Tuyo

January 18th, 2010

Tuyo

Tuyo
N/A from

This is an archived review of a discontinued toy.

I am a girl who loves pressure. Masturbation sessions that end with cramped fingers that can barely move are no strange in this house, sadly, and toys that are broad enough to press against my body with ease are rare. Small egg-style vibes don’t have a lot of room for my fingers (so they still cramp), traditional vibes aren’t broad, and it can be difficult to get quite the pressure I need from rabbits without detracting from internal stimulation. All of these reasons attracted me to Tuyo, a spherical massager that would certainly be broad enough and easy to hold (and press) for me. Mediocre reviews left me doubtful, but I finally took the plunge and purchased one for myself right before Christmas.

Tuyo is packaged in a sleek black box that is lined with pretty, purple satin material. It looks elegant sitting in the cushy material when the lid is open.

This vibrator measures 5″ x 5″ x 3.5″ and is made of hard plastic with a silicone band wrapping around the center, both in black. The band has some give and slight texture which can help in grasping Tuyo. There are thin silver borders on either side of the silicone band and also around the button on top that could be metal or plastic.

For the most part, these details do not create any crevices except around the button (which isn’t directly pressed to the body anyway). The button sits directly on top, whereas I press the bottom 1/3 against myself. The only mark on the bottom 1/3 is a printed logo that is not discernible by touch.

At first, I struggled with the battery compartment. The top portion of the Tuyo unscrews slightly to allow you to insert 3 AAA batteries. However, there aren’t any finger indentations that would make it easier to take off. When it comes to replacing it, there are also no indicators to line up the pieces, which would be helpful. The batteries sit pretty tightly in the compartment, but there is a ribbon that sits beneath them to assist in removal. Be careful of projectile batteries.

The round shape makes it incredibly easy to clean and, although it’s not waterproof, I washed it with soap and water without issue. There is no O-ring around the battery compartment but the unique cap seals well. The plastic could easily be sprayed with toy cleaner, and a wipe would work as well. The silicone band does pick up a bit of lint.

It only took me about 30 seconds to realize that Tuyo is exactly what I require in terms of shape and size. It’s definitely bigger around than any toys I have with its 3″ diameter; my fingers are not long enough to wrap all the way around. However, this works really well to stimulate the entire vulva, and I have plenty of room to grasp it without squishing my fingers. It’s incredibly easy to press against myself without causing pain that other shapes can cause and, if it switches position, I needn’t worry. It’s still round on every side. I quickly found myself moving my hips against the Tuyo and orgasming.

It’s also incredibly easy to use. The button is about the size of my fingertip and makes an audible click when I turn it out. There does seem to be some slight lag after initially turning it on, however. There are 3 levels of steady vibration that are pretty diffuse, although they are centered toward the bottom of the toy. These are followed by a slow pulsation, a faster pulsation, a pulsation like a fast heartbeat, a fast-fast-fast-fast-slow pulsation and a throbbing pulsation. The settings are all really neat, but I wouldn’t mind two buttons for back-and-forth options or even just a master power button because that’s eight settings to cycle through, and I find myself using the medium steady vibration most. The vibration is not super buzzy (it doesn’t tickle my hand), except on the highest level of steady vibration. It isn’t super deep either, but because of the awesome shape, I have to rely less on vibration to get off.

But my joy was overshadowed by something I could not ignore: the noise. Tuyo is easily the loudest toy I own. It beats for the Miracle Massager and Ideal, hands down. It sounds like a fucking chainsaw. There is no way in hell I can use it if someone else were in my apartment and people outside my bedroom window or wall could probably still hear it even after I pulled the covers over myself to block some of the noise. And all on 3 AAA batteries. This is simply unacceptable.

Especially because this would become my go to vibrator (in place of Laya Spot) if only the noise were not an issue. I love the shape, the vibrations feel great (and I am usually not a fan of AAA), it’s easy to use and hold, has a solid feel and a comforting weight. It’s also versatile and could be used for body massage. It could be rolled or easily pushed across the skin if that’s your thing. Even outside of its box, it doesn’t scream “vibrator” but.. and this is a big but, it’s so loud it’s just not practical to use.

The only thing I have left to say is this:

Big Teaze Toys, please make a Tuyo 2.0 that is quieter!

8 Comments

Categories: Reviews, Vibrators

Paris Duckie

February 12th, 2009

Paris Duckie
from

This is an archived review of a discontinued product.

When Babeland first offered the Paris I Rub My Duckie for review, I was hesitant. After all, the duckie I really had my eye on was the Bondage version with his leather, spikes and bright red ball gag. Still, the entire line from Big Teaze Toys is pretty appealing, and I thought that I certainly wouldn’t be any worse off if I decided to add the Paris duckie to my collection; I’d already had a pretty good experience with the I Rub My Wormie so I opted for the duckie, and soon she was at my doorstep.

I expected the Paris Duckie to be more of a novelty, and I had read various accounts of how the duckie line performed; some folks loved it and were surprised by the amount of vibration they provided, while others were sorely disappointed. I was ready to accept the duckie even if she didn’t rock my world; I’d still smile every time I saw her in the shower, especially because our new shower caddy had a perfect place for her to perch. For anyone who needs a discreet toy, the Paris (or any other) Duckie is really a good solution.

My Paris Duckie was pink (although she is also available in black and white), and she arrived in a cylindrical container with a carry strap. She appeared to be on stage in her package and it was obviously this is definitely designed to show off her cute looks! With her lips painted pretty and pink, lashes dark and a little “diamond” nose stud, the Paris Duckie is not only cute but extremely feminine. In fact, I’d say the Paris Ducky is probably the only of the Duckie line which is specifically female. My Duckie was topped off with a feather boa around her neck in matching pink. All in all, she is pleasing to the eye and can get away with being in plain sight without giving you away.

But when I set out to actually prep my Duckie for use, I noticed 2 things which were not only annoying but counterproductive to my enjoyment of this discreet vibrator. First, I removed the boa because I knew it would not do well in wet conditions. Luckily, the boa is not a full circle but 1 piece with velcro on either end. As I undressed my pink Paris Duckie, I knew I would never put the boa back on. Although cute in pictures and for the first 30 seconds she is in the package, the boa is definitely a pretty useless piece of the Paris Duckie. My cats soon commandeered the boa, which had been sitting on my desk, and it will probably wind up in the trash eventually. If you actually plan to use the Paris Duckie (or at least keep it in the shower for decoration), the boa does no good. To top it off, I found the Duckie less pretty without her boa.

The other thing which I found frustrating is that the battery compartment, which is located on the Duckie underside, is screwed shut. This is the first toy I have had like that and I really find that unacceptable in a toy. All our screw drivers are in a toolbox outside, in our storage area, so I had to fetch one to open her up. Of course, my cats also stole that one so I had to get another when I wanted to take the batteries out. This was annoying enough to me but if you’re the type who stores toys without their batteries, I imagine you will soon tire of the hassle of removing the battery compartment cover.

Once batteries were installed (2AA), I tested out the Duckie. Squeezing her abdomen turns on her only speed which was surprisingly powerful. Yet, I also thought she was rather loud, which isn’t something you want if discreetness is a priority. To test my theory, I had my husband stand inside the bathroom, outside the bathroom and in the bedroom while I stood inside the running shower to see if he could detect the duckie. Luckily, he couldn’t even hear her when he was in the bathroom with me so I think I was perhaps super alert to the Duckie’s vibes.

I found the vibration to be the shakey type which I tend to like over most of my toys. Still, the vibrations were not as strong as I’d really liked. My favorite way to use my Duckie is with her tail against my clit (so she and I are facing the same way), but the vibrations were about the same strength throughout the toy. Because of her unique shape, the Paris Duckie isn’t good for insertion but I’m a clit girl anyway.

Although I found the vibrations of the Duckie to be enjoyable and even cause some spasms, I was not going to cum. I find it difficult to orgasm standing, so I headed to the bedroom. Here, I worked toward and orgasm, and while it did come, it was a long time in the making and not very pleasurable. It was also due mostly to my own efforts rather than Duckie’s. Sadly to say, this will not be my go-to toy.

When I used the Duckie in bed, I also used it with lube, and this led to another disappointment. Lube and liquids seemed to be getting into the battery compartment because it didn’t fit flush against the Duckie. Not only does this create concerns about safety (could the battery compartment be harboring bacteria?) but how would this duckie do in water? I expected my Duckie to do well in water and the packaging even says she will float but I was dubious. I filled my sink with water to test and discovered she does float – and upright! However, I was also right that some water was getting into the battery compartment. It wasn’t much and did not cause damage but I definitely would not use this toy completely submerged. I feel confident that my Duckie will be okay where she sits in the shower but she is not in the line of water. For a supposedly waterproof toy, this oversight is shocking.

Nevertheless, my Paris Duckie remains sitting on my shower caddy and looking ever-so-cute. She does bring a smile to my face and I’m sure I’m not the only one. If you don’t require super strong vibes to get off and are in need of a discreet vibrator, the Duckie just might do the trick. However, if you’re looking for a strong and versatile toy, the Paris Duckie probably won’t float your boat (ha!)

16 Comments

Categories: Reviews, Vibrators

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I Rub My wormie

October 26th, 2008

I Rub My Wormie
N/A from

This is an archived review of a discontinued product.

I Rub My Wormie, just plain Wormie from here on out, is satisfying but does not live up to its intended use which I see as a design flaw.

The Wormie, the lesser known but certainly not lesser cousin of the I Rub My Duckie by Big Teaze Toys, arrived in a frustrating plastic blister pack and, of course, I had to struggle with it to get it out. (Perhaps a more eco-friendly box might be a better choice?) Once that battle was won, things steadily improved. I thought the cardboard packaging, which displayed the Wormie on a log with leaves in the background, was a cute touch. Wormie sent an invitation asking, “Your leaf or mine?” One thing I also thought was a great use of packaging; the paperboard display on which Wormie arrived unfolds to display instructions and information. I really like like because it doesn’t waste extra paper but I missed it the first time through and I suspect others may as well.

The packaging outlined Wormie’s features including its “easy grip, multi-textured body” as well as “soft2touch skin,” which is a soft outer covering of the toy that is free of pthalates, PVC and Latex. The package also recommends that this toy be used with a water based lubricant so I suspect that there is more than just plastic in this Wormie – specifically silicone. Additionally, Wormie’s neck has an “ergonomic bend to reach those (G)reat spots.”

I Rub My Wormie is a multi-speed vibrator powered by 2 C batteries, which I would have proffered were included as I had to buy them especially for this product. The battery pack originally contains a plastic sheet which needs to be removed and the cap – the end of the tail – fits on tightly when batteries are inserted.

I really felt I was in for a treat.

Unlike a real worm, the Wormie is cute and quite large. Some may find the adorable face on this not-so-little guy a bit disturbing but I definitely found it cute and this unique design makes it more of a discreet toy. Wormie is also pretty large which actually inhibited my play a bit. The Wormie is quite impressive with his 8 inch length and 2 inch diameter.

The vibrations were also quite strong, making this toy perhaps the strongest in my collection. However, with only 2 speeds, more variation would be nice. I wish there had been an in-between level of stimulation because I felt the higher level was too strong; it made my hand uncomfortable to hold it, but the lower level was a little lacking. Still, the vibrations added more to my experience than vibration tends to do with most toys.

An extra feature was Wormie’s little feet. There are 2 rows on them on the bottom, totaling at least a couple dozen. This felt very pleasurable rubbing against my labia and clit. I originally did not put much stock into the feet but was surprised at the element they added.

However, I think Big Teaze Toys may have gone a little overboard with this one. Wormie’s bulbous head, which is supposed to stimulate the G-spot, was so large that I could barely insert it even when I had it lubed up enough that I could barely maintain a grasp on the toy. I tried insertion in the shower and dry to no avail. I’m not sure if anyone can successfully insert the Wormie! The little insertion I managed was very uncomfortable. Because g-spot stimulation is a selling point, I think the design falls a little short. I would perhaps make the neck flexible or even straight and make the head the same size as the rest of the body.

Speaking of the rest of the body, it seemed the perfect size for insertion and I even tried it out that way. Of course, the on and off switches are at the end of the tail so this idea didn’t work so well but I liked using the head as a handle.

I had the most success using Wormie on my clit, with his head between my legs and feet against my skin. The head felt similar to oral sex when I moved it and because it was bigger than many clitoral stimulators, the pressure felt great. As I mentioned, the vibrations were pretty powerful so I generally stayed on the first level. I liked using Wormie’s tail as a handle because the vibrations weren’t making my hand uncomfortable. I believe the motor is located around the neck so I had a little buffer for my hand.

Although satisfied by the Wormie as a clit toy, I am a little puzzled about one aspect of the massager. Because the package recommends a water-based lube, and I suspect the Soft2Touch Skin may be silicone, I wonder how insertion is supposed to happen in a wet environment. Water dissolves water-based lubricants, and I certainly had a harder time even attempting insertion in the shower. Nevertheless, the Wormie held up very well in the wet conditions, and I felt the battery compartment was very snug.

While I can forgive Wormie for not working as a vaginal toy because he feels so nice on my clit, I am a little annoyed by the amount of noise he makes. Wormie is loud. On low, this waterproof vibrator can be dully heard through a closed door. You may get away with it if no one is listening in. However, it’s clearly audible through a closed door on the high speed and you won’t be able to hide your Wormie time from anyone! One other annoyance is that you can actually hear the batteries jostling around inside Wormie’s body, which makes it even noisier.

Lastly, I think the button position could use a little work. When using Wormie through my clothes to stimulate my vulva and clit, I found that I accidentally turned him off more times than once. It’s a little frustrating for the toy to suddenly stop working. Ironically, when I want to turn him on and off, I sometimes have difficulty pressing the switch. Perhaps some sort of digital or electronic button would be better than the switch beneath the skin. Furthermore, I found myself unscrewing the battery compartment when I held on to Wormie’s tail in some positions. I think this whole area could use a little work.

Despite his flaws, I am happy with my new buddy. I will continue to use the I Rub My Wormie as a clit stimulator and enjoy his soft skin, feet, and vibrations even if the Wormie is a little loud and doesn’t work quite as intended.

4 Comments

Categories: Reviews, Vibrators

Image © MisterUnlucky; used with permission.