Intimate Accessories Antibacterial Sex Toy Cleaner

February 18th, 2010

I’ve used a few toys cleaners, both sprays and wipes. My experience is that most of them are just okay, useful to have while they’re around but not something I’d rush to replace when it runs out. More often than not, I forget about these cleaners and revert to soap and water before the bottle is empty. Thus, I’ve several bottles at home and a half-used packet of wipes. As this realization sunk in when another bottle arrived in the mail, I offered one of those bottles to a friend. After all, how am I ever going to use them all myself? But because another bottle did arrive in the mail, I offer this review to you.

TabuToys offers Antibacterial Sex Toy Cleaner, a spray on cleaner in Dr Berman’s line of Intimate Accessories. The 6.28 FL oz bottle is clear, as is the cleaner itself, and is labeled with the familiar purple logo of Dr Berman’s toys. It’s easily recognizable for me but, at a distance or to someone who does not know better, it could pass as some random cosmetic bottle (although what would come in a squat bottle like this, I have no idea). The pump top itself is also purple (but not the same purple which I find slightly irksome LOL) and comes with a plastic cap, which makes it slightly more travel friendly. I didn’t bother to put it in a ziploc in my luggage and the cap stayed on the entire time. I’m sure the cap would loosen a bit with subsequent uses, as is usually the case.

The ingredients of Intimate Accessories Antibacterial Sex Toy Cleaner are listed in a rather tiny print and I immediately recognized Triclosan as (one of) the working ingredients. It’s common in many sex toy cleaners and some anti-bacterial soaps as well; although, there is a bit of controversy over it so if you’re anti-Triclosan, I’d stay away from this product.

The entire ingredient list as follows:

  • Deionized Water
  • Sodium C14-16 Olefin Sulfonate
  • Disodium Lauroamphodiacetate (and) Sodium Trideceth Sulfate
  • Cocamidopropyl Betaine
  • Propylene Glycol
  • Triclosan
  • Citric Acid
  • Methychloroisothiazolinone (and) Methylisothiazolinone
  • Tetrasodium EDTA

Some of the ingredients are pretty common as far as cleaners go and most of them are more than a mouthful. Folks who prefer shorter ingredient lists or have specific chemical allergies/irritations should defnitely give the list a once over before purchasing. Other cleaners also include ingredients like Aloe or Vitamin E to make them soothing or conditioning so this cleaner is perhaps a bit more “basic”.

Curiously enough, the ingredients list is exactly the same as that of CEN’s (California Exotics produces the Berman line of accessories) Anti-Bacterial Toy Cleaner which comes in a smaller 4.3 FL oz bottle with darker purple writing on it so if you’ve tried it and are looking for something else, this is not it. However, the “regular” version, which is also available from TabuToys is not quite the value in terms of price. If you do not have a need for the smaller bottle, I’d go for the Berman Antibacterial Sex Toy Cleaner, instead. This value difference is about the same on most sites, with the regular cleaner costing more per fl. oz than Intimate Accessories Antibacterial Sex Toy Cleaner. you’d think that adding a celebrity/doctor endorsement would make them make up the price even more.

All these ingredients combine to produce a clear, thin liquid which is easily squirted form the pump bottle onto any toy. However, the bottle gives no indication as to whether this product should be wiped or rinsed off, used as a soap or simply let to dry which is definitely nice to know. Although I frequently rinse any toys which tend to collect fuzzies, I tend to do a dry wipe with a cloth or tissue on the smooth surfaced toys which do not require special attention. But whether or not it’s really clean or safe to use is a mystery. Different online reviews suggest keeping it on for 2 minutes – which is way longer than I would naturally think to leave it on – but I could find nothing on the Berman Center websites to back it up. Your call, I guess.

The spray comes out in a fine mist which covers a wide area and it only takes a few pumps to cover an entire toy. There seems to be a slightly medicinal scent but I have to be honest; my nose is incredibly stuffed up and there’s no one I can ask to smell my sex toy cleaner to confirm. LOL! Because the target area is so broad, I’d maybe spray over a toy or just be sure not to spray in the direction of anything or anyone which you don’t want coated with the Intimate Accessories Antibacterial Sex Toy Cleaner. Despite attempting to do this, my cat ran directly into the line of fire as soon as I sprayed the cleaner, of course.

Fast forward two minutes (your choice) and it can be rinsed off (as some reviews suggest), taking any debris with it. If you choose to simply wipe it off, debris will be more of an issue but that is the case with any spray toy cleaner. Because I’d rather be safe than sorry, I opt to rinse it off and this makes it a less useful product to me than one which I know I can use without rinsing/wiping (or even directly on the skin) which is the case with both the Afterglow Wipes and Pjur “Med-Clean” Spray. For all I know, the intent was for this product to be used without rinsing but the total lack of instructions is off putting to me. I’m sure some people use it without rinsing at all and experience no adverse effects but I like to know exactly what I’m getting and how to use a product. Unfortunately, the “regular” cleaner by CEN also fails to list instructions for use which is exactly why I won’t be buying either from them in the future.

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Categories: Other Sex Toys, Reviews

Afterglow Wipes

December 23rd, 2009

Afterglow wipes certainly glow. They come in a bright orange and yellow package with rays emanating from a sun in the center. At first look, the packaging isn’t entirely discreet (bright colours, after all) nor does it scream “XXX.” In small print, it does say “toy/personal tissues,” however. Still pretty classy, in my opinion. That’s right, you read toy and personal tissues as these wipes can be used on intimate bit (though not in) and sex toys alike. It makes them useful for a variety of uses in my mind:

  • Cleaning toys after use
  • Wiping lint/dust from toys before use
  • Freshening up before playtime
  • Cleaning up lubes and other fluids after playtime

While I’ve used wipes in the past, they seemed a little unnecessary when they only served one purpose and while I really like and trust Pur Med Clean Spray, I have to wipe off physical debris with a tissue and some materials don’t mix well with tissues. Enter Afterglow wipes to save the day, mostly.

These wipes are 7.9″ by 5.9″ which is fairly big but smaller than oyur average tissue. These pre-moistened wipes are fabric-like and thicker than your average tissue. They come in a plastic pack which reseals with a sticky flap, like many other wipes. It seals pretty well and would work well in a bag if you’re away from home but is great to have in the nightstand. Devine, the maker of these wipes, has formulated them to disinfect, kill bacteria and stimulate with the following ingredients:

  • Water
  • Propylene Glycol
  • Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice
  • PEG 14m
  • Polysorbate 20
  • PEG-40
  • Hydrogenated Castor Oil
  • Begamot
  • Chlorhexidine
  • Digluconate
  • Idopropynyl Butylcarbamate

I’ll admit, that list seems like it’s awfully full of chemicals which I can barely type, let alone pronounce and some may wonder whether or not this causes irritation. I have used Afterglow Wipes in intimate areas several times and experienced no irritation. They’re really handy to freshen up just a bit or clean up after. Before, I would clean up after sex but still feel a bit sticky; these wipes do away with that stickyness entirely. After using, I jut toss ‘em. There is a warning on the package not to flush. It would be nice if I could but it’s a trivial point.

I don’t think they have much taste because I’ve used them before oral and my husband has never said anything either. However, they do have a scent even if they are unscented. They smell exactly like baby wipes. This isn’t bad. It reminds me of general cleanliness but it does make me wonder if I should just buy a tub of baby wipes because I’ll probably save money and they’ll work just as well. A 20 pack of wipes runs $7 or you can get 1 for $1. It only costs $2.39 for 60 baby wipes on Amazon. =/

I don’t know if that’s a real complaint but I can say that they don’t do much to remove lint from matte silicone and sticky materials. I tried to remove some cat fur to no avail and finally had to pick it off with my fingers. Of course, some materials just attract fur and such but I wish these better dealt with that.

Overall, the Afterglow Wipes are pretty handy. I do like using them over other cleaning methods but they work better with certain materials (basically anything smooth and frictionless) than others. As personal wipes, I’ve gotten a lot of use out of them. A surprising amount, really but, at that rate, they’ll run out soon and then I have to decide if they’re worth the price.

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Categories: Other Sex Toys, Reviews

Sex toys - EdenFantasys adult toys store

Wet Together Ultimate Pleasure Gels

December 5th, 2009

    Like the Wet Together Couples Lube I just review, the Ultimate Pleasure Gels are meant to enhance each partner’s experience in a way that proves ultimately pleasurable when combined. This new product takes the concept to another level. Like the lube, the pleasure gels offer a tingling sensation for her but the male product differs slightly as it is meant to be prolonging instead of simply pleasurable.

    That’s not the only difference. Wet Together Ultimate Pleasure Gels have stepped away from the pink and blue branding which perhaps makes it a bit more politically correct but doesn’t make a whole lot of sense at this point in the game. Because the original products were pink or blue, the red, gold and black colour scheme could be confusing. Furthermore, there’s less room for experimentation because the prolonging pleasure gel is really intended for a male to use it. I have to say, I’m not a big fan of the scheme anyway; it’s sort of gaudy and unattractive. The two .5 tubes of gels – black for him and red for her – are quite plane and lack the colourful, translucent fun of the lube bottles and are remarkably smaller.

    But, packaging doesn’t break a good product (or make a bad one but that’s another rant for another day). Unfortunately, I am still not a fan of the tingling formula in these product pairings and it seems like both product and packaging are not for me. The pleasure gel felt identical to the lube and shared the same minty scent, which is definitely noticeable, and slightly sweet taste; it went on cold and while I liked that, it intensified into a distracting and uncomfortable tingling sensation when the area was stimulated. It felt like it took away from clitoral pleasure and I had to ask my husband to stop.

    The box says the user will experience a “gentle warming sensation within 5″ minutes but that is pretty much the opposite of my experience (intense, cooling and tingling). It also suggests that the product will last 20 minutes. Luckily for me, the sensation faded after 5 or 10 minutes. Perhaps unlucky for you, if you are a big fan. Regardless, they were long and unpleasant minutes for me. Regardless, it’s not what the box suggests. Lastly, the pleasure gel For Her is supposed to enhance natural lubrication but I’m not sure if this is true. In fact, at one point, I felt embarrassingly dry. If there are any lube enhancing properties, I’m sure they’ll entirely negated by the uncomfortable feeling of the product.

    If you are ingredient conscientious, the box lists a whole slew of them for both products. For Her contains:

    • Glycerine
    • Propylene Glycol
    • Benzoic Acid
    • Sodium Benzoate
    • Hydroxyethylcellulose
    • Tocopherol
    • Aloe Barbadensis
    • Camellia Sinsensis Leaf Extract
    • Niacinamide
    • Mentha Piperita Oil
    • Water
    • Xantham Gum
      • Eupatorium Rebaudianum Bertoni LeEaf Extract
    • Phenoxyethanol
    • Ethylhexylglycerin

    I am glad to say that the prolonging pleasure gel for him was a big success. I believe the instructions say to apply it just under the head of the penis but I forgot to look and applied the clear gel all over. I couldn’t feel a warming sensation; in fact, when I asked, he said he felt normal but it was obviously something wasn’t normal – in a good way! He definitely was able to last longer and move in ways that would normally cause him to orgasm nearly instantly. In fact, long after the tingling gel had ruined my experiment, I had to ask him to finish up otherwise I am sure he would have lasted longer.

    Despite its lack of sensation, my husband loved the gel for him. It doesn’t seem to numb the penis like so many prolonging products which detracts from the pleasure of sex. Even if it helps a man last longer, it doesn’t help sex be an enjoyable act. This gel has really made us consider similar products but it would be great if it were manufactured and sold separately, in a larger container than the 1/2 oz tube.

    The ingredients in the Pleasure Gel For Him are:

    • Glycerin
    • Propylene Glycol
    • Benzoic Acid
    • Sodium Benzoate
    • Hydroxyethylcellullodr
    • Tocopherol
    • Aloe Barbadensis
    • Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract
    • Arginine(L)
    • Mentha Piperita Oil
    • Water
    • Xantham Gum
    • Eupatorium Rebaudianum Bertoni Leaf Extract
    • Phenoxyethanol
    • Ethylhexylglicerin

    As you can see, the ingredient lists are nearly identical save for Niacinamide and Arginine(L). which I can assume are the active ingredients to cause tingling and prolonged erection, respectively. There is plenty of glycerin in these, which can cause reactions in some women. L’arginine itself can be a controversial ingredient, too.

    Even if I had liked the tingling sensation (I know I am not every woman and some will surely enjoy the tingling affect of the pleasure gel For Her.), I don’t think these products have the potential to work together as well as Wet Together Couples Lube simply because there doesn’t seem to be anyway for the pleasure gels to combine for greater effect. They seem to be meant to be enjoyed because they are each in use by a partner.

    Wet Together Ultimate Pleasure Gels are not intended to be lubricant; although, they are latex friendly. Wet suggests using Wet Together Ultimate Pleasure Gels with other wet lubricant and there is a sample of Wet Together Lube included. Because they are both sensation products, I would be hesitant to use all 4 products together, especially if you haven’t previously used the products separately. It could get quite intense.

    Ultimately, this pair includes a really strong product that I hope Wet continues to make and perhaps focus on by itself. Because my experience was so consistent with the Wet Together products, I would probably not invest any further in the line (were there new additions) unless there were some changes. I do think it would be interesting to see how the pleasure gels could be better adapter to lesbian or gay couples as the prolonging and tingling gels obviously work better in some situations.

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Categories: Other Sex Toys, Reviews

Sqweel

November 29th, 2009

Sqweel
Sqweel
£34.99 (approx. $57.63) from LoveHoney

The Sqweel is not a vibrator; rather, it is a sex toy meant to simulate oral sex to stimulate the clitoris or other parts of the body. It has been touted as “revolutionary”; in fact, the hype around its release was tremendous and it would be hard for any toy to live up to that. Still, the intentionally mysterious website was spread from Twitter to Twitterite like a virus, and I was among the many who submitted my e-mail to find out just what this toy with a whirligig logo is. Of course, I never got the e-mail so the release went unnoticed until I saw reviews of it posted on Twitter. I was thrilled when I asked to review it and the folks at LoveHoney said “yes.” So here’s the low down, Adriana style.

The Sqweel toy is encased in in a silky feeling black plastic. This is great for a couple of reasons: it’s protected from lint and other toys and is easy to travel with, should you so desire. The shape is generally clammy and the indentations (which can serve as finger holds a bit) add to that effect. An arrow on either side indicates that squeezing and pulling up the top cover pops it off to expose a series of 10 soft tongues which spin on an axle. This is not unlike a tape dispenser but the action has been compared to chainsaws and Hellraiser, the latter by my husband. I found it to be much less intimidating, maybe good for a first timer if you understand the function.

Sqweel

Even if you do, getting to know the piece can still be intimidating because it’s so unique. Once you pop off the top and locate the button on the bottom, it begins to make more sense, however. Also, the included pamphlet with this toy is actually very helpful and well done. It actually focuses on this one toy, unlike those one-size-fits-all pamphlets that big companies give with every single toy (although, it’s not much help if you tend to ignore these books d=). Once comfortable with the Sqweel, it’s easy to use. One slide button goes from “Off” and makes stops at “Lo,” “Medium” and “High.” That’s three speeds if you weren’t keeping up – powered by 3 AAA batteries which are actually included! Their is a small battery cover which slides off the bottom where batteries are easily inserted. Hold the toy upside down over whatever area you want stimulated and voila.

Sqweel

Er, sorta. The first thing I noticed is the incredible whine as the tongues rotate. I would almost say it does squeal. It, not me. That’s bad. Of course, as you increase settings, so does the whine. This means it’s not very discreet and folks might get curious why you have a knife sharpening in your bedroom.. but maybe they won’t ask for fear of retaliation. And even if discretion isn’t your thing, I found myself highly annoyed. Maybe you won’t notice if you’re the type who masturbates to music or moans like crazy during a session and it’ll drive you crazy – in the good way – or maybe it will drive you up the wall like it did me. The particular sound was just too much for me to take at times.

Sqweel

The other big issue around the Sqweel is its learning curve. I feel like I would have to masturbate with only this toy for months before I would get anywhere near orgasm and even then, it’s a long shot. As someone who prefers the quick pay off and pressure, this toy just isn’t going to cut it. That doesn’t mean it’s not interesting or doesn’t feel good – because it does but it will probably never be more of a warm up toy for me – but those tongues are just too soft to really mimic oral sex. I would have to agree with Epiphora that the spinning feels more like an attack of silicone tongues and none of the speeds really suit my needs; they all feel quite unlike oral sex. The tongue is a muscle and can apply much more pressure than the Sqweel ever could because, as soon as you press it tighter against the flesh, the spinning stops. The Sqweel has to be held an arm’s length away so the tongues just barely touch the clit. This means you have to make damned sure nothing is on the way so be prepared to hold those lips aside.

Sqweel

One thing that can also severely detract from the Sqweel experience is not using enough or any lube. For some reason, I just forgot but the feeling of dry tongues against the clit is even more awkward than that of the toy working exactly how its meant. On LoveHoney’s site, there is a video instructing to squirt lube into your hand then let the toy spin so the tongues can “lap” it up. It’s a reasonable decent, if not messy technique. The included information says to use water based lube which clued me in that the tongues are at least partially silicone. In fact, I put it through the flame test which resulted in a deformed tip of the tongue. From this, I conclude that the Sqweel’s tongues are, in fact, TPR Silicone. It’s toward the higher end of the spectrum and I certainly don’t mind using it, despite some porosity. I just wish that was explicitly stated somewhere.

Sqweel

I would say be prepared for mess with the Sqweel and be prepared to spend some time cleaning it up. The tongues spread lube everywhere. Lube gets inside the case. The outside of the case gets covered in lube. The case is probably the easiest to clean; just use a damp cloth. There is a front panel which twists and pops off so the tongues can be taken out. Both of those pieces can be washed with soap and water. The instructions also say to wipe inside with a damp cloth. I wouldn’t risk soap and water, like I do with some toys. Unfortunately, the nooks and crannies in the case, and on the font panel and cover are numerous. this seems a little short sighted to me but maybe I just don’t like having to clean things with Q-tips. Finally, you’ll want to make sure everything is dry before putting all the pieces of the Sqweel back together. Moistness in en enclosed area does no good.

So my final call on the Sqweel? As Epiphora said, incredibly innovative. Kudos to LoveHoney for bringing this winner of their design a sex toy contest to fruition. Props for the generally sound design and cute presentation. But as a practical oral sex simulator or even a sex toy that will get any sort of orgasmic reaction out of me? I’m not sure this reinvention of the wheel is a winner. It’s so hard for me to come up with constructive criticism because this idea is just so out of the box. Maybe firmer tongues, of differing sizes. Maybe add vibration or allow the tongues some side to side movement. Yet, I can’t really guarantee any of these changes would do the trick me for. Maybe the idea itself is more novel than sound. Maybe, I’ll try again in a few months.

Thank you to LoveHoney for allowing me to review the Sqweel!

LoveHoney

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Categories: Other Sex Toys, Reviews

Sex Toy Warehouse

Grenade Stroker

November 25th, 2009

Ironically enough, the first toy my husband has ever known got its first use on his birthday. Fortunately for him, he enjoyed it quite a bit and I think that surprised us both. I had only asked if he wanted to try the Grenade Stroker as a joke; I wanted to get him something instead of something for me but I didn’t know he’d actually go for such a design. Maybe I should have. LOL Regardless, I was more than happy to present him with something and I’m glad I did.

Out of the box, I wasn’t quite sure what to expect. My experience with lifelike materials has been limited to one cyberskin toy which was really just a sleeve. The futurotic material was fairly hefty, not like my Pure Wand or anything but the material seems quite dense. And squishy. Playing with it in our hands, it didn’t feel lifelike and he actually wasn’t really impressed at that point. He also made sure to comment – several times! – that it was not realistic at all. After all, it felt nothing like any grenade he’s ever touched. (He has made certain I include that in my review so you all can know how funny he is. I know, I’m a saint). Of course, it’s totally not discreet. Even if someone thinks it’s a real grenade, they’re going to want to know why you have one lying around.

We had fun talking about the Colt Power Stoker for a few days because Power Stroker just sounds funny. I didn’t have as much fun when I went to wash the stroker for the first time. It’s dusted in some talc-free powder(and also comes with a tiny, 5 gram bottle) and I don’t think my skin likes it very much because it did cause me to itch. Dusting is important to keep the material from becoming too tacky and it may help make it from being a completely lint magnet but, rest assured, it will be a lint magnet so all your lint will find a nice home on the grenade stroker. If, for some reason, you are not a fan of lint, then be sure to keep the grenade stroker tucked away and only dry it with a lint-free towel (or let it air dry).

As I have not had the grenade handle experience, I cannot say for sure that it’s comparable in size. I only know that the stroker is 4.5″ long and is 2.5″ in diameter at the widest. What I do know is the anus-style hole for insertion seemed tiny but I was able to easily slip a few fingers in and it was enjoyable for my averagely endowed husband. I cannot promise that this masturbator will work for everyone but the amount of stretch it has is almost magical. The stroker was still quite thick around his penis.

Of course, using a good water based lube will ease insertion and there’s a bit of leeway if you happen to get some on the outside of the stroker; the grenade texture helps secure your grip. He could easily control it with one hand and it could potentially be used between the mattresses to mimic sex more than jerking off. I wonder, though, if such stretch makes it easier to tear (another good reason to use lube).

So how did he like it? He liked it quite a bit but almost immediately he said he wished it were longer so it would envelop his whole penis. The head of his cock slipped in and out of the other side and didn’t seem to be uncomfortable like I expected but it provided less sensation than he would have liked. Still, orgasm was achieved. Besides the short length, it definitely seemed tight enough and there is some slight ribbing. I’m not sure if he noticed during use but he was inspecting it after and we could see a few small ribs inside.

I tried to get a feel for how much he liked it and he said he’d consider traveling with it and would maybe use it half the time he masturbated which I found to be impressive, considering his reservations about other sex toys we used.

Because of its nature it’s not entirely easy or difficult to clean. The ribs aren’t so much as to make it a difficult job but it definitely needs more than a quick rinse to ensure it’s fully clean. I clean each side at a time by flipping one hole inside out and pulling it over the other end. The material does like to snap back in place which can result in some water (or ejaculate) splashes. However, it would be much more difficult were the one end closed. I’m not really sure if this toy should be turned completely inside out; I’d err on the side of caution. The inside will be a bit more difficult to dry but it can also be dried using a method similar to how I wash it.

After drying, I toss it back in the back and squeeze some puffs of powder into it. The included bottle is tiny and kinda hard to squeeze. I think a box of corn starch would just be easier to use and I could dump some in the bag shake and bake style.

So, did the Grenade Stroker provide the promised explosion? Yea, pretty much. My husband enjoyed it and I enjoyed that he did. The cleaning is about middle of the spectrum of all the toys I’ve used but it will be interesting to see how well the futurotic material holds up over time (and our careless maintenance). It would be nice if it were a little less finicky but it was a positive experience nonetheless.

The Power Stroker is one of many items available from The Adult Toy Shoppe, the sex toys store which so generously provided my husband with his very first toy!

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Categories: Other Sex Toys, Reviews

“Paint Brush” Whip

November 22nd, 2009

The Paint Brush Whip is a flogger-esque impact toy, the unique shape of which lends itself better to novel uses than demanding ones. Because the vinyl falls are sewn in two long rows so they land wider on the skin. It’s a unique sensation which is flogger-like, with a twist. This also means that the weight of this whip is distributed differently and it handles differently than a true flogger. I imagine that flogger elitists would be opposed to this because it does wield a bit sloppier than most floggers (not every fall hits the mark and there are always several which seem to have a mind of their own) but if you just want to try something new and don’t mind that this is more novelty than anything else, the Paint Brush Whip is fun.

Made of a a hard leather handle and vinyl falls, the Paint Brush Whip is heftier than most of the other impact toys I have tried, despite its relative short stature. It measures in at only 13″ in overall length, 5.5″ belonging to the falls – rounded strings of vinyl which are blunt cut at the ends – themselves. Of course, this means you must be relatively close to your target which is not necessarily a con, just something to be aware of. In fact, it could be a pro if space is limited.

While the individual strands have some elasticity, because of the material, there is much less as a whole. Combined with the short length, this toy isn’t the best if you want to be able to pull the falls back and let them snap forward. In my opinion, basic over or underhand throws are most efficient. The paint brush whip is easy enough to use with just a flick of the wrist. Of course, you can use heavier full armed throws if you so choose. Although heavier than other impact tools I’ve used, the Paint Brush Whip is still quite comfortable and easy to use. In fact, I think the weight of the falls makes it easier to throw and maximize sensation. The sensations fall in a light to medium range. They will sting, warm and redden the skin but they are not ferocious.

The vinyl falls were quite stinky, I might add. They don’t smell like pthalates but they definitely smell like something and the strong was smell. I can even still smell it despite the fact that I’m sick (but it has lessened since day one). It might be better to store this whip with a little space, not locked up tight with other toys which may take on the scent. Luckily, it can be hung with the provided loop, sewn into the handle, so it can be aired out easily while stored. The loop is too small to wear around the wrist, however. Also, it’s sewn in permanently and non removable. The loop is also where the tag was attached. It was the shape of a paint bucket with metallic purple paint “spilling” out and was quite pretty.

The leather of the handle is quite firm. Like the slapper I just reviewed, it’s two pieces sewn together near the edge. Unlike the slapper, however, the sewing is much messier. There are loose threads in a few places and more than one place where sewing errors are visible. In seems that, in these places, the sewing just backtracked and went through the holes one more. It’s definitely not as nice looking at the slapper.

The falls are attached through the widest edge (3″) – which gives this piece its paint brush appearance – and there is an additional row of stitching to secure them. For my purposes, I think the paint brush whip will hold up well but I wouldn’t expect it to last a life time. Where the falls are pressed between the layers of leather, the handle is thicker and it thins toward the opposite end. There does seem to be some sort of reinforcement between the layers in the narrow part (1 1/4″ wide) of the handle, which makes it the firmest part of this whip. The narrow part also has “Sportsheets” etched into it which actually looks pretty neat. Although the leather is fairly smooth, the handle widens just a bit at the end, which makes it more secure to hold.

Although I do not anticipate having to clean the Paint Brush Flogger much, I would simply wipe it down with a damp cloth and pat it dry.

Ultimately, I found the sensations of the Paint Brush Whip by Sportsheets to be unique. I enjoyed using it but recognize that it’s perhaps not the best example of a flogger overall, because of its unique design. If unique is your thing, give it a try but if you are one of the aforementioned flogger elitists, I might get something a bit more traditional.

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Categories: Other Sex Toys, Reviews

Wild in Secret

Fur 12″ Slapper

November 20th, 2009

To say I was excited when I first saw the 12″ Fur Slapper on EdenFantasys would be an understatement. In fact, all of the pieces in the line are so alluring. Never mind that my husband and I decided to go blue for all our BDSM purchases; I certainly didn’t when I requested this piece for review. Getting to know this slapper has been interesting. It’s generally well made with even and clean stitching, no obvious flaws and even a leather strap attached to the handle for hanging or wearing during use. The leather is stiff and reinforced with “spring steel” which makes the slapper feel more like a paddle but, at only 12″ in length, it’s unlike any true paddle I’ve ever seen (and easy to store).

With one side lined in purple fur, it doesn’t look intimidating in the least which made it appealing for me. It’s also aesthetically pleasing but, as others have mentioned, a wider range of fur colours would be great. Currently, we’ll be sticking with the furred side which does help to sooth the blows and reduces the possibility of marks or bruising (if that’s a concern). It still does pack a bit of a punch with harder blows. Compared the Kookie Riding Crop I recently reviewed, the pain is more diffuse and heavier. The fur also muffles the sound. It sounds something like clapping chalk board erasers together. Of course, you can deal pain-free taps instead of heavy handed strikes. Alternatively, the fur side can be used to soothe tender flesh, as a light rubdown tool or, the way I’ve used it most, to tickle. This makes it a pretty versatile tool and it allows to make every playtime with the Fur 12″ Slapper unique.

The fur is obviously the draw of this piece and it feels pretty nice on the skin. However, it is rather short and.. fake. It’s not really as silky as I was expecting; I guess I wanted something a bit more like my rabbit fur flogger but the fur on this slapper just feels not-real. Of course, fake fur can absolutely feel great. I’ve had some stuffed animals whose coats were quite luxurious and I think just making the fur a bit longer would make it that much more pleasurable. The fur on this tool is about 1/4″ long and can be fluffed up by running a hand against the ‘grain’ of the fur but there’s still not much there to be fluffed. Again, it’s not bad, just not as great as I expected.

If you are a fan of bigger pain, the smooth leather side may better suit your needs. Without the fur, the sensation is definitely more intense and there is quite a bit of sting. Thud lovers may be a bit disappointed but they would probably invest in a a different tool (a wood paddle, perhaps). There is some give in this slapper but the stiffness of the leather and steel combined with over 1/4″ thickness makes it firmer than I thought and firmer than more true slappers. It seems to be a bit of a hybrid piece. The bare side also is much louder, making a slapping sound when it meets flesh.

No matter the strength I choose to exert, wielding this slapper is quite easy. The handle is long enough that I can just wrap both of my fists around it, end to end. It’s thin enough that it’s easy to grip but tapers toward the end so you won’t lose it too easily. It feels like the fur end is heavier and gravity helps pull it down without using as much strength on my part. There’s a leather strap through a secure grommet in the end. I can see the usefulness of this for storage, if you have hooks (I don’t but maybe I should throw some command hooks up on the inside of the closet door) but I found it awkward during use. If I looped it around my wrist, it limited the mobility of my hand and I had to take the time to remove the loop. I’ll probably risk flinging the slapper across the room (a la Wii-mote) than have to continuously remove/replace it on my wrist.

Plus, its small sizes make it easy to store. Hell, I could just throw it between my mattress and box spring without a worry.

When it comes to construction, I was pretty impressed. As I mentioned, the stitching is done well. I cannot pinpoint any flaws and there are no loose threads like I could see on a similar piece I own. The two leather pieces are sewn snugly together and the edges are cut flat. The purple fur is about 5.5″ long and just meets the edge of the widest part (2″) of the slapper. It is sewn (and hardily) on 3 sides using the same thread which holds together the entire slapper. However, the fourth end (which is one of the shorter ends) is loose which could result in tearing if it gets caught on something. It probably won’t happen but it’s something that kind of bothers me and I’d at least like it glued down. Although I haven’t had the need to clean the Fur 12″ Slapper, I would probably it down with a damp cloth. Easy enough.

My complaints about the Fur 12″ Slapper are not major. The cord and fur issues really fall into the realm of personal preference. It’s well made, affordable and, although small, can be used for a variety of sensations. It would be well placed in anyone’s toy box.

product picture
Paddle by Spartacus
Material: Leather / Faux fur
Safety:
Rating:
Vroom:
Bee:
This product was provided free of charge to the reviewer.

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Categories: Other Sex Toys, Reviews

Kookie Riding Crop

November 17th, 2009

Riding crops are sleek. I’ve never been an equestrian but so are horses. I suppose someone thought the same thing about humans to adapt the tool.. Or maybe not. Just a conjecture.

I do know a bit more about playing with riding cops after playing with my very first one, the Kookie Riding Crop from Babeland. I know that the Kookie Crop is made of a handle attached to a nylon-covered shaft which is then secure to a piece of folded-over leather to make the tongue. The handle is made of a firm plastic or silicone piece which is textured and has a lightly engraved diamond pattern which makes it easy to hold even under slipper circumstances. The braided cover of the rod is secure and neat and the leather of the tongue is thin, unfinished on the inside (although, I’m not sure why anyone would be feeling it other than for review purposes) and sewn in an arc around the shaft with contrasting thread. At its widest, it’s only 1.5″ wide and the thin “neck” of that piece is then further secured by a thin piece of string which is wrapped countless times around the tongue and shaft. It seems like the string was then treated with something to make it quite hard and firm. Overall, the quality is decent. For only, $18, this seem to be a good starter crop that will like a while, if not forever.

I was a bit surprised at the overall length of this crop, admittedly. I expected something a bit longer and a quick glance at a variety of crops shows that many are in the 24″-25″ range. However, the Kookie Crop is not far off at 18.5″ in length. I do think the slightly shorter shaft makes it a bit less flexible than other crops. I’m not positive because I’m quite the amateur in this; it just seems like a longer shaft would allow for a bit more flexibility but it could just seem that way. Either way, the tongue can be pulled back about 30 degrees – which seems to be a good amount of flexibility without becoming floppy – and then released to flick. That flick is definitely noticeable but, because of the length, this method seems to work better, the closer I am to the target and it certainly cannot be used too far away because the crop simply won’t reach.

Of course, I was surprised at other methods this toy can be used. The generic method is to simply flick a wrist at arm’s length but my pathetically weak wrists couldn’t deliver a blow nearly as powerful as using my whole arm. This was the method I had to use to get a good feel of the crop when using it on myself. I guess that’s good news for those solo BDSMers; you can easily bend yourself over and swing away. My experience was that swings focusing more on the leather-only part of the tongue were less intense than swings which involve the end of the shaft.

I was actually quite surprised at the range of sensation provided by the Kookie Riding Crop when used in the traditional manner. It can be used to simply tap, not cause any pain at all. Even my medium to strong strikes were bearable (at least on my ass), the marks outlasting the pain by far. The feeling would be more intense on more sensitive parts, of course but it could be used comfortably on the vulva area, I think. I found the aftermath provided a sort of warmth and hyper-sensitivity to the area struck. Actually, I might be more of a masochist than I knew because that feeling is great! The feel of the strike itself feels much like a slap and stings like one as well.

Alternatively, one could focus on using just the edge of the tongue with a quick back and forth motion which feels more like frictional (I had to look up that adjective; wouldn’t frictious sound better?) rubbing. It’s not quite intense and becomes like an uncomfortable chafing after prolong exposure. Lastly, the handle can be used for impact, like sort of a makeshift cane. The blows from the handle definitely feel heavier. I suppose that is what it meant when one describes “thuddy” impacts. I imagine this method would more quickly result in bruises and it’s the type of pain I definitely do not like in any sense; although, some surely do.

Of course, the stiff leather tongue wasn’t nearly as fun to run over the skin for general sensation play. Other toys with suede, premium leather or even fur are better for that. The handle could be used for penetration but it’s thin enough that it would leave me unimpressed unless there was a specific goal that I am not creatively enough endowed to think of.

When it comes to wielding a crop, I was definitely impressed. This light weight instrument is so completely easy to use and really isn’t taxing at all. I completely understand the description on the product page when it says it “will have you betting to see which lasts longer–your arm or their ass.” I also love the slapping sound which makes it fun for striking all sorts of things when a partner is blindfolded to make them jump. There’s lots of potential for mind fuckery. It’s a treat for the eyes as well, leaving quite the skin bright red without much effort at all.

Overall, the Kookie Riding Crop is a steal. It does what it advertises well but doesn’t do much more. I’m not sure why Babeland needs to ship it in a giant, 3″ long prism box, however. It dwarfed the lonely crop inside (which I do not believe was further packaged, nor did it have any tags/info) and I’m sure there are smaller, less wasteful ways to send it – like a poster tube, perhaps.

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Categories: Other Sex Toys, Reviews

Sue Johanson Vibe Collection

Discover G-Spot Gel

November 12th, 2009

I previously reviewed a G-spot gel which was made by a company associated with Intimate Organics. However, this product was only available as a sample (as far as I can tell) and while I liked it, I couldn’t get my hands on more. Plus, who wants to go thruogh a dozen sample packets? Not I, says the sex toy reviewer. So I decided to see if IO’s Discover G-Spot Gel was comparable to the product I already tried and – good news (for me, at least) – it is!

Discover G-spot gel comes in a tiny 1 FL ounce tube which isn’t much bigger than some lip gloss tubes. The tube looks much bigger than it is on every site I’ve seen it for sale so.. just a heads up there. The tube is labeled with the typical, sensual abdomen image like all Intimate Organics products and is dominated by orange hues. Inside the tube is a creamy, translucent gel meant to stimulate and arouse the G-spot. It has done so, without fail, every time I’ve used it.

Ignoring the directions which say to apply a pea sized amount (because, let’s face it, who actually reads those?), I dab some on my finger and apply it to my G-spot. I would advise holding the tube upside down and squeezing from the bottom, lest you wind up with product all over your hands/linens/nightstand/cat. I would also advise holding open the labia or having someone else do it. I frequently have to apply twice after missing the first time. ;)

But missing does give some insight into how this product works. It leaves a cooling feeling just about anywhere but on the G-spot, that feeling is multiplied exponentially. It’s pretty dramatic and some may not like it. It increases with stimulation as the package advises. Fingers or even a cock help the sensation grow but it really doesn’t affect the rest of the vagina.

I like that it highlights just where my G-spot is and my husband has even been able to feel the swell which makes this awesome for partner play. It’s like a neon Vegas sign: Pull Over, G-spot Here! Of course, I can feel it filling up and know I’ll be able to squirt. Then I do, once, twice maybe even more times. I’ve usually got some left over and empty my urethra after playtime is done, too. I cannot say for sure, but I think Discover G-spot gel has made it much easier to squirt during sex. When I first started squirting, I wanted to but couldn’t. Performance anxiety and lack of experience were not my friends but practice and this gel have me able to do it with much less effort.

Quite honestly, I wouldn’t give a damn if this product contained mercury; I am that impressed with the results. but it doesn’t. Like all Intimate Organics products, Discover G-spot Gel is paraben, DEA and glycerine free. It contains “a blend of certified organic extracts, peppermint oil blended with L-Arginine” so there’s a slightly minty smell which is stronger than the Clitoral Stimulating Gel I have by them but isn’t really offensive. Some folks are not bigs fans of L-Argenine but after the success I’ve had with IO’s Discover G-spot Gel, I am not going to complain.

Well, I might complain that the tubes need smaller holes but, other than that? No complaints here. Discover G-spot Gel is great for anyone looking to locate, continue experimentation with, introduce a partner to, learn how to squirt with or otherwise involve the G-spot during play.

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Categories: Other Sex Toys, Reviews

Kinklab leather wrist cuffs – black

October 23rd, 2009

I recently reviewed the Kinklab Padded Leather Blindfold. Aside from some minor pinching and slipping, it was a good piece, basic but functional. That’s pretty much how I’d sum up their leather wrist cuffs as well. They arrived in a similar plastic tube, from which I had to pry off the cap and on which is an image of the cuffs in use (but it’s not obscene).

Out of the tube, I saw that these cuffs do not have the common belt buckle style closure which Kinklab calls “self keeping”. Rather, when you wrap it around your wrist, the bottom layer has a pseudo-D ring which slips through the slit of your choice on the overlapping piece. Then, a thin strip of leather is pulled through that D-ring, over the hole to secure it in place. Given enough space, you could potentially loop the strap through other holes for extra security. It’s not fool-proof; if that is your goal, you can slip a padlock or something similar through the ring. On the other side is another ring which can be used to attach the cuffs to restraints or eachother.

Of course, no locks or connectors are included. This was easily remedied with a trip to Lowe’s and eventually Wal-mart. It doesn’t mean the cuffs are bad per se but that would be nice, especially because the staples are not like other D-rings or O-rings I’ve experienced. In fact, they’re not really rings are all but are open and shaped something like the Greek Omega with longer feet. Because of this unique shape, these staples are definitely smaller than I am used to and some hardware may not fit.

The staples and the leather strap are all fastened with metal rivets which seem quite secure. In fact, these cuffs look pretty unassuming and weren’t quite as pleasing to the eye as I might have liked but I was surprised at how well they held up while I had my husband restrained. Despite much thrashing and movement, the rivets stayed secure and the cuffs never came open. However, we played probably just over an hour and the thin leather straps were definitely coming loose. Eventually, the cuffs would have given way. Still, I’m surprised by how well they did hold without using a lock. Of course, some people would find this design a positive because it can easily be undone by fingers, teeth or even toes.

Over this time, he never complained of any discomfort, either. The edges are blunt and the leather itself is malleable enough to wear comfortably but they’re also not buttery soft as I have heard some leather described. The outside is shiny and smooth while the inside of the cuffs are unfinished but relatively soft. The cuffs fit him well, on the third hole or so with a bit room to spare. They are cut to fit a range of 5.5″ to 7″ which is right in the middle but those with smaller or larger wrists will be out of luck. Kinklab’s black leather wrist cuffs are just not meant to accommodate everyone.

Yet, they even surpassed my husband’s expectations. He expected to have bruises in the morning; however, there were none to be found. I don’t think there were any marks to be found, even immediately after playing and this definitely eases his mind.

For just shy of $30, the quality and performance of the Kinklab leather wrist cuffs is absolutely acceptable. I would recommend them to anyone just starting out when it comes to bondage or anyone who finds themselves needing a bit more than the “kinky kits” usually contain. I would eventually like to make more of an investment but, for now, these are great.

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Categories: Other Sex Toys, Reviews

Liberator
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Image © MisterUnlucky; used with permission.