatic taper. However, especially in my lady's case, rings and other hand jewelry can cause a loud rattle against the plastic which erases any subtlety.

The Shibari Halo Wand definitely saved and enhanced my sex life. Very rarely do I ever masturbate or have intercourse without it. It provides me the hands-free, easy-to-achieve orgasm I desperately crave. Solo play becomes a walk in the park, and sex is now intense and dirty. It delivers both relaxing releases and earth-shattering climaxes depending on my preference for the evening, and I adore pairing it with non-vibrating toys for an amplified experience. Not only does it feel amazing for me, but incorporating it during sex feels great for both parties (my lady and I have since dubbed it our "Magic Mic"). My position of choice has me with panties off lying flat on my stomach or with my hips slightly raised to supply me with maximum surface contact and pressure. My lady prefers to use it one-handed on her back to browse porn with her free hand and massage herself at her leisure. We love that in both circumstances it gets the job done quickly and efficiently.

Nothing in my experience thus far works as easily as the Halo Wand. Simply turn it on and go! It features two buttons, one that cycles through the two vibration strengths and eight patterns and one that turns it on and off entirely. And, best of all, this wand is USB rechargeable and cordless. A nearly invisible hole in the back hides the charging port, and the cord is compatible with any standard USB charger or charging station. The head is also slightly bendable so it contorts with your body under pressure and allows you to grind against it without worrying that it may break or snap.

The biggest issue I have involves the buttons. The layout is in a teardrop shape but both buttons are the same size. Because there is no indicator for which side turns the toy on or off except through memorization, I have a fifty-fifty chance of accidentally turning the wand off in the middle of a heated session, especially if I have it upside-down. The button press is also much too delicate, an issue many other reviewers have also expressed. This sensitivity prevents the Halo Wand from being travel friendly. Every time I've packed it in a duffel bag, at some point during the trip something bumps against it and causes the bag to vibrate very loudly to my horror. While the vibration on its own is not necessarily loud, it is noticeable. This is not a stealthy toy and is best kept exclusively at home. Both my lady and I also agree that the patterns are rather disappointing. Advertising numerous patterns in a toy never appealed to me because both she and I prefer a strong steady vibration. She exclusively uses the very first setting while I use the first two, both of which are simply a flat drone with no rhythm change-up. Neither of us have ever used the teasing patterns which are much too varied and alternate too quickly to be stimulating. At this point, they only pose a distraction. She especially desires a constant pulse, something resembling a consistent machine-gun or rapid fire pattern which the Halo Wand fails to offer. Many of the settings start off feeling great but then change immediately so we stick to the first two.

Unfortunately, after about three years of frequent use, Magic Mic finally reached the end of his life cycle. When I rotate the bulb, the neck emits a crackling noise most likely indicating a snapped connector or chipped plastic, and pressing your fingers into said area reveals a few broken pieces from the handle. The wand still works as well as it did when I first took it out of the box, but because of the loose fragments, the vibrations are much louder and have a distinct rattle that was not present before. Thankfully, because this toy is so affordable online, I don't need to distress about replacing it.

Despite these drawbacks, the wand is extremely effective. Unlike many vibrators, the Halo Wand offers powerful stimulation without tickling or numbing the area, a slow and deep vibration rather than fast and weak. The head encompasses and disperses the sensation so I no longer have to worry about proper clitoral stimulation anymore. It also helps during awkward sexual positions where only using my hand would cause fatigue or simply get in the way. I cannot recommend this toy highly enough, and is an absolute must for any lady experiencing difficulty achieving orgasm. The potent and penetrating vibrations cut my stimulation time in half, and I can't imagine having sex today without it!

Summary

Size: ★★★★★

Cost: ★★★★☆

Texture: ★★★★★ 

Material: ★★★★★

Ease of use: ★★★★★

Effectiveness: ★★★★★

Final rating: ★★★★★

For more info:

Shibari Website
                Shop
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.

The Tentacle: When Fantasies Become Reality

The Tentacle

When Fantasies Become Reality

My best friend from college introduced me to Bad Dragon a few years back, an online adult toy company that caters to an audience of "special" tastes, and I remember the first time I browsed through their website, it completely blew my mind. I had no idea a company out there actually created these dream toys! Fantasies I believed only existed in the imagination teased me from behind the screen, only a click away from being delivered to my doorstep. Their toys ranged from borderline bizarre to tantalizingly tasteful, and I instantly made it a goal to save up for one of these works of art. Daily, I visited the adoptions section (pre-made toys ready to ship out the next day versus a custom toy that takes 2-3 weeks to manufacture) hoping to find the perfect addition to my growing collection, and finally one day in class, I found it: The Tentacle.

I admit I have a raging love for tentacles, and when it comes time to stroke the kitty, it's my default search term. Bad Dragon's Tentacle immediately caught my eye, but I hesitated to create my own right away because I had no idea what I wanted out of it yet, and I refused to commit to something I might regret buying later on. I had no clue what firmness worked best, what size I could afford and what color scheme I preferred. But then that day during study hall, I found a lovely Tentacle that I realized offered all of the features I needed as a newbie customer: medium size, medium firmness, and, as a cherry on top, the color scheme reminded me of a Creamsicle with a white underside and bright citrus-orange body. It was perfect. And a week later, I tore open the box and welcomed my toy to the family.

Bad Dragon's merchandise tends to hit the wallet fairly hard, but at least you have the peace of mind knowing every cent of your purchase goes towards a high-quality and long-lasting product. I hesitate to call it an investment, but purchasing one on a whim too often may cause a hole in your finances. All of their toys come in such a wide variety of firmness levels, sizes and colors that I will concentrate on just the features my Tentacle has rather than break down an entire list. A medium-sized Tentacle costs a base price of $85, which is how much I paid for mine as an adoption, but a Tentacle with the same customized color scheme created from scratch costs $105 instead. Custom colors outside their available palettes and some design combinations increase the final price by $10-$20. A medium Tentacle provides a total length of 8.25 in (21 cm) with a usable length of 5.75 in (14.6 cm) though depending on the firmness of the toy and your determination, more can fit inside you, as I discovered. The shaft ranges from a diameter of 1.3 in (3.3 cm)/3.5 in (8.9 cm) circumference at the head to 2.6 in (6.6 cm)/8.1 in (20.6 cm) circumference at the base. If you need more detailed size descriptions, Bad Dragon has a thorough list of dimensions for each product allowing you to compare sizes (mini to x-large) so you can decide which works best for your purposes.

But the texture is more important than the size in this case, the crown jewel of this toy! Although first impressions may assume the suckers will stick to your skin, they only function on an aesthetic and textural level and are not biologically accurate. Regardless of the firmness you select, these suckers always remain stiff and hold their shape allowing for excellent sensations going in. I feel every ridge move in and out of me, and the G-spot stimulation it provides is phenomenal! I can never climax without some form of clitoral stimulation, but I experienced an orgasm with G-spot stimulation alone using this toy. And the wide distribution of the suckers means that as long as you have it facing the right direction, you will always feel those little helpers bringing you closer to the edge.

I really appreciate the quality Bad Dragon puts into their materials, one of the reasons I don't mind forking out a little extra money to purchase one. Each toy contains 100% platinum-cured silicone, a type of molding rubber known for having one of the longest life spans and the least amount of shrinkage from temperature fluctuation. However, I noticed with this type of silicone that it tends to leave grease marks on surfaces. No amount of washing removes it so it may be a side-effect of the bonds in the rubber, but Bad Dragon promises this material is non-toxic and hypoallergenic. Still, beware when storing your toy. My Tentacle ruined a few boxes when I left it in one place for too long allowing the grease to soak into the surface. I recommend a durable non-toxic plastic, cloth-lined or glass container and to avoid porous surfaces such as wood or laminated cardboard. And whatever you do, do not leave it on your IKEA nightstand for more than a few days unless you want a permanent mark from your friend.

The Tentacle has a weighty base so it stands up on its own with zero difficulty, though the softer the body is, the more it may flop around from gravity. The medium firmness I have lets it keep its shape fairly well with only minor tipping from the weight of the head. It also provides a nice balance when intimately used because while it holds its shape, it is also very flexible permitting me to cram most of the length inside me. I love plopping it down on my computer chair and hanging onto the chair back while I ride it into the ground. The weight of the base starts to wear on the wrist if you hold it up for too long, so riding it cowgirl style is a match made in heaven. Depending on your preferred firmness, the Tentacle may behave differently than what I described. A softer shaft might have more trouble fitting through tight entrances, and a firm form might not yield as easily to the natural movements of your body. Thankfully, Bad Dragon offers an inexpensive sample set that you can purchase and fiddle with at your leisure to determine which firmness works best for your needs before ordering.

The only major gripe I have with the Tentacle is not through any fault of its own. From its design and from its manner of advertisement, this toy is clearly intended for anal use, but my selected firmness makes it too soft for me to attempt it. I use it solely as a vaginal dildo, and while it certainly gets the job done, the head creates some cumbersome issues inside, and I wish the overall shaft had a thicker diameter or at least tapered less dramatically. I really have to wriggle my body down to the base to receive the most out of the toy. But it manages to work wonders for me, and I acknowledge I fail to use it for its intended purpose. Still, no regrets!

So, do I recommend this little fella? Absolutely! I only caution that you thoroughly research the types of features you want yours to have before ordering because unfortunately, Bad Dragon accepts returns only if the toy has a defect, so choose wisely. Grab a tape measure and calculate the size or compare it to a toy you already own for scale. Bad Dragon dildos are each unique in their own way so you want to know the one you finally order is the right match for you. Sadly, consentacles don't exist in real life, and no matter how hard you wish, they won't. But that doesn't mean this can't be a close second. I know it's mine!

Summary

Size: ★★★★☆

Cost: ★★★☆☆

Texture: ★★★★★

Material: ★★★★☆

Ease of use: ★★★★☆

Effectiveness: ★★★★☆

Final rating: ★★★★☆

For more info:

Bad Dragon Website

                        Shop
                        Adoptions

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.

Trinity Deluxe Rabbit: Hoppily Ever After

 

Trinity Deluxe Rabbit

Hoppily Ever After

Purchasing your first sex toy is a right of passage, that first step on the soil of sexual exploration, a declaration of, "Look at me! I'm confident enough in myself that I want to learn more about my body!" That first toy forever holds a special place in your heart the minute it touches your skin. At least, I experience that effect whenever I see a Rabbit dildo. Recently, I felt an ache of nostalgia when I remembered the moments I shared with mine years ago. I wish I could pull the old shoe box out from under my bed, open the lid and find it nestled inside, waiting patiently for me to plunge it home again. So as spring peeks around the corner and chocolate bunnies populate the grocery shelves, I will be looking back at the very first toy I ever purchased: Trinity Vibe's Deluxe Rabbit Vibrator.

In high school, I existed in a bubble that encompassed only my room with limited exposure to the outside world. So when I finally pulled on my big girl panties and decided I wanted to buy myself a dildo, I had no idea where to start. The thought of walking down to the local sex shop and bombarding the employees with questions made me cripplingly embarrassed, and asking my close friends was out of the question because no one else was sexually active yet. Thus, I turned to the wide open web for help, as I'm sure many of you can relate to too.

I conducted some feeble research into the best adult toy companies at the time and relied on the reviews of Amazon buyers for guidance. The terms "Trinity Vibes" and "rabbit" consistently surfaced with each search, so I settled on the most affordable and most intriguingly designed toy from their inventory. In December of 2009, my secret Christmas present to me arrived in the mail, and to this day, I still like to think my sex life changed for the better because of it.

At the time of purchase, the Deluxe Rabbit retailed for a reasonable $17.95 on Amazon, one of the factors that influenced my decision to order one. Even today, $20 for that quality of toy is a very affordable price for what you get. The company has since discontinued the model I used to own for an updated and considerably improved version. Unfortunately, with this newer model, the price increased dramatically to $66.99 on their official website. However, a quick search on Amazon reveals that you can own one for around $30. If you consider purchasing any of Trinity Vibe's products, please do so through Amazon or a similar marketplace site as you will save at least half the amount the company asks.

Although it sounds contradictory, I value the all-around average approach this toy provides especially when it comes to size. With a total length of 9 in (22.9 cm) and an insertable length of 5 in (12.7 cm), it offers a great all-purpose guide that I still use today to compare toys I want to add to my collection. The shaft has a 1.25 in (3.2 cm) diameter/3.9 in (9.9 cm) circumference and the head, a 1.5 in (3.8 cm) diameter/4.7 in (11.9) circumference, still an excellent average. If I need a longer, thicker toy, I base my decisions off of these dimensions, and even though I'm now a size queen, I still judge the length of my toys with the Deluxe Rabbit because it fit inside me so perfectly. The easy-to-use power switches also provide an intuitive interface that surpasses my expectations. Instead of fumbling with a dial or cycling through a dozen patterns, it has four on-off buttons: one to turn on the rotation, one to change the direction of rotation (clockwise or counterclockwise), one to turn on the vibration, and one to increase the vibration power. Simple yet effective, no additional bells and whistles needed.

The toy is smooth and slick with no surface variation aside from the beaded core, and while not necessarily a bad feature, when the fountain is flowing so to speak, sensations diminish dramatically, and I have to rely heavily on the vibrations. When this occurs, the pearls are a saving grace. When stationary, they create a pleasant bulge that pops in and out of the body but otherwise make little impact until you turn the rotation on, then enjoy the ride as those beads click and shift against one another to create a peculiar but delicious sensation at your entrance or G/P-spot. It definitely helped give me just the right push over the edge on more than one occasion.

But now I must deduct points. I don't know how Trinity Vibes constructed the original Deluxe Rabbit nor can I find the information anywhere online, but it appears they used a cheap latex and/or rubber blend as the material is less than ideal and potentially harmful. I had positive initial impressions of the toy, but after repeated use, the dildo's body degraded over time. The clear portions turned yellow, and a pervasive rubbery smell always lingered no matter how often or thoroughly I washed it. After about four years, I had no choice but to finally retire my old friend. The inner mechanics still worked like a dream as if fresh out of the box, but the rubber/latex coating deteriorated so much I felt concerned about putting it inside my body anymore. Thankfully, the updated models are phthalate and latex free and of much higher quality.

Aside from the worrisome materials, the Deluxe Rabbit possesses nearly everything I desire in an adult toy. Its sturdy yet lightweight build makes it great for any position without much discomfort, and it grew into my best friend for a between classes quickie. The ideal way I used it involved lying on my stomach against my mattress with the dildo sandwiched in between, the shaft inside me and the rotation and vibration switched to full blast. In this position, it transformed into a hands-free assistant for my naughty online escapades, and I freely used my laptop to browse while grinding against it. This did unfortunately cause me to orgasm faster than I planned because the rabbit ears are a little too on-point, but I can't hold a grudge against its efficiency. The package deal it provides is top-notch. You receive a phallus for vaginal or anal play, a powerful rotator to pleasure said areas, and an excellent clitoral stimulator for the ladies. All of this variety wrapped up into a single compact unit.

Another small but significant brownie point involves the batteries. While many small vibrators today favor obscure battery types such as the discs found in hearing aids, the Deluxe Rabbit requires just 3 AA batteries. I owned a set of rechargeable ones that I constantly swapped out of the toy so it was always charged and ready to use without requiring me to spend extra money on batteries every few weeks.

In closing, I highly recommend the Deluxe Rabbit as an essential toy box staple. Though most beneficial for the ladies, couples and possibly some fellas may also find it convenient to have one on hand. Because of its versatility, it provides a cost-effective way to stimulate several erogenous zones at once rather than acquiring different toys to achieve the same effect. I hate to throw around the phrase, "great for beginners," but I authentically believe it is. It provides a great introduction to the primary pleasure areas: penetrative (vaginal or anal), clitoral and G/P-spot, which gives you the opportunity to discover which points you prefer to have stimulated most. In my case, I learned clitoral focus is a must with vaginal as a secondary. Because of its low cost, it makes a fabulous addition for newbies and seasoned veterans alike. Given the opportunity, I wouldn't hesitate to buy myself another Rabbit and relive my high school years again.

Summary

Size: ★★★★★

Cost: ★★★★★

Texture: ★★★★☆

Material: ★★☆☆☆

Ease of use: ★★★★★

Effectiveness: ★★★★★

Final rating: ★★★★☆

For more info:

Trinity Vibes Website

                           Shop

Amazon (Discontinued)
                  Updated model

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.

The Sybian: Misconceptions About the "Master"bator

The Sybian

Misconceptions About the "Master"bator

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

I'm going in dry with my first review. Nothing cutesy, nothing safe. I locked my sights on this juicy gossip: I'm analyzing the infamous machine that supposedly gives the rider near seizure-inducing orgasms and leaves them screaming for another. And another. And another. Regarded as the holy grail of sex toys, its name is whispered with a sigh of envy and desire. Yes, today I'm taking a look at the Sybian.

A gentleman on craigslist.com advertised a brand new Sybian purchased on impulse and available for a test ride. Naturally, I jumped on the chance and contacted him immediately. The basic package on the Sybian's website costs a hefty $1,400, so unless you have disposable income, this is a "toy" many only dream of owning. The company does offer a 45 day trial period, free US shipping and a lifetime warranty for hesitant buyers, but it is still a serious investment. So it comes as no surprise that given the opportunity to ride one with no strings attached, I seized the opportunity in a vice grip.

The saddle that houses the motor weighs a substantial 22 pounds (10 kilograms) and felt incredibly sturdy and stable when I first laid hands on it, so I had no worry that I might accidentally tip it over. It measures 13.25 in (33.7 cm) wide, 12.5 in (31.8 cm) long and 8.5 in (21.6 cm) tall without any attachments which add an additional 2 in (5.1 cm) to the height. Covered by a faux leather material, it makes clean-up speedy and maintenance a breeze. As for the attachments, a basic package comes with two to four standard options, but the website offers a chocolate box of choices ranging from non-insertable slips to lifelike removable covers to G-spot stimulators. All of their attachments are latex and phthalate free and made from 100% medical-grade silicone. Other accessories include two plastic risers that fasten between the saddle and silicone attachment to raise the clitoral portion closer to the body, which I found extremely helpful. It also comes with a set of stems and springs that, when inserted into the hollow portion of the attachment tips, give them structure and customize flexibility.

The Sybian can sit on any stable surface such as a floor, table or bed, but you must be aware the vibration carries through the surface it rests on. And my goodness, let me tell you about the noise! I expected a loud volume considering the power of the motor, but when I cranked the dial up to full blast, it sounded like a lawn mower. Even at half power, it still packs quite the decibel level. So if you have neighbors in the apartment below you or your parents are in the living room downstairs, realize that they know that's not a power drill you're using.

But enough with the technical details, time to move on to the experience itself! I set up the Sybian on a bed because of the above mentioned reason and to alleviate pressure on my knees after prolonged use. The mattress helped muffle some of the vibration, but the noise still carried easily. I started with the medium standard attachment, arguably the more recognizable tip in pornographic media. I turned the rotation dial to maximum speed (because I love me some G-spot stimulation) and started the vibration at about a quarter turn to take it nice and slow. The medium tip felt pleasant with the vibration turned off entirely because I noticed the subtle movements inside me, but as soon as I turned the vibration on, I lost all nuances in the overall sensation. I occasionally detected a bump against my vagina, but the insertion had essentially disappeared.

It took me some time to work myself into enough of a mood to climax, but when I finally did, it felt fantastic. Not because it was explosive or mind-numbing like I expected, but I rode it out longer than I typically could with most other methods, a solid two or three minutes compared to an instant firing of the neurons. Unfortunately, the orgasms I experienced after that first one were above average at best. I climaxed one more time on this particular attachment before I exchanged it for a fresh one.

The second attachment, hands down, was my absolute favorite: the GMax. It required some coaxing to fit it inside me, but when I finally sat down completely on the saddle, it made up for what the first tip lacked in terms of G-spot stimulation. Although the two orgasms I experienced from it felt lovely, I adored pleasuring myself up to that point most of all. The girth stimulated all of the spots I needed, and I exerted little effort to reap the benefits.

However, I began to notice at this point that the vibration power had its downsides. Unlike a handheld vibrator such as a wand or bullet, the Sybian provides all over stimulation, which may initially sound great, but after a while my pelvic region grew fairly numb. If the vibrations were concentrated around my clitoris, it would make climaxing much more effective, but instead I experienced a constant drone against my thighs and pelvis. It numbed me faster and more thoroughly than other powerful toys I've tried.

The final attachment I experimented with was the double, which honestly disappointed me. There was no vibration in the anal portion where I wanted it most, and I couldn't grind on the clitoral nubs without it popping out of place. I climaxed once and decided to call it a night. I wanted to test a few other attachments such as the RealLike 'Cover' and possibly the finger, but my legs were shaking so violently from all of the stimulation that I couldn't stand up and fell off the bed. In total, I used the Sybian for about an hour and climaxed five times. The next day, my muscles felt so sore I thought I worked out at the gym instead of riding a powerful sex machine.

My final thoughts on the Sybian are favorable but also indifferent. I had heavy expectations caused by the hype the Sybian receives, and in the end, it did not live up to them. Did I enjoy myself? Of course! Would I do it again if the opportunity came? Absolutely! But based on my experience, I would not consider owning one for myself. Granted, numerous factors affected my enjoyment such as an unfamiliar environment and performing within a time limit. If I had the chance to experiment freely within my own home, perhaps I might change my opinion. But from my initial interaction, it failed to win me over. I did appreciate the minimal exertion required to climax, and I loved the jump-on-and-go approach it offers, but not for the price tag. However, if someone really has their heart set on purchasing one and can afford it, go for it! I think it works as an amazing tool to teach you the responses of your body and as a sexual supplement, as the company advertises. But for those folks who already feel comfortable with their sexual prowess or simply want to know what it's like, you're not missing out. It's a great experience but not one you have to keep on your bucket list.

Summary

Size: ★★★★☆

Cost: ★★☆☆☆

Texture: ★★★★☆

Material: ★★★★★

Ease of use: ★★★★★

Effectiveness: ★★★★☆

Final rating: ★★★★☆

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