This is an archived review of a discontinued product.
Unless you’ve been living under a rock, you have probably heard about the new iTap vibrators from California Exotic Novelties, and as I have recently been sent my first toy from the company as part of their Sexpert program (yea, go me!), I was able to get to know this new technology intimately.
Appearance-wise, the iTapi G Vibrator isn’t really amazing. It has sleek lines and curves to a rounded point meant to stimulate the G-spot. The shaft is a velvet-cote, white plastic, while the battery cover is slightly thicker and is a regular, shiny plastic; the shaft is pretty uniform at 1″ in diameter, making it one of the smaller insertable toys I’ve tried. There are slight seams in the shaft but nothing that my vagina can feel or that would complicate cleaning. To remove the cap, twist and then pull straight off. To replace, line up the arrows on the cap/shaft, push it on then twist. Overall, it’s straightforward and not significantly unique, although the shape of the head is a little pointer and not at all like many bulbous G-spot toys. In fact, that was one down side to the iTap G Vibe: the head was at too extreme of an angle and too pointy for my to like it either internally or externally. The tip did allow for easy insertion as well as letting the toy to hook around my pubic bone to provide a sort of “hands-free” experience which I can see being useful for some.
And the tap feature? Works pretty well. The ease of use is pretty insane. Just tap the end of the battery pack once to turn it on (there was an instruction sticker which I have since tossed), again to cycle through the different settings and once more to turn it off. It doesn’t appear like there is a way to turn off the vibrator without going through all the settings, however. I liked the fact that there are no demanding buttons that need to be pressed a certain way (you can pretty much press anywhere on the bottom) and this tap censor doesn’t strain a person physically but, having already used another toy with touch censors, I was prepared for a problem which also occurred with the iTap G. Because the tap pad is so sensitive, it’s easy to bump it and you’re off on another setting or turned off altogether. Folks who don’t love the type of toys with push buttons on the end (like many Evolved vibes) will probably also dislike the current line of iTap toys for the same reason. In fact, as I write, I want to stand the vibe up on my desk but, as soon as I lift it away, it has been activated. As this sort of technology advances, there is a definite need for a physical lock button – like on my MP3 player. With that addition, I can see touch controls being my controls of choice.
I was pretty impressed by the power and functions of this toy. It runs on 2 AAs and has two steady vibration settings, which I would basically call medium and high. They will probably please most people but I’d like to see a low setting as well. The more sensitive my G-spot becomes, the more uncomfortable it is to actually use super-strong vibrators. CEN has enough power in this vibrator, just not enough options for steady vibration. There are three different pulsating options which go something like this: Short-Short-Long, Short Short Short and a back-and-forth style, which I can’t think of better words to describe. The pulsating modes are also quite powerful but I’d like all the vibrations to be slightly less buzzy. They’re someplace in the middle of “high pitched buzz” and “throbbing.”
Because the vibration is focused near the tip, I didn’t find it uncomfortable to hold the iTap G. The vibrations could still be slightly felt but didn’t numb my hands. The 6″ shaft comfortably allowed room for my hand without hindering exploration but you might want to make sure your hand is around the shaft and no fingers will stray toward the tap pad (again, to avoid accidentally switching).
Although I rarely take my toys into water, the iTap G is not a waterproof vibrator. Some soap and water washing may be safe but I think a toy cleaning spray and wipe would be friendlier to such a unique toy. If you are a friendly toy owner, CEN does not recommend using oil-based lubricants with the iTap toys for whatever reason. I rarely use anything but water-based lube, and not much is needed with a toy of this stature.
My Sexpert opinion of the iTap G is that California Exotic is making great strides in the right direction; a continuing focus on quality over quantity is going to get them noticed for good reasons but, while the iTap G is innovative, there are certainly a few kinks to work out before it’s remarkable.
