remote controlled toys Archives

UPKO remote control wand vibrator harness combo header image feauring a woman's legs in black high heels

[Toy Review] UPKO Remote Control Wand Vibrator Harness Combo

Published on April 16, 2024April 30, 2024 by Amy

There are a lot of so-called hands-free vibrators on the market, from wearables to knicker vibrators and more. However, far fewer of them are actually hands-free in any meaningful sense. Most of them require at least some manual input to keep them in place. Since the main selling point of these toys is that they enable you to use your hands to do other things while using them, it’s always disappointing when they don’t work as advertised. As such, I am continuously on the hunt for hands-free toys that really are hands-free.

I love wand vibrators, as my long-time readers know. Big fan. However, sometimes I opt not to use one when I might otherwise have liked to because they’re also heavy and unwieldy. If I’m tired or having a bad pain day, holding one for the amount of time it takes to get off might not be feasible. For that reason, I’ve long been curious to try a wand vibrator harness.

UPKO kindly sent me their remote control wand vibrator and thigh harness combo to try. Let’s dive in!

UPKO Remote Control Wand Vibrator and Vibrator Harness

The UPKO Remote Control Wand Vibrator measures 12″ in length. Both the handle and the head are coated in body-safe silicone. It weighs in at a fairly heavy 380g.

The wand is IPX6 waterproof which means it should not be submerged. It is USB rechargeable and you’ll get around 90 minutes runtime from a 2 hour charge. Included is a remote control which works from a range of up to 10 metres.

The other part of the kit is a thigh vibrator harness. This is made of nylon and consists of two thick black bands decorated with gold coloured metal hardware and an embroidered UPKO insignia. The harness fastens with velcro straps and is adjustable up to around 22″ in the upper band and 18″ in the lower. Each band features a smaller strap that sits on the inside of the leg and is designed to hold the wand in place against the genitals.

Bafflingly, the marketing copy for this set includes the phrase “wearing it in public triggers a strong sense of embarrassment.” Which isn’t technically untrue, I’m sure, but… wearing this in public would also trigger a strong sense of getting arrested for public indecency. It’s not a little insertable or knicker vibe, it’s a giant fuckoff wand. There is no universe in which you’re using this in public.

With that said, let’s look at the pros and cons of this set.

UPKO Wand Vibrator & Harness Kit: What I Liked

UPKO wand vibrator and vibrator harness combo box

It arrived beautifully packaged in a smart and sturdy branded box
There are six settings – two constant vibration speeds and four patterns – and dual controls so you can scroll through them in either direction.
The motor has a decent amount of power behind it (not the rumbliness I’d prefer, though – see below.)
The flexible neck makes it easy to turn and position the head whatever way works best for your body.
The vibrator harness holds the wand in place effectively. After a little experimenting with positions and the tightness of the straps, I was able to enjoy this toy truly hands-free.
The harness is also pretty comfortable to wear.
The texturing on the wand’s head adds to the clitoral stimulation it provides.
The hands-free nature of this set presents some intriguing – and kinky – possibilities. Why not combine it with other bondage fun such as cuffs or shibari, or use it for orgasm control or forced orgasm play?
The vibrator is fairly quiet even on its top setting, clocking in at under 55db.
The buttons are easy to press and satisfyingly clicky.

Anything I Didn’t Like?

The aesthetic is weird and dull. Why is it so grey? I suspect they were going for an elegant and classy vibe but it just doesn’t work for me.
The vibrations might be powerful, but they’re also pretty buzzy. I could get an orgasm out of this thing but it required a couple of pauses mid-session because it was starting to numb me out.
The harness is not as size-inclusive as it could be. The upper band is adjustable up to around 22″ in circumference but it would be trivial to add longer straps to make it suitable for bigger bodies.
The + and – buttons blend in with the surrounding silicone. Making them a different colour, more pronounced, or light-up would make them easier to use particularly in low light.

Verdict

This is not a bad kit for the price. You get a body-safe wand vibrator with a few different settings and a harness for a relatively affordable $129 (at the time of writing, on sale and down to $99.)

Ultimately, the wand itself is only mediocre and I’m unlikely to reach for it again. The harness, though, I do like. I’ll probably be trying it with other wand vibrators in my collection.

Thanks to UPKO for sending me this kit to review. As always, views and writing are mine. Affiliate links appear in this post.

Header image for We-Vibe Sync O review featuring a purple background, multicoloured light ring and some purple plant leaves

[Toy Review] We-Vibe Sync O

Published on April 15, 2024September 2, 2024 by Amy

Wearable vibrators are eternally popular, and every time I think I’ve seen every possible iteration on this theme something new comes along. With the promise of a toy you can use hands-free, a toy that can provide clitoral stimulation (which most people with vulvas need to orgasm) during penetrative sex, or a toy you can use in places where it would normally not be okay to use a sex toy, the allure of these types of products is obvious.

This time it’s the Sync O from the original wearable toy pioneers, We-Vibe. But how did it perform?

We-Vibe Sync O: Details

The We-Vibe Sync O is a remote-controlled and app-controlled vibrator designed primarily to be worn during penetrative sex to provide extra clitoral stimulation. It is a U-shaped toy with a bendable hinge, allowing you to position it in the way that works for your body.

There’s a loop-shaped internal arm designed to hold it in place securely inside your body, and an external portion that rests against the vulva and clit. Design-wise, the We-Vibe Sync O is clearly a successor to other popular We-Vibe products such as the Sync and Chorus.

The insertable portion measures 3″ in length, and the clitoral arm measures about 4″.

The Sync O is made of body-safe silicone and available in two colours: green or purple. It is fully waterproof and submersible for use in the bath or shower, and USB rechargeable. You’ll get up to 150 minutes runtime from a full charge depending on which settings you’re using. You also get a little storage bag, but for some reason this isn’t really big enough to fit the toy, the remote, and the charging cable so it’s a bit pointless.

Let’s have a look at the pros and cons of the We-Vibe Sync O.

We-Vibe Sync O In Use: What I Liked

The Sync O’s vibrations are reasonably strong and rumbly
The hinged design makes it easy to position the vibrator comfortably
The remote control’s responsiveness is excellent and somewhat makes up for the annoying one-button interface (see below)
The product page says that the We-Vibe Sync O’s internal arm is designed to keep the toy securely in place. This is likely because the flexible silicone loop pushes outwards against the vaginal walls when you’re wearing it. I did find that it was less likely to fall out than other wearable toys I’ve tried (though the trade-off was some considerable discomfort – see below.)
The texturing on the underside of the clitoral arm adds an extra bit of friction and additional stimulation
The silicone is soft, smooth, and easy to clean
The Sync O is pretty quiet in use

We-Vibe Sync O In Use: What I Didn’t Like

Companies always sell these toys as “hands free” but in my experience they rarely actually are. As with the Chorus, I found I needed to use my hand to hold the We-Vibe Sync O in place during use. Otherwise, it just slipped out of position and away from my clit, leading to an experience far more frustrating than pleasurable.
The single button interface on the toy itself limits your options if you don’t want to use the remote or the app.
I found the insertable loop really uncomfortable, bordering on painful, to wear. The sensation of having my vaginal walls pushed outwards was a bit like having a speculum inserted at the gyno (in other words, the least sexy thing imaginable.) Getting a penis or dildo inside me alongside it? No chance. This is a pretty major issue considering it’s the main selling point of the toy and renders it virtually unusable for me.

The We-Vibe App

The We-Vibe app is free to download on Android or iOS. Connecting your toy via Bluetooth is easy, with clear instructions, and takes less than 30 seconds. From there, you can select “Play” and make use of all the app’s functionalities including:

Single Vibe, which allows you to adjust the toy’s speed on a constant vibration setting
Multi vibe, which allows you to use up to four different settings and switch between them quickly
Touch mode, which was annoyingly useless (it’s supposed to change the vibrations based on your finger movements on the screen, but actually did the same lacklustre juddering vibration no matter where and how I pressed)
Beat, which syncs your toy to music.
Playlist, in which you can create your own personalised collection of settings in a specified order
Ambient, in which the toy responds and vibes along to ambient noise around you (this could be useful if you’re in a loud environment such as a club and enjoy discreetly playing in public)

The app’s responsiveness is generally good, and I found connectivity to be reliable. In practice I don’t really use apps to control toys that much – somehow, pulling out my phone mid-sex feels like it ruins the moment! The app offers some intriguing possibilities, but I don’t see myself actually using it very often.

I did not have the opportunity to test the app’s long-distance functionality as I no longer have a long-distance partner to try it with. However, I will say that my experience with the We-Vibe app’s distance features have been… a mix. With the Chorus, it worked beautifully. With the Rave 2, it didn’t work at all. I suspect this is due to app version upgrades rather than specific toys, though, as it’s the same basic tech in all of them.

Verdict

Though I was impressed by the We-Vibe Sync O’s motor and bendable design, it’s let down hugely by the fact that I can’t actually wear it for any significant period of time as the insertable part just causes me pain. Of course, all bodies are different. You might not have any issue with wearing this toy at all – and the many rave reviews indicate that it works well for a lot of people!

This is really a “know your body” situation. If your vagina is more accommodating than mine and you’re looking for a wearable toy (whether for penetrative sex, low-effort masturbation, or discreet play outside the house), it could be a great choice for you.

You can buy the We-Vibe Sync O from Lovehoney for £159.99 (UK) and $169 (US.) Don’t forget to enter my Lovehoney discount code “AFF-COFFKINK10” for 10% off your entire purchase at checkout.

Thanks to Lovehoney for sending me this product to review. All views are, as always, my own. Affiliate links appear in this post.

[Toy Review] Lezovibes 6-in-1 Thrusting Heating Telescopic & Squirming Dildo

Published on January 3, 2024April 30, 2024 by Amy

Happy new year, my friends! I hope you’ve had a relaxing holiday season and new year, no matter what you celebrate or don’t. I’m back at work now, which means it’s time to start ploughing through my review queue.

First up, the Lezovibes 6-in-1 Thrusting Heating Telescopic & Squirming Dildo, which was kindly sent to me recently. Considering the absolute mouthful of its full name, I’m gonna just call it the Lezovibes Thrusting Dildo from here on out. Let’s take a look, shall we?

Lezovibes 6-in-1 Thrusting Dildo

This realistic dildo measures 8.6″ in total length (6.3″ insertable) and offers a thrusting extension of an additional 1.5″. It measures 1.59″ in diameter at the widest point.

The “6-in-1” refers to its 6 key features: thrusting, heating, vibrating, swinging, rotating, and remote-controllability. There’s also a suction cup and large “balls” base, making it harness-compatible if you like.

The Lezovibes Thrusting Dildo is made of body-safe and non-porous silicone and passes a flame-test. The silicone is extremely matte, so don’t forget to add plenty of water-based lube particularly if you’re using the thrusting function.

This toy is IPX6 waterproof. This means it can withstand jets of water but is not submersible. In other words, clean it under the tap but don’t take it in the bath with you. The remote control is not waterproof.

The Lezovibes Thrusting Dildo is rechargeable via the included USB cable, and a full charge took around 2 hours and gives up to 60 minutes of runtime depending on the settings you’re using.

Things I Like About This Toy

Let’s start with the good. Retailing at a middle-of-the-road $69.99, the Lezovibes Thrusting Dildo does have several positive points to recommend it.

It does a lot of different things! If you’re newer to toys or just want to get something quite versatile, then a toy with lots of different features is a great choice for you. As mentioned, this thrusting dildo also vibrates, rotates, swings, and heats up. Pretty impressive array of options, there!
The outer layer of silicone is squishy and pliable, and the toy has a firm core. This gives a kind of “dual density” effect that more realistically mimics a bio-cock.
Speaking of realism, the lifelike aesthetic is great if you like that sort of thing, from the veined shaft to the textured balls and foreskin. To be entirely honest I don’t particularly like that kind of thing, personally. Hyper-realism isn’t really my vibe. However, it appeals to a lot of people and I’m continually getting asked for recommendations for realistic toys.
The thrusting function feels great in use. (The swinging function is really just a slight variation on the thrusting and I couldn’t feel much difference between them.)
The suction cup is strong and holds the toy firm on a surface, even when the various functions are switched on.
The heating function! A sex toy that warms up in use is one of those things you never knew you needed until you try it. I started feeling the warmth around 30 seconds after I switched the heating function on. It heats to 42°C.
It has ten different vibrating modes, and the motor is positioned so that the vibrations are concentrated in the head of the toy. For most users, that’s gonna be where you want them.
As it has a large base (thanks to the balls and suction cup), this toy is both vaginal-safe and anal-safe.
The rigidity makes it great for strap-on sex.

Anything I Didn’t Like?

There were also a few issues that let this toy down. They include:

The controls are needlessly complicated and confusing. I actually had to email the company because I COULD NOT get mine to work at all and I was convinced I had a dud one for a while. It did eventually start working, but the controls are still far more confusing than they need to be.
The button in the base is really, really hard to push in a way that’s extremely annoying. I literally have to use the thumbs of both hands, one on top of the other, to get it going or switch it off.
Like all thrusting toys, it makes a high-pitched mechanical whining noise in use. I can’t hold this against Lezovibes in particular, though – even at the premium end of the market, the technology just isn’t there yet to make silent thrusting toys.
The vibrations are weak and buzzy.
I can’t feel the rotating function at all so I’m not really sure what the point of this is.
The remote control’s responsiveness is variable. It responds about 75% of the time in my experience, but that’s a high enough failure rate to be intensely annoying.
It’s a little too straight for me. I would have preferred it to have a little more curve and flex.

Verdict

Lezovibes thrusting dildo suction cup dildo attached to black shower tiles

With the acknowledgement that realistic dildos aren’t really my thing (but may well be yours,) I still found quite a few things to like in the Lezovibes Thrusting Dildo. Overall, it’s a mixed bag. Though the many different functions are a good way to explore new sensations, I think this toy is trying to do too many things. It’s better to do fewer things and do them really well than to try to cram every feature under the sun into a single toy.

More than anything, though, please sort out those controls. It’s so needlessly complicated to use and that means people will just end up not using a bunch of the functionalities that make up its main selling points.

Thanks to Lezovibes for sponsoring this review! All views, as ever, are mine.

Header for Arosum strapless strap-on and kegel exerciser review

[Toy Review] Arosum Vibratwin Strapless Strap-On & Kegelator Kegel Exerciser

Published on November 21, 2023April 30, 2024 by Amy2 Comments

Arosum, who both sponsored this double review and recently came on board as a site sponsor, is a rare beast in this industry: a sex toy retailer that does not use gendered language in its marketing. You won’t find Arosum toys grouped into limiting and cissexist categories such as “for women” and “for men.” Instead, toys are categorised by type and body part.

This is such an easy change to make if you want to make your sex toy marketing more inclusive, and yet so many retailers fail.

Arosum kindly send me the Vibratwin Strapless Strap-On and the Kegelator Vibrating Kegel Balls to review.

Arosum Vibratwin Strapless Strap-On

Strapless strap-ons are a divisive topic in the sex toy space. Some love them and others hate them. I’ve always been quite indifferent. I had a mediocre experience with one in my twenties, and haven’t really bothered again since. So I was curious to see how I’d get on with the Arosum Vibratwin Strapless Strap-On.

Fun fact, as I discovered when doing Google keyword research for this post: Vibratwin is also the name of a dual-action floor cleaning machine!

Vibratwin strapless strap-on details

The Vibratwin is a classic strapless strap-on vibrator, with one arm to go inside the wearer and then a protruding arm for them to fuck their partner with. The main shaft measures 5.35″ in length and 1.57″ in diameter at the widest point, and the shaft for the wearer measures 5.51″ in insertable length (but is very curved) and 1.26″ in diameter at the widest point.

The Vibratwin is made of body-safe silicone in a pretty shade of green. In the box you’ll also find a remote control and a storage bag (though, weirdly, the bag isn’t really big enough for the toy unless you squish it in at a weird angle!)

The Vibratwin is IPX7 waterproof and rechargeable. The battery life – around 45 minutes on a full charge – isn’t great, but is anyone really doing penetrative sex for longer than 45 minutes at a time anyway?

In use: what I liked

I really like the curved shape of the wearer’s shaft on the Vibratwin, for two reasons:

It helps the toy to actually stay inside me
It presses very pleasurably against my G-spot

Other things I like about this toy:

The “come hither” motion of the main shaft. It feels great and it means that, if you want to have strap-on sex without a lot of thrusting, you can just slide the shaft inside your partner and let the toy do the hard work. There are 3 different speeds.
The versatility. You can control the come-hither motion and the vibrations separately. Or, if you’re not in the mood for either, just leave them switched off.
It takes much less set-up than my regular strap-on, which I love but which always requires several minutes of futzing with straps and rings before it’s ready to go.
The remote control is a really nice addition, making it easy to control the toy in use with a partner. It’s fast and responsive.
There’s no reason you can’t also use it as a solo toy, if you want.
The silicone is really soft and smooth.

Anything I don’t like?

The inevitable squeaky whine that accompanies the “come hither” motion. This isn’t really Arosum’s fault, it’s probably almost impossible to make a toy that does this motion without it, but I still hate it.
The ridges on the main shaft. These will work really well for some people but for me, that level of texturing is more likely to be painful than pleasurable. As such, I think I’d prefer to use this toy when I’m Topping (assuming my partner enjoys that texture) rather than bottoming.
The vibrations are quite weak and buzzy. I don’t really like internal vibrations anyway, though, so I’ll just keep them turned off when using this toy in the future.

Verdict

Surprisingly great! I really like this one and will definitely use it again.

The Vibratwin Strapless Strap-On retails for $9 9.

Arosum Kegelator Vibrating Kegel Balls

Arosum Kegelator vibrating kegel exerciser

I’ve written about kegel balls and their purported benefits before. Some proponents claim that they can strengthen the pelvic floor, reduce incontinence, or enhance (or make it easier to have) G-spot orgasms. The actual evidence, though, doesn’t really stack up. The data supporting the bladder control claims is minimal and contradictory, and I could find no evidence (beyond the anecdotal) to support the orgasm claims.

Kegel exercises themselves are good for you, helping to prevent incontinence and other pelvic floor problems. It’s a good idea to do them regularly. But do kegel balls or other exercisers really help? The jury is out on that one.

Due to the lack of evidence to support any health claims, I choose to look at kegel balls and kegel exercises purely as sex toys.

With that in mind, how does the Kegelator stack up as a sex toy?

The Kegelator measures 8.27″ end to end, of which 4.33″ is insertable and the rest is the tail. The insertable portion is 1.54″ wide at the widest point, and 0.79″ at the narrowest point. It’s made of body-safe silicone in a dusky pink shade and is the classic “two connected balls with a long tail” shape.

As well as vibrating, the top part of the Kegelator moves in a “come hither” motion to stimulate the G-spot.

What I liked about the Kegelator

The main thing I like about this toy is its shape. The size and slight curve of the head is ideal for seeking out my G-spot and targeting it with precision.
The remote is fast, responsive, and allows you to move between the 10 patterns and settings in either direction.
It’s comfortable enough to wear for quite a while, if you want to.
The silicone is silky soft.

Anything I didn’t like?

That whining noise again!
The fact that you can’t control the vibrations and come hither motion separately. I don’t like internal vibrations and would really like to turn them off while still using the other function!
60 minutes battery life isn’t great, especially for something you might theoretically want to wear for longer periods.
The vibrations are weak and buzzy.

Verdict

Unlike the Vibratwin, I think the Kegelator is just okay. It’s really let down by the lack of dual controls, and the buzzy vibrations will be a downside for anyone looking for powerful internal vibes.

The Kegelator Kegel Exerciser retails for $79.

Thanks to Arosum for sponsoring this review. Sponsors help to keep the site going! All views, as always, are mine.

We-Vibe Ditto+ vibrating remote control butt plug review header

[Toy Review] We-Vibe Ditto+ App Controlled Butt Plug

Published on September 21, 2023April 30, 2024 by Amy

We-Vibe has been one of the biggest players in the app-controlled sex toys space for a long time now, and for good reason. From their early days of pioneering wearable clitoral vibrators to the extensive product range they have today, We-Vibe has consistently produced quality toys that live up to their high price tag.

I recently received the We-Vibe Ditto+ from Lovehoney. I’ll be candid and say I don’t use anal toys all that often and when I do, I tend to be very choosy. So let’s see how this one measured up.

We-Vibe Ditto+ Details

The We-Vibe Ditto+ is a vibrating butt plug measuring 3.5″ in total length, 3″ in insertable length, and a petite 1.2″ in diameter at the widest point. It is rechargeable via the included USB cable, with a single charge giving you around 120 minutes of runtime. It’s also fully waterproof and submersible, and comes with a cotton storage bag.

The We-Vibe Ditto+ is made of lovely, body-safe matte silicone and is available in two colourways: pink or black. I received the pink, which has a gorgeous subtle shimmer when it catches the light. I don’t love that it has a visible seam all the way around and little spot marks, presumably from the molding process. They’re small aesthetic details but when you’re paying over £100 for a toy, those things do matter.

How Does It Feel? Insertion and Comfort

I appreciate the We-Vibe Ditto+’s small size. On the relatively rare occasions that I use anal toys, I tend to opt for smaller ones. Large anal insertables just aren’t really my thing. That said, if you prefer a larger toy, this one probably isn’t for you.

Like all anal toys, the Ditto+ is suitable for folks of all genders and genital configurations. However, it’s not large enough to reach the prostate on most people who have one, so look elsewhere if you’re looking for a prostate stimulator. (Might I recommend the Aneros range?)

If you have a vagina, the shape of the Ditto+ is ideal for wearing during penetrative sex. Just remember to angle the flat side of the Ditto+ towards the front of your body for comfort. Your partner will feel the vibrations when they’re inside you. Vaginal/anal double penetration isn’t really my jam but, if I was going to do it, the Ditto+ is an ideal plug for the purpose.

I really like the base design of the Ditto+, too. As you may know, it’s vital for anal toys to have a flared base. This is because, without one, there’s a risk of them getting sucked up into your butt and getting stuck. (Cue an embarrassing trip to A&E or, at worst, a real medical emergency.)

We-Vibe Ditto+ app controlled butt plug base and buttons

However, many anal toys have rounded bases that can be super uncomfortable to wear after a while. The Ditto+’s L-shaped base sits flush with the curve of the butt cheeks comfortably and without digging in.

Don’t forget that adequate lubrication is absolutely essential for safe and pleasurable anal play.

How Does It Feel? Vibrations, Controls, and Sound

The We-Vibe Ditto+ has ten vibration modes: 4 steady speeds and 6 patterns. The toy itself has only a one-button interface, but the remote control makes it easy to switch between settings and to turn the intensity up or down.

The button on the base of the toy is a little too firm and difficult to press. However, you’re unlikely to use it all that much. Once the toy is inside you, it’s just too awkwardly placed and you’re much better off using the remote control. The remote has a simple interface, easy to press buttons, and great responsiveness. Be aware that the remote isn’t waterproof, though.

Like most We-Vibe toys, this one has an excellent motor. It’s strong and rumbly, and ideally situated within the toy to transmit the most vibrations to the right spots. When I use vibrating clitoral vibrators, I tend to turn them straight to the highest setting and leave them there. It’s different with butt toys, though, where I tend to prefer slightly gentler stimulation. The top setting on the Ditto+ is actually a bit too much for me! Butts are sensitive and easily overstimulated, as it turns out. (At least mine is.)

Sometimes it feels as though every sex toy ever to exist claims to be “whisper quiet.” This is usually laughably and demonstrably untrue (with the companies that proclaim it the most often producing the most obnoxiously loud, rattly, whiny toys!) However, We-Vibe toys are consistently impressively quiet, especially when you balance their level of power against their level of volume.

The Ditto+ is no exception. Even at the highest setting its noise is no more than a quiet buzz. It’s totally discreet for use anywhere with a reasonable level of ambient noise. (So if going out with a plug in is your thing, have at it!)

App Functionality

The brand new We-Vibe app has been totally redesigned and rebuilt from scratch. It’s free to download from the Android or iOS app stores. You don’t even need to create an account to start playing, so you can dive in straight away.

The app walks you through connecting your toy, which is done through Bluetooth and takes about 20 seconds. You can then select “Play” to control your toy from close range, or “Long Distance Play” to connect with a partner anywhere in the world.

The “Single Vibe” mode allows you to select a setting and then change the intensity with the swipe of a finger. The “Multi Vibe” mode is particularly cool and allows you to select four different modes, which appear in the four quadrants of your screen. You can then change mode and adjust the intensity with the swipe of a finger.

You can also create a playlist or use “Beat Mode” to vibe along to music, or select “Ambient Mode” to have your toy respond to the ambient noise of your surroundings. (This could be fun in a loud environment such as a club or party.)

Overall, an impressive array of options that make for a surprisingly versatile toy!

The one option I found completely useless was the “Touch Mode.” Supposedly this allows you to translate touches of the screen into a vibration pattern but no matter how (or how fast or slow) I moved my finger across the screen, the intensity and pattern of the vibrations was the same. It’s a cool idea but utterly non-functional in its current form.

The We-Vibe’s app connectivity is steady, reliable, and highly responsive as long as you’ve got a decent internet connection. We-Vibe has typically been ahead of the curve in this area generally, but the new and improved app really is a step up.

The We-Vibe app does not allow screenshots due to its security policy. This was super annoying for the purposes of completing this review, but does make sense from a safety perspective!

Verdict

The We-Vibe Ditto+ retails for £109.99 in the UK and $129 in the US. If you just want a basic vibrating silicone plug, you can get something much cheaper and enjoy much the same effect (though, admittedly, the vibrations won’t be as strong or rumbly.) But if you’re going to make the most of the extensive app functionality, the We-Vibe Ditto+ is a good investment.

Good design, great vibrations, actually useable app. Excellent all around.

Thanks to Lovehoney for sending me this product to review. All views and experiences are, of course. mine. Affiliate links appear in this post.

Bestvibe CYRUS thrusting realistic dildo

Review: Bestvibe CYRUS Classic Swing&Heat Thrusting Realistic Dildo

Published on January 6, 2023April 30, 2024 by Amy2 Comments

Happy new year, friends! 2022 was a rough one and I’m not naive enough to say “2023 is going to be my year!” We’re all still facing ongoing challenges due to *gestures vaguely at everything*. Personally, I’ll be satisfied if 2023 reaches the bar of “better than 2022.”

With that said, it’s time to dive into my very first review of the new year: the CYRUS Classic Swing&Heat Thrusting Realistic Dildo from Bestvibe.

Bestvibe CYRUS Classic Swing&Heat Thrusting Realistic Dildo

Bestvibe approached me right before the holidays to ask if I’d be interested in reviewing any of their products. Since I get asked about recommendations for both realistic toys and thrusting toys all the time, I thought I’d choose this one, which ticks both of those boxes.

The CYRUS Classic Swing&Heat Thrusting Realistic Dildo is designed to closely resemble a bio-cock. It is impressively detailed, with a veined shaft, textured balls, a pronounced head, and even skin texturing at the base of the head. If you’re looking for a highly detailed realistic toy without breaking the bank, look no further.

The CYRUS measures 9″ from base to tip, of which 7″ is insertable length, and 1.59″ in diameter at the widest point. This makes it a little larger than the average factory-installed penis, but not scarily huge. Due to the internal mechanisms and dense silicone, it weighs in at a hefty 490g. It features a suction cup base, allowing for hands-free play or harness compatibility for strap-on sex.

The CYRUS is made of body-safe silicone. Since the texture is quite similar to some TPE/TPR toys I’ve handled, I flame tested it to be sure, and I’m pleased to say it’s definitely silicone. (The lack of any discernible smell also tipped me off that it’s real silicone.) Body safety is often sacrificed in favour of “real feel” materials when it comes to realistic toys, so I’m always delighted to find safe, non-porous alternatives.

The CYRUS is IPX5 waterproof, meaning it can withstand a sustained, low-pressure spray of water such as that from a home tap. This means you can safely get your toy wet to wash it, but shouldn’t submerge it in water. It is rechargeable via the included cable and comes with a battery-operated remote control (1 x 27A 12V battery is included.)

The CYRUS retails for a very reasonable $77 and is currently on sale at $66.

Settings and Controls

There are two ways to control the CYRUS: via the button on the base or via the remote control. Using the button, you’ll be able to scroll through 9 different patterns of vibration and their corresponding inbuilt thrusting patterns (there are 3 different thrusting patterns.)

With the remote, you can enjoy a much finer level of control, pairing any of the 3 thrusting and rotating modes with any of the 9 vibration patterns for a completely customisable experience. You can also use either the vibrations or thrusting separately, if you like.

The button on the base of the toy is a little stiff and requires quite a firm press. The buttons on the remote control, on the other hand, are easy to press. The toy’s responsiveness to the remote is fast and reliable, and the range of the remote is 10 metres.

In Use

The CYRUS’s realistic design is ideal for users looking for the most lifelike experience possible from a toy. The shaft is rigid most of the way along, though the soft and squishy head (the last inch or so) really makes a positive difference from a comfort and ease of use perspective. The pronounced and ridged head is ideal for G-spotting.

I also really love the dual density feel. This means that the toy has a firm core on the inside, and a softer layer on the outside. Like an erect penis, in other words!

The CYRUS’s thrusting mechanism feels amazing in use. If you have a vulva and enjoy dual stimulation, try using it hands-free (or asking a partner to use it on you) and pairing it with your favourite clitoral vibe. I actually prefer to use the thrusting mode alone, because I’m not the biggest fan of internal vibrations. Though it’s far too large for me to have tried it in this way personally, the CYRUS is also anal-safe if that’s your jam.

One of my favourite features of the CYRUS is its “warming” function. Press the little flame icon on the remote, and the toy will warm to 38℃ (just very slightly above human body temperature). This really enhances the experience if you’re looking for a toy that feels as realistic as possible. Instead of cool silicone, you can mimic the natural warmth you’d feel with a partner’s cock.

The CYRUS’s silicone is quite “grabby” due to its matte texture. Therefore, I’d really recommend using plenty of lubricant for a comfortable experience. Any water-based lube will work. It will also pick up dust and lint in storage, so give it a quick wipe before each use.

The vibrations aren’t massively strong and are a little buzzy, but they are concentrated in the head of the toy. If you like really powerful G-spot vibrations, this one might not be for you. But if you’re happy with gentler vibes (or mainly here for the thrusting function, as I was) this shouldn’t be too much of a problem.

Volume-wise, the vibrations are very quiet. The thrusting mode isn’t exactly loud, but it does have a very distinctive sound that’s best described as a repetitive, high-pitched whirr. The suction cup is strong and stays in place well on every surface I’ve tried it on.

Verdict

I really like this one! If I’m honest, realistic dildos aren’t often my thing, aesthetically speaking. I tend to prefer more abstract, colourful (and occasionally glittery) designs. But functionally, it absolutely gets the job done and comes with some great extra features. If I was going to recommend one body-safe, realistic toy that is very reasonably priced, it might be this one.

Thanks to Bestvibe for sending me the CYRUS to review. All views are, as always, my own. This post was sponsored, meaning I was paid to write an honest review.

PleX with Flex review header image, woman's butt in fishnet stockings

[Toy Review] Hot Octopuss PleX with Flex

Published on January 13, 2022July 3, 2024 by Amy

Do you all remember the Kurve vibrator from Hot Octopuss? I raved about the Kurve because of its dual “treble and bass” motors, which allow the user to customise not just the intensity level of the vibrations, but also where they fall on the buzz-rumble scale. Well, a new Hot Octopuss toy has arrived, and it uses the same tech. But this time, it’s for your butt. Meet the PleX with Flex.

What is PleX with Flex?

The PleX with Flex is a vibrating butt plug by Hot Octopuss. It measures 5.5″ in total length, of which around 5″ are insertable, and 1.7″ in diameter at the widest point. The plug sits on a wide base. As the name suggests, it’s ultra flexible, bending up to 90 degrees in any direction.

My PleX with Flex arrived packaged in Hot Octopuss’s signature, sleek black packaging with a picture of the toy on the front. In the box you’ll find your plug, a little square remote control, a branded storage pouch, a charging cable, and an instruction leaflet. I do appreciate that Hot Octopuss always include a storage bag with their toys. It’s such a small thing but it really does help a more expensive product feel like value for money.

PleX with Flex vibrating butt plug in its box

The PleX with Flex is made of smooth and body-safe matte black silicone. It is also fully waterproof, though the remote control is not. It’s rechargeable via the included USB cable.

What I Liked

By far my favourite thing about the PleX with Flex is its shape. The smooth, tapered shape makes insertion comfortable, and the ultra flexible nature of it means you can position the toy exactly how you want. I don’t have a prostate but for people who do, I’m informed that the curved shape of the PleX with Flex makes it ideal for targeted prostate pleasure.

PleX with Flex black silicone butt plug from Hot Octopuss

The PleX with Flex’s motors are also fantastic. It houses a rumbly (“bass”) motor towards the bottom of the shaft, and a buzzy (“treble”) motor towards the tip. With independent controls (we’ll talk more about the and five available pattern settings for each motor, you can create an enormous range of different experiences and sensations. Best of all, each motor is powerful. I’m not a big fan of buzz, so I eventually found that the sweet spot for me was to have the buzzy motor on low and the rumbly motor on a higher setting.

PleX with Flex vibrating prostate massager

The large base, which essentially functions as a handle, also makes it possible to thrust with this toy, if you want to. That’s unusual in a butt plug style toy. For that reason, I’d recommend this one if you’re working up to anal penetration with a penis or a larger dildo.

The PleX with Flex also isn’t too loud relative to its vibration strength. Even outside the body it’s pretty quiet, and when it’s inserted the sound is muffled still further. You might not want to use it out in public, but there’s no way you’ll wake the neighbours!

The PleX with Flex is also easy to keep clean. I recommend using a body-safe sterilising wipe then wash it thoroughly in warm water and gentle soap.

Anything I Didn’t Love?

The PleX with Flex is fundamentally a well designed toy. Its shape is dreamy and its motors are excellent. With that said, there are a few things I think could be improved.

My biggest complaint lies in the buttons and controls. Placing the controls on the bottom of the toy’s base is an odd choice for this one. This makes it impossible to see the buttons when the toy is inserted. So you have to either rely on touch alone (possible but not ideal), ask your partner to change the setting for you if you’re using the toy together, or take it out to change the setting and then reinsert. None of which is ideal.

PleX with Flex silicone prostate massager buttons

I could forgive this if the remote control was brilliantly designed, but it’s… not. Hot Octopuss’s remote controls are inexplicably tiny. I think they’re going for discretion but, unless you’re going to use the toy in public (which, as I’ve said, I don’t recommend) I’d rather have a slightly bigger control that’s easier to use. Being so small, it’s difficult to hold and easy to lose. I much, much prefer the wrist strap design offered with toys like the Pulse Solo Lux.

Remote for remote control vibrating butt plug PleX with Flex

The battery life is also a bit of an issue. It lasts about an hour on a full charge. But with a charging time of 4 hours, I would have liked its run time to be a little longer.

From a personal experience perspective, another downside is that the PleX with Flex is slightly too big. It took me a long-ass (ha) time to write up this review, partly because my butt is rarely up for taking something of this size. This is less an objective criticism, admittedly, than a personal preference. I’d really love to see them release a mini version alongside this one, for those of us who prefer a smaller anal toy. So if any Hot Octopuss designers are reading…

The PleX with Flex isn’t really a leave-in toy. Given the size of the base and the location of the buttons, sitting or walking around all day with it in isn’t really possible. This isn’t really a downside as such, just something to be aware of. This is a toy

Verdict

It’s a mixed bag for me with this one. Ultimately, the PleX with Flex is a toy that meets specific needs well. If you’re looking for a butt toy with strong motors and an ability to experiment with buzz/rumble as well as power level and patterns, this is the one for you. I also recommend it if you’re looking for a vibrating anal toy you can thrust with. On the other hand, if you’re looking for something more akin to an “insert and leave in” anal toy, this is not it.

Retailing at £89.95, it’s not a cheap toy. While its body-safe materials, well-designed shape, and powerful motors work in its favour, there are notable downsides that make it hard to give an unqualified YES to this one.

PleX with Flex banner from Hot Octopuss sex toys

The PleX with Flex is available from Hot Octopuss, who sent me the product in exchange for an honest review. All views are mine. Affiliate links appear in this post.

Orgazmic waterproof clitoral vibrator review header

[Toy Review] Orgazmic Waterproof Clitoral Vibrator

Published on December 8, 2021May 9, 2024 by Amy

When Honey Play Box invited me to review some products from their extensive range, I was immediately drawn to the Orgazmic Waterproof Clitoral Vibrator. Its interesting shape and remote control functionality suggested a range of interesting possibilities.

But did it impress me when I tried it out?

What is the Orgazmic?

Orgazmic waterproof clitoral vibrator, vibrator for women, people with vulvas, couples

The Orgazmic is a small clitoral vibrator. It measures 4.16″ in length and 1.05″ across at the widest point and is coated in 100% body-safe, hypoallergenic silicone. It’s available in pink or purple. It is rechargeable via the included magnetic cable, with a full charge giving around 2 hours of play.

The Orgazmic is completely waterproof, so you can use it in the bath or shower if that’s your thing.

My Orgazmic came packaged discreetly in a solid, plain black box. Great for gifting and also works well as a storage box.

My Experience

As soon as I pulled it out of the box, I knew I was going to absolutely love the shape of the Orgazmic. It is slightly curved, similar in shape to “panty vibes” you may have seen, with ribbing in the silicone at the wider end and a raised nub in the centre. This is a vibrator that’s absolutely made for grinding on! Slide it between bodies during sex with a partner, or place it on a firm surface. It also rests comfortably against the vulva as a lay-on toy, or even slips into your underwear, if you prefer.

Orgazmic panty vibrator, clitoral vibrator

The Orgazmic offers 9 different vibration modes including 3 constant speeds and 9 patterns, and operates on a simple 1 button interface.

While the Orgazmic offers a decent level of power for such a small toy, I really would have liked it to be rumblier. I much prefer deep, penetrating rumbles to the more surface-level vibes of the Orgazmic. Of course, this isn’t a universal experience! If you prefer higher frequency vibrations, the Orgazmic will suit you well.

The Orgazmic is easy to clean when you’re done. Just use some warm water and gentle soap or a sterile medical wipe.

Remote Control Capabilities

The Orgazmic comes with a separate remote control, which you can slip into your pocket or hand to your partner. I’m not sure exactly what the range is, but I tested it at a range of about 10 metres and it worked perfectly, so it’ll be suitable for most remote control play when you’re in the same physical space.

Remote from remote control vibrator panty vibrator

The Orgazmic is quiet-ish, topping out at around 45 dB. If you want to use it out and about, I’d recommend choosing spaces that have a decent level of ambient noise to begin with. Remember it’s not cool to involve others in your play without consent!

Remember that the remote control will also need charging (via the same cable as the toy), so factor that in to your charging time before you play.

Verdict

The Orgazmic is a decent all-rounder if you like buzzier vibrations. It’s got a great shape, reliable remote control compatibility, and a good number of settings and patterns to choose from.

The Orgazmic retails for $51.99.

This review was sponsored by Honey Play Box. This means they provided me with this product and paid me to write a fair and honest review. All opinions are, as always, my own.

Header image for a post about kink in public

Kink in Public: Is it Okay and How Can You Do It Safely?

Published on November 6, 2021March 12, 2024 by Amy

A lot of people have exhibitionism kinks, meaning they get off on the idea (or reality) of doing sex and/or kink things in front of other people. But is this something you can do? Is it something you should do? The short answer is yes, but you need to be careful and considerate if you do choose to go for it.

Consent Matters

Consent to sex and BDSM extends to anyone who will witness it. And this means that random members of the public should not be seeing your activities, since they have not consented to do so.

In some spaces, such as swing clubs and kink dungeons, consenting to be there means consenting to see certain activities that fall within the rules of the space. So if you want to get your exhibitionist on, consider going to one of these spaces so you can do so in a safe, controlled, and consensual way with enthusiastically voyeuristic participants.

Remote Control Sex Toys

One way to play subtly in public spaces is to use wearable, remote control vibrators such as the Lovense Lush or We-Vibe toys. These toys are generally quite quiet, meaning that you can safely use them in spaces with a decent level of ambient noise. Plus if people hear something vibrating with no other context, they’ll likely assume it is a mobile phone ringing.

Obviously, you’ll need to keep your facial expressions and responses under control if you want to do this.

Check out my Lovense Ferri review, We-Vibe Chorus review, and Lovense Lush review for some inspiration for remote control sex toys you can use.

Subtle Protocols

Many kinky and D/s couples continue their dynamic in public – without violating anyone’s consent – by implementing protocols that people would not associate with kink without additional context. Easy examples include the submissive always walking on a particular side, the submissive carrying the Dominant’s belongings for them, or the submissive going to the bar to fetch the drinks as an act of service.

These are just a few ideas. Use your imagination and come up with subtle kink protocols that work for you.

Day Collars

I have mixed feelings on the subject of wearing obvious BDSM collars in public. On the one hand, we all get to wear the things we like on our own bodies, and many collars could plausibly pass for simple chokers. On the other hand, a collar can still be a fairly obvious symbol of a power exchange dynamic. You must decide for yourself where you fall on this. I used to wear my collar in public when I was in my former 24/7 relationship, but I probably wouldn’t do so now.

Fortunately, you can get subtle or completely vanilla-looking day collars. Mine used to be a bracelet with a little lock and key charm. Some look like simple necklaces. Your “day collar” can be a necklace, bracelet, ring, or something else entirely. I even know people who have a tattoo as their day collar, though obviously this requires an enormous degree of commitment and certainly!

Wear Something Your Dominant Chose

An easy way to feel submissive all day long? Ask your Dominant to choose your outfit for the day (or even an aspect of it, such as your underwear). Kayla Lords has written before about having her Dominant partner choose her panties for the day when they were long distance, and I think this is a great idea!

Receiving Tasks by Text

If you’re out and about away from your kinky partner, why not experiment with sending and receiving tasks by text (or email, messaging app, or communication system of your choice). These tasks can be sexual (“next time you go to the bathroom, take your knickers off and put them in your bag”) or completely vanilla (“drink a glass of water in the next half hour”). This is a great way to feel connected as you go about your days, and does not risk involving any non-consenting participants in your dynamic.

This post was written as part of Smutathon 2021! You can check out all our work and learn more about the challenge on the Smutathon website. Please consider donating to this year’s charities, Gendered Intelligence and Trans Lifeline.

[Toy Review] Hot Octopuss Atom Plus Lux

Published on October 21, 2021July 3, 2024 by Amy

[Update 02/11/23: this product has been discontinued, though the original Atom and the Atom Plus are still available. I have removed dead links but left the post up for reference.]

This review has been a long time coming. For various reasons, we kept getting thwarted each time we tried to test out this toy! But better late than never, and I’m pleased to be bringing you a review of the Hot Octopuss Atom Plus Lux today.

What is the Atom Plus Lux?

The Atom Plus Lux is the newest vibrating cock ring from Hot Octopuss, London-based purveyors of innovative sex toys. It’s an upgrade on the original Hot Octopus Atom Plus, the main difference being that it now comes with a remote control.

The Atom Plus Lux measures 4.72″ in length and 2.36″ in total width. It is made of ultra soft and body-safe matte black silicone and adorned with plastic accents on each end, which is also where the buttons live. The top is stamped with the Hot Octopuss crown insignia.

The Atom Plus Lux contains two motors. Motor #1 is housed at the top and designed to deliver vibrations to the head and upper shaft of the penis, as well as the receptive partner’s clitoris during penetrative sex. The second motor lives in the base and, combined with the pronounced ridge, stimulates the wearer’s perineum.

Atom Plus Lux vibrating cock ring viewed from the side

The Atom Plus Lux is rechargeable via the included USB cable. Charging takes 2 hours and you get around 40 minutes’ use out of a full charge, which isn’t amazing. It is fully waterproof, should you want to use it in the bath or shower.

How powerful is it?

One thing Hot Octopuss has consistently got right is their motors. The Atom Plus Lux’s two motors are impressively powerful, certainly more so than any other vibrating cock ring I’ve tried. That said, they are a little on the buzzy side. They do not have the deep, satisfying rumbles of the “bass” motors in, say, the Jett or the Kurve.

The Atom Plus Lux offers five levels of power and five vibrating patterns. I asked Mr CK how the vibrations felt to him. His answer: “I mean, they’re fine, but they won’t get me off”. I could definitely orgasm from this toy if I used it just for clitoral stimulation, but probably not during penetrative sex (for reasons I’ll get into below).

By the way: the two motors are integrated, so you cannot control them separately.

How does it fare in use?

I am coming to the conclusion that Mr CK and I just don’t really care for vibrating cock rings all that much. The idea of them is good, but in practice they tend to be more trouble than they’re really worth.

Hot Octopuss Atom Plus Lux vibrating cock ring on Godemiche Ambit silicone dildo — Feat. Godemiche Ambit in a limited edition Valentine’s Day design.

You have to put on the Atom Plus Lux when the penis is flaccid or semi-flaccid, and it has to sit behind the testicles (we tried it first just around the penis, and it just moves around and slips off). The silicone is pretty rigid and hard to stretch for long at first, although it does loosen up a little after a few uses. That said, if you suffer from pain or muscle weakness in your hands, you may find it challenging to put on.

Part of the idea behind vibrating cock rings is that most people with vulvas need sustained clitoral stimulation in order to orgasm. The problem is that they don’t really provide that stimulation very well! While I appreciate the extra clitoral sensation that comes from using a vibrating cock ring like the Atom Plus Lux, it’s neither consistent nor sustained enough to actually get me off unless my partner just, sort of, puts his penis inside me and then doesn’t move. (Which… can be hot and is apparently a thing Mormons don’t think counts as sex, but it’s not really our thing!)

Remote control cock ring Hot Octopuss Atom Plus Lux remote

The Atom Plus Lux’s controls are easy to use, with an on/off/change pattern button located on the bottom and the speed buttons located on either side at the top. The remote control is a nice addition, as pressing buttons on the toy itself can be a little fiddly mid-fuck!

Verdict

The Atom Plus Lux is a very well-designed and well-made vibrating cock ring with two reasonably powerful motors. I don’t think we’ll be using it much, but that’s got very little to do with the product itself.

Honestly, if any toy was going to turn me into a vibrating cock ring convert, it’d be this one. Sadly, it really hasn’t, so I have to conclude they’re probably not for me.

That said, if you enjoy (or think you might enjoy) this kind of toy, the Atom Plus Lux is a good bet! Hot Octopuss’s products are well-made and built to last and, if something does go wrong, their customer service is stellar. I actually recently had an issue with a different product and they sorted it so quickly and professionally.

The Atom Plus Lux retails for £89.95 (that’s $129.95 for my American friends).

Thanks to Hot Octopuss, who sent me this product in exchange for an honest review. All views are mine. Affiliate links are included and if you shop through them, I make a small commission at no extra cost to you.