iTap™ “G” Vibe White

November 30th, 2009

iTap™ “G” Vibe White

iTap™ “G” Vibe White
from California Exotic Novelties

Unless you’ve been living under a rock, you have probably heard about the new iTap vibrators from California Exotic Novelties and as I have recently been sent my first toy from the company as part of their Sexpert program (yea, go me!), I was able to get to know this new technology intimately.

Appearance-wise, the iTapi G Vibrator isn’t really amazing. It has sleek lines and curves to a rounded point meant to stimulate the G-spot. The shaft is a velvet-cote, white plastic while the battery cover is slightly thicker and is a regular, shiny plastic; the shaft is pretty uniform at 1″ in diameter making it one of the smaller insertable toys I’ve tried. There are slight seams in the shaft but nothing that my vagina can feel or that would complicate cleaning. To remove the cap, twist and then pull straight off. To replace, line up the arrows on the cap/shaft, push it on then twist. Overall, it’s straight forward and not significantly unique ; although, the shaped of the head is a little pointer and not at all like many bulbous G-spot toys. In fact, that was one down side to the iTap G Vibe: the head was at too extreme of an angle and too pointy for my to like it either internally or externally. The tip did allow for easy insertion as well as letting the toy to hook around my pubic bone to provide a sort of “hands-free” experience which I can see being useful for some.

And the tap feature? Works pretty well. The ease of use is pretty insane. Just tap the end of the battery pack once to turn it on (there was an instruction sticker which I have since tossed), again to cycle through the different settings and once more to turn it off. It doesn’t appear like there is a way to turn off the vibrator without going through all the settings, however. I liked the fact that there are no demanding buttons that need to be pressed a certain way (you can pretty much press anywhere on the bottom) and this tap censor doesn’t strain a person physically but, having already used another toy with touch censors, I was prepared for a problem which also occurred with the iTap G. Because the tap pad is so sensitive, it’s easy to bump it and you’re off on another setting or turned off altogether. Folks who don’t love the type of toys which push buttons on the end (like many Evolved vibes) will probably also dislike the current line of iTap toys for the same reason. In fact, as I write, I want to stand the vibe up on my desk but, as soon as I lift it away, it has been activated. As this sort of technology advances, there is definite need for a physical lock button – like on my MP3 player. With that addition, I can see touch controls being my controls of choice.

I was pretty impressed by the power and functions of this toy. It runs on 2 AAs and has two steady vibration settings which I would basically call medium and high. They will probably please most people but I’d like to see a low setting as well. The more sensitive my G-spot becomes, the more uncomfortable it is to actually use super strong vibrators. CEN has enough power in this vibrator, just not enough options for steady vibration. There are three different pulsating options which go something like this: Short-Short-Long, Short Short Short and a back-and-forth style which I can’t think of better words to describe. The pulsating modes are also quite powerful but I’d like all the vibrations to be slightly less buzzy. They’re someplace in the middle of “high pitched buzz” and “throbbing.”

Because the vibration is focused near the tip, I didn’t find it uncomfortable to hold the iTap G. The vibrations could still be slightly felt but didn’t numb my hands. The 6″ shaft comfortably allowed room for my hand without hindering exploration but you might want to make sure your hand is around the shaft and no fingers will stray toward the tap pad (again, to avoid accidentally switching).

Although I rarely take my toys into water, the iTap G is not a waterproof vibrator. Some soap and water washing may be safe but I think a toy cleaning spray and wipe would be friendlier to such a unique toy. If you are a friendly toy owner, CEN does not recommend using oil based lubricants with the iTap toys, for whatever reason. I rarely use anything but water based lube and not much is needed with a toy of this stature.

My Sexpert opinion of the iTap G is that California Exotic is making great strides in the right direction; a continuing focus on quality over quantity is going to get them noticed for good reasons but, while the iTap G is innovative, there are certainly a few kinks to work out before it’s remarkable.

CEN_SEXPERT_certified

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Categories: Reviews, Vibrators

Does it help?

November 29th, 2009

Last night I saw a post by Essin’ Em in which she discussed a post by Sinclair Sexsmith on the subject of “femme invisibility.” My long-story-short understanding is that femmes are frequently assumed by folks straight and queer alike to be straight based on looks. There’s a lot of judgment that can deal someone quite the mental or emotional blog. I sympathized by Essin’ Em’s account and the countless comments on Sinclair’s post and chastised myself for being guilty of treating people similarly in the past (hey, I’m only human). I had to sign off before finishing them because I should have headed to bed hours before.

Now, I’m not lesbian and, even if I were, probably wouldn’t fall into either category but these comments all got me thinking and think is what I did as I lay in bed for over an hour, still not sleeping. And the thought that struck my was “does the internet help?” I thought of e-mailing Essin’ Em but decided just to blog about it.

Does the internet help reduce this invisibility? Does it allow femmes to congregate, to boost each other’s esteem or just to hear a sympathetic voice? Does it help by allowing issues like these to be discussed? To point out to people who may be participating in this offensive and hurtful behaviour (and who may not even know it), why it’s offensive or hurtful? To pass along helpful hints about how to react/deal when someone does treat a femme as invisible? Does it help because the people you meat judge less based on looks? And, if you meed them face to face, are they more accepting because you knew each other online? Does it help point people in the direction of people, places or groups who do not behave in such a manner? Do any potential lessons actually go farther than the screen?

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Categories: Everything Else

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: Reviews

Twist

November 28th, 2009

Twist

Twist

This is an archived post. Liberator no longer sells the Twist dildo, but the company does still offer dual-ended glass dildos.

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 overeager 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!

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Categories: Dildos, Reviews

Attention Catchers #5: Toy Pouches from EdenFantasys

November 26th, 2009

Yesterday, I noticed new toy pouches on the review product search from EdenFantasy. It’s great to see more options for toy storage, especially when so many manufacturers do not provide adequate store. The bags, which are made by Devine Toys who also make the storage box I’ve reviewed – are 10.5″ long and 4.75″ wide and manufactured of cotton and polyester. They’re available in black or purple, both with striking pink lining and cinch closed with matching cords.

What’s really cool is that there is a plain version and also one with “EdenFantasys” in green and pink stones. I think it’s absolutely adorable (it beats the hell out of Ziploc bags) but it’s also practical. The pouches don’t seem to be available on EF’s site, yet, but watch out for their release (I know I will be)!

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Categories: Attention Catchers

Grenade Stroker

November 25th, 2009

Grenade Stroker

Grenade Stroker
$20.99 from The Adult Toy Shoppe

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: Reviews

Stigma of STDs

November 24th, 2009

A while back I was reading a piece in Best Sex Writing 2009 about the advent of online dating communities for people with STDs. The article talked about these different communities, some aimed for STD sufferers in general and others aimed for folks with more specific STDs, which aid people in finding similar folks. It’s supposed to help folks in a couple ways. First, it helps to get the message across because the fact that So and So has X virus is right out in the open. There’s no third date jitters because you don’t know how your partner will react to the bad news. It also helps people look for others with the same STD/strain so they needn’t worry about giving it to someone else.

But it definitely reduces the dating pool. In the article, one of the users of such a site mentioned how there were only ever 1 or 2 folks in her location on the sites and those were not matches made in heaven. It can be difficult to find even a possibility, nevertheless a hit, on general dating sites whose users surely number in the thousands think AdultFriendFinder or a specific match sites like think Alt.com. So reducing those numbers even more can make the task of finding a partner even more hopeless, under the guise of hopefulness. To put it plainly, it’s hard enough to find someone (or sometimes several) when you’re considering all the fish in the sea but STD dating sites are just a little pond.

I’m not entirely sure that folks with STDs should have to limit themselves to that little pond. Not only are the pickings sometimes slim but it’s all too easy to write off someone because their STD status is displayed so prominently. Assuming everyone chooses their partners wisely (ha!), there are circumstances where STDs do not have to be the deciding factor of a relationship but the stigma is so high that it can even penetrate a community intended for those whose STDs run the gamut. If someone with disease X can turn his nose down on someone with infection Y, it’s no wonder there’s such a stigma around STD sufferers in general. It’s no wonder someone thought it would be a good idea to make such a dating site (not that it’s not).

And the stigma? Is there. It’s certainly real. There’s a “them versus us” mentality. I’m not proud to say that I’d had an STI invade my body and I still think that way sometimes. I try not but it comes so easily. I imagine the type of person who could possibly be so stupid or silly and I realize that.. I was that person. I start thinking about my friends and acquaintances, knowing at least 3 of them have all had at least one STD or STI. We’re not loose women – some of us have only ever been with one person – and we’re certainly not stupid. Our cabinets aren’t stocked with cocaine nor are we sex workers. Basically, no one I know with an STD has fit any fantastic stereotype of an STD sufferer.

It’s then that I realize it’s now “us” and “them” because they are us and vice versa. If I could have an STD, then so could my best friend, my mom, my coworker or my neighbor. Not only is it plausible, but it’s likely that more of my friends and family than I know have struggled with an STD and, by its nature, the stigma involved with it. Science agrees: “Among those ages 15-49, only one in four Americans has not had a genital HPV infection” and 12 million Americans contract an STD each year 1. That means the other 75% have HPV and it’s likely they don’t even know it because many strains have no symptoms even even those which do can lay low for some time. I wouldn’t have known, if not for my yearly Pap and there’s currently no test for men at all. Of course, HPV is only one of many STDs. It becomes clear; although, many people who perpetuate the stigma actually have an STD. The reality is, not only is there no way to distinguish between people, it becomes far less necessary to do so (simply to feed the gossip and stereotypes), when considering the numbers.

Of course, I don’t even realize the stigma has affect me, even as I wonder if I would ever be able to have sex with someone besides my husband (should we ever get to that point) and I cringe because I don’t know what to say about my HPV. I don’t realize how easily it is to perpetuate the problem even as I picture that stereotypical “STD-person” all covered in warts and strung out in my head. It’s a stigma that does no one any good and a stigma which could use a good boot to the butt.

So does a dating site for STD sufferers help? I guess it depends on how you define the problem.

1 – American Social Health Association, Myths and Misconceptions about HPV

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Categories: Articles

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