Readers often ask me for recommendations for small, discreet, or travel-friendly toys. And it doesn’t get much more small and discreet than Tu Mando’s Aurae Leaf necklace vibrator. But how does it perform? Details The… More
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[Toy Review] Womanizer Next Liberty
It’s been more than two years since I reviewed the Womanizer Next, the next-generation iteration of the bestselling clitoral suction toy. It’s still one of the suction toys I reach for most often and recommend to my readers and workshop participants. Given its success, I’m not surprised to find there’s a new, smaller and travel-friendly version now out. I received the Womanizer Next Liberty to test and review.
What is the Womanizer Next Liberty?
The original Womanizer Liberty was a smaller, portable version of Womanizer’s classic clitoral stimulator. The Next Liberty, then, is the compact and portable answer to the Womanizer Next.
This petite clitoral suction toy measures just 4.7″ in length and comes with a magnetic cap. This not only ensures discretion and prevents it from accidentally turning on in your bag, but also helps to keep the toy clean and hygienic.
The handle and case are made of ABS plastic, while the nozzle and main body are body-safe silicone. It is available in pink, blue and red, or a dark wine shade called “Bordeaux.” I received the blue and red version.
The Womanizer Next Liberty is IPX7 waterproof and USB-C rechargeable. The charging port has a little silicone cover, so just make sure this is closed before you use the toy in the bath or shower. A full charge takes around 90 minutes and gives you 120 minutes of runtime.
Womanizer Next Liberty Review: What I Liked
I absolutely love the “Next” generation 3D version of Womanizer’s patented Pleasure Air Technology. The so-called Dynamic Dimension Drive (which sounds like something out of a car ad)allows you to control not only the speed and intensity, but also the “depth” of the suction. There are 8 speeds and 3 levels of suction depth to choose from.
A setting that feels kinda “meh” on a shallow suction setting is absolutely transformed when I shift it to the deep suction. This extra level of adjustment also offers more flexibility to suit different bodies and different levels of sensitivity (as our bodies can change day to day.)
Womanizer did this “Pleasure Air” thing first, and honestly I still think they do it best. The Next Liberty’s sensation is smooth, rhythmic, and intense. Thanks to its effectiveness, small size, and good battery life, I’ve started keeping this one close to my bed alongside my favourite bullet vibrator.
A few other things I like about this toy:
- Its small size means it fits comfortably in my hand, even for longer sessions.
- The shape of the body makes it easy to angle and position.
- Unlike many of the suction toys I’ve tried, the nozzle opening is actually big enough to completely fit over my external clitoral glans.
- The three buttons are easy to press, satisfyingly clicky, and easy to differentiate from one another by feel without needing to pause to look.
- DUAL-DIRECTIONAL CONTROLS! Yes, there are both + and – speed buttons, and yes, it really does make that much of a difference.
- The nozzle is removable, which makes it a breeze to clean.
Downsides and Things to Be Aware Of
As is so often the case: this toy is great. It’s the marketing fluff that’s pissing me off. The new 3D version of Pleasure Air is awesome, and I do love the enhanced smoothness of the suction. But the marketing copy describes this as an “oral-like rhythm,” which is going to lead those not in the know to expect a toy that feels like receiving cunnilingus.
It doesn’t. There’s no such thing (yet.) Sorry.
A couple of other things to be aware of:
- Unlike the Womanizer Next and various other iterations, the Next Liberty does not the have Smart Silence feature. This function, which switches the motor off automatically when the toy isn’t in direct contact with the body, isn’t something I personally care about much but it may matter more to you.
- It also doesn’t have the Autopilot mode or Afterglow features the Womanizer Next boasts. Again, these are add-ons and I don’t think they materially change all that much about the toy for most people, but it’s something to consider if you care about these features.
- It is not, despite what the ad copy claims, “whisper quiet.” It’s not horribly loud, but if you want a near-silent toy, this isn’t it.
Womanizer Next Liberty: Verdict
This toy is so good!
I often roll my eyes at new versions of existing toys. Many times, the manufacturer barely changes anything and is simply trying to cash in by getting existing customers to buy again. However, Womanizer’s “Next” range is a truly worthy next-generation addition. The new motor and depth control features make a huge difference.
I also prefer the shape and size of this one over the earlier Liberty iterations.
The Womanizer Next Liberty retails for $129/£119.99 and is available from Lovehoney UK, Lovehoney US, Shevibe, or directly from Womanizer Europe or North America.
Thanks to Womanizer for sending me the Next Liberty to review. All writing and views are mine. Affiliate links appear in this post.
[Toy Review] Hello Nancy Berri
Sex toy trends come and go. Some of them make sense, while others are anywhere from “wait, what?” to utterly unhinged. And right now, it seems that toys shaped like fruits and vegetables are having a moment. Well, in a world where we’ve all collectively decided the aubergine emoji means “penis”, I suppose it was only a matter of time. Anyway, all this to say that following my Lem lemon vibrator review, I’m back with another Hello Nancy review: this time, we’re looking at the Berri.
Hello Nancy Berri: Details
The Hello Nancy Berri is a clitoral toy shaped like… well, a berry. Specifically a raspberry.
It features something called TapSphere™ technology (patent pending). The top of the toy has an opening a little like the nozzle on a suction toy, with a stalk in the centre that stimulates the clitoris via a rapid tapping motion instead of traditional vibrations.
The Berri measures a petite 6.9 cm (2.7″) in height and width. Its surface is coated in body-safe silicone in raspberry pink/red. The Berri is IPX7 certified waterproof, meaning you can safely submerse it in water. It comes with a USB charging cable, and a full charge takes 90 minutes and gives you up to 2 hours of runtime.
Interestingly, this toy is specifically marketed as a toy for edging—getting close to orgasm and then backing off. As this is a pretty significant kink of mine, I was curious to say the least.
What I Liked About the Hello Nancy Berri
As usual, let’s start with what I liked.
The Berri’s tapping stimulation is genuinely excellent. I don’t often agree with sex toy marketing fluff, but I have to hand it to Hello Nancy: they’ve nailed it with this one. The Berri is very much a slow-build toy for me. It’s not something I’d reach for on a low sensitivity day or when I want to get off quickly and get on with my day. But when I want to take my time and let sensation build slowly, this toy is ideal.
The six constant speeds are well graded, starting off feather-light and building up to rapid and intense. There are also six patterns, if that’s your thing. The sensation is targeted and precise, a little like a suction toy. But, unlike a suction toy, you don’t need a “seal” over your clit to get the full effect. This means you can move the toy around more easily, if you like.
Another thing I loved about the Berri: it’s quiet. Genuinely quiet toys are hard to come by, and whenever a company claims their toy is “whisper quiet” I laugh and roll my eyes. The Berri genuinely is, though. Even on the highest setting, it doesn’t get above a low hum.
What I Didn’t Like
Though it’s cute to look at, the shape is also the most annoying thing about the Hello Nancy Berri for me. The round, bumpy body is a pain to hold and angle, particularly for the long sessions this toy is designed for. Much as I’d like to use this toy for an hour or more, my hand starts to cramp up in a quarter of that time.
All the little ridges also make it a pain to clean, and the bulges around the nozzle means I have to press it quite firmly against my body to get reliable clitoral contact.
The button is difficult to find, particularly once you’re mid-use. It’s small and blends into one of the toy’s bumps. I also hate the single-button interface, particularly since Hello Nancy cites “smooth transitions” as one of the selling points of this toy. There’s nothing smooth about struggling to find a button, and then having to press the damn thing 12 times to go back one setting.
Hello Nancy Berri Review: Verdict
Mixed, but ultimately more positive than negative.
This is not a toy I can get off with quickly. And, to be fair, Hello Nancy does mark this very clearly as a “slow build” toy. While this can feel a little prescriptive, especially with the suggested time intervals given on the product page, it beats the hell out of “ORGASM IN 60 SECONDS GUARANTEED!” The actual sensation, though? 10/10, no notes.
Next, I want to see this glorious clit-tapping technology put into a more ergonomic toy so I can really take my time with it without needing to take breaks to deal with hand cramps. Cute aesthetics shouldn’t take priority over the actual user experience.
The Berri retails for £85/$95 and is available directly from Hello Nancy. My readers can get 25% off this or any other Hello Nancy order by using my referral link.
Thanks to Hello Nancy for sending me this toy to review. All views, as always, are mine. Affiliate links appear in this post.
[Guest Post] We Cancelled the Threesome and Bought a Sex Machine
Today’s guest post is kindly sponsored by Hismith, manufacturer and retailer of premium sex machines.
My partner and I had been talking about a threesome for six months. It started on a road trip, one of those conversations where you’re tired and honest and the guardrails come down. Neither of us had done it before and we both found the idea electric: bringing someone new into the mix, seeing each other through someone else’s eyes, breaking out of the five-year routine that had started to feel a little too predictable.
But the hypothetical discussions that were fun at midnight felt heavy and a little too real in the light of day. The logistics alone were a nightmare. Coordinating three schedules, managing jealousy, finding someone we both liked—it suddenly felt less like planning great sex and more like executing a corporate merger. Every time we found someone we thought we might be into, the same questions and insecurities arose. Who was more into them? Whose idea even was this, really?
That’s when it hit us: what we actually wanted wasn’t an extra person in our bedroom. It was just… something new. Something that would shake up our routine without shaking up our relationship. So we tabled the idea of opening up our relationship and started looking at things we could enjoy just the two of us instead. Ultimately, we bought the Hismith 4.0 Premium.
I didn’t expect it to work. Not the machine itself; I’d read enough reviews to feel confident it would perform. What I didn’t expect was how much this new sexual adventure would bring to our relationship.
You might (reasonably!) wonder why we’d spend nearly $600 on a sex machine instead of choosing something cheaper and less space-intensive, like a dildo or vibrator. But when we started looking at toys together, we realised that what we were looking for wasn’t just power or speed, but a toy to play a specific role. A typical vibrator or dildo still requires someone to hold it, position it, control the rhythm. A sex machine, though, takes this labour out of the equation. My partner could lie next to me, witnessing my pleasure without any physical obligation to perform. The Hismith sex machine enabled us to shift between the roles of active participant and relaxed witness, and that’s what ultimately made the threesome fantasy unnecessary. We didn’t actually want a third person. We just wanted the equivalent of a third pair of hands.
The Specs
The Hismith 4.0 Premium has a stainless steel and ABS plastic body. Its 100W brushless turbine motor can deliver up to 267 strokes per minute, with a stroke length that’s adjustable from 1.3”up to 5.03”. It retails for $599/£599.
Fully adjustable, the Hismith 4.0 allows you to enjoy various different positions. One One silicone dildo (5.8” insertable length) is included, and the KlicLok system allows you to purchase and use additional attachments if you like. It also comes with a wired digital display controller, a set of antiskid covers, an adaptor, a canvas storage and travel bag, and the various components you’ll need to set it up.
This machine weighs 11.5kg and measures 18.03” x 17.67” x 10.23” when fully assembled.
What We Loved About This Hismith Sex Machine
The Hismith 4.0’s KlicLok quick-change system is a breeze to use. I’ve tried machines where swapping out one attachment for another meant sweating over a tiny screw while the whole thing wobbled. With this one, though, it’s as quick and easy as swapping a camera lens. With different types, textures, and sizes of toys available, you might find yourself swapping them more than you think, sometimes mid-session. But because there’s zero friction to doing it, there’s no reason not to.
The Hismith app also pleasantly surprised me. I’m cynical about smart toys, which are often laggy and frustrating to use. But the Hismith 4.0’s Bluetooth connection was rock solid and responsive, with virtually no delay.
Noise-wise, this machine definitely makes a noticeable sound, but the level is totally acceptable. The brushless motor hums but doesn’t scream. If your walls are thin, you might want to stick to lower settings late at night or when others are home.
Things to Be Aware Of
I love this machine, but storage is an issue. This thing pretty much as to live out in the open. Though a large carrying case is included, it’s not a “tuck in the nightstand drawer and forget about it” product. If you have room-mates or nosy visitors, plan your setup accordingly. And if you live in a small apartment and space is at a premium, you might like to consider a mini sex machine instead.
The Shifts That Surprised Me: What The Hismith 4.0 Sex Machine Did For My Sex Life
The biggest surprise wasn’t the pleasure and orgasms this machine gave–that was expected. No, what surprised me the most was the pressure it lifted.
I’m the type of person who worries about performance during sex. “Is this taking too long?” “Is my rhythm off?” “Are they still enjoying this or do they just wish I’d hurry up and finish already?” With this machine, that anxiety evaporated. There’s nothing to manage because there’s no person on the other end to disappoint. No coordination is required. Just presence. The machine does the labor and all you have to do is feel. If you’ve ever been the partner who worries you can’t last long enough, or the partner who worries they’re asking for too much, you might recognise the relief you feel when you find a solution that works. For us, that solution was a fucking machine.
The first time we tried the Hismith sex machine, my partner said something I think about a lot. They said: “I finally got to fully relax and just watch you feel good, without carrying the pressure of having to make it all happen.” That’s not something a handheld toy can offer, but it also wouldn’t have been a fair expectation to put on a third person. The machine allows us to go as long as we want and stop when we’re done.
Is the Hismith 4.0 Sex Machine Worth It?
$600 is a significant investment, and this machine isn’t going to be“impulse purchase” territory for most people. But the build quality is exceptional. And, compared to the emotional cost of a threesome we absolutely were’nt ready for, it was a bargain.
If you’re looking for something that functions as an extra pair of hands without the pressure, jealousy, or scheduling hell of opening up your relationship, a sex machine can be a fabulous investment. Just maybe skip it if you don’t have the storage space!
About the Writer
Quin is a writer focused on wellness, lifestyle, and emerging technology topics. He enjoys exploring how innovation influences modern relationships and everyday experiences.
All views in this sponsored post are the writer’s own.
[Toy Review] Creature Cocks Tentavibe
I’ve reviewed quite a few tentacle dildos at this point—especially considering I don’t even have a tentacle kink—but never a tentacle vibrator. But that’s about to change, because the Creature Cocks Tentavibe landed on my desk recently courtesy of Babeland. Let’s get into it.
What is the Creature Cocks Tentavibe?
The Creature Cocks Tentavibe is a tentacle vibrator measuring a lengthy 10.7″ in total (7.6″ insertable.) Despite its long length, the Tentavibe has a fairly narrow girth, coming in at 1.5″ in diameter at the widest point. It has a slight backwards curve ending in a forward-curving tapered tip. There are two rows of tentacle suckers along the front side of the vibrator, and the rest of the shaft is covered in rippling raised bumps and ridges.
The Tentavibe is made of body-safe silicone in a gorgeous, iridescent teal colour. The handle features a little screen which indicates the toy’s battery level and which of the 9 vibration modes it is set to.
This toy is rechargeable, with a 1-2 hour charge giving 45-60 minutes of runtime. It is IPX5 water resistant, which means it is splashproof but shouldn’t be taken into the bath/shower or submerged in water.
What I Liked About the Tentavibe Tentacle Vibrator
While I wasn’t initially super excited about the Tentavibe, once I unboxed it I quickly realised there were a lot of things about it I was going to like.
So you know the thing about tentacles? Even if, like me, you feel indifferent to them aesthetically, they can offer some very interesting things sensation-wise. I’m not that into heavily textured insertable toys, but the Tentavibe offers just the right level for folks who enjoy some texture without it being too extreme. The flexible shaft makes it comfortable to insert, and the hooked tip is ideal for intense, targeted G-spot stimulation.
If you’re someone who prefers clitoral stimulation, the Tentavibe’s tentacles are absolutely dreamy for that. Thanks to the shape of the toy, you can either use it hand-held or put it underneath you and grind against its length. Oh, and that curved tip? Also absolutely incredible for lovers of pinpoint stimulation. When the power is turned up, this tip flicks rapidly back and forth and provides a sensation that’s somewhere between vibrating and tapping.
The other pleasant surprise about the Tentavibe? This thing is powerful. I wasn’t expecting much from the motor, but it’s packing some real power. When I switched it on, I had to check it wasn’t one of those weird designs where the toy switches on at the highest setting. But no, it just has a genuinely incredible motor—powerful and surprisingly rumbly.
Some other things I like about the Tentavibe tentacle vibrator include:
- The screen on the base. It not only makes it easy to remember your favourite settings by number, but also indicates how much battery you have left. Anyone who has ever had an orgasm thwarted by a toy dying at the wrong moment will understand the benefit here.
- The ergonomic bulb shape of the handle, which is comfortable to hold even for lengthy sessions.
- The toy is light
- The motor is fairly quiet, particularly considering its impressive level of power.
Anything I Didn’t Like About the Creature Cocks Tentavibe?
This toy is a surprising winner, and I don’t have many negative things to say about it. Just a couple of small things to be aware of:
- The battery life isn’t great. I can get off with this toy quickly, but I need to remember to charge it between uses due to the short runtime.
- It has a single-button interface. While it only has 9 settings (3 speeds and 6 patterns,) it’s still annoying to have to scroll through them all to go back one step.
- I would expect a toy of this price-point to be IPX7 waterproof, i.e. submersible and suitable for use in the bath or shower. I don’t really care about this personally as I almost never use toys while bathing, but it also makes it a bit of a pain to clean the Tentavibe between uses.
Tentavibe Tentacle Vibrator: Verdict
Overall, I have to rate the Tentavibe highly for both sensation and versatility. It’s rare to find a toy I rate for lovers of both internal and external stimulation, but this tentacle vibrator has a fantastic combo: powerful motor, great texture, incredible shape. I fully expected this to be a “test, review, never use it again, eventually pass it on to a friend” product, but I think it might enter my regular toy rotation.
The Tentavibe retails for $79.75 and is available from Babeland and Good Vibes.
Thanks to Babeland for sending me this product to review. All views are my own. Affiliate links appear in this post.
[Toy Review] Maia Toys Shroomie Mushroom Vibrator
Perhaps surprisingly, the Maia Toys Shroomie is actually the second mushroom vibrator to join my collection. When Babeland offered me some products to review, I was immediately drawn to the cute aesthetic, ergonomic-looking handle, and broad wand-like head of this small clitoral vibrator. But how did the Shroomie actually perform?
What is the Maia Toys Shroomie?
The Shroomie mushroom vibrator is part of Maia Toys’ “Trippy Toys” range. It measures just under 5″ in total length, with a head diameter of 2.2″. It is made of body-safe silicone, and is shaped like a little mushroom with a white stalk that’s slightly curved and wider at the bottom, and a red cap.
The Shroomie is rechargeable, with a full charge taking around 3 hours and giving 90-120 minutes of runtime. It is also IPX7 waterproof, i.e. submersible in water.
What I Like About This Cute Lil Mushroom Vibrator
While I was initially drawn to the Maia Toys Shroomie for its fun and unusual aesthetic, there are also plenty of other things to like about this vibrator!
- The silicone is ultra soft and smooth, and the head of the mushroom is squishy in a way that feels almost dual-density. The upper layer has a soft, pliable texture with some give, then there’s a firm core underneath.
- The shape of the head is fantastic. If you enjoy the broad head design of wand vibrators, you’ll probably enjoy the Shroomie as a miniature alternative. You can either use the flat, broad top of the head, or tilt it sideways or upwards to use the ridge at the underside.
- Due to the aforementioned shape, the Maia Toys Shroomie is an absolutely dreamy vibrator for grinding against. If I place it under my body, the combination of the upward curve of the handle and my body weight anchors it in place.
- When I first looked at the Shroomie’s handle design, I thought it’d probably be really nice to hold and I was right. The curved handle fits comfortably in my hand, allowing me to angle the toy easily and to press the buttons without breaking m my flow. Since it’s small and pretty light, this is an easy to hold and easy to use toy.
- The buttons are easy to press and the controls straightforward.
- With 15 different settings to choose from, including 3 speeds and 12 patterns, the Shroomie is a good beginner-friendly toy for those looking to experiment with different external sensations.
- The vibrations are pretty good! You’re never going to get the same power out of a toy like this as you’d get from a full-size wand, but it’s a decent mid-level motor for the price.
- I don’t normally care about packaging that much. I mostly just want it to be functional and eco-friendly. However, I have to commend Maia Toys for the Shroomie’s fun packaging design decorated with quirky psychedelic imagery.
- A storage bag is included.
Anything I Didn’t Like?
While the Maia Toys Shroomie has a lot to recommend it, there were also a few things I found frustrating.
- The lack of dual-directional controls. 15 settings is a lot, and scrolling all the way through them to go back one level is enough to throw me off my game and leave me annoyed. There are literally two buttons already! Adding + and – controls would be so easy!
- Though the motor is decent in terms of strength, the vibrations are still pretty buzzy.
- This is really a matter of preference, but I don’t love the flexible neck. This is the kind of toy I want pressure from, and it’s frustrating that if I press it too hard against my vulva, the flexible neck bends it away.
Maia Toys Shroomie Mushroom Vibrator: Verdict
The Maia Toys Shroomie is probably coasting along a little too much on its cuteness factor. (We’ve all had days like that amirite?) I do think it’s a good beginner-friendly vibrator with plenty of settings, a mid-strength motor, and a non-threatening aesthetic, with some excellent features—most notably, that gorgeous squishy silicone! But at $44.95 it’s also fairly expensive for what it is, and let down by the buzzy vibrations and lack of two-directional controls.
The Shroomie is available from Babeland and Good Vibes.
Thanks to the Babeland team for sending me the Maia Toys Shroomie to review. All views are, as always, my own. Affiliate links appear in this post.
[Toy Review] Hello Nancy Lem Lemon Toy
After close to ten years in this industry and in the era of TikTok, I really should know to stop trying to predict sex toy trends. From the rose toys that the internet was going crazy for a few years ago to that unfortunate (and dangerous) crystal egg fad, sex toy microtrends come and go. The latest seems to be this lemon-shaped toy by Hello Nancy, known as the Lem, which I received to review.
Viral Lemon Clitoral Suction Toy: What is the Hello Nancy Lem?
The Lem by Hello Nancy is a small clitoral suction toy shaped like, well, a lemon. It measures a petite 3″ in total length and has a small nozzle at one end that sits over the clit and stimulates it via suction-like air pulses.
The Lem is made body-safe silicone in (unsurprisingly) lemon yellow. It is rechargeable, with a 90 minute charge giving around 2 hours of runtime, and IPX7 waterproof, i.e. submersible.
With a score of 4.7/5 over almost 2000 reviews on TrustPilot, and hundreds of social media posts dedicated to extolling its virtues, this little toy has been a big hit. But what did I think of it in use?
Hello Nancy Lemon Review: What I Liked
As is customary around here, let’s begin with what I liked about the Hello Nancy Lem.
- It looks like a lemon! Which is just so random and silly I can’t help but be slightly charmed by it. I’m not convinced by the argument that this makes it “discreet” (who keeps a lemon in their nightstand?) but then again I’m the sort of person who uses improbably enormous dildos as desk ornaments/paperweights, so I’m probably not the target market when it comes to discretion.
- It came attractively packaged in Hello Nancy’s signature hot pink and yellow packaging. While I thought the size of the box was a bit excessive for such a small toy, it’s all cardboard so it is recyclable. A storage bag was also provided.
- The 8 constant suction speeds are well-spaced and offer a nice gradually-increasing intensity.
- The actual sensation is decent. The suction has a good depth and feels very smooth. The power level is also excellent, particularly on the top few settings.
- The Hello Nancy Lem is pretty quiet, if that matters to you. Its noise level is on a par with some of the higher-end clitoral suction toys on the market, and significantly quieter than many traditional vibrators.
What I Didn’t Like
- The nozzle is far too small. It measures only 1cm across (less than half an inch). I don’t have a particularly large external clit, but I still found this toy’s nozzle too small to enclose it properly.
- The edges of the nozzle are a little too thin and firm to be entirely comfortable for me. I prefer a broader, squishier nozzle rim.
- I don’t find it particularly comfortable to hold. Though it’s petite and light, the shape makes my hand start to ache after a few minutes.
- Almost no-one likes patterns even in traditional vibrators. Is literally anyone using them on a suction toy? The four inbuilt patterns are completely unnecessary and just make the user experience more annoying.
- Speaking of which, and I know regular readers just knew I was going to complain about this: the damn single button interface! A toy that costs well over £100 should have dual-directional controls at the very least.
Hello Nancy Lem Lemon Toy Review: Verdict
Ultimately, I think this is a fine but not great product that’s coasting along a little too much on a cute aesthetic. I suspect it’s a combination of the cuteness factor and the fact that there are countless really bad toys out there that has so many people thinking this is the best thing ever.
Or maybe I’m just absurdly picky when it comes to toys. I’ve been making a living evaluating them for a decade so, you know, that might well be the case.
The Lem is an average clitoral suction toy that has a fun aesthetic and gets the job done, but at £139/$169 at full price, is probably kinda overpriced for what it is. It’s a beginner-friendly design, but not really an entry-level price. Can I get off with it? Yes. Is it going to become a staple favourite? No.
Buy the Lem directly from Hello Nancy and get 25% off this or any other Hello Nancy product when you use the above link.
I received this product in exchange for an honest review. All views are my own. Affiliate links appear in this post.
7 BDSM Collar Types You Should Know
Collars can play a major role in some kinky relationships. They carry a lot of symbolism in the BDSM community and can evoke strong emotions, and there are a lot of different types of collars to choose from. They can look lots of different ways and be made from a range of materials including leather, faux leather, suede, metal, rubber, silicone, and more.
Whether you’re just starting your explorations, entering into a new BDSM relationship, or considering making a more permanent commitment to your Dominant or submissive, let’s look at some of the types of collars you should know about.
At the end of this post, there’s also a special reader giveaway for you to enter.
Day Collars: The Best Collar Types for Discreet Kink/BDSM Expression
A day collar is a collar that you can wear during day to day life without inviting awkward questions or involving people in your kink without their consent. This might include the workplace, with family, or just out in public.
A day collar may be indistinguishable from an ordinary necklace, carrying meaning to the person who wears it and the person who gave it to them but resembling standard jewellery to anyone else. If someone notices you’re wearing it all the time, you can just say it was a gift from your partner or has sentimental value and no-one will be any the wiser.
Some day collars may not even go around the neck at all! We’ll discuss this type in more detail below.
Eternity Collars & Other Types of Locking BDSM Collar
If you want to wear a collar on an ongoing basis and don’t need to take it off regularly, an eternity collar or other locking collar is a great option. These collars are designed for safe, comfortable wear over a long period of time and often symbolise a permanent, ongoing, or 24/7 D/s relationship. They tend to be made of robust, hardwearing materials, usually metals. They may need a key, Allen wrench, or other tool to open.
These types of collars are generally, though not exclusively, used in the context of serious and long-term BDSM relationships. Some couples use eternity or locking collars in place of, or alongside, a more traditional commitment symbol like a wedding or engagement ring.
While one of the appeals of an eternity or locking collar is often that the submissive is unable to remove it by themselves, always have a back-up plan such as a spare key where they can get to it or a way to safely cut the lock if necessary. You can always make it a rule that these are only to be used in the case of emergency.
Play Collars
Play collars are those used for kinky sessions or scenes, without carrying any special meaning outside of that context. They can symbolise the boundaries of a scene—for example, when the collar goes on a scene begins, and when it comes off you transition back into your regular selves.
Play collars can also be practical. For example, a Dominant may use a collar and leash to lead their submissive around, cuff their partner’s hands to their collar for restraint, or use a posture collar to make them stand in a certain position.
Some Dominants have general play collars they use with multiple submissives in play scenes. A Dominant may also give a special play collar to a submissive, or the submissive may prefer to buy and keep their own.
Training & Consideration Collars
Training and consideration collars are two types you might see earlier in a BDSM relationship. The meanings are exactly what they sound like: the submissive is in training or under consideration to become permanently collared in a D/s dynamic.
These types of collars tend to be popular in more formalised corners of the BDSM community, amongst those who value high levels of structure and protocol in their D/s relationships. For some people, training or consideration collar types are the kinky equivalent of an engagement ring—a display of commitment and intention before the permanent collar is given.
Training and consideration collars may be any style or design, and can be locking or non-locking. It’s completely up to the people involved.
Permanent Collars
If a training or consideration collar is like a kinky engagement ring, a permanent collar is the equivalent of a wedding ring. This type of collar signals a committed, ongoing, and hopefully-lifelong BDSM relationship.
Permanent collars may or may not be “permanent” in the sense of being worn 24/7. For some couples, this will be practical and desirable, while for others it won’t. Locking collars are a popular choice here, but far from the only option.
Non-Collar Collars
When you think of the various types of BDSM collars, you’re most likely imagining something the submissive wears around their neck. And while this is the traditional meaning of a “collar” and still the most common type, there are also other options to explore.
Non-collar collars are popular alternatives to (or additions to) traditional collars for couples who need something discreet, for people who can’t or don’t like to wear things around their neck, or simply for people with different tastes.
Bracelets, rings, anklets, and wrist cuffs, are common alternatives to collars. Others I’ve seen include watches, items of clothing or underwear, items that people carry rather than wear, and even tattoos.
Fashion Collars
Some kinksters enjoy wearing collars as a statement of their identity without them being attached to any specific relationship. Others (like me!) prefer to own a variety of different collars and match them to aesthetic choices, mood, or event.
By the way: if you’re a submissive attending events alone and don’t want lots of attention from Dominants, wearing a collar is a good way of significantly cutting down on unwanted advances.
While many people in the BDSM community take collars seriously, everyone gets to make the rules for themselves. If you want to wear them just because you like how they look or they help you to project an image of your kinky self to the world, have at it.
Defining What Collar Types Are Best for You and What They Mean in Your BDSM Relationship
With so many types of BDSM collars to choose from, how can you decide which is right for you? If you’re in a D/s relationship or considering getting into one, you’ll need to have an open and honest conversation (or several) with your partner. Make sure you’re on the same page about what collars mean to you both and don’t. The last thing you want is to find out later that one of you views a collar as a fun kinky accessory while the other sees it as a symbol of a lifelong commitment.
Beyond that, you get to decide! Consider the types of collars that feel meaningful and right to you, the materials that will be the most comfortable, the colours and styles you find attractive, and any practical considerations.
WIN a Collar Bracelet
I’ve partnered with Think & Kink, designers of beautiful collars and kinky jewellery, to give one lucky reader this gorgeous sterling silver infinity chain bracelet.
All you have to do to enter is sign up for my newsletter during May 2026. On 31 May, I’ll put all current newsletter subscribers into a draw for the prize. By signing up, you consent to receive my newsletters (currently on hiaitus but returning in 2026) unless you unsubscribe. You also consent to me processing your data to administer the giveaway and send you your prize if you win. The giveaway is open to readers anywhere in the world.
[Toy Review] Mr Hankey’s Toys Scimitar
Those who have read my sex toy reviews for a long time will know that I love a curvy dildo. That’s why, in my latest batch of review products from Mr Hankey’s Toys, I requested the Scimitar curvy dildo with ridges to try. Famous for giant toys, unique fantasy dildos, life-cast realistic toys, and more, Mr Hankey’s has come up with yet another unique concept. Let’s get into the review.
Mr Hankey’s Toys Scimitar: A Curvy Dildo with Ridges in Four Sizes
The Scimitar dildo is based on “the sleek, dangerous curves of a scimitar blade,” a type of curved and convex sword. This dildo has a bulging middle section and curvy head, with a series of ridges along its back. The tip tapers to a semi-realistic penis head. Like many Mr Hankey’s toys, it has a large and bottom-heavy base.
The Mr Hankey’s Toys Scimitar is available in four sizes, ranging from Small (6.25″ insertable length and 2.14″ in diameter at the widest point) up to XXL (10,5″ insertable length and 3.66″ in diameter at the widest point.) As I’ve said before, Mr Hankey’s “small” sizes might be called large in any other context!
The Scimitar is made of body-safe silicone. It comes in possible four levels of firmness ranging from 40% soft (super soft) up to “extra firm.” Like all Mr Hankey’s dildos, it is available in your choice of 25 colours with the option to add a metallic effect if you like. You can also choose to add a vac-u-lock hole to use your dildo with certain types of sex machines.
I received the Scimitar in size Large, which offers a hefty 9″ of insertable length and a diameter of 3.11″ at the widest point. I requested the toy in 75% soft silicone (the second softest option) and in purple.
What I Liked About the Mr Hankey’s Toys Scimitar Curvy Dildo
The Mr Hankey’s Scimitar is ideally designed for three types of users:
- Those who enjoy large insertables but want the gradual, comfortable insertion afforded by a tapered toy
- Those who love curvy dildos
- Those who enjoy some serious texture
The Scimitar is narrowest at the top. Mine measures 2.3″ in diameter at the rim of the head, meaning it gains an additional 0.8″ in diameter from the top to the bottom of the shaft. For many users, including me, toys that taper from a large base to a narrow top can be more comfortable to use. This allows you to get used to the toy’s size at each stage before deciding if you want to go further.
Because the curve is concentrated in the top few inches, you can get plenty of G-spot or prostate stimulation by just using the head of the toy if the entire thing is too much for you. The flexibility of the softer silicone I chose helps with comfortable use and positioning. I also love the little bulge in the underside of the head, which targets my G-spot perfectly.
As well as its curvy head, the Scimitar dildo also has a bulge in the middle of the shaft. This, along with the ridges along the dildo’s shaft, stimulates the sensitive vaginal or anal opening as you move the toy in and out. Around the rest of the shaft, the texturing is deep yet smooth. It has long, flowing lines that remind me of the contours of muscles.
If you want to feel the curvy shape, texture, and ridges of this dildo more intensely, choose a firmer silicone. I prefer light to medium texturing, so I found the softer silicone made this toy more usable and comfortable.
Due to the large base that Mr Hankey’s uses on this and many of its toys, the Scimitar stands up on its own. This means that, if you wish, you can place it on a firm surface and ride it hands-free. Its weight gives it pretty good stability. If this is your main reason for choosing this toy, a firmer silicone will make it easier.
Things to Be Aware Of
As I’ve mentioned before, Mr Hankey’s tends to use pretty matte silicone for its toys. This means lots of lube is absolutely essential, especially given the size of these toys.
They’re also very heavy, especially in the larger sizes. I can’t really use most Mr Hankey’s toys by myself for more than a few minutes due to their weight. Having a partner use your toy on you, riding it hands-free, or pairing it with a sex machine are some of the possible ways you can overcome this if it’s an issue for you too.
Mr Hankey’s Scimitar Curvy Dildo: Verdict
Yes! This is an excellent toy. I love the curvy shape, tapered head, texturing, and soft silicone of the Mr Hankey’s Scimitar dildo. This toy is surprisingly easy to use, considering its size, with thoughtful design details that really elevate the experience. Another fantastic offering from Mr Hankey’s Toys.
The Scimitar curvy dildo retails for $159.90 for the small size in 75% soft or medium firmness. Larger sizes, different firmness levels, and various other customisations increase the final price.
Thanks to Mr Hankey’s Toys for sending me the Scimitar dildo to review and for sponsoring this post. All writing and views are, as always, mine.
8 of the Best Travel-Friendly Vibrators to Pack for Your Next Vacation
Who doesn’t love getting away from it all for a much-needed vacation? If you’re travelling with a partner, you might be one of the many couples that enjoys more and better sex when you’re away from home. Vacations take you away from the stresses of daily life, give you more free time, and help you to get into a more relaxed frame of mind, while allowing you to connect with your partner over a shared adventure—all key ingredients for great sex. Whether you’re travelling alone or with a lover, these travel-friendly vibrators available at ShopErotic will add a little extra sizzle to your next trip.
Travelling with sex toys is easy as long as you’re sensible (don’t try to take that giant stainless steel dildo through airport security!) Pack them in your checked or carry-on bag, engage the travel lock if your toy has one, and make sure it’s clean in case your bag gets checked. And remember: yours isn’t even the first vibrator airline staff have seen today. Unless it looks like a weapon, they don’t care.
I’ve partnered with ShopErotic adult store to bring you a rundown of 8 travel-friendly vibrators you should know about.
We-Vibe Tango X: The Ultimate Bullet
The original We-Vibe Tango wowed power lovers everywhere, and the rereleased and improved Tango X upped the ante even more. This petite powerhouse is one of the strongest and rumbliest bullet vibrators on the market, and its small size makes it ideal for throwing in your travel bag.
Before we decided it made more sense to keep a set of toys at each of our houses, this was one of the vibrators I’d often pack to visit my long distance girlfriend.
Read my We-Vibe Tango X review.
VeDO Vivi Finger Vibrator
Finger vibrators are a great choice for travel due to their small size and discreet design. VeDO is known for quality toys with great motors at relatively affordable price points, and the Vivi finger vibrator is its most petite product. I particularly like the finger-rest design, making it comfortable to hold whether you’re using it on yourself or someone else.
ShopErotic stocks this toy in three different colourways.
Womanizer Vibe: Near-Silent Vibrator for When You Need Discretion on Your Travels
If you’re visiting family, staying in shared accommodation, or otherwise need to be discreet, the Womanizer Vibe has got you covered. This deeply rumbly clitoral vibrator, with its ergonomic handle and hooked tip, is about as close to silent as it’s possible for a vibrator to get.
I was cynical when I saw Womanizer was expanding its range to include a vibrator alongside its signature clitoral suction toys, but the Womanizer Vibe absolutely converted me.
Read my Womanizer Vibe review.
We-Vibe Chorus and Chorus Pro: Travel Vibrators for Couples
The We-Vibe Chorus and newly redesigned Chorus Pro are the perfect wearable, travel-friendly vibrators for couples on the go. Designed to provide clitoral stimulation to the wearer during penetrative sex, the Chorus vibrators also come in a convenient charging and travel case. They are powerful, quiet, and—thanks to the innovative squeeze remotes and We-Vibe app functionality—highly versatile.
Read my We-Vibe Chorus review and We-Vibe Chorus Pro review.
Lovense Ferri Panty Vibrator
Tiny. Powerful. Discreet. These are the three words I’d use to describe the Ferri, Lovense’s small but mighty panty vibrator. With a magnetic clip to keep it in place and a motor to rival toys many times its size, the Ferri is an ideal choice for hands-free pleasure wherever you go.
Vibratex Magic Wand Micro: The Cadillac of Vibrators, Now in Travel-Friendly Miniature
I don’t know who originally referred to the Magic Wand Original (formerly Hitachi Magic Wand) as “the Cadillac of vibrators,” but this is a toy with a reputation that precedes it thanks to the work of the inimitable Betty Dodson. The Magic Wand Micro is a super-mini and travel-friendly rechargeable version that packs a surprising amount of power into a small package.
NS Novelties Inya Rose Clitoral Suction Toy
Has any sex toy caused quite such an online stir as the famed rose? This viral sensation remains popular, and for good reason. Petite, travel-friendly, and discreet, it’s an ideal addition to a romantic getaway with a lover or a sexy solo vacation. The rose clitoral suction toy is rechargeable, easy to use, and made of body-safe silicone.
RRP: $55.95 (currently on sale at ShopErotic at time of writing)
b-Vibe Rimming Plug Petite
If anal pleasure is your thing, you might want to pack a vibrating butt plug. b-Vibe’s Petite Rimming Plug is small but powerful, with dual motors and rotating beads to stimulate the sensitive anal opening and external tissue. It also comes with a wireless remote, allowing you to give control to your partner from up to 30 feet away.
This post was sponsored by ShopErotic and contains sponsored links. All views and writing, as always, are mine.
[Toy Review] Funzze Ride-On Grind & Humping Vibrator
Grinding toys have taken off in a big way in the last few years, and anyone who has been reading my work for a while will know about my enduring grinder obsession. Funzze recently sent me some of their toys to try, including this ride-on silicone vibrating grinder.
Funzze Ride-On Grind & Humping Vibrator: A Vibrating Grinder with Three Motors
The Funzze Ride-On Grind & Humping Vibrator is a vibrating grinder with an insertable dildo and three separate motors. Made of body-safe pink silicone, this grinder toy measures 9.06″ in total length. The dildo portion measures 4.3″ in insertable length and 1.26″ in diameter at the widest point.
It has two raised pads: the front one (for clitoral stimulation) has a height of 1.65″, and the back one (for anal/perineal stimulation) has a height of 1.15″. The dildo leans very slightly to the front to help it to target the G-spot in use.
The Funzze Vibrating Grinder is rechargeable, with a two hour charge giving around an hour of runtime. The packaging and site says it is waterproof (submersible), but the instruction manual says not to leave it in water for a long time. So that’s a little confusing. This toy comes with a wireless remote control and a storage bag.
Funzze Vibrating Grinder: What I Liked
I like the design of the Funzze Ride-On Grind & Humping Vibrator a lot. Its flat, flexible base means you can easily place it on any flat surface, and the bottom-heavy design helps it to stay in place. This plus the user’s body weight means it doesn’t slide around or move out of position during use.
Pro tip: if you want to use this toy in an upright kneeling position, pad your knees with cushions to stay comfortable. If this isn’t accessible or doesn’t feel good to you, you can also put the toy on a chair and straddle it, put it underneath you and lie on top of it, or use pillows or positioning wedges to create a configuration that works for your body.
I appreciate that the Funzze Vibrating Grinder’s dildo isn’t particularly big. Many dual stimulation toys are designed such that getting any kind of clitoral contact requires uncomfortably deep penetration. However, the relatively short and slimline design of this vibrating grinder’s dildo means it will be comfortable for users who don’t enjoy large insertables (or don’t want to work up to them every time they use the toy.)
Positioning is pretty easy and comfortable, and I can actually get a good amount of clitoral stimulation with this toy. The silicone is super soft and smooth. The firm yet slightly squishy surface of the external humps gives an amazing “bouncy” feel as you grind against it. This is a great design for people who prefer lots of clitoral pressure. As I mentioned, the slight forward tilt also makes it easier to find and stimulate the G-spot with the dildo portion of the toy.
Most of the shaft has a firm core, while the top inch or so is soft and squishy. This feels like a good balance for this toy. Too flexible and it’d be hard to ride, too firm and it could be uncomfortable. As it is, there’s enough firmness for easy use and enough squish for comfort.
The three motors have a pretty decent level of power. The vibrations feel more intense through the insertable dildo than either of the external stimulators, but I suspect this is just because the silicone is thinner so they’re less dampened.
The toy has 3 constant speeds and 10 patterns, and the remote control is a nice addition. The grinder’s single-button interface is situated on the front of the clitoral stimulator. This makes it possible to operate the toy this way while you’re using it, but the remote control is far easier. It also makes it easy to hand over control to your partner, or to keep your hands free to do other things.
Of course, you can also use this toy without the vibrations if you enjoy the grinding/penetration combo on its own.
Anything I Didn’t Like?
Though I’m quite impressed with the motors’ power, this vibrating grinder is a little more buzzy than I would prefer. I also would have liked the motors to be independently controllable so I could switch off the internal vibrations while leaving the clitoral stimulator on. Dual-directional speed and pattern controls would also be good.
The Funzze Grinder gets significantly louder when it’s flat on a hard surface vs. when you hold it in your hand. If noise level is important to you, use a soft surface like a bed or chair. You can also cushion it with a blanket or towel to deaden the noise.
The third motor, designed for anal or perineal stimulation, didn’t really do anything for me. It’s fine, but I wouldn’t miss it if it wasn’t there. Then again, I’m not that into anal play for its own sake. It tends to work best for me as part of a kink scene or power dynamic. If you enjoy external anal stimulation, you might appreciate this feature more than I did!
Verdict
Funzze’s silicone ride-on vibrating grinder was a pleasant surprise; dual-stimulation toys are so often a miss for me. But this one is thoughtfully designed and enjoyable. Not perfect, but pretty damn good and a relatively affordable alternative to many more expensive products.
If you enjoy combined penetration with clitoral and external anal/perineal stimulation, this toy offers all three. And if you find that dual stimulation toys are often too large for you, or require weird positioning or uncomfortably deep insertion to stimulate your clit, you might get along better with this one. I certainly did.
Buy the Ride-On Grind & Humping Vibrator directly from Funzze for $55.99.
Thanks to Funzze for sponsoring this post and sending me the Ride-On Vibrating Grinder to review. All views, as ever, are mine.