Packaging — Worth the Price?

May 29th, 2014

AKA the reasons I hate bulky, “luxurious” packaging.

A box inside a box (with a bag inside!)

A box inside a box (with a bag inside!)

A few years back — man, have I been at this for a while — every review of a high-end item seemed to shout the praises of beautiful packaging. And for a while, I was pretty impressed, too. When I pure received my Pure Wand, I was impressed with the box and the layer of pink satin into which the dildo nestled. But that was almost five years ago, and I’ve since changed my tune. I think other people have, too.

Originally, luxury packaging indicated that companies were paying more attention to detail. If it was a non-porous material or made to the highest standards, it probably had to come in a big box. But this is no longer the case. In fact, some companies ship their wonderful toys simply in plastic bags. Don’t be surprised if you purchase an awesome dildo from Naughty but Nice and packaging is minimal. After all, this doesn’t effect use.

More people are coming to that realization, I think. They realize that, at the end of the day, luxury packaging doesn’t make a bad toy good. In fact, it may only increase the disappointment when you open an exquisite box to find a lackluster toy. Not only that, but it can take away from the time spent developing a luxury — or even a functional — sex toy. Years ago, people discussed Tantus’ now-defunct Alumina line. The price seemed high for dildos, and someone created a poll. The resounding answer was that more people would have purchased the products with a cheaper price tag because the company sacrificed the packaging, instead.

But packaging always makes a toy more expensive.  And perhaps that’s the point. When you charge more, you create a niche market for yourself. We’re luxury you say. Other items are just functional. Isn’t it time that people ask what’s wrong with being functional? It’s difficult not to wonder whether companies are paying too much attention to packaging and not enough to the toy itself. A pretty sex toy really isn’t worth a higher price if it doesn’t get me off. There is no exception to this rule.

Luxury packaging also irks me for a few more reasons.

  • It’s often not easily recycled or disposes off. Cardboard and bags? Most people have no problem with that. Mixed materials, PVC and other materials become harder to dispose of.
  • This sort of packaging calls attention to itself, which is less-than-discreet when it comes to recycling in community containers. Many people use these.
  • Luxury packaging is bulky, which makes it more difficult to store. Does a toy really need a big box and a storage pouch? The problem only increases when you’ve own a dozen Lelo toys or more. I’ve thrown out more boxes than toys I currently own. Seriously.
  • Bulky packaging can increase the cost of shipping.

However, this isn’t the way that everyone feels. Perhaps I am just jaded as a sex toy reviewer but some people want more companies to go the way of Lelo. Other people like boxes as storage. Still, more sex toy owners enjoy the attention to detail. Some people like them for gifts. Others find creative ways to reuse packaging.

While it certainly wouldn’t be feasible for companies to provide two sets of packaging, it isn’t impossible to create classy packaging that’s discreet but nice enough to use as a gift without sacrificing the ability to recycle it. However, the process to attract high-end consumers should come only after you have a solid product and not if the price increase will cut into your market share.

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Metal Worx Curve

November 9th, 2011

I know Pipedream is getting a lot of flak for basically copying Njoy’s designs in its new Metal Worx line and, I have to say, I understand why. Most of the designs are far from original. However, I’m also glad to see a big name get into making quality metal dildos because this means there’s more options, and more affordable options, for broke bastards like myself who want to experience metal at a lower price tag. For comparison, the Metal Worx Curve is a ripoff of the Njoy Fun Wand, which FunWares carries for $66. The Curve is just under $43. That’s a significant savings, in my opinion.

There are slight differences between these pieces, though. The Curve has four bumps on the one end. This makes it 2″ longer than the Fun Wand — for a total of 10″. The largest balls on the Fun Wand have a 1″ diameter while the larger on the Curve, at the G-spot end, is 1.25″ in diameter. This same ball is entirely spherically while the bumps on the Fun Wand are all oblong. The four balls on the other end of the Curve are oblong, however.

I think that I would like the Curve better than the Fun Wand. This is where I remind you that the Pure Wand didn’t do it for me. It was bulky and hard to handle and one end was too small, the other end too large. It curved too much, ending to miss my G-spot. At this point, I wish I hadn’t swapped it away for comparison photos but c’est la vie.

The Curve has a less drastic curve and because the other end curves away from my body, I can use it without stabbing myself in the mons pubis area. The four bumps also make for a good handhold, another complaint I had about the Pure Wand. The ball at the end is ridiculously good at finding my G-spot. In fact, I’d hazard a guess that I finally experienced the uber gushing that many women reported after using the Pure Wand. More FE than ever.

The balled end is more of an anal toy; although, I did try it vaginally. It felt interested but the dildo is just unbalanced. The other end is much heavier and I found it difficult to control the balls. A more shallow thrusting was required and I’m just not that patient. In addition to this, the last ball is just kind of pointy and we all know that my cervix is a bitch.

Cervix, you’re a bitch.

Here’s the thing, though. This line is not as high quality as Njoy’s toys, period. There’s a review up of the Curve on EdenFantasys with pictures that you have to see. Tim received his with some serious defects to the finish and did a little sanding of himself. Metal Worx toys are a) not stainless steel; just steel and b) suffer from a serious lack of quality control if toys can ship with such issues.

I didn’t notice any serious defects when I first examined the Curve nor when I washed it. Mine is definitely usable but it’s not as luxury as the Pure Wand. I took a closer look after reading Tim’s review and noticed some “bubbles” in the finish as well as what look like “dried drips,” like you would get with paint. Picture for emphasis.

Metal Worx Curve Finish

Unfortunately, it’s a little difficult to take a picture of something reflective. I’m not photog.

Like Njoy, Pipedream has gone with a costume box for these. It’s a locking metal case that reminds me of a toolbox or some of the storage chests floating around. I don’t find the button to work very well so I have to manually lift the latch. Also, boxes are bulky so I’d be happy with a pouch, anyway. It does minimize packaging, though.

Ultimately, Pipedream has done some sleazy copying and some cheap production. I got lucky enough to get a usable Metal Worx dildo and it was super effective. I can’t say that the Fun Wand would be my best friend but you have to consider the chances of getting a dud if you want to save money and opt for the Metal Worx products. For some, it won’t be worth the risk.

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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.

If you’re looking for your G-spot, check out my review of Female Ejaculation & the G-spot.

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 locate my G-spot (using the K-balls) 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.”

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