Amor

June 6th, 2011

Amor
$44.99 from Babeland

The Amor dildo feels great in my hand. Its texture is different from any toy I’ve touched. The matte texture is a little deeper than your typical velvety silicone. It’s almost plush feeling. This creates more drag. There’s also a fair amount of flexibility. The Amor down right squishes when I squeeze it. It’s all around fun to play with in my hands. It’s not as realistic as Vixskin, of course, but I prefer my insertables to have some flexibility, generally. The color of the black Amor isn’t as deep because of this texture. It’s more of a grey.

The Amor is not a huge dildo by any means. It measures just 5 1/2″ in length and about 5″ are insertable. It’s 1 1/2″ diameter lands it solidly in the realm of medium-girthed toys; although, the entire dildo isn’t the same thickness. The contoured head is slightly smaller and angles with the slight curve of the shaft. The shaft increases in size where it evens out toward the center and base.

In use, I required a fair bit of lube because of the texture. It doesn’t exactly taper gradually either so it took a bit for me to acclimate to the Amor. If you participate in penetration more regularly this won’t be an issue of course but if you’re a newbie then you may also want to work yourself up with fingers or smaller toys. While flexible, the Amor definitely holds its shape enough to stand up or stimulate the G-spot. It doesn’t offer a drastic curve or angle so it may not be for you if that’s what you require. My G-spot is stupidly easy to reach so I didn’t find this to be a problem.

The Amor’s rounded triangle base is ideal for harnesses; although I don’t have one it seems like it would be comfortable and unobtrusive as the silicone tapers toward the edges. The design may also make it safe for a little anal play but I wanted this dildo for G-spot stimulation.

Another interesting aspect of the Amor is its suction cup abilities. I accidentally realized that the shiny base will stick to just about anything when I set it on my coffee table, picked it up and the glass came with it. It successfully stuck to the smooth wooden surface, my textured walls, a cover of a book and my shower wall. This certainly adds to the hands-free usage of the Amor dildo but, be careful that you don’t accidentally take something with you when grabbing the dildo. 😉

Because it’s pure silicone, you want to wash it with soap or water. The texture definitely picks up lint, of course, so wiping down with cleaners or wipes may not do the trick.

I enjoyed playing with the Amor in my hands a little more than in my vagina. I think the texture is totally fun, but I prefer something a little smaller for precise G-spot stimulation. That’s just me, of course.

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Little Su Natural

April 11th, 2011

Little Su Natural

Little Su Natural

This is an archived review of a discontinued item.

I was attracted to the Little Su by Joya as soon as it was released. I was, at that time, really into dual-stimulation products, and the novelty of a dual-stim dildo–as opposed to a vibrator–intrigued me. That it comes in a cool, faux-book box was only icing on the cake. However, the reviews were a bit lackluster and I put it on my back burner. When I got the chance to review one for SexToy.com, I said “It’s time. Sign me up.”

This silicone dildo is intended for dual stimulation and has a very modern look. The internal portion consists of a firm shaft that gradually grows in width and tapers to a slight point, while the external portion is quite narrow and features ridges that stimulate the body There’s a small, flared point at the end (think the Devil’s tail ;)) It was pretty obvious, out of the box, that the external portion wouldn’t really work for me. It seems like the toy is meant for rocking to create a back-and-forth sensation, but I like something more firm and frenzied, and the thin neck on this piece wasn’t going to do it. I prefer something more broad, more smooth. More spherical, in general.

I was also unpleasantly surprised at how large and firm the insertable shaft felt but this is almost entirely due to the fact that I haven’t been playing with penetration that frequently as of late. With more lube and some patience, I found a much more comfortable position but the result was more along the lines of “There, I can’t feel it” rather than “That feels nice.” That’s usually not what you want with a sex toy. This is due to the fact that the Little Su Natural has edges that run the length of the shaft and end in a rounded point. I just don’t like this as a design feature (as you saw in my review for the Aurora vibe).

Furthermore, the angle where the two parts meet doesn’t cradle my pubic bone the way that I like.

Frequently, I wind up having a lot to say because dual stimulation toys tend to work in one place but not the other. Unfortunately, as with the Little Su Natural, neither part really worked for me. I think this just goes to show that sometimes, unique packaging, quality materials and a thought-provoking design do not work for everyone or.. maybe anyone. I admire Joya’s efforts but still feel like this toy fell short, especially considering the price tag. I suspect I’d like vibrators better, with their more rounded design, but they still have a lot of molded designs and this is another complaint of mine. I don’t like to spend a lot of time cleaning my toys, thus I prefer them to be smoother. Little Su has ridges that face the body, on the external portion of the toy–ridges that also make it more difficult to clean and dry.

Thus, this review ends. I have little more to say about the Little Su dildo. It’s simple and it simply doesn’t work for me.

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Octopussy Dildo

December 9th, 2010

This is an archived review. Babeland no longer sells the Octopussy dildo. Furthermore, I have had a Pipedream dildo break because it is a lower quality glass.

I strongly recommend reading Lilly’s guide to glass sex toy safety before making any glass dildo purchases!

Octopussy dildo

When it comes to my sex toys, I do not especially like the weird but there was something about the Octopussy Dildo that called to me when Babeland offered it up for review. This glass dildo is stylized so that it looks like an octopus tentacle or, potentially, an appendage of an alien. The pink glass is shaped like the end of a tentacle with a number of bumps that aid in the fantastic design but do not appear like actual tentacle suckers up close. The bumps run in two lines along the length of the dildo, from the tip to the end of the handle, which curves back toward the shaft to create an open loop for easy maneuvering.

If you’re interested in this piece because of its looks, rest assured that it is more attractive in person. All the retail images I have seen appear pale pink but this one is a glistening, vibrant pink. Although glass, the colour makes it translucent and not quite transparent.

Like any other glass piece, the rigidity makes it feel larger than it is but the Octopussy Dildo is not especially large. In fact, it only offers 4.5″ of insertable length out of the 6.5″ or so of the entire piece. In addition to this, the dildo has a diameter of nearly an inch. However, the Octopussy Dildo does not have a round shaft but one that is oblong–wider than it is tall. This dildo has a slight curve that may cup the pubic bone but that is not drastic enough to reach all G-spots if the user does not angle the toy to do so.

I found it easy to feel that there was texture on the Octopussy but I could not necessarily determine what that texture was. Because my G-pot is fairly shallow, the Octopussy was able to stimulate it with minimal movement. Nevertheless, I am not sure that the texture is one that I found especially pleasurable.

I do like the handle, though. Because you don’t have to worry about mechanical parts, you may wish to take this dildo into the shower with you. Water and even lube can make slick glass even more slippery but the loop offers the ability to keep a handle on the toy despite these factors. Because it is so rigid, I would avoid quick movements that could pinch your fingers. Additionally, the loop is only large enough for one finger–maybe two, if yours are small.

Glass is easy to care for: the slickness makes it easy to wash with soap and water or you can boil it for 3 minutes to sterilize (making it safe for sharing). Furthermore, you can dunk it in a bowl or warm or cold water for temperature play, if you are so inclined. If the Octopussy has been unused for a while, it is likely to be cold when you first take it out but it will warm to body temperature with use.

Although I have no major complaints about the dildo itself, I am sad that Pipedream did not include any storage options with it. There isn’t even a cheap pouch. You will want to purchase a toy pouch, make your own or store it in some protective fabric to prevent chipping, breaking or annoying clanging when it comes into contact with other toys.

If you’re into tentacles or odd toys, you may want to pick up the Octopussy Dildo but I’m not sure it’s worth the price tag in comparison to other glass toys and considering the manufacturer.

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VixSkin Spur

September 30th, 2010

Recently, I finally decided to try a VixSkin dildo. It was different for me because I really don’t like flesh-coloured toys or ones that are realistically shaped. I have a number of glass dildos, a couple of silicone, and some metal ones as well, but realistic ones just never appealed. Still, everyone was totally into me getting something and Twitter agreed that I needed to go with VixSkin if realistic was the goal. I won’t lie; the lack of real dick in my life has been a bit disappointing.

So I requested the VixSkin Spur and it was quickly on my doorstep. It arrived in a cylindrical plastic container that I love. I’ve had a few toys come in similar containers; they’re great for things that are generally long and narrow. They offer more protection than plastic bags, and they’re ideal for permanently storing your toys.

I began to play with the Spur immediately. I understood this toy was dual-layered; intellectually, I knew there was a firmer inner core, but it was something else to actually feel it. I sat it on my desk and groped and stroked it for a few hours. I took pictures. I sent them to a friend who thought the spur looked huge. It’s not, really. I specifically picked a smaller toy because I don’t love banging the shit out of my cervix. Thus, Spur really isn’t the toy for size queens with its 4-¾” length and 1-¼” diameter.

Who might enjoy this?

  • Harness lovers: Spur includes a wide, flat base that is harness compatible. The inner core makes it functional for thrusting too but…
  • Packin’ folks may find that it’s soft enough to wear in clothes. This depends but when I sit the Spur on a flat surface, gravity tends to pull it down and exaggerate the slight curve in the shaft.
  • Folks like me who don’t want to beat up their cervixes.
  • Novices who may be looking for a non-intimidating toy.
  • Everyone who wants to play with fun, squishy silicone.

My first scene with Spur was quite enjoyable. I broke out the Liberator Throe and was also trying out Lelo Siri. Internally, Spur felt more realistic. It wasn’t fooling my hands, but my vagina couldn’t much tell the difference. I loved the realistic sensations, but being able to thrust at my own convenience, and I squirted pretty quickly.

The base makes for a great handle and the Spur is easy to maneuver, but I find I can squeeze my thighs around the base during orgasm to keep Spur inserted, too; I used this method during clitoral orgasm with the Siri. And this, in my opinion, is where Spur really shines. As my PC muscles spasm during orgasm, the Spur has enough give that they’re not clenching to produce a painful sensation, as is often the case with toys that are larger and harder.

Because my G-spot can be sensitive in an unpleasant way, even if I want something inserted, sometimes it’s simply too painful to do so. That’s not a problem because Vixen’s silicone composition is awesome!

Are there any downsides to the Spur? Well, sort of. It collects lint and dust because the silicone is so soft. Storing it in the plastic container it came in is a great idea because of this. And you should only used it with water-based lube. Typically, this isn’t a problem, but I accidentally used some silicone-based lube with the Spur, and it has become sticky, and I’m no longer considering it nonporous. Some folks suggest that VixSkin is more susceptible to these types of reactions, so be warned.

Back to the positives, VixSkin is especially susceptible to temperature play. It quickly warms to body temperature, and I found the opposite to also be true: when I played with an ice vibe, the Spur cooled down immediately even though it was inserted. You can use a bowl of warm or cool water, though.

Because it is silicone, you can clean with soap and water or boil to disinfect the Spur to swap between partners or orifices. I don’t share so soap and water it is, then off to the towel to dry.

So, if you can’t tell, I really like the Spur. I never knew I could like a realistic toy so much. It’s really quite awesome.

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Isis

March 30th, 2010

Isis

Isis

This is an archived review of a discontinued product.

Isis is one of the few non-glass products by Luxotiq but, like all their products, is made with the same gentle curves which make it both incredibly attractive and functional. This silicone dildo is soft but vibrant pink and sports not one but two functional ends to meet all needs. Although I am not a connoisseur of dildos by any means, I do find Isis to work splendidly; in fact, I think this piece of certainly worthy of a goddess’ name.

Isis is made of silicone which is firmer than it is soft but still has some flexibility. It’s not as firm as Tantus toys but remains more firm than most Fun Factory silicone. The particular composition of silicone feels noticeably dense to me. The shape could be described as a loose and long “S” but it is not symmetrical. One side has a gentle curve while the shaft gradually increases in size and the other side is generally smaller with a flatter head angling off from the shaft. The entire piece has a velvety texture and while there is a seam which runs around the toy and can be felt by a finger, it is not felt internally.

I first experimented with the thicker end, inserting it with a little water-based lube. The shaft grows to about 1 1/2″ in girth so it’s neither tiny nor gigantic. It falls right into my comfortable range and a lot of people consider that about “medium” sized. However, the size increases toward the end so you can’t work your way up to it; it’s the other way around. I found the curve and size to be absolutely perfect for stroking my G-spot which, as you might recall, it fairly shallow. I sometimes have difficulty with angled G-spot toys and much prefer the curve of the Isis. It’s also interesting because I usually have more success with G-spot vibes, not dildos so I was a bit surprised how easy it was to “milk” my G-spot. I achieved ejaculation within a minute or two and the girth helped stimulate exactly the right spot.

Used in this way, the angular end is great for a handle and there is plenty of length to grasp (unlike the Dai-Do #5 which I just tried). I didn’t have to insert it very far at all but Isis’ design seems ideal no matter how deep your G-spot it. I didn’t opt for any fancy maneuvering simply because the girth was comfortably snug for me but I am sure you could.

If the curved end is too thick or doesn’t offer the stimulation you prefer, Isis can be inserted the “opposite” way, too. The angled head is smaller (1″ diameter) and offers a bit more precise movement. It doesn’t personally fit me the best, but that is part of the appeal of having a double-sided dildo.

Those are not the only perks, of course. This dildo can easily be cleaned with soap and water, as the included “business” card instructs. There is even a soft cloth for drying to because silicone has the tendency to pick up lint. It’s only a few inches long and wide, though so it’s not as practical as it could be. I just use a regular towel or you could let Isis air dry, too. These are nice touches, though.

I also appreciate that the dildo came in a sealed plastic bag which I actually had to cut (okay, I probably ripped it) open. Very few toys come this way, and I admit, even when they are settled in a pretty-looking box (and Isis does come in a nice white and pink box that ties shut with ribbon; it sits on pink satin over a foam-ish core), I don’t know how clean the box/fabric is for the dildo to be returned to it for storage (or vice versa). It just gives it a cleanly feeling but it might just be me. If you are a neat freak, Isis could be boiled or submerged in a deep solution to sanitize but most folks probably do not need to do this.

Although it’s versatile, I don’t think Isis would really work perfectly between two bodies at once and I would not advise anal use (unless you’re super advanced) because the lack of a flared base. It is certainly long enough that a partner could use it on you, of course. (=

My review seems short but, the truth is, dildos don’t do much. Their either work or they don’t and, for the most part, I am not a dildo girl. Still, I can say that Isis is a quality dildo that does work for me and will probably work for many.

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Dai-Do #5

March 22nd, 2010

Dai-Do #5

Dai-Do #5

This is an archived review of a discontinued product.

I fell in love with this entire line of metal dildos when B3 released them. They all looked sleek and refined but, unfortunately, were not received with as much enthusiasm from everyone else. The reviews were generally lukewarm so I held off from adding any pieces to my collection. Still, my curiosity was piqued, and I decided to give Dai-Do #5 a try. I haven’t had a lot of success with bulby toys but I really like the idea of the design and I wasn’t sure I would like the other designs.

The Dai-Do line is made of aluminum and stainless steel and the first thing I noticed was how incredibly heavy the Dai-Do #5 felt. It is “only” 14oz but it feels heavier than that and perhaps heavier than any of the other metal toys I have. The condensed shape means the bulk of the weight fall into a short length and is especially focused on the largest ball (the handle end) of the dildo instead of being more evenly spread throughout the toy. The weight is distributed more evenly with both the Pure Wand and Alumina Revolve. Some people like weightier toys, but this definitely could pose a problem if you have bone or joint issues.

My Dai-Do #5 came in a deep red and the ball shapes reflect the world around it like looking at a stack of glass Christmas tree bulbs. It’s a fantastic-looking piece, and I am not sure any photos can actually depict how it will appear to the naked eye. The pieces also come in black, but I thought they might look flat, so I opted for red.

At the very end of the handle, the B3 logo is painted and can be felt with a finger. I have not been able to scratch it off but that might be possible to do over time. Around the center of the largest ball is a black silicone “grip” onto which is attached a metal plaque with the B3 logo. The band itself is soft and slightly flexible but, obviously, there isn’t much give because it is surrounding metal. There is a thin, silver band on either side of the silicone for an overall sleek look and the “slip resistant” band-aids in grasping the toy. However, there are some nooks and crannies within the area which could harbor unseen bacteria but this area is probably not going to super exposed to fluids because…

The ball is huge. The diameter is around 2″ which makes it pretty much useless, maybe not completely because I am sure it could be inserted with proper warm up and lube but it is not designed for that. In comparison, the insertable portion of the shaft is both tiny (the largest bulb is 1.6″ in diameter) and short (3.5″) because the ball detracts from the overall length. While the larger end is supposed to aid in wielding the dildo in the palm of your hand, I found the opposite to be true. It is bulky enough that it can hinder more detailed movements; although rotating the shaft or moving it in a circular motion works well. The lack of length can also hinder thrusting. However, this dildo would be pretty anal-safe, but since I do not own a P-spot, I cannot discuss its effectiveness in that manner.

With the handle pressed right up to the entrance of the vagina, it’s a bit difficult to feel the largest bulb. The smaller balls feel, too small. The sensation is a bit harsh to me and disappointing. The shaft definitely feels smaller than it looks, and those looking for girth may be disappointed. When I was able to adjust the angle to achieve some thrusting, it was difficult to stimulate the exact spots I wanted and my G-spot is shallow and easy to reach. Dai-Do #5 is just not the perfect, universal G-spot dildo.

However, the slick metal makes insertion a breeze with little prep or lubrication. I would stick to water-based just in case some gets on the silicone grip. The gradually increasing balls aid in insertion as well. I also enjoy how cool this metal dildo feels during initial insertion (it remains quite cool during storage) but temperature could easily be altered with warm water or potentially warming/cooling products.

The dildo is also easy to clean. I frequently used Afterglow wipes and the surface wipes clean easily. Soap and water washing will also do the trick, but I have heard some personal accounts about the metal reacting strangely to boiling, so I would not advise going that route. Use a bleach solution to wipe, instead, if sterilization is your end.

B3 has included a satin bag with their Dai-Do line of toys. I find the ribbons that cinch it are designed a little oddly, and there is definitely more length than is necessary. It’s still functional but a little.. odd.

I think I would have enjoyed the Dai-Do #5 more if so much of it wasn’t dedicated to being a handle so that the insertable portion of the shaft was both longer and girthier. A smaller “handle” would have made it easier for me to wield. However, someone else might love the feel as well as the polished look, the ability to incorporate temperature play and the ease of cleaning and insertion.

uiktgyh

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Alumina Revolve

December 10th, 2009

Alumina Revolve

Alumina Revolve

This is an archived review of a discontinued product.

My first impression of the Alumina Revolve is that it’s heavier than I would have expected. I guess when I thought “aluminum” I was thinking something more along the lines of a soda can of aluminum foil but Tantus’ Alumina line is made from aeronautical grade aluminum so I guess it makes sense. After all, I’ve never seen an airplane made out of aluminum foil. That would be a very bad idea. Perhaps the very worst idea ever. (TM).

So the Revolve is heavier than I expected. Probably a bit weightier than a glass toy of a similar design but lighter than, say, the Pure Wand so it’s not quite as unwieldy. It doesn’t feel as unbalanced either, even though the Revolve isn’t symmetrical. The two ends of this metal dildo (one which I view as the intended handle) are almost the same length; the handle is just under 4″ long and the other end just over 4″ (for a total of 8.25″ in length) but are crafted quite differently. The handle is smooth and generally straight, widening to a bulb at the end while the opposite side has three bulbs which increase in size toward the O-ring which separates the sides. While the “handle” side is lighter, I think it would be more unbalanced if the bulbs increased toward the outside instead.

In terms of size, the largest bulbs on both ends are about the same size with a 1.5″ diameter. The smaller bulbs are 1.2″ and .95″ in diameter, respectively and, save for the middle bulb on the 3-bulb side, they’re all fairly found (the middle bulb is more elongated). As you can see, that’s quite the drop in size on both sides. Actually, I would say that’s one of the downfalls of the Revolve. When using the bulby side, I expected to easily feel the size difference, but once I insert this end up to the largest bulb, I literally cannot feel the bulbs when pulling it out. Maybe my vag is just a slow adjuster but they feel like nothing at all because the size decrease is so dramatic. So I could just not insert it that far but then the girth is lackluster. I could instead just try pressing the bulbs against my G-spot – it is a G-spotter after all – but I found it a bit difficult to do this with precision because the bulbs are so close.

All is not lost, however. I found the “handle” end to perform wonderfully for G-spot stimulation. The single bulb on the end, paired with the difference in girth – made finding and stimulating my G-spot to ejaculation a quick and easy job. For me, the simple end was simply better.

But it does leave me a bit disappointed because I thought this pretty, purple dildo (did I mention the deep sheen) would be a little more versatile. I expected it to do more, to have more options. Instead, I only find one side to really be useful. Of course, I could invest in more Alumina pieces to craft my perfect dildo and the fact that you can interchange the halves was originally was one of the things that attracted me to the line but then I’d essentially be paying twice the price (and the Alumina line is not cheap) to get a toy I love (if I could even find the perfect pairing). I’d much rather have a basic G-spot dildo that worked well but had no options.

Like all metal, the Revolve can easily be used for temperature play and I can’t argue the quality, here. The slick metal is easily inserted with only the tiniest amounts of lube and just as easy to clean. The aluminum is anodized to resist corrosion and water as well. There are no seams besides where the O-ring is. I know some have even said the O-ring adds some stimulation but I cannot comfortably insert the Revolve past that point. I’m also curious what the ring is made of. I’d guess silicone but the packaging doesn’t say.

In terms of packaging, the Revolve is cradled for a form fitting foam cutout inside a black box, detailed with silver text and logos. Some like to use it for storage but I’d rather have a small bag to save space. It could serve as a gift box, if you were so inclined because the Alumina Revolve does look quite nice nestled inside. Included with the dildo is a small informational sheet which repeats the text on the outside of the box and also depicts the entire Alumina Line (including Flow, Motion and Thrust).

I don’t hate the Revolve. I just don’t love it, you know? It just doesn’t call to me. Maybe it’s this specific piece because the people who have tried the Motion seem to love it. They can’t praise it enough. And Carrie Ann liked the Flow as well but that offers girth that the revolve doesn’t have, at least not consistently. There are only two points on the Revolve which offer any girth but even then, I’d say it’s only a medium thickness even despite the fact that such a material usually feels a bit larger than it actually is. I suppose that makes the Revolve relatively newbie friendly (just be cautious the nature of metal which can be a bit painful). But I’m not a newbie. I know what I want and need and half of the Alumina Revolve just isn’t it.

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