VixSkin Tex

November 30th, 2011

Tex

Tex
$72.99 from SheVibe

If the house were on fire and I had just enough time to grab one sex toy (assuming the cats, laptop and Mountain Dew were safe), I’d grab the Vixen Tex. I’d be sad to leave some behind, like the Yooo or Tango but I’d replace those. I probably wouldn’t replace any of my Lelo toys. I’d opt for cheaper G-spot vibes in general.

The reason is simple: VixSkin is awesome. It’s soft without being floppy. It’s surface isn’t perfect so it’s more skinlike. It’s squishy and it just feels good. There are few materials that I can comfortable thrust with. My vaignal walls and cervix don’t like rigid or aggressive movements so unless I used a harder toy slowly, it kills me. So I can thrust with Tex and it feels good. It also feels fantastic when I’m orgasming. Generally, I hold it in place while that occurs, and the way my muscles contract around it feels more like sex than any toy I have. During thrusting, it’s just a tad too soft to feel real but, my God, it replicates the feeling of cumming around a cock amazingly.

So that’s my case for VixSkin but I really like the size and shape of Tex, specifically. I bought this one (gasp!) after I accidentally ruined my Spur. Spur was a smaller thing. Tex is larger but it’s not super long, which is something I also like (re: cervix). Tex measures in at 5″ long with a diameter of 1.5″ at the widest part of the shaft. Tex has a rounded, realistic head with a split down the center. Below the corona is another slight ridge that I can’t necessarily feel in use but looks realistic.

The shaft increases slightly in diameter toward the base, which is flat, round and perfect for use in a harness. Tex would also be okay for anal use, I think but you might find it a bit short with a strap-on. This isn’t a problem for me and I find the base super easy to hold on to or to hold in place between my thighs.

Tex does have a slight curve to it which is a-okay for hitting my G-spot. I don’t tend to use this one for squirting as much as I do vibrators but it’s great for that. Tex is filling enough that it’ll sit against my G-spot with no finagling at all and the curve ensures it’ll hit the spot even when you’re thrusting and not holding it in place.

The squishiness of Tex does make it feel slightly smaller and less abrasive than harder toys but this special formula from Vixskin is a little more demanding than regular silicone. You should reaaaally stay away from silicone based lubes. I used just a tiny packet when I ruined my Spur. The softer formula is more reactive. Silicone is a lint attractant so I actually store my Tex in the cylindrical container it came in. It’s a little bulky but always easy to use and, if you have multiple Vixen toys, you can see through it to pick one out. Tex is still non-porous and you can clean it with soap and water.

Tex is available for around $70 from some retailers and it’s worth every fucking cent. Especially if you think the size will work well for you. Vixen makes this dildo in several skin-tone shades, including vanilla, chocolate and caramel. Hell, why not get one in every color?

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Cush O2

November 20th, 2011

There isn’t too much I can say about the Tantus Cush that differs from what I said about the Tantus Flurry. It’s pretty, silicone, dual-density and fantastically shaped. It’s also a little larger–even though the Flurry isn’t tiny–so if you’re deciding between the two, this will probably be the factor you most consider. The Cush measures 7″ long, 1.75″ wide, so it’s definitely on the larger end but not necessarily ginormous. While the dual-density silicone makes it a little less imposing than a rigid dildo would be, it’s still a little large for me. I also feel that the head is less squishy, so it’s not as kind to my cervix as the Flurry was.

The other significant difference is the ridges on the shaft. While Cush remains mostly straight, except for the tapered head, it doesn’t have the pronounced ridges right below the head. There’s one ridge that is most pronounced about halfway down the shaft but the ridge itself starts nearer to the head, on the back of the shaft. In use, it’s not as dramatic a sensation and I prefer the ridges near the head for G-spot stimulation. I don’t think this ridge is intended for G-spot stimulation; rather it’s more for vaginal entrance stimulation and, considering as I don’t want to shove this thing up to my cervix, it spends its time outside of my body anyway.

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Metal Worx Curve

November 9th, 2011

Note: this is an archived review of a discontinued product, but you can buy the Fun Wand, which Pipedream knocked off.

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 are 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 spherical, while all the bumps on the Fun Wand are 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, ultimately missing 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. 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 interesting, 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 the result was more pain than I like.

Cervix, you’re a bitch.

Here’s the thing, though. This line is not as high quality as Njoy’s toys, period. Some toys shipped with serious defects. It’s no wonder 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. Pipedream stopped making them.

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 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 no photog.

Like Njoy, Pipedream has gone with a custom 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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Flurry O2

November 2nd, 2011

I am super excited to write this review because, up until now, I haven’t been all that satisfied with any Tantus product. It’s not that they’re not high quality. It’s just that my vagina has become a Finicky Fanny (if I may borrow the English usage of the word). There’s a specific shape and specific size and specific texture that it likes and then there’s well.. everything else. Unfortunately, the specifics seem to change so I’ve become quite awful at trying to guess whether or not a dildo will do it for me. The Flurry does it for me. I love the Flurry.

Like the Cush, Flurry is available in pastels and uses the O2 formula. Flurry is not my first O2 dildo. In fact, I wasn’t blown over by the Adam and wound up swapping it. While interesting, Adam was most regular than it was O2. The outter layer was thin and inconsistent. This is great for anyone looking for a firm dildo with just a touch of realism but for someone like myself, who can’t get enough of VixSkin, Adam just wasn’t different enough.

I was about ready to give up but I’d heard that some of the other O2 dildos were less firm and, it seems to be, that this is the case with the less realistic toys. The color silicone and more fantastic dildos in the line seem to be the less firm ones. I could be wrong but it’s worth noting.

Flurry is especially squishy at the head. The “front” of the shaft, that would stroke the G-spot, is more plush than the back. The core is still quite rigid — moreso than a VixSkin toy — and you can really feel it when stroking the dildo with your hand. It feels like a layer of squishy skin but harder than any penis I know.

Flurry is semi-realistic. The head is rounded and sculpted like a real cock but there’s another ridge below it — a quite pronounced ridge — that I haven’t seen on any actual penis I’ve fucked or sucked. It’s a limited number but still. The shaft is pretty straight and relatively consistent in terms of girth. The base flares out flat so you can use it with a harness, and there’s no balls here. I’m so over balls on my sex toys. Sorry.

By the numbers, Flurry is 7″ long and has a diameter of 1.5″. It’s a good length and firmly in the category of medium-sized toys. The head is slightly less girthy than the shaft, and the contoured shape helps insertion but those ridges, again, are really pronounced. My pussy doesn’t necessarily feel texture beyond “hmm, there’s something going on here” but I could distinctly feel those ridges. Right on, Tantus.

So I enjoy thrusting and my easy-to-reach G-spot is just fine and happy with the ridges on this. If I’m masturbating to (clitoral) orgasm, I can clench my legs around the Flurry, and it feels good. Not quite as good as my Tex, you know, but awesome anyway. In addition to this, the super squishy head is so much easier on my cervix, which has decided that should anything touch it, it will scream in pain. )= Except (= because that doesn’t happen with the Flurry.

This dildo will not be going up on any toy swap list. In fact, I will probably keep it in my top nightstand drawer with such covered toys as my VixSkin Tex, the Miracle Massager and my Liberator glass dildo.

SheVibe sells this dildo for an awesome $54.99. Go get one.

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Tantus VIP Super Soft

October 17th, 2011

The VIP is the first of the Super Soft dildos I’ve seen available on any third-party retailers. Tantus actually makes several of their pieces with this formula, including Mark, Adam and Mikey. If you’ve been around a while, you’ll notice that I didn’t enjoy the Adam O2 very much. I was hoping for something more VixSkin-like but the dual-density formula was firmer than I was looking for, which meant that the already hefty Adam was too big for my tastes.

I should have paid attention because I had a similar issue with the VIP. This is a big one, baby. But I do find the super-soft texture quite interesting, so even though it’s not my cup of tea, it could be yours.

The name “super soft” is dead on. This stuff is crazy soft and squishy. You can grab it and it’ll bulge out in other areas. Super soft may be ideal for the sex toy lover who wants something more hygienic than cyberskin and something that will last pretty much forever. On the downside, the soft formula does seem to dent a little easier and, as always, silicone does like to pick up lint.

The VIP is super soft all the way through. There’s no solid inner core. Thus, you can bend it and squish it any way you want. Because the VIP is so long, it does flop over but it’s thick enough that it wouldn’t be completely reasonable as a packing cock.. unless your pants had a lot of room. The heavy silicone only measures 7″ from end to end but it’s got a 5″ (1.59″ diameter) that is pretty consistent throughout the length of the toy. The head is slightly contoured to be round, and has a slight ridge, but isn’t realistic. Besides being straight, the shaft is really quite smooth.

The biggest feature, design-wise, is the balls.. but I’m not a big fan. This is already a heavy toy — it seems like the silicone may be denser than most — the balls just make it unwieldy without adding much stimulation, in my opinion. I’d also just prefer to grasp a rounded/flared base. My hands are small so the balls get in the way. Some might like the visual aspect or think it adds realism.

The super soft silicone isn’t very realistic feeling even though it’s fun. I find it a little unwieldy because the silicone is so squishy, it doesn’t thrust super well, even with a lot of (water-based) lube. The shaft does have a G-spot curve if the sheer mass doesn’t hit your spot. It did hit mine but in a general way that wasn’t as focused as I tend to like.

I think that Tantus’ super soft silicone is a great idea but the VIP isn’t the size for me. I’d be interested in trying other pieces made out of this material in the future, though — preferably without any attached balls.

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Simply Blown G-Glass Dildo

October 10th, 2011

I drooled over Simply Blown’s products when I first saw them. I delighted whenBabeland started carrying them and pretty much squeeled when they sent me one for review. I could have cried when I saw they were no longer carrying them and while Babeland didn’t require me to write a review, I wanted to because these are awesome products.

The thing that draws the eye is that Simply Blown somehow fills their glass pieces with a bright color, like red or blue, and there’s a layer of clear glass around this. It’s breathtaking and, let me tell you, even more amazing in person.

I received a red G-Glass dildo and if the piece itself is a work of art, the box is understated. It’s a simple grey box with a formed foam insert that highlights the sex toy inside and nothing else. Not surprisingly, my piece was heavy. Heavier than any rabbit or the Pure Wand. Heavy enough that I will never use it for extended periods of time lest my arms fall off.

But I won’t have to because the weight and the gentle curve of a Simply Blown glass dildo are perfect for hitting the G-spot, for applying pressure in just the right way and getting the job done in no time. In fact, I was squirting before I even had time to try both sides. I’m pretty sure the wider end is intended more for insertion, but the smaller end is usable, too, especially if you’re not quite ready for the 1.59” diameter. This toy is already heading toward larger status, but the rigid glass definitely makes it feel huge. The girth stays about the same for most of the length. The smaller end is actually just about as wide, with no tapering, but it does slim down to about 1.27” about 1” into the toy.

The dildo I have measures around 7.5” from tip to tip. Unfortunately, Simply Blown doesn’t provide any storage options, and I find boxes to be bulky, so I’ll probably adjust my toys so I can steal a padded bag from something else.

Like all things glass, take care when washing and storing. Dropping could break the toy, your floor, or a toe. Ouch! Go easy with lube because it’s already so slick, and if you’d like, apply warm or cool water for temperature play, but go slowly so avoid burning yourself or stressing the glass.

You can find the G-glass dildo and other striking toys on the Simply Blown website.

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First Mate Silicone Dildo

July 9th, 2011

Even though the First Mate silicone dildo is smaller than the captain, it’s still quite a large dildo. Were it made of a firmer material/composition than it is, I probably wouldn’t enjoy it very much. However, I was thrilled to note that the silicone is softer than I was expecting. While this isn’t VixSkin, it certainly feels more realistic than any of the Tantus dildos I’ve tried. It squishes a bit when I squeeze it in my hand and I can bend the shaft a few degrees either way. This is definitely aided by the length of the toy. I haven’t even gotten around to fully inserting it and won’t even try because my cervix isn’t a big fan of that.

The First Mate measures in at 7 3/4″ and all but 1/2″ is insertable. This dildo has a width that varies between 1 3/4″ and 1 1/2″. It falls firmly in the realm of medium/large toys and is larger than most toys I’ve tried so that gives you quite the idea about the captain dildo. I had to use quite a bit of lube and then some more and, finally, more lube. The design is realistic and features veining and a drastically contoured head. Even though the shaft is quite straight, the bulbous head should provide enough G-spot stimulation from most, if the bulk doesn’t do it by itself.

It may have been the type of lube I used, but I found the First Mate a little difficult to use, and I had to keep reapplying. It was just a bit too big to glide easily so I found it better to use stationary with the use of a clitoral vibe. However, the contoured head was pretty great for clitoral stimulation, too. It felt fairly realistic to me.

The silicone of this dildo is a softer, more velvety finish as opposed to shinier silicones. It’s available in multiple flesh tones ranging from pale to pure black–which I received [Editor’s note: The First Mate is now available in a dark brown and dark purple only]. The plastic blister pack is the only packaging/storage material that it comes with, and it’s too bulky to be functional. Like any silicone, it tends to collect lint. It washes with soap and water but the base of the toy is slick — not slick enough to function as a suction cup, though — and hair and lint is more difficult to rinse off from this part of the toy.

Although the First Mate dildo isn’t perfect for me, I enjoyed the softer texture of the sex toy and think my readers will as well.

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