Below you’ll find all of the sex toy reviews I’ve written at Of Sex and Love. Find my opinions on vibrators, dildos, media (sex education books, porn, DVDs and erotica), bondage and BDSM gear, lingerie, anal toys, lube, massage products, and more!
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Furry Handcuffs - Tiger
$12.95
from FunWares
I decided to request these handcuffs to review simply because they were tiger striped. It seems to me that furry handcuffs are something that even a lot of vanilla folks have on hand and why shouldn’t I have my own pair? I haven’t necessarily been thrilled with anything in the Fetish Fantasy series and while these are about as functional as one would expect, I do have a major complaint.
The tiger stripes are wrong. You can see it in the photo but, in person, it just looks even stranger. Instead of black on orange, the stripes themselves are a light and dark brown with cream/white. Even a brown-tinted orange would make sense but these handcuffs should really just be named “striped.”
The fake fur has the netting-like lining and the edges aren’t really finished. It seems like you could rip them with a little force. Like many furry handcuffs, the fur itself is just a sleeve that slides over the cuff. It’s a little loose so there’s room to move. This can be a hassle when you’re trying to put on the cuffs as the sleeve can get in the way. A lot of struggle can also cause it to bunch up toward the side so while the fur does offer some protection against the cold and rigid metal of the cuffs, it’s not foolproof.
Because they’re metal, these handcuffs are weightier than the plastic kinds you’ll run across. This pair comes with a set of keys. The cut is very generic and they’re tiny, less than an inch long. I think the tiny key size will be difficult for people with larger hands or even fingernais to use. Luckily, there’s a quick release mechanism on these handcuffs. Some part of me think that deters from the point of bondage but folks just getting into it will likely feel reassured by it. Nevertheless, my short fingers are unable to reach the level to release it.
The cuffs are adjustable, like real ones, with the teeth things. I don’t know what they’re called. There’s about 1.25″ difference between the tightest and loosest settings so they’re not quite as adjustable as some of the bondage cuffs around. They’re also not ideal for use about most ankles.
The cuffs are connected by a small chain about 2″ in length. The chains that attach the cuffs are more secure than I was expecting. There’s no way I could break them and then links are soldered, not just pressed together. There’s a little room to move but not so much. They’ll work well for police-style restraint or simply cuffing the hands in front of the body. You could also use them to attach one wrist to another object, like a bedpost or.. bike rack. I don’t know. There could be kinky bike rack scenes, am I right?
So, weird patterns aside, these are a fun little item to add to your bedroom repertoire but I guess I’d opt for a different color in the future.
Metal Worx Curve
$42.95
from FunWares
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.
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.
This outfit/costume/lingerie (available from sex toy retailer MyPleasure) looks so much better in pictures than it does in person.. it’s ridiculous.
First, let me outline the few good things about this piece. I like the cut. It’s a chemise that’s ruched directly down the front. This texture makes me feel less self conscious so I like it. The halter is flattering on the boobs and I like how they looked when it was tied. The tie halter means this will better fit a variety of chest sizes; however, it’s intended for the bustier of us. The idea of a devil costume as a chemise works quite well and there’s feminine ruffles around the halter ties and bottom hem. The stitching all seems secure. The mesh is fine and soft and stretches nicely. I did order mine in the “Queen” size and it fits loosely so it’s good for 1x-2x, I’d suggest.
Now for the bad. This just wasn’t well though out as a costume. The tail is a mesh-wrapped wire that ends in a mesh point. It’s permanently sewn to the back of the costume which pretty much means handwash only. I guess I don’t know how you’d detach it but it’s a bit awkward. You can bend and shape the tail but it always falls down. The most you can do is, like in the picture, extend it slightly from your ass in a downward direction. That can still be cute, though. The tail is definitely more functional as a cat toy. Be careful.
The horns, on the other hand, are a complete failure. They consist of horn-shaped mesh over plastic “bones” all attached to a string headband. You know, the type you tie under your hair? The worst kind there is. For the life of me, I cannot manage to make them stick up. They always lie flat. I don’t think I’m going out on a limb when I suggest the publicity image uses an entirely different headpiece. Sorry.
The outfit is more sheer in person than the image suggests. This isn’t a bad thing per se but I wouldn’t wear this outside the bedroom. There’s actually double layers of mesh over the cups so it’s slightly less sheer. I like that.. Except, the outside layer of mesh seems to be really loose to the cups look saggy. I would probably notice more than a lover but it feels unflattering on my C-cups. Larger breasts women will fill it out a little better but a single layer of stretchy mesh would solve the problem.
There’s not much to say about the included G-string. It seems to run large, even for the queen size. It’s mesh and elastic and forgettable.
If you simply want to add some spice to the bedroom, you can certainly concoct a fun little scene out of the Sinner’s Paradise lingerie costume but if you want a real costume, look for something higher quality.
Vanity by Jopen #4
$105.95
from FunWares
FunWares was kind enough to send me the VR-4. This marks the third Vanity by Jopen rabbit that I’ve tried and the third that I didn’t like. All the shapes are just slightly different enough that I find it hard to figure out which would work for me. The Vr. 6 was extremely rigid. Like Lelo’s Ina, it was a little pinchy.. but I liked the vibrations.
The Jopen #4 actually differs in that the neck of the shaft is quite flexible so you can experiment a little more with positions. This means it may work better for a variety of users.. or so I’d guess. The head of the shaft is a rigid silicone, however, so you can still get pressure where you need it.
The shaft is also more angular, too. First, it curves backward to accommodate the pubic bone. Then is curves forward, toward the G-spot. The very tip curves very slightly back once more. In use, it really presses up against the G-spot. This is good for squirting — I did a lot — and makes me feel fuller but the angle isn’t so good for thrusting. I find myself having to be a little more careful. #4 provides direct stimulation in the way that’s best for users who like to hold a vibrator against their G-spot. The angles make the 3.5″x 1.5″ shaft feel much larger than it is, in my experience. My cervix is a little unhappy.
The insertable portion runs on its own motor that is powered by a single button. I’ve described that in detail here so I won’t do it again. I like it but I’m not used to it. Every time I reach for a Jopen toy, I have to relearn the buttons. Unless CEN plans to make all its toys operate in this manner, I think maybe it should consider not reinventing the wheel.
The clitoral arm is also more flexible. It doesn’t seem to have the motor right in it but just under it so the vibrations here are weaker than I recall the Vr 6. The silicone provides a firm but flexible stimulation that I would like, except the arms just too damned short for me. It measures just over an inch long and is about 4/5″ wide. It probably wouldn’t provide the broad pressure I like if it did reach, though. The clitoral stimulator gets its own button. See above for my thoughts.
Overall, the Vanity by Jopen #4 seemed a little less powerful than other Jopen vibrators. This especially noticeable in the clitoral arm. At times, the shaft motor also seemed jerky. This isn’t something I’ve experienced before and it’s not a deal-breaker but it’s interesting enough to note.
Like the other toys in the line, this toy is rechargeable (there’s a light on the toy itself to indicate status) and comes with the adapter and a super large storage bag. I mentioned it before, but it’s so stretchy that it’s almost unwieldy. I’m not a fan. Jopen vibes are all waterproof, made of non-porous silicone and not compatible with silicone lubes.
The flexibility is the strongest feature of the Vanity by Jopen #4. I like how it creates more room for the pubic bone, too but it does so in a way that presses toward the back vaginal wall and I don’t like that so much. If you want a decently powered vibrator and think that this one will fit your proportions, you could do much worse.
Flurry O2 Dildo By Tantus
$49.99
from SheVibes
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 countoured 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 at an awesome $49.99. Go get one.
Shunga Edible Body Powder
$18
from FunWares
Body dusts are a super sensual and, may I claim, vanilla way to spice up the sex life. I was actually surprised with a tin of Shunga’s dust with my last shipment from FunWares and it was from Shunga. I’d been wanting to try their dust to compare with the Kama Sutra stuff I bought a while back. As it turns out, dust is really simple and there’s not much to say about it, let alone to compare.
The tin includes a plastic bag of dust — which is white in color — that is actually double sealed. This is great because dust tends to be.. dusty. When you open it, expect a poof of dust that you will be able to see float through the air. There’s a pretty satin bag for placing the plastic bag in, I guess, and a feather applicator. Shunga actually includes a little note that you can restore the state of an used and abused feather by holding it over steam. Who knew? Well, I guess they did.
The dust itself is super fine and almost silky feeling. It spreads into the skin in a translucent layer that you then lick off. The flavor I received was Raspberry Feeling. I’ll be honest, it doesn’t come off as raspberry exactly but it’s pleasant. It smells very much like bubblegum and the taste has a touch of citrus with more bubblegum. I do wish the flavor was truer to the label, though.
The dust does have a bit of a chalky texture so you won’t want to gobble it down in spoonfuls. A few licks will probably suffice, unless you really like it. Then who am I to stop you from enjoying yourself?
I have to be honest, though. I don’t find the feather to be the best applicator. The body dust is fine enough that I almost can’t see it on their unless I really glob it on. The feather itself is quite large, almost too big to fit into the container without pinching it in the cap and you don’t get an adequate application. I’m probably just nitpicking because it’s what I do. Feathers are fun and feel silky on the skin, of course. Perhaps that negates my pickiness.
There’s actually quite a large amount of body dust in the Shunga tin. Short of bathing in it, I don’t know how I’ll ever use it all.
By now, you’re probably seen the press releases and more than a handful reviews about Lelo’s new toys, which the company released over a month ago. These additions to the Insignia range are all wireless and use what Lelo is calling SenseMotion technology to operate. Lelo was kind enough to offer me my choice for review so I opted for the Tiani, the toy that I felt would be easier to review without a partner, which is basically a smaller version of the WeVibe in a silky silicone. However, the Lyla, Oden and Tiani are best intended for partner use. So while I want to thank Lelo, I was to be absolutely clear that they missed the mark and this is why.
Tiani is too damned weak and buzzy. Even on its highest setting, it barely registers as more than a tickle. There’s not enough variance between the low and high and the pitch is too high for any sort of pulsation to be stimulating. If you need anything stronger than a watch battery bullet, the Tiani is not for you. This is especially disappointing considering how deep the WeVibe’s vibrations are, even if they aren’t that strong.
Tiani is confusing. I don’t like having to read directions. There, I said it and, you know what, who wants to have to sit down and read a book to figure out how to operate their sex toy? But I had to, from beginning to end. First, I had to figure out how to charge it. Here’s a tip, the plastic band in the middle of the toy is actually where the toy parts twist together. The adapter plugs into one end once you take it apart. The plastic band around the toy itself isn’t seamless and the way the pieces screw together seems very cheap. The Insignia line is supposed to be waterproof but this design doesn’t even include a removable O-ring. My Alia seemed a little safer. However, I doubt the shower or pool would be an ideal place to use it anyway, considering the weak vibes and remote problems.
Then I had to figure out how to use it. You have to press a button on the remove and then a button on the controller, then another button on the toy itself to activate it. Then you have to figure out how SenseMotion works, which leads me to my next point.
SenseMotion is novel but not practical in the least. Thank god Lelo still allows you to use the remote normally but there’s two super weird settings you have to pass first. For starters, the first mode relies on the position of the remote. Flip it vertically to raise vibrations, back down to lower them. The controller itself vibrates to offer feedback to the user. That’s kind of a neat idea but also means the controller makes noise so that limits where and when you might be able to use the SenseMotion toys, in my opinion. In the first mode, a back and forth movement simulates pulsation. Well, sort of. There’s this bit delay of between movement and the vibration in the Tiani and it’s hard to get a good rhythm going.
The second mode, which you can activate by pressing the middle of three buttons, simply requires you to move the controller faster to increase the intensity of the vibrations. This means, that if you want to use the vibrations at the highest setting, you need to shake it pretty good.. which also works against it being inconspicuous as so many wireless vibrators aim to be. It’s also tiring and annoying.
The third mode is one where you simply press the + arrow to increase vibrations and the – arrow to decrease. It’s the one I like the most because it makes sense and doesn’t require too much concentration. I wish the controller turned onto this mode instead. There are eight settings, including pulsation and escalation and I swear the controller is more powerful than the Tiani itself.
Aside from awkwardness and confusion, the Tiani is rechargeable but still requires batteries. Man, I hate that about wireless toys. It’s the controller that requires batteries, 2 AAAs to be exact. Insertion is kind of a bitch. The battery cover is designed so that you have to use a little key to open it, or potentially a fingernail. I don’t know. I was so excited to try it out that I somehow use my fingers and force to just press it open but it sucked. Then you insert the batteries and closing the case is much more difficult without the key that I didn’t even realized existed because..
Tiani comes with too much damned stuff. Seriously. Manual, batteries, key, brooch, packet of lube, controller, vibrator, storage pouch. The controller, brooch and vibe sit on top of foam inserts and everything else sits under, in the hollow of the box. My batteries and key actually got wedged in there so I didn’t realize there was a key to open it until I read another review. Opening the battery compartment then became so much easier but why does Lelo think the consumer needs all this crap? I can almost guarantee I’m going to lose the key and the only reason I won’t lose the brooch is because I’ll never take it out of the box. It’s all a lot to keep an eye on.
At the end of the day, I wouldn’t mind but the Tiani just doesn’t work very well. The remote starts to fail as soon as any objects come between it and the vibrator. In mode three, the remote can’t even transmit through a thin layer of fabric, let alone walls. I’m not a fan of the shape either. The insertable part is smaller than that of the WeVibe, which may be better for using during intercourse, but also makes it more difficult to adequately stimulated my G-spot. The arm is also extremely flexible so it’s difficult to get a lot of pressure. Paired with the weak vibrations, the Tiani didn’t do much for me. Plus, the silky silicone is so slippery. There’s no good place to hold for insertion or to get just the right angle. My fingers kept slipping off.
The Tiani also has a ridiculously short battery life. After charging completely, I was able to use it once and play with it, for testing purposes, twice. We’re talking far less than an hour here. The Tiani’s meager vibrations are a freaking battery hog.
So we have a vibrator that isn’t very good, a wireless control that doesn’t work very well, a rechargeable toy that also needs batteries. The Lelo Tiani just doesn’t do much right besides looking pretty and even that’s a stretch.
