Liberator Shag Throe
$89.99 from SheVibe

I recently got a gift from someone awesome and by “someone awesome,” I mean myself. That gift was a Liberator Shag Throe because I was sick of wet spots on the bed (from sex) and washing all my towels (from squirting). I was apprehensive about my purchase the shag throe was only available in purple, while the microfiber is available in more colour choices. People seemed to like both just fine, but I had such a difficult time deciding whether colour or texture mattered more, especially because I am not a big fan of microfiber (but I wasn’t sure if the microfiber throe felt run of the mill).

Note that Liberator currently only offers Throws in one material: “microvelvet.” I believe this is less plush than the blanket I own. Nevertheless, my general thoughts apply to the overall product.

The Shag Throe comes packaged in a plastic box and is neatly folded. I noticed immediately that the shag is softer and plushier than microfiber, so I think I made the right choice. I got what some retailers call “regular” size, and the blanket is really quite large at 72″ x 54″. It just covers the top of a queen-sized bed, which is why Liberator bills it as queen sized. I personally never use it extended to its full size. It is always folded in half or thirds because I simply do not need that much area. I could probably get away with the smaller Travel Throw, which measures 53″ xs 36.”. But if you want a blanket that covers your entire bed, they also make a king-sized option.

The size alone is not the only factor that makes the Throe seem quite large, perhaps even bulky. It is obvious that there are several layers to this blanket; of course, that only makes sense because the Throe has to contain something special to keep moisture from our furniture and linens. According to Liberator, that is an “inner moisture barrier.” In layman’s terms, it seems like a sheet of plastic and sounds like it, too. When moving, folding, or otherwise breathing on the Throe, there is a noticeable sound of fabric-covered plastic. It’s not necessarily detrimental to the experience, especially if you’re louder than the Throe (nor will it give you away to the roommates or neighbours) but it is a little.. unsexy.

So, those outer layers? Shag and satin. The shag is a short fur which is fairly soft to the touch but not like cashmere or anything. It’s definitely more appealing than “shag carpet” which is what had always come to my mind before. I mean, who wants to have sex on that? Besides cheesy 70s porn stars, that is! For whatever reason, the shag side feels better to my hands than my body, which feels a little suffocated by it, but it doesn’t feel bad at all.

And the satin? Well, it’s satiny, but the outer layer is much thinner than that of the shag so it’s easier to feel the moisture barrier inside. Because of this, I don’t really like the satin side as much. If it were just satin or satin over something softer, it would feel better, but it just feels too plastic-y for my tastes. I never use it silk-side-up. However, it’s smoother and cooler feeling, which some folks might prefer in hot temperatures. There are two other downsides to the satin side: it can slip around on surfaces and it runs (like pantyhose). I found out the latter after leaving the satin side up on my bed for a short time, and, when I returned, it was obvious my cat(s) had walked over it. 

The exterior is finished with a secure border/trim around the edges, which holds everything tightly in place. 

In use, the Throe performs as expected. I have read accounts where the Throe was not enough to contain fluids of some people, but I am no super soaker, so I am satisfied. In fact, a product like this can really help someone who is worried about the mess of ejaculating or the difference between urine and FE. I wouldn’t even care if it were only urine, except that I don’t want that on my sheets or bed, so the Throe is a lifesaver. The shag side not only soaks up my fluids but even makes them a bit difficult to see. However, if you’re looking to use the Throe as a towel for cleaning up after the fact, it doesn’t perform so well in that manner, partly because it’s stiff and partly because it doesn’t absorb moisture as much as it holds it. As a result, larger amounts of fluid will pool on the Throe instead of being soaked up by it (but they will not soak through to whatever is beneath it).

Nevertheless, I have found my Shag Throe helps me be a procrastinator (whether or not that’s helpful, you can decide). After playtime is over, I can roll up my toys in the Throe and toss it in the corner overnight or until I am ready to deal with clean up. I find it so handy in that way because I didn’t think of this as a versatile product, really.

The Fascinator Throw is machine washable on delicate/cold. You might even be able to get away with a regular cycle, but I didn’t try. It kept its shape well, and I tossed it in the dryer on low heat. Some folks have let it air dry on the line or shower rod, which is also an option. I found that I had to run it through the dryer multiple times before it was actually dry, which is a bit perplexing. I have no idea how long it would take to air dry, but now that I am back home with paid laundry machines, I guess I will find out. The Throe is in great condition after being washed and dried, and the colour is still vibrant.

But I have to say, I don’t feel the need to wash it every time I use it, thankfully. It doesn’t pick up smells nor does it seem necessarily dirty after a use or two. Like I mentioned, it’s really big so I can just fold over a previously used spot and there’s still plenty of clean surface left.

However, my original blanket seemed to have a defect as the trim started to come undone. I contacted Liberator, which replaced it. I now have two of them, with the original demoted to a cat blanket. The trim hasn’t broken down anymore, even with washing. Because I’ve had it in the window, it has become noticeably sun-faded. My replacement has held up well with no stitching issues, though!

I definitely look forward to spending more time with my Shag Throe!

While I recommend the Fascinator Throw to anyone who wants to make cleanup easier and experience that security during playtime, I understand that not everyone can justify the cost. This is especially true because the price has nearly doubled since I got my first Throw (and I believe it is more valuable than the current microfiber option). To that end, I’ve created a list of alternatives to the Liberator Throw that can save you money.

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