iRide

April 20th, 2011

iRide Mountable Vibrator
$189 from Amazon

The iRide certainly puts the “novel” into adult novelties. That is for sure. In pictures, it sometimes looks like it might be a smaller toy, something that simply sits between your legs, almost like those panty vibrators. It’s not. It’s a big honking piece of plastic and silicone in God-awful Barbie pink. It looks–and feels–like a real child’s toy. It certainly doesn’t have the sort of design that’s so sleek and attractive that the toy itself can arouse you.

When I got it in the mail, it was in a big box. The actual packaging is a medium box that is, again, reminiscent of something Barbie-esque. The iRide sits in a plastic holder inside the box. I quickly did away with the box. It’s not that much bigger than the toy but it’s neither discreet nor better than storing this giant vibrator on its own.

So, the iRide is kinda of like a saddle that turns up in the front and back. It sports an insertable, vibrating shaft and a round/semi-sphere nub for clitoral stimulation (supposedly). The base is made of hard plastic while the parts that touch the skin are soft, TPR in, again, Barbie pink. The shaft is approximately 4″ in length and tapers slightly toward its rounded end. Its pretty straight, all in all, and probably a bit big for a newbie. At the base, it has a diameter of 1.67″ so we’re looking toward the medium-large end of the spectrum (although it’s not huge by any means) The clitoral nub is pretty huge and only 1/2″ or so from the position of the shaft. Unfortunately, because of the ridge plastic and the nature of the design, the iRide offers absolutely zero customization. Either it works for you or it doesn’t. At a price of nearly $150, I would advise you think long and hard before purchasing this vibrator.

Despite its size, the iRide runs onl AA batteries. I guess I was expecting C cells. Doc Johnson crafted this one with a battery covery with springy sides that you pinch to remove (from the bottom of the unit) and an easy-insert battery pack that holds the 4AAs. Although I used some batteries that were probably less than fresh, I found the vibrations to be a bit buzzy. The shaft on the iRide is really comparable with some of the insertables I already own. It’s definitely enough to make me squirt but, of course, I prefer deeper vibrations in terms of sensation.

This is the type of toy that you have to mount so I lubed it up and tried it out. The TPR has enough give that insertion was easy enough but I quickly found that the angle of the shaft on the iRide and the angle of my vaginal canal are not suited for one another. I found myself leaning forward to that the shaft wouldn’t stab into the front wall of my vagina. Nevertheless, it still aimed in that general direction quite forcefully. The more I leaned forward, the further from the clitoral nub did my clitoris move. See, mine’s much further than 1/2″ from my vaginal opening, plus I’m a little fleshy, so the nub just wasn’t far enough out or away from the shaft to work.

Logistically, the shape of the iRide just wasn’t working for me. It seemed to be a bit too wide between my legs (only 5″ but when something’s snuggled up against your pussy, that seems a lot, I guess) and kneeling like that left me much taller than the toy anyway. There wasn’t any way for me to hunker down so I could really get to grinding or rocking with the iRide, but I’ll be the first to admit that I’m got some curvy thighs on me, so I’m not entirely surprised. It’s sad because there’s only so many positions you can do with this thing. While on the iRide I also felt a bit.. as though I were wearing a giant pad or diaper. It’s 12″ from stern to stern, and that thought just isn’t one that’s really conducive to sexy time.

I do have one more complaint about the iRide. Simply put, this giant beast is a bitch to clean. If you go the soap and water method, you wind up rubbing on some soap or cleaner and have to shove it in your sink and turn it this way and that to rinse it out (like the baking sheets that are just too damned big for your kitchen sink) and I highly doubt this thing is all that water resistant as there’s no seal around the battery compartment. Otherwise, you can wipe it down with something like Pjur Med or Afterglow wipes but that’s a little less than ideal because the TPR catches lint and hair and such and it’s really essential to use running water to rinse those away.

I honestly think we’d all be better off spending our money on one really good vibrator and a position pillow with some sort of pocket that can hold our beloved vibrators. At least, that way, it’s possible to customize the toy.

6 Comments

Categories: Reviews, Vibrators

Peace Reflections Glass Vibe

June 15th, 2010

Peace Reflections Glass Vibe

Peace Reflections Glass Vibe
$24.99 from PinkCherry

This is my first vibrating piece of glass and I knew fairly well what to expect. Glass vibrations typically consist of a glass sleeve that fits snugly over a regular vibe of some sort and I’ve used a handful of glass now so I know their feel and temperature properties well. It’s something else to put them together, though.

The first thing I noticed about the Peace Reflections Glass Vibe was its looks. The piece beneath the glass is painted a metallic purple and, with the glass atop it, the whole thing looks almost.. silky. It sounds weird but that is exactly what springs to mind. The glass itself has several ridges around the straight shaft; they are slightly diagonal. This vibe has a rather pronounced head; it bulges outward from the shaft and tapers toward the end in a rounded point. I probably wouldn’t recommend Peace Reflections to a toy newbie because of this.

Numbers wise, the majority of the shaft has a diameter of 1.32″ inches and the widest part of the head has a diameter of 1.51″. Peace Reflections Glass Vibe isn’t very long at all and only measures 6″ total, about 5 of which are insertable.

My experience with the shape of this vibe was quite interesting. It doesn’t take much to reach my g-spot most days because it’s so shallow; in fact, even straight toys can usually do it decently but this was not the case with this vibe. It just didn’t stimulate my G-spot with any sort of consistence. I think that it’s a bit difficult for me to wield because it’s short and my arms are short. A longer toy or a longer handle would be great. I imagine this toy would be even more frustrating if your G-spot happens to be really deep or your pubic bone curved.

Still, Peace Reflections Glass Vibe was easy to insert even without any lube. The glass is smooth and slick and will be cold to the touch unless you warm it (in warm water) first. If you wish, you can use water or silicone based lubes, however.

I didn’t feel the ridges much when it came to straight thrusting but they were quite obvious if i twisted or turned the vibe. Actually, I didn’t particularly like this sensation so I guess I’m glad I couldn’t feel them at any other time.

When I first used the Peace Reflections Glass Vibe, I could definitely feel the rigidity of the glass. My vagina was really sensitive that day and it was too much for me to take. Subsequent uses have not proven to be as uncomfortable, however. I would warn that you be careful with rigid toys like glass, especially during partner play. It’s definitely easier to make a quick movement that can cause pain or discomfort when a toy is this unforgiving.

Even though I didn’t love the Peace Reflections Glass Vibe for internal play, the gently rounded head felt nice for clitoral stimulation. I sort of used the side of the head and away we went.

The vibratory powers of this toy probably won’t blow you away. Peace Reflections Glass Vibe runs on a single AA and has 3, steady levels of vibration and operates with a single push button at the base of the toy. It’s quite buzzy but the levels are distinct from one another. The noise output of this vibe is really quite minimal; although, the highest setting does have a little whine to it.

The glass is ridiculously easy to clean and you can wash the Peace Reflections Glass Vibe with soap and water because there is an O-ring between the battery cap and the toy. This makes it safe to bring in the shower but the glass can get quite slippery so you might want to stick to dry, soft surfaces with this one.

For less than $25, you could really do worse. It’s definitely a cheaper option to explore glass

Comment

Categories: Reviews, Vibrators

Alumination

April 2nd, 2010

Alumination Black

Alumination Black
$24.66 from Store.OfSexAndLove.com

Metal is all the rage in sex toys these days so I wasn’t entirely surprised to see that Doc Johnson has its own vibrating aluminum line, appropriately named: Alumination. These petite vibrators are extremely straight forward: a cylindrical shaft topped off with a rounded end.

This vibrator is long and slim – 6″ x .72″ diameter; it seems to essentially be an elongated mini bullet. Although I have not used them, Jimmyjane’s Little Chroma/Steel/Gold vibrators seem quite similar so this might be a more cost effective option if you’re wondering whether or not a toy of this style is good for you. The overall feel is weighty and compact,

Because it is so thin, there is potential to use is as replacement for bullets in certain toys (cock rings) but it could be awkward because of the length. It is good for precise and direct stimulation and would well externally. It could be angled to hit certain spots internally but the lack of texture and girth limit its functionality, in my opinion. I did not especially enjoy the sensation inside; it definitely felt a little lacking. Because I like broader external stimulation, I also did not love my Alumination externally, either.

The size and design make it perfect for newbies, though! It’s not intimidating at all and the smooth metal is easy to insert with only a touch of lube (if that). I would strongly warn against anal use because there is no flanged base on this one and it would slip out of a person’s fingers with ease when coated with lube.

However, it’s ridiculously easy to use. There is a single push button on the end of the battery cap. You know the type. Press once to turn it on, press again to cycle through the settings and then once more to turn it off. This does mean there is no “quick off” function, of course. There are 3 strengths of continuous vibration so this vibrator might not be exciting enough for some people. The vibration is higher pitched and all levels feel similar to me personally but if you like pinpoint vibrations, these are focused in the last inch or so of the shaft.

In terms of noise, Alumination is not the loudest vibrator I’ve tried nor the quietest. You could safely use it in one room of the house with others home (door closed) but not in the same room.

Because it is metal, you can experiment with temperature play. Let the Alumination rest in a bowl of cool water or ice cubes to chill it. Replace the cold water with warm and you have a different experience altogether. Some might be disappointed that it is not pure metal because the battery cap is plastic but I didn’t especially notice. The cap screwed on and off easily enough for me to insert 2 AAA batteries and seems fairly secure (to keep them in place, at least). Doc Johnson even claims the Alumination vibrators are waterproof and there is an O-ring where the cap screws on but it does not meet seamlessly with the shaft. There is an additional seam at the end of the shaft where a separate piece of metal caps off the curved end. This piece is glued into place and seems secure but can easily collect gunk.

Aside from that, the sleek surface makes this toy incredibly easy to clean with a wipe and physical dirt will wash right off with water. It won’t collect lint which is one of the things I detest about silicone, so it can be dried with any old towel. It isn’t made of any material which will react so it can be tossed in a box with other non-reactive materials. Plus, the small size makes it incredibly easy to store (between the mattresses or deep in your pillowcase?) without being found and the same could be said for travel.

I didn’t keep the box because it is quite a bit bigger than the vibe itself but I enjoyed the floral motifs in metallic paint. The box has a friendly, feminine feel to it. While I have not loved every Doc Johnson toy I’ve tried, the box art is usually visually appealing.

The Alumination vibrator seems to be a solid piece which offers some versatility. It’s extremely affordable as well so it might be a good toy for a newbie. I didn’t knock my socks off but it was a nice experience, regardless.

Find vibrators like this at one of the biggest selections of sex toys online at SexToy.com

2 Comments

Categories: Reviews, Vibrators

Pink Pussy Pump

May 23rd, 2009

Pink Pussy Pump
$17.91 from Store.OfSexAndLove.com

Although I was initially a bit put off by the strange looks of the Pink Pussy Pump, I was soon pleasantly surprised by the unique sensations provided by an actually effective suction system.

At first, I was taken aback by the size of the suction cup. I was expecting something a little smaller, for focus on clitoral suction. Rather, the cup provides suction stimulation to the entire vulva – or pussy – region. Furthermore, the cup is made of a hard pink plastic, which did prove to get the job done, but also threw me off. The hard plastic seemed to be a bit institutional or medicinal – at least, as medicinal as pink plastic can be. There’s not much to the rest of the apparatus: just a springy hose and a rubber, bulb-shaped pump. Overall, this is not a sexy looking sex toy and that was disappointing to my sense of aesthetic. Luckily, a toy does not need to be sexy itself to work well.

The pussy pump, which comes in a fairly cute, 70s inspired pink and purple box, fits easily over my lips. I have to agree that it is ergonomically correct; the edges of the cup are slightly curved instead of flat. Although the cup isn’t exactly small, it was small enough to move higher or lower and I think it would be wearable during sex as long as it’s not too rough or the cup isn’t bumped. I was able to insert a rather large toy and thrust without dislodging the cup.

Suction wise, I was impressed. The Pinky Pussy Pump provided much more suction than the last flimsy toy I tried. I applied it to a bare thigh first, just to experiment and the suction on the first pump was amazing.The icnrease n successive pumps was also impressive and the effect on my skin was visible. Applied to my vulva, I felt a satisfying pressure/tug on the general area which, while including my clit, wasn’t focused on it.

At first, my squeezes on the bulb pump, which is textured and easy to grip, were rather large but I was able to experiment a bit and I could easily adjust the level of pressure in fairly small increments. If the pressure is too much, you need to take off the pump quickly or you’re simply done playing, there is an easy to use quick-release button between the hose and pump. I wound the woosh of air to my pussy to feel really exciting. I wasn’t able to release the pressure in increments as small as I could increase it but, with focus, could release pressure in several small increments.

While this sensation alone wasn’t enough to get me off. It was quite arousing and would be a nice companion during sex or masturbation. I think sex would work a little better because the cup did get in the way a bit with toy use. The toy also aims to increase the size of your lips but, honestly, I didn’t really notice. However, I wasn’t as concerned because it was pleasurable.

Despite the fact that the suction was impressive, it was fairly easy to break the seal by slipping a finger under one edge of simply pulling the cup off my skin (and, y’know, when my cat jumped on me LOL). Neither of these things hurt, either. It also didn’t tug on any of my hair but it’s fairly short right now (maybe 1/2″).

One of the features of the Pink Pussy Pump is that you can remove the hose and pump without loosing suction. I’m not sure why anyone would do this. I wasn’t eager to do jumping jacks or the dishes or anything so I don’t see the need. Still, I tried it out and I was able to successfully remove the house where it connects via a metal fastener type thing. This is also how I disconnected the hose to wash the cup before and after use. Without the hose, the cup is simple an easy to clean, hard plastic piece.

I found the Pink Pussy Pump to be more stimulating than I thought it would be and can see it being used during partner or solo play. The stretchy hose was adequate length for me to use on myself and a partner could easily hold the reins as well, adding another aspect to your play. I would recommend this to anyone looking for suction in their sex lives.

17 Comments

Categories: Reviews

Pleasure Tops

May 3rd, 2009

Pleasure Tops
$96.66 from EdenFantasys

Most of the time, when I am not completely satisfied with a new sex toy, I develop a grudge against it and it becomes extremely difficult to see the strengths of the toy. This really isn’t the case with the Pleasure Tops vibrator. In fact, I just can’t help but focusing on how close this was to being my perfect toy. It does make the disappointment harder to swallow, though.

When Doc Johnson designed the Pleasure Tops vibe, the company went out on a limb. It certainly is a unique toy with its cone shaped base and thumb-like protrusion. It’s also fairly small. I thought it seemed tiny compared to the size I thought it would be; I know there is always some reconciliation between expectations and the reality of sex toy size, but I had never overestimated size so badly. The Pleasure Tops toy sits in the palm of my hand and is less than 5″ tall, overall. The girth at the base is a whipping 7.85″ but only a portion of that is actually insertable.

Even though the size was not what I was expecting, this is not altogether a fault. I enjoyed the size and uniqueness of the cone. Insertion of the TPR covered toy (I chose the blue over the pink which reminded me too much of bubblegum) was a breeze with just a dab or water or silicone based lube. Once inserted, I couldn’t really feel the bullet in the tip of the cone because it didn’t really touch anything. Rather than improving upon the size and strength of the bullet or the shape of the toy, I think the cone simply does not need to vibrate. I enjoy cumming around items (like a vibe, dildo or cock) and have often wished for a sort of vaginal plug which the Pleasure Tops does nicely. Because the external portion of the vibrator is the largest part, I could easily feel it at the entrance to my pussy but it wasn’t so long or large (only 2.5″ long and 5.25″ around at the widest insertable point) that the inserted portion was uncomfortable, which I sometimes experience with longer toys.

On the other hand, I thought the clit stimulator could use a little more in every sense. This thumb-shaped stimulator is made of the same soft TPR (the material does pick up lint so beware) which covers a second mini-bullet. Even at the highest setting, this was nothing more than an exciting tingle. A larger bullet is absolutely necessary. This would improve both strength of the vibrations and size of the clitoral stimulator which, I thought, was both too short and too thin. While I could easily manipulate the clit stimulator into place, it didn’t like to stay into place over my clit and would slip down or to either side. I especially wished for a wider clit stimulator.

I tried out the Pleasure Tops both lying and sitting up because it seems like it would be a good toy for use while sitting. Use while lying was similar to using any other dual stimulator toy but I had a bit more trouble sitting. Because an inch or so of the cone protrudes, I could not sit with the cone flat beneath me but I could sort of squat over a chair, using the arms to support myself. However, I was able to sit more or less normally, with the cone tilted so the back edge rested on seat of the chair. This was actually fairly comfortable and also provided for hands free stimulation but it didn’t bring me to orgasm.

Ultimately, I don’t think this is a toy that can do it for me. It was an exciting tingle and I liked the overall fit but a stronger and larger clit stimulator would have really pushed me over the edge. As I am prone to say, I enjoyed the way the toy hugged my pubic bone. Had I been able to achieve orgasm, I think it would have felt great.

For those who only need a lighter touch or want a toy for warm up, then Pleasure Tops might do the trick but I kept the vibration on high the whole time and it still wasn’t enough. For the strength of the vibration, I found the amount of sound to be acceptable. It is noticeably louder on the higher settings but once pressed against flesh, the sound is muffled. For 2 AAA batteries, the amount of power is reasonable but I would consider a power supply of at least 2AA batteries, if not more.

I would also change the entire control system. I might have tried to work myself up to the highest system is it was not such a hassle to adjust. To insert batteries, the end base, made of ABS plastic, unscrews. Battery insertion is easy and you screw the base back on. However, the base does not like to be screwed on snugly otherwise the vibrations do not work. There needs to be a thin area of space between the base and the rest of the toy itself. I could easily slip a piece of paper folded 4 times between this space. Not only is this annoying, but it made me wonder how waterproof this toy really is. I ran the toy under running water and patted down the outside before checking inside. There was water between the 2 parts of the Pleasure Tops but not in the battery area itself so I would trust it to hold up in the shower but maybe not completely submersed.

I wish the touchiness of screwing on the lid were the only problem I had. Unfortunately, the controls just suck. The base is also something of a giant dial. Because of this, turning too far toward the “Low/Off” side can cause the base to unscrew and turning too far in the “High” direction causes it to tighten to the point where vibration stops. The only way to ensure that neither happens is to use both hands which is really a hassle because you pretty much have to remove the toy to adjust the settings. Dial controls should not be so difficult. I would much prefer a corded hand-held control with buttons and specific settings but I’m not a big fan of dial controls, period. Perhaps making this change would also make the Pleasure Tops usable during sitting.

Were size and strength of the vibrations the only complaints I had with the Pleasure Tops, I would still use it because the shape is really what I have been wanting for a long time. However, the problematic base/controls really seem to thwart any efforts on my part to make the best out of Doc Johnson’s Pleasure Tops. Because this is so close to my perfect toy, I would plead with Doc Johnson or anyone else to take my suggestions into consideration. You have no idea how happy and sated that would make me!

10 Comments

Categories: Reviews, Vibrators

Ballsy Cock 7 inch Fuchsia

April 22nd, 2009

Ballsy Cock 7 inch Fuchsia
$14.43 from Store.OfSexAndLove.com

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).

Comment

Categories: Dildos, Reviews

Image © MisterUnlucky; used with permission.