Sexuality Happens

Sex Toy Review: Chippendales Diva

Chippendales Diva Vibrator

This is a newer vibrator on the American market — the Chippendales Diva vibrator, availabe in either Black or White. Obviously, I went with black, as I love it when toy companies take heed of my words, and make sexy black toys, or red toys. Plus white gets too visbility dirty.

I loved the packaging. I personally like having both a satin bag AND a nice, good quality box option for storage purposes. Q does not feel the same way, and finds the box to be really annoy and taking up to much room. Each to their own I suppose.

It came with the box, the bag, the toy, and a little booklet. Simple, elegant, I actually really liked the design of the toy. However, once I saw that this took AAA batteries, I knew it was not for me. I personally like weapons grade sex toys, like the Hitachi Magic Wand. Luckily for me, and for you, gentle readers, Q likes less intense vibrators, and was quite willing, once we were finally able to find a AAA pack of batteries (we tend to use either rechargable or toys taking AA batteries), to try it out of the good of the blog, and report back to you her thoughts on the vibrator.

So now, without further ado, I present my guest interview of the Chippendales Diva Vibrator from my partner Q.

Thoughts over all: It was ok. I didn’t like the box it came in, because I think it’s too bulky. However, I know you like it. The toy itself looks nice and sleek, and when I started using it, I thought it was going to be awesome. The problem was that neither the vibration level or the frequency were what I needed.

Would you use it again?  No. I used it for a bit, but couldn’t get off with it, and found it frustrating. Wound up having to finish up with the Onye, my good ol’ back up hitter. I wanted to like it, since it looked sleek and inviting, but honestly, I can’t say that it really worked for me.

What would you suggest they try to improve it? More power. Different vibrational frequency. Less on the packaging and more on the toy itself.

All in all, it seems like the Diva offers lovely packaging and a beautiful design, but doesn’t quite have the power needed to back up the rest of the stunning toy. I’m hoping they’ll refine it, and come back with another version, as I really do love the sleek and sexy black design.

Click here if you’d like to try it for yourself.

-Essin’ Em

2 comments

Sex Toy Review: Ophoria Beyond 3 Dildo

Ophoria Beyond 3 Dildo

As you may remember, earlier this year, I reviewed the Ophoria Beyond 1 vibrator/dildo like toy. I liked it, but I had some problems with it, most notably that while I love love loved the shape of it, when I was using it either on myself or a partner, the bloody thing would go slipping and sliding. Any lube (which I put down as a must have) made it impossible to grip.

And so, I am excited to tell you that I have now gotten to try the Ophoia Beyond 3 Dildo, which is pretty much exactly the same shape, just without the vibrations. And guess what? It ROCKS. I love that it has a little loop/handle like thing at the end…it doesn’t matter how ridiculously lubricated my fingers get — I can still hold on to it like a bucking bronco.

My Beyond 3 was red. Beautiful. The options for this dildo? Red and black, my two favorite colors, making it hard to decide. It was so nice not to have to choose between pink and “whatever the other option” is. Thanks Ophoria for providing diversity in dildo colors!

The shape of the toy, as mentioned before? AWESOME. I love using it on myself, and when I use it on my partner, I can angle it so that not only is it penetrative, but that it hits alllll the good bits on the way out. Score.

I like the matte silicone (similar to what Fun Factory uses, although not exactly the same), as with lube, it doesn’t drag, but isn’t toooo slick, like I’ve had in some toys. The handle is beyond brilliant, although I wish they’d made it just slightly bigger, in order for me to be able to fit two fingers. One and a half just does not cut it.

Like all Ophoria toys, it’s 100% medical grade silicone. You know the drill; soap and water by day, 10% bleach/dishwasher/3-5 minutes in boiling water to sterilize it. Keep it away from other silicone (toys and lubes). Take good care of it, and it’ll take good care of you…oh will it.

Not my absolute favorite dildo (not harness compatible) or g-spot toy, but definitely makes the top five list for each. Four strong stars, that may eventually lean towards being five as I get to use it more and more. Bonus points for gift-friendly packaging.

Want your own? Click here to get a Beyond 3 Dildo for yourself (or lover!)

-Essin’ Em

1 comment

Pleasurists #94

Slow Enough to Scream by wynnesome

Welcome to Pleasurists, a round-up of the adult product and sex toy reviews that came out in the last seven days. For updates and information follow our RSS Feed and Twitter.

Did you miss Pleasurists #93? Read it all here. Do you have a review for Pleasurists #95? Be sure to read our submission guidelines and then use our submission form and submit it before Sunday September 12th at 11:59pm PDT.

Want to win some swag? All you’ve got to do is enter.

Looking for sexy posts other than reviews?

e[lust] #19

Editor

Scarlet Lotus St. Syr

Editor’s Pick

  • Cobra Libre by Dr. Ruthie
  • While I’ve seen a lot of great men’s masturbation toys, it’s become clear that, largely, they fall into two categories: full-penis-length stroking sleeves meant to enhance the usual jacking-off motions, or anal toys meant for prostate stimulation. That’s why the arrival of the Cobra Libre, Fun Factory’s new vibrating men’s toy meant for relaxing, luxuriating stimulation to the glans (the penis head) was extra exciting for me.

On to the reviews…

Vibrators

Dildos

Anal Toys

Toys for Cocks

Lube, Massage Oil, Bath Stuff, & etc.

BDSM/Fetish

Adult Books/Games

Adult DVDs & Porn

Storage

Miscellaneous

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Sex Toy Review: Vortex Glass Dildo

Vortex Glass Dildo at SexToy.com

This, my dear readers, is my newest sex toy. It’s a glass dildo by Ruby Glass, also known…as the VORTEX glass dildo. I just really like saying Vortex. Particularly as Q and I are headed to Sedona today, and they are all about these magical vortexes that they have there which are also known as lay lines that come together, and do magical things.

Is this a magical vortex? Well, let’s get the stats first. It, like most (if not all) glass dildos is made of glass. Not, say, the type of glad you’d drink from, or even a window pane, but some pretty hard core glass. I’ve only ever once broken a glass dildo, and it fell from the top of a dresser onto a cement floor— only one small piece broke off. Ergo, they are pretty hardy, and vagina (and butt, if they have flanged bases, like this one) friendly. The Vortex was no exception. A nice thing about glass toys is that they’re compatible with water-based lube (like all toys), but also silicone lube, which I love, and most toys can’t deal with.

As far as packaging, I was NOT impressed with the bag it came in. Most glass toys come in luxurious velvet bags, some of which are plush, but even if not, they are just nice velour and good for storing the toys so they don’t clink and chip. Sadly, the Vortex came in a weird bag that felt almost like felted plastic, or something like that. I was very much underwhelmed.

As far as cleaning glass, you can always wipe it down with soap and warm water, but it’s 100% sterilizable; you can boil it (3-5 minutes), run it through the dishwasher (top shelf) or wipe it down with a 10% bleach solution. Perfect for sharing with friends, or using both anally AND vaginally.

Let’s talk toy: the Vortex is very very pretty. It’s clear glass interspersed with black, white and green lines. I could have done without the green, but even so, it’s a beautiful glass dildo, hands down. Its design isn’t bad at all; it feels quite good sliding in and out. I was hoping for a little more G-spot action from the shape, but I didn’t really get what I was looking for. On the other hand, it just felt really good, smooth, and it has a base, so I’m pretty sure it would feel good for anal stimulation and play as well.

I love glass toys; putting them in ice water to cool them down, or warm water, to heat them up. I love how they feel sliding in and out, and how beautiful they truly are. I wish the Vortex had been a bit more G-spot magical for me, and had come with a nice pouch, but that aside, it’s a pretty rocking toy. 3.5 stars (out of 5) from me.

All in all, this is a pretty good beginner or middle of the road glass toy, and definitely a beautiful one. Click here to get your very own Vortex glass dildo. Thanks SexToy.com!

-Essin’ Em

2 comments

Dear Sex Toy Companies Social Media People…

This is a letter I wrote back yesterday to a company that I had never before heard from, who wanted me to put up a graphic above vibrator use (explaining men’s sex toy use versus women’s sex toy use…with blue and pink “men” and “women”) along with a link to their site. In fact, they were even so kind to include the code to their site, so it would be that much easier for me to link to them and provide content for my users create better, free SEO for them.

a) You’ve never contacted me before, and we have no working relationship. Asking me to post a graphic with a link to your site instead of going through my advertising, or at least offering an affiliate program is a bit rude and assumptive.
 
b) Your graphic completely reinforces the gender binary, something that, if you had read my blog at all before emailing me, you would know I am trying my hardest to break. I would not put something so stereotypical on my blog as it capitulates to the gender binary and can be a tool of transphobia.
 
Best of luck in your work,
Essin’ Em

I’m not going to link to them, because that’s what they wanted in the first place. However, this is not the first company I’ve had beef with. Here are a few thoughts, all based on real letters I’ve gotten.

*If you post a ridiculous comment on my blog that doesn’t make sense, just to get your link in the comment/on my page, I WILL delete it.

*When you email me asking to set up a phone call with your CEO, please explain exactly what you’d like us to talk about. I’m oh so easily confused by lack of information.

*I do not do link exchanges. I have that all over my site. If you’d like to advertise, I have a page with all the info. Or email, and ask for the info. This is not some recently started blogspot site — this is part of my livelihood.

*It’s ok to ask for a deal on long term ads. It is not ok to try and cut my offer in half, or even more. I will refuse you. I work with other bloggers, and when one of us agrees to ridiculous ad terms, it hurts us all.

*I am not an idiot. Telling me that a link on your site, which has a way worse Alexa and PR rating than mine, will improve my traffic and make me famous, is bullshit. And just because you send me the code doesn’t mean I’ll link to you, like a little sheep.

*Asking me to re-review a toy I already own and link it to your page is ridiculous.

*Asking me to make up a review of a toy I don’t have and link it to your site is un-ethical and ridiculous.

*Asking me to join an affiliate program that has a video that won’t shut up, and graphics of huge dollar signs (ala the 80s and 90s) is silly. Continuing to bug me about it after I’ve politely decline is just plain rude and stupid.

*Please don’t offer me crappy ass jelly toys. I understand if you can’t offer Vixen or Lelo, especially if you don’t know me/my reviews yet. However, if I tell you I only review glass/silicone/medical grade plastic/metal/ceramic/wood toys, and you offer me a butterfly kiss or something similar, it means you’re not listening. Grrr.

*Complimenting my video reviews, and saying you’d love to work with me doing more reviews, videoed classes, etc, is sweet. Then telling me that you’d charge me to do so, while you made the money off of them, is just rude, ridiculous, and pisses me the fuck off.

*It’s ok if you want to advertise and haven’t read my blog. However, regardless of why you’re emailing me, don’t tell me you love my blog if you don’t, or that you’ve read it if you haven’t. Telling me that my blog would be a good match with an all gay male site is pretty silly, and shows me you haven’t read my stuff. Same goes for his and her pheremones, sex supplements, etc. It just makes you look like an idiot.

Summation: I’m not an idiot. Please don’t think you can fool me into posting your link, or bargain me down to a ridiculous price for advertising, or into paying you for services that I’m usually the one getting paid for, or into thinking that you actually know who I am/are a reader of my blog. I’d rather you just deal with me respectufully and business like. Otherwise, you get a snippy email and a big ol’ delete. Unless you really piss me off, and then I warn other bloggers about you.

The end.

-Essin’ Em

2 comments

Video Review: The Ice Vice

What do we have here? Its a vibrator that is a little different than what you’d expect. It’s a vibrator that is a little off the beaten path. No, it’s not Jaws vibrator, and an Abominable Snowman vibe. It’s just not quite your run of the mill vibrator.

What makes this vibe so incredibly different? Well how about that it is made of ice. Yep, you heard me, MADE OF ICE. Is that not cool or crazy or ridiculous or awesome or all the the aforementioned? What toy is this that I’m talking about? Why, its the Ice Vibe by Touche. The body of the toy is 100% medical grade silicone, the freezing cup is plastic, it comes with a little traditional bullet vibrator, and of  course, the actual part that winds up vibrating  is made of ice. I think this is the perfect toy to use in the summer to cool down when your love life is getting a bit heated up. I put more thoughts into the video about the ice vibe. Check out my video review.

As usual, a big thank you to Fascinations for the toy in exchange for a review, as well as video guy Matt who made the awesome video. The video is a bit old, but is never seen before, and now that it’s summer, what better time to share the Ice Vibe with you, right?

-Essin’ Em

No comments

Sex Toy Review: BSoft Rechargable Vibrator

Bsoft Rechargable vibrator at SexToy.com

I love vibrators. I love rechargable vibrators. Ergo, when I was given the offer from a certain sex toy store to review the Bsoft Rechargable Vibrator (in return for a review), I most definitely took them up on their offer.

Looks wise, it’s a pretty nice, aero-dynamic, streamlined toy. This is good. It’s also very light weight. Now, some people prefer their toys to be light weight, but I actually find it to be a bit unerving, and often times the sign of a not-so-good toy. I went in a bit of a sceptic, as all sex toy reviewers should (unless you’re buying an Njoy or a Lelo – no skeptism needed).

It’s an ok toy. Not bad, by any means. It’s made of a hard plastic, so it’s phthalate free/body friendly, and can be washed with antibacterial soap and warm water. However, note that it is not, in fact, sterilizable, and so should be a one vulva/one person toy. Because it’s plastic and not silicone, you can use either water based lube or silicone based lube with it, depending on your personal preference.

Charging was fairly easy, and I really do appreciate that they didn’t go totally overboard with the packaging. The box is small, just like the toy.

The problem was the toy itself. Well, I shouldn’t say problem. It’s a decent toy, especially for its price range. It’s hard to find a decent rechargable toy that is body friendly for under $70, and this one certainly is all of that. However, there just wasn’t much power or oomp behind it, and that’s a pretty important part of vibrators for me is something that can really provide power when needed, and be a lower level for Q as needed.

So as a beginner toy, yes, or one for someone that likes light stimulation, this is good. For anyone who has experience with vibes, it might come off a bit iffy or weak, and I’d suggest something with a little more power to it.

Want one of your own? Click here to get YOUR very own Bsoft Rechargable Vibrator!

-Essin’ Em

No comments

Sex Toy Review: The Sysil by Mantric

This toy is quite new and quite different than your average version 2.0 double dildo (think the Share by Fun Factory, or the Feeldoe by Tantus). Why? Because it has adjustable angles, using a little silicone piece to change things up.

Like the other toys in this overarching category, it’s 100% silicone, meaning you can clean it with soap and water, or sterilize it with a 10% bleach solution, dishwashing it (top shelf, no soap), or boiling it 3-5 minutes. However, litter crevices make it a bit harder to clean than some of its counter parts. Only use water based lube please!

For the most part, I was pretty impressed with the Mantric Sysil Double-Dildo like toy, and even made you a shiny video review for you to learn a little more about it, see it in action, etc. Check it out:

Thanks again to Matt and Fascinations for the video action and toy-ness.

Click here to get your own Sysil Mantric and begin the angling action!

-Essin’ Em

1 comment

Sex Toy Review: Tiger Dildo

I’m so excited to finally get to try the Fun Factory Tiger Dildo, thanks to Fun Factory themselves (thanks y’all!).

As many of you know, I have a lot of sex toys. Like a lot. And while of course I have my favorites, it’s always a challenge trying to find a vibrator for me that will top the Hitachi Magic Wand for external, and the Gigi for internal (although I’m psyched to try out the G-Ki). Q, now, hates the Hitachi, but loves the Onye and the Ina, so we’re pretty set on vibrators (although we’re always trying new ones; who knows which new vibe may turn out to be the holy grail?!).  Ergo, we’re always on the look out for new and fun dildos, and the Tiger was certainly no exception.

I love black and red sex toys, and had a hard decision, as the Tiger comes in BOTH black and red options.  After some thought, I decided to go with black, because it matches everything, and is just super sexy.  Like all Fun Factory toys, it’s 100% body safe, phthalate free, and happens to be made out of 100% medical grade silicone. This means that in addition to washing it with soap and warm water, you can sterilize it as needed (for sharing, going ass to vulva, etc) by boiling it 3-5 minutes, wiping it down with a 10% bleach solution, or running on the top rack of the dishwasher with no soap.  Keep in mind that because it’s made of silicone, you can only use water based lube with it; I recommend Maximus or Eros Aqua (sometimes marketed as Pjur Aqua).

And now down to the toy itself. It’s a pretty toy; almost a work of art. I say almost, because when I looked at it, I was more focused on who it was going to go into first, as compared to where I should place it to look nice. I particularly wanted the Tiger because of its stripes, and it was time to put it to the test…

We love it. Period. Both of us. Usually, one of us likes a toy, and the other, while they enjoy using it on/with the liker, is more ambivalent. Not in this case. Both of us LOVED the Fun Factory Tiger. I venture to say it may be one of the best dildos we own…and we own a lot. It looks sexy, but the ridges? Out of this world. Just amazing.

Now, you definitely need to warm yourself/your partner up. I went it to quick with Q, and even with lube, the sheer size of this Tiger (and it’s pretty big, in both length and girth, although it doens’t appear to be so thick) hurt a little. However, after a longer warm up, this Tiger first made her growl, and then brought forth jungle like sounds from me. It’s bloody awesome!

It’s really long, which is excellent for use in a harness, but if you’re fucking your self or someone else holding it in your hand, realize that you might not need the *entire* length, as it can get uncomfy. However, I’d rather have more and not use it, than not enough and be wanting more.

I cannot speak highly enough of this Tiger dildo. Both of us give it 5 stars up, and it has earned a place in our night stand!

-Essin’ Em

Click here to try out the Tiger Dildo, by Fun Factory.

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Sex Toy Review: Better Than Chocolate

BTC

I LOVE chocolate.  Particularly GOOD chocolate. Milk chocolate is ok, and I’m not a fan of white, but a good piece of dark or bittersweet can really rev me up, and provides almost as much pleasure as a night with the Hitachi.

So when I first saw this new Nomi Tang vibe with the name “Better than Chocolate,” I did a double take. NOTHING is better than chocolate.  I mean, perhaps it was “close to as awesome as chocolate,” or even “on par with the amazing-ness of chocolate,” but certainly not BETTER than chocolate. I HAD to have one in order to verify these claims, and Babeland was kind enough to oblige my curiousity.

What is this new toy that claims to be superior to the cocoa bean? It’s a futuristic stingray shaped, ergonomic (would be great for people with varied motor skill abilities) vibrator that distains the traditional button system, and instead allows you to control your level of vibration as well as type of vibrating stimulation by a fancy schmancy little slider bar.  You slide it one way to increase vibration, the other way to decrease, and you tap the blue NT (NomiTang) logo to change the type of vibration you’re getting. It doesn’t stop there; once you figure out exactly how you like the buzziness, you tap the other end of the slider for two seconds, and it locks it on your setting. Impressive? Yes.

Currently, the color selection is purple (kind of a magenta) or blue (deep, dark blue). Thank goodness – I was afraid I’d fall in love with this new toy, and that it would be pink. [new readers: I am incredibly allergic to, and HATE the color pink]. It’s made of elastomer, which is phthalate free (although I don’t think it is sterilizable – any yays or nays on this?), and feels absolutely delightful. I always love sex toys that you WANT to touch and feel and put on your naughty bits.

It takes AAA batteries, which after having reviewed so many rechargeable toys(like the Form Six and the Delight), we had to actually scrounge to find them. Totally worth it.

I like this toy a lot. Which surprises me. I don’t usually like vibrators unless they can blow up a nuclear missile. While the BTC probably will never be ever to get me to climax, it felt good. Really damn good. I enjoyed having it hug my clit, and tease me. It was tantilizing.  And Q? Ha! Q loved this toy.  She loved it when she put the batteries in, she loved it when I ran it over her body, and while she didn’t really form actual words while I used it on her cunt, I’m pretty sure by the noises she DID make that she loved it there. Its shape is brilliant, and actually let me stimulate both her clit AND her cunt opening at the same time.

I also really appreciated the box it came in, and the little cloth carry bag (similar to the idea of the one that comes with all Lelo toys). They actually made a big deal about not using plastic in the packaging to be more earth friendly.  Marketing schtick? Perhaps, but it sure got me to notice and be impressed.

While I’m not sure that this toy is in fact better than chocolate (because really, even the Hitachi is a tie), it is pretty damn close.  It’s been very hard finding a vibrator that BOTH Q and I like, since we have so varied tastes, but we both give this one 5 stars. It’s eco friendly, body friendly, pink haters friendly, and has an interesting concept with great vibrations options. I can say that despite my expectations of wanting to pick it apart, I actually really do like this vibe.

Click here to get your very own, pretty damn close to as satisfying as chocolate vibrator.

-Essin’ Em

8 comments

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