Alumina Revolve

December 10th, 2009

My first impression of the Alumina Revolve is that it’s heavier than I would have expected. I guess when I thought “aluminum” I was thinking sometihng more along the lines of a soda can of aluminum foil but Tantus’ Alumina line is made from aeronautical grade aluminum so I guess it makes sense. After all, I’ve never seen an airplane made out of aluminum foil. That would be a very bad idea. Perhaps the very worst idea ever. (TM).

So the Revolve is heavier than I expected. Probably a bit weightier than a glass toy of a similar design but lighter than, say, the Pure Wand so it’s not quite as unwieldy. It doesn’t feel as unbalanced either, even though the Revolve isn’t symmetrical. The two ends of this metal dildo (one which I view as the intended handle) are almost the same length; the handle is just under 4″ long and the other end just over 4″ (for a total of 8.25″ in length) but are crafted quite differently. The handle is smooth and generally straight, widening to a bulb at the end while the opposite side has three bulbs which increase in size toward the O-ring which separates the sides. While the “handle” side is lighter, I think it would be more unbalanced if the bulbs increased toward the outside instead.

In terms of size, the largest bulbs on both ends are about the same size with a 1.5″ diameter. The smaller bulbs are 1.2″ and .95″ in diameter, respectively and, save for the middle bulb on the 3-bulb side, they’re all fairly found (the middle bulb is more elongated). As you can see, that’s quite the drop in size on both sides. Actually, I would say that’s one of the downfalls of the Revolve. When using the bulby side, I expected to easily feel the size difference but once I insert this end up to the largest bulb, I literally cannot feel the bulbs when pulling it out. Maybe my vag is just a slow adjuster but they feel like nothing at all because the size decrease is so dramatic. So I could just not insert it that far but then the girth is lackluster. I could instead just try pressing the bulbs against my G-spot – it is a G-spotter after all – but I found it a bit difficult to do this with precision because the bulbs are so close.

All is not lost, however. I found the “handle” end to perform wonderfully for G-spot stimulation. The single bulb on the end, paired with the difference in girth – made finding and stimulating my G-spot to ejaculation a quick and easy job. For me, the simple end was simply better.

But it does leave me a bit disappointed because I thought this pretty, purple dildo (did I mention the deep sheen) would be a little more versatile. I expected it to do more, to have more options. Instead, I only find one side to really be useful. Of course, I could invest in more Alumina pieces to craft my perfect dildo and the fact that you can interchange the halves was originally was one of the things that attracted me to the line but then I’d essentially be paying twice the price (and the Alumina line is not cheap) to get a toy I love (if I could even find the perfect pairing). I’d much rather have a basic G-spot dildo that worked well but had no options.

Like all metal, the Revolve can easily be used for temperature play and I can’t argue the quality, here. The slick metal is easily inserted with only the tiniest amounts of lube and just as easy to clean. The aluminum is anodized to resist corrosion and water as well. There are no seams besides where the O-ring is. I know some have even said the O-ring adds some stimulation but I cannot comfortably insert the Revolve past that point. I’m also curious what the ring is made of. I’d guess silicone but the packaging doesn’t say.

In terms of packaging, the Revolve is cradled for a form fitting foam cutout inside a black box, detailed with silver text and logos. Some like to use it for storage but I’d rather have a small bag to save space. It could serve as a gift box, if you were so inclined because the Alumina Revolve does look quite nice nestled inside. Included with the dildo is a small informational sheet which repeats the text on the outside of the box and also depicts the entire Alumina Line (including Flow, Motion and Thrust).

I don’t hate the Revolve. I just don’t love it, you know? It just doesn’t call to me. Maybe it’s this specific piece because the people who have tried the Motion seem to love it. They can’t praise it enough. And Carrie Ann liked the Flow as well but that offers girth that the revolve doesn’t have, at least not consistently. There are only two points on the Revolve which offer any girth but even then, I’d say it’s only a medium thickness even despite the fact that such a material usually feels a bit larger than it actually is. I suppose that makes the Revolve relatively newbie friendly (just be cautious the nature of metal which can be a bit painful). But I’m not a newbie. I know what I want and need and half of the Alumina Revolve just isn’t it.

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Categories: Dildos, Reviews

Twist

November 28th, 2009

Twist
Twist
$140 from Liberator

The Twist is double ended glass dildo made by Liberator, a company well known for its sex furniture and pillows but not so well known for its other products. After using the Twist, there is only one word I can use in regards to this fact: Why?

Sheathed in a velvety, plush bag which is quite large – 14.5″ by 6.5″ or so – my first impression of the Twist was positive. Liberator has storage covered and so, would it seem, design. Out of the bag, is a wide, “S” shaped dildo with one side smooth and sleek with a bulbous end while the other is swirled and ribbed, the end straight. The glass is perfectly clear and, toward the middle, on the smooth end, Liberator is written in a pretty script. The white text is tangible to the fingers but does not easily scratch or chip (I know, I tried). With the curves, the piece measures 12.5″ at the widest point but is actually over 14″ long with a 1.5″ diameter on the swirled side. The smooth side is about .25″ thinner.

In use, the slight difference in size does not make as much difference as the texture does. I much prefer the ridges created by the swirls because of the friction, compared to the opposite end. In addition, the bulbous head didn’t stimulate my G-spot the way I like. However, I recognize this is only personal preference. If you’re not a fan of texture, then you may not be fond of this end. (It might be a better idea to look for smaller (and cheaper!) glass dildos which better fit your needs.) As is, my use heavily focuses on one side but I love that I have the ability to switch. It also adds an interesting element into play. Not only can you alternate between textures but you could warm one end and cool the other. The Twist responds well to temperature, like all glass. Even just switching from one end to the other (for the first time, during the session) can offer a noticeable difference in temperature.

If you’re familiar with glass, then you know several things about it. One is that the super smooth material is virtually frictionless so while you can use lube (any kind you desire), it’s much less necessary. Of course, this property is slightly negated on the swirled end so I would still proceed with caution. Caution is something I would advise whenever playing with such a rigid toy. One can easily bruise a cervix or pubic bone with over eager thrusts, especially with curved dildos such as the Twist. I find that gentle rocking is more appropriate and quite successful at stimulating my G-spot to squirt. Because of its rigidity, I also wouldn’t be eager to try this toy with a partner. It may work but it would be quite easy to do some damage to a body unintentionally.

Another important aspect of glass is its weight; while generally hefty enough to feel significant but not nearly as heavy as metal sex toys. I guess I am used to playing with metal because the Twist seems so light in my hands. I think this is due to how incredibly balanced it is. It’s nothing like rabbit vibes which are always heavier on one end (and I find this impedes use). In fact, I expected that wielding such a long piece would be difficult but it was anything but. My hands naturally found themselves toward the center rather than the end, grasping right under whichever curve was not inserted, a perfect handhold without slipping. I sometimes pulled up the end toward my clit but the curve wasn’t quite enough to reach. Oh well, my G-spot was still happy!

Of course, glass is easy to clean with soap and water – or can be soaked in a bleach solution, boiled or wiped with alcohol – and the Twist can be fully submerged (if it fits in your sink). It’s size isn’t especially discreet for moving between rooms or to store, even in its bag (which does collect lint) so it may not be ideal for all situations but, lucky for me, I needn’t worry about that. Its porous nature makes it more hygienic than many materials and the Twist will probably outlive me.

I wasn’t sure how much I’d like Twist by Liberator. I expected it to be difficult to use: it wasn’t. I expected I wouldn’t like it aesthetically as much because it’s clear and I am usually attracted to colours: I did. I thought my hands would slip during use: they didn’t. Liberator has crafted a G-spot dildo which is incredible to use, to look at, to maintain and to store. If this is an example of their products overall, consider me a convert!

A huge thanks to Liberator for letting me review this piece!

3 Comments

Categories: Dildos, Reviews

Movies

Pure Wand

October 30th, 2009

I don’t mind being the dissenting voice. After all, I’m picky and I disagree about just about everything on a frequent basis. What I don’t like, however, is having to write a less than glowing review of a toy I tried really hard to like, a toy that has high scores across the board. Yet here I go.

The Pure Wand, by Njoy does have many positive qualities. It’s made of nonporous stainless steel which makes it very hygienic and it’s sleek surface which is free of any imperfections or seams (Njoy is painted on but can only be felt with a finger, not internally) makes penetration and cleaning a breeze. You can safely boil, bleach or clean in the dishwasher (which I did) and a little hot or cool water adds the intrigue of temperature play.

In fact, when it comes to presentation, Njoy has got it down. The toy comes in a black storage box which opens (via hinge) to model the Pure Wand on pink satin. The fabric lies over a styrofoam “platform” and the Pure Wand nestles into it nicely. The curved wand, with its bulbous ends looks gorgeous and this also makes for practical storage. Plus, the Pure Wand comes with stickers, a toy catalog and information material. Even by itself, the Pure Wand looks like a modern art piece. The details are amazing.

Measuring in at 8″ – from tip to tip – of solid stainless steel, this is no child’s toy. As you might expect, it’s got some heft which adds to the presentation of quality. It weighs in at 1.5 pounds. I suspect if my husband realized how much this dildo weighs, he wouldn’t need to keep a knife by the bedside. It’s a formidable weapon! That’s not its intended purpose, however.

The Pure Wand is meant to be a G or P spot dildo and is designed with a generous curve with two bulbous ends (one with a 1″ diameter and the other 1.5″) to stimulate those sometimes hard-to-reach areas. As I am only equipped with one of those spots, I can only give my G-spot experience.

I wasn’t very familiar with my G-spot when I won the Pure Wand from a contest. I hoped I would be like the many other women who found this to be a miracle toy and, when I first slipped it in (with only a little lube of your choice needed), it easily curved around my pubic bone and nestled where I expected my G-spot would be. And, were my G-spot tucked just behind my pubic bone as most resources state (to be honest, I think this is where it is for many women), the review would likely end here. I probably would have discovered my G-spot and mastered it with ease.

But I didn’t. As it turns out, my G-spot is not located behind my pubic bone but is much shallower. I tried the smaller end and the larger end and rocked the Pure Wand this way and that, but there wasn’t any dramatic response – except when I tried to pull out the Pure Wand too fast and it hooked on my pubic bone. I swore my hips were being ripped apart! Plus, I found neither end was as filling as I would have liked. The smaller ball felt too small and the shaft near it was disappointingly narrow. Although the shaft on the other end was more filling, the ball was too large for comfort. I felt like Goldilocks.

In terms of comfort, the rigid metal of the Pure Wand means it’s not great for thrusting. Even gentler experimentation on my part left me feeling bruised. Although the feeling went away, a few moments after I stopped, I found the experience to be a little painful and too intense on the whole. As others have mentioned, a user guide would be helpful. I’m still not actually sure how you’re supposed to use the Pure Wand which means it’s definitely not a toy for newbies.

I put the Pure Wand away, somewhat wistfully, vowed to try it another time. During that time, I focused on some different types of G-spot toys and did a little reading on the subject. I was finally able to located my G-spot and was surprised at how close it is to the entrance of my vagina. I learned how to squirt and broke out the Pure Wand once more. Although it slid easily behind my pubic bone, the ends missed my G-spot completely and the shaft barely rested against it because of the curve. However, the curve does mean it can be grasped over the mons, instead of between the legs, an advantage over some toys.

I tried to use the Pure Wand with the bulbous ends stroking my G-spot instead of inserted further. Used in this manner, I was able to stimulate my G-spot a bit but couldn’t squirt. I eventually switched to the Curve but was already feeling sore from using the Pure Wand so it, too, was unsuccessful.

Furthermore, individual preferences and circumstances can make some of the positives of this toy, negative. For starters, the weight can certainly be a drain on anyone with joint problems and it can feel a bit unwieldy. Secondly, the stainless steel has a tendency to quickly warm to warmer than body temperature. If you like heat, this is interesting. I found it to be quite uncomfortable. Additionally, the Pure Wand results in lots of wet vaginal sounds. Lastly, because it is so slick, lubes and bodily fluids can make it difficult to grasp in use.

Although I believe my experience to be somewhat unique, I do feel that the Pure Wand is better intended for those whose G-spots are behind the pubic bone and not as shallow as mine. Even if you can perfectly stimulate your G-spot with the Pure Wand, I warn to be very careful when thrusting or removing it so that it doesn’t catch on your pubic bone. With the Pure Wand, it just goes to show that no one sex toy is “one size fits all.”

Please vote for my review on EdenFantasys.

product picture
$107.99Pure wand
Steel wand by Njoy
Material: Stainless steel
Safety:

5 Comments

Categories: Dildos, Reviews

Fun Factory Curve

October 28th, 2009

I was so excited to a bright pink dildo of the G-spotting kind in the mail. I had no idea it was coming. Major props, kudos, gratitude to Tabu toys. I probably squealed and I’m not a squealer. I showed it to my husband who quickly answered with “Meh, it’s another sex toy for you” and I should have threatened to violate him in the middle of the night with it, for raining on my parade. I totally could because..

The Curve by Fun Factory is made of pure silicone, in particular, a softer silicone.

This is good because..

  • silicone is nonporous and can be sterilized completely by boiling or bleaching which makes it safe for partner sharing or orifice swapping.
  • It shouldn’t hold smells.
  • It’s easier to clench around and isn’t as unforgiving as some hard G-spot toys.
  • the external portion can me maneuvered against the clit and vulva for a better “fit”
  • the loop in the handle has a little stretch to shove in your favourite bullet or even a mini wand.
  • the texture of the silicone helps it from slipping out like some smooth toys do.
  • the silicone does a decent job of transferring vibrations

This is bad because..

  • it picks up lint but, really, less hygienic toys do, too so it’s a fair trade.
  • some folks need rigid toys to thrust quickly and the Curve just isn’t built for that.

The Fun Factory curve has a unique, asymmetrical curve with a loop/hole on the handle and a very defined head.

This is good because..

  • it curls back toward the body and can be used for clitoral stimulation (or potentially perineum stimulation when used anally.
  • it is easier to use than toys which protrude 6 inches from the vagina, especially for short armed folks like myself.
  • the handle can also be used to house a bullet.
  • the handle will stop it from slipping inside if used anally.
  • the lip on the head can be used to “milk” one’s G-spot or prostate easily.
  • it can easily stimulate G-spots at different depths.

This is bad because..

  • the curve may not fit all anatomies.
  • partner use of the Curve may be difficult.
  • the lip on the head may be painful to some, especially when maneuvering around the pubic bone.
  • It’s semi-realistic shape is not discreet
  • For some reason, places other than the hole/handle seem to work better for transmitting vibrations.

The Curve is a thicker dildo, measuring in at 1.69″ diameter around the largest portion of the head (the lip) and 1.4″ in diameter around the larger portion of the shaft (just under the head).

This is good because..

  • This is good because many G-spot toys with bulbous heads do not have a lot of girth and leave me feeling disappointed.
  • This is good because there’s enough of a shaft to clench around.
  • This is good because it’s more realistic than some G-spot toys.

This is bad because..

  • it may hinder ease of use.
  • it’s definitely not a small toy or good for beginners.
  • The thicker parts of this dildo do not transmit vibrations as well

Fun Factory’s Curve dildo is bright pink and has decorative flame-like ridges on it.

This is good because..

  • it’s attractive to me.
  • The pink is nearly translucent and it is quite unique to look at.
  • it’s impossible to lose and stands out from other toys

This is bad because..

  • The sex toy market is saturated with pink toys
  • Fluids can collect near the ridges
  • The ridges cannot be felt anyway

My experience with the Fun Factory Curve was pretty much wonderful. It was the first dildo I ever squirted with and it was only a matter of seconds. It fit perfectly against me so I could stimulate my clitoris, too, and provided the essential dual stimulation experience for me. Plus, it’s filling. It’s like a magical sex elf (and you know how Germans like their magical elves) entered my room in the middle of the night to make a mold of my vulva and Fun Factory used it to create the perfect G-spot dildo for me.

I was able to insert a bullet and feel it internally but I preferred to use it with my Miracle Massager against it. The only downsides to my experience were that the massager wanted to slip off the Curve; I wish there was some sort of indentation I could rest it on; and that the lip on the head is a bit much after I’ve squirted because I become quite sensitive. However, it feels great before that. I know this is mostly due to the fact that my G-spot is quite shallow so I never push the Curve past my pubic bone, however; many women will need to look out for that. But for me? The Curve is perfect as is.

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Categories: Dildos, Reviews

Sue Johanson Vibe Collection

Tantus Silicone Delta Vibrator

July 29th, 2009

I’m going to take a reprieve from my normal review style with this one. I hope you enjoy.

The Description: The Delta by Tantus is a dual stimulator which can be used by either sex for anal and perineum stimulation or by women for vaginal and clitoral or vaginal and perineum stimulation. It’s flared based makes it perfect for harness use while the grooves on the base make wielding this dildo a cinch. A hole in the bottom can be used with Tantus’ suction cup or the included bullet.

The Specs: Delta is a gorgeous, shiny purple and is quite soft and flexible – unlike the other Tantus toy I tried.. It’s also rather small; the larger, insertable finger is only 3″ long and about the thickness of my thumb while the smaller thumb-like protrusion is 3/4″ long. The base is roughly a rounded triangle and measures about 3″ at the longest point and 2″ at the shortest. The included bullet runs on several watch batteries and has only a single speed.

The Good: Like all Tantus sex toys, Delta is pure, nonporous, sterilizable silicone which makes it healthy and body safe (this means only water-based lube). The small and tapered finger will make insertion possible, even easy, for the freshest of beginners. The grooves on the base work wonderfully for grasping and maneuvering the Delta.

The Bad: The flexible silicone does not provide the firm G-spot pressure many women desire nor does it give a filling feeling. The clitoral stimulator is extremely short and just missed mine. I find it difficult to believe this could be used for double penetration. I also suspect the size and softness mgiht make this a little difficult to control in a harness. The included bullet is rather weak and will be difficult to remove even if you lube it up before insertion.

The Suggestions: I don’t think Tantus’ usual dildo + a bullet formula works well for this style of toy, even if the silicone were larger and more firm in places. Perhaps this would be better as simply a dildo like the Little Su or a Jollies Dildo but I think that would involve redesigning the entire toy.

The Bottom Line I knew the small size and soft silicone of this toy would not be enough to get my off almost immediately after inserting it. I get the feeling it work would better as a first time anal toy because it’s not intimidating in the least. Even if I were a beginner, it wouldn’t suit my needs, however.

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Categories: Dildos, Reviews

Ballsy Cock 7 inch Fuchsia

April 22nd, 2009

If you want a large sized dildo which is fantastically coloured but realistically shaped, then Ballsy Cock, in the Radiant Gems line by Doc Johnson, might just be for you. At least, it fit my requirements when looking for a larger toy that would be pliable but not too realistic. I really wanted to feel full, to be able to say “Look at me take this.” I let it slide that it had a realistic shape and the ever silly flat-on-one-side testicles because the metallic purple (and even the green, which is one of my least favourite colours) was pretty damned neat to gaze upon.

It’s not so nice to the nose, however. The Sil-A-Gel (which is made of PVC and I’ll touch upon later) is scented on top of having that awful shower curtain smells. It’s really quite atrocious. The generic berry scent does more harm than good and, in this case, I’d rather just smell the PVC, instead. Although the smell isn’t as overpowering as another toy I have used, it definitely isn’t a selling point like Doc Johnson would have you believe.

As I mentioned, the PVC-based Sil-A-Gel doesn’t smell very nice but the way it feels is solid yet soft. For example, it can stand up on its own without falling over. Yet, I can grab it and squeeze it in my hand. While the material isn’t exactly skin-like, it has more give than most vibrators which is something I was looking for. Sil-A-Gel is latex free but, occasionally during use, the material would leave my extra-sensitive inner thighs in discomfort. Sil-A-Gel is supposedly antibacterial but I couldn’t tell you what exactly it means. Because this is slightly porous, sharing or anal use should only be done with a condom (Magnum, I guess!) but, for my purposes, I washed it up with soap and water. The Ballsy does pick up a bit of lint as well.

This sex toy is also textured with fairly pronounced veins and has a large head. Unlike some textured toys, I could feel the veins pretty well when it was inserted. In fact, it made thrusting a little uncomfortable so those who prefer frictionless fucks, beware. Furthermore, upon insertion I found that the softness of the material didn’t work well for thrusting. Perhaps it would work better without the texture or if it were a tad thinner or if it were a bit stiffer but it felt like it was smooshing up inside me, rather than thrusting in and out.

I’m still not convinced that the pseudo-testicles are exactly sexy but they do offer a bit of a hand hold. Considering the amount of lubrication – you can use water or silicone-based – needed for comfortable insertion, this is a plus. If you’re specifically looking to be able to feel them against you during play, then the Ballsy Cock probably isn’t for you. The vaginal canal is not endless and I found that the 7 insertable inches was in excess, especially with a girth of 1.75″. Smaller toys allow a bit more maneuverability and I admit that, mentally, I prefer a toy which I can wholly take because it’s such a turn on. So, I was a little disappointed that this dildo was a bit too long. However, I would consider a toy similar in girth but with less length.

One thing that works for this toy is that it cannot possibly avoid G-spot stimulation with such an impressive girth. Because I have had so little luck with toys successfully stimulation my G-spot, I was really impressed that Ballsy offered that for me.

In the end, I could definitely take the Ballsy dildo but the perfect toy for me would have some slight variations (higher quality material, slightly less texture, less length, a bit stiffer).

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Categories: Dildos, Reviews

Adam and Eve

Image © MisterUnlucky; used with permission.