Sex Toys
Toy reviews and article
by Anne Semans, author of
Mother's Guide to Sex
Here are some of the most popular toys on the market, with suggestions on how
to use them. Keep in mind that retailers often rename toys, so it may be easier
to try and find a toy based on its description. These toys, books and videos are
available from Libida.com, a women's sexuality store with a quality selection of
toys, books and videos. Privacy and discretion guaranteed.
Click on toy name to be taken to
Libida.com's website and more information.
Vibrators
Vibrators are powered either by electricity or batteries, and
can be used in all sorts of way to improve your experience and enjoyment of
orgasms. Unless otherwise noted, these vibrators run on batteries.
Clitoral Vibrators
Hitachi
Magic Wand: This large, powerful vibrator is very popular among
women. It delivers strong, reliable vibrations to the clitoris (it's not
designed for insertion), which appeals to women who want to orgasm with little
effort, who want to shoot for multiple orgasms, who like a just-before bed-time
quickie, or who need extra stimulation to climax during partner sex. Plus, its
long arm can be positioned easily between partners or used comfortably alone,
and it lasts for years. There are also attachments that snap on the head, which
offer G Spot vibrations. The Hitachi is often recommended for women learning how
to orgasm (see Betty Dodson's Selfloving video).
Note: If you like your vibrators small, quiet, gentle, and portable (the Hitachi
requires a wall socket), this probably isn't the vibrator for you.
Tender
Touch: This nearly silent, discreet vibrator offers super-focused,
strong vibrations to the clitoris. This toy looks nothing like a traditional
phallic toy, with a handle much like that on a hair dryer, and a small vibrating
tip that accommodates a variety of attachments (It comes packaged with six, but
you can buy attachments for the G Spot or the penis). This model makes a great
gift for vibrator novices, who might be put off by more explicit-looking toys.
It's also a plug-in, but that means the batteries won't die at the crucial
moment!
Natural
Contours: If you'd like to keep your sex life separate from kids,
roommates or snoopy airport security, try the Natural Contours -- designed by a
woman, for women. Innocuously sleek and aerodynamic, they look more like cell
phones or beepers, but they are top-of-the line, quiet vibrators.
Fukuoku
9000: Slide the tiny, cordless Fukuoku right onto your fingertip and
incorporate vibration into partner sex or masturbation as naturally and easily
as you would touch yourself. Because the Fukuoku runs on powerful watch
batteries, the soft vinyl tip packs a quiet-but-mighty buzz. If you've ever had
your hand cramp up during masturbation, this toy will give you some staying
power.
Pocket
Rocket: A vibrator small enough to fit in your pocket, and strong
enough for reliable orgasms. The Pocket Rocket is discreet-- no one recognizes
this as a sex toy, so you can carry it with you everywhere. Fans of this toy
give them as gifts to vibrator novices.
Insertable Vibes
These vibrators are great when you want vaginal and/or G-spot stimulation.
Some also have offer clitoral stimulation, so you can have the best of both
worlds.
Rabbit
Pearl: One of the sexiest looking vibrators on the market, the Rabbit
Pearl is designed to stimulate many pleasure points at once. The soft pink shaft
swivels to stroke every surface during penetration, the rotating pearls
stimulate the sensitive first few inches of the vaginal opening, and all the
while soft bunny ears flicker vigorously against the clitoris. Individual
controls allow you to manipulate the shaft rotation and the intensity of the
vibration separately. A classic, well-made vibe, with a large and faithful fan
club.
Classic
Vibe: When you say 'vibrator' to most people, the phallic-shaped
Classic invariably comes to mind. Many women discovered their first orgasms at
the hands of this toy; it makes a good starter toy if you're experimenting with
vibration (you can use it internally or externally) and want something versatile
and inexpensive. It's a moderately strong vibrator because the plastic casing
transmits the vibrations better than rubber or vinyl toys.
Wearable Vibes
Flipper
Flicker: An amazingly versatile toy. A stretchy cock ring sports a
small vibrating dolphin off one side. The ring slips over a man's penis with the
dolphin facing up, so that during intercourse, the vibrator bumps up against the
woman's clit. Experiment with rhythm and technique to find out what works
best-you might discover that having your partner stay deep inside your vagina
affords you the most direct stimulation, or you may like the stop-and-start
teasing of more vigorous thrusting. Men interested in spicing up their solo play
can strap on the ring with the dolphin facing down and inward, so it vibrates
the testicles.
Remote
Butterfly: Wear this toy-a G-string with a vibrating butterfly
positioned over your clit-and then hand the controls over to a partner--then
have fun with anticipation and release. If you want to wear it during partner
sex, simply move the strap to one side. This toy gives you a great opportunity
to indulge your exhibitionist side-wear it under your clothes if you go out to
dinner or a night on the town.
G-Spot Toys
Trying to stimulate your G spot with your fingers can get awkward. Located on
the upper wall of your vagina, about an inch in from the opening, G spot
exploration is a lot easier with help from a toy. G Spot toys are also the ideal
shape for prostate stimulation.
Clearly
G Vibrator: The Clearly G features a soft vinyl exterior, strong
vibrations, a curve to stroke the G-spot and a textured base to caress your
clit. Some women prefer the comfort of this vinyl material in their G spot play,
but other women find that firmer toys (like the Wavy G dildo below) work better.
Wavy
G: This dildo (it does not vibrate) curves to reach the G-spot and
prostate, and is a good choice for those who find the Clearly G vibrator a bit
too soft. Relatively short and stocky (5'1/2" long by 1 1/2" wide),
and made out of the long-lasting material, silicone.
Crystal
Wand: An S-shaped dildo designed to find your G-spot. Hand-crafted
from clear crystal acrylic, so it looks like glass but is, of course, shatter
proof. The curves of the S-shape combined with the hard material make this toy
especially good for G spot stimulation.
Dildos
Dildos provide a feeling of fullness when used vaginally or anally, and
typically don't vibrate (see the vibrator section, for insertable vibrators).
Mistress:
This is one of many excellent dildos from a company called Vixen Creations [http://www.vixencreations.com],
a woman-owned dildo-manufacturer. All their toys are made of silicone, which is
easy-to-clean, firm, and warms to body temperature. Long and slim (7" long
by 1 1/4" wide), this is a good choice if you want a dildo both for solo
play and to use in a harness. Typically, the harness will rob you of about
1/2" on the dildo length (covered by the ring and space between bodies),
but the Mistress will still give you deep penetration. If you find that long
dildos or penises bump your cervix (you'll know, it hurts), go for a shorter
model.
Rod:
Rod's perfect if you'd like to try a dildo, but aren't sure you want to invest a
lot of money or time into the process. This is an average-sized dildo (7"
long by 1 3/8" wide) made of firm smooth rubber, which is less expensive
than the silicone models. Plus, with its purple color and smooth surface, it
looks absolutely nothing like traditional phallic toys, a good option for people
who find ultra-realistic dildos a little unnerving.
Cyberflex:
Just as some folks would rather have a dildo that bears no resemblance to a
penis, others want one that looks and feels as much like the real thing as
possible. The Cyberflex fills that bill, since it's made of this material called
cyberskin, which is the closest thing to real skin invented by the adult
industry. The model also has a flexible spine in the shaft of the dildo, which
allows you to bend the toy into any shape you like. Average-sized (6" long
by 1 1/2" wide).
Bobbie
Sue: Slip the included vibrating egg into the hollowed-out shaft of
the Bobbi Sue and transform this semi-realistic silicone dildo into a sex toy
built for two. You can enjoy the Bobbi Sue's vibrating shaft all by yourself,
but strapping it into a harness for partner penetration allows you both to savor
the sensation as vibrations surge between you.
Nexus:
Finally -- a double dildo designed with intelligence and crafted with style! The
Nexus is a pleasure to wield by hand, but reaches its full potential worn in a
harness. Each end is individually molded: A short, comfortably curved dildo
nestles inside the harness wearer, while the longer dildo extends forward in an
elegant arc that makes penetrating a partner -- vaginally or anally -- a breeze.
Terra
Firma Harness: Dildo harnesses enable women to strap on dildos in
order to be the fucker rather than the fuckee. The Terra Firma is considered by
many to be the most well-designed model as it's fully adjustable, comfortable,
and secure. Two waist straps and two leg straps each snap directly onto the
dildo ring, allowing you to individualize the dildo fit. It has adjustable,
stay-snug D-rings, and will fit any dildo with a flared base and a diameter of 1
3/4" or smaller. The harness fits up to 56" hips, and comes in leather
or fabric.
Lubricants
Use lubricants to add slipperiness to penetration or solo play, with or
without sex toys. There are lots of great lubes on the market; just look for
those that are water-based since they wash out of the body easily and are safe
to use with latex condoms.
Astroglide:
Lubricants come and go, but Astroglide reigns supreme as a consumer favorite. A
little goes a long way, and the lube can be reactivated when it starts to dry by
applying water. Odorless and taste-free.
Liquid
Silk: As the name suggests, popular Liquid Silk goes on smooth and
sets the stage for a slippery, sexy encounter. The absence of glycerin gives
this lube a welcome creamy texture.
Anal Toys
Many folks have discovered the erotic pleasures of anal play. Whether you
want to tease the sensitive nerve endings around the anus or stimulate the
prostate, just remember these three tips: relax, use lubricant, and if
inserting, use toys with a flared base.
Buddy:
Lots of people like to "wear" an anal toy in place, so this type of
toy is called a "plug," you push it inside the rectum and leave it
there, rather than moving it in and out. This gives a feeling of fullness and
stimulates the prostate. Plugs like this one usually have a bulge above the
base, which helps keep them securely inside. This toy is popular as with
first-timers because of its modest size, plus it's made of silicone, which is
pliable, warms quickly, and is very easy to clean.
Willy:
This toy looks more like a tiny dildo than an anal plug-there is no bulge in the
center-but it’s the right toy if you want something that will move in and out.
The finger-width makes it a great size for newcomers to anal play, it's easy to
clean (silicone again), and it can double as a small dildo. If you want to
experiment with larger objects anally, try something from the dildo section.
Anal
Beads: These beads, connected by a nylon cord, have been popular anal
toys for eons. You insert the beads and then pull them out one at a time; a hit
with folks who like the feel of their anus opening and closing around each bead
as it goes in and out.
Tail
Spin: This toy might conjur up images of alien exploration, but it's
definitely worth the ride if you like anal play. While the vibrating
finger-length tendril buzzes inside your rectum, the base vibrates pleasantly
against the anus.
Just for Men
Most of the toys mentioned already can also be used by men, but there are
some designed just with guys in mind.
Leather
Cock Ring: A cock ring fits around the base of the penis and the
scrotum, restricting blood flow out of the penis, which can be very pleasurable.
Some men find that this prolongs their erections or make them firmer. Cock rings
are very sexy on men, and this adjustable and easy-to-remove leather strap is a
winner.
Men's
Cream: Unlike most water-based lubes, Men's Cream moisturizes, but
never gets sticky. It glides on smooth, stays slick as long as you please, and
wipes off with ease. Designed purely and simply to maximize the pleasure of
self-love, this petroleum-based cream will destroy latex and isn't intended for
intercourse.
Buzz
Glove: Intended to recreate the experience of a penis in a vagina,
sleeves are simply tubes into which a penis is inserted. Squirt a bit of lube
inside to make the sleeve more comfortable, particularly if you'll be thrusting
in and out of it. This one gives you the option of using the sleeve alone, or
adding a small egg vibrator (included) to one end.
Fantasy & Sensuals
These toys are designed to help you relax, release inhibitions, and get your
imagination going.
Relationship
Enrichment Massage Oil: With its luxurious scent and all-natural
formula, this light massage oil sets the stage for a memorable erotic massage.
This oil meets all the practical requirements for a good massage -- non-greasy,
non-staining and in an easy-to-use bottle.
Chocolate
Finger Paint: Unlike most medicinal tasting flavored gels, this
finger paint is made of pure Belgian chocolate. It spreads on kind of thick, but
that just leaves more to lick off! Or, you can warm it a little and it'll spread
better.
Romantic
Rendezvous: There are zillions of sophomoric sex games in existence,
but this one manages to be respectful, fun and sexy. It's designed to get you to
expand your experience of sex through role playing, fantasy, sensual touching,
and by learning to better communicate with a partner. Cards suggest activities
to try, and emphasize a non-competitive approach and inclusive language
("partner vs. husband").
Toy Review and Artwork: Copyright 2002 Libida.com
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Woman's Guide to Sex on the Web
