One of the requests I receive most often is for remote control panty vibe toys, or vibrators that you wear inside your knickers. I can understand the appeal of them in theory. The idea of something stimulating you as you go about your day is alluring to a lot of people. The problem is that most of these so-called “vibrating knickers” suck. Would Lovehoney’s Desire Remote Control Panty Vibe be the toy to change all that?
Lovehoney Desire Panty Vibe
This vibrating knickers set, part of the Lovehoney Desirerange, consists of three components: the vibrator itself, the remote control, and the knickers to use it with. All of this is presented in a zip-up pouch. The vibrator measures 4″ long. It is saddle-shaped and made of smooth, rigid silicone. There’s a single control button on the top and a nub on the underside which (supposedly) rests against the clitoris when worn.
Image: Lovehoney
The main toy is rechargeable, but the remote control requires a single CR2032 battery (included). The panty vibe is waterproof and submersible, but the remote is only splashproof.
Image: Lovehoney
The included knickers tie up at the sides, making them adjustable to fit various sizes. I wear a UK size 16 and they fitted me with plenty of room left over, though they may not be suitable for larger bodies. Annoyingly, there are no measurements or sizing information on the product page. The panties are made of soft black lace, though I don’t love that they’re polyester-based. They have a little pouch in the gusset where you slip the panty vibe to keep it in place.
Desire Panty Vibe Review: In Use
The Desire Knicker Vibrator has 12 speeds and 8 patterns to choose from. At the higher end, the vibrations have a decent amount of power, though they’re not as rumbly as I would like.
The best thing about the Desire Panty Vibe’s design, by far, is its shape. It sits comfortably flush with the curve of the vulva, and the bump on the end is ideal for brushing against the clit and providing some gentle friction. The pouch in the knickers means that the toy stays in place fairly well, though once you start moving around it’s hard to maintain constant clitoral contact. Think “tease” rather than “orgasm” with this one.
Image: Lovehoney
There’s a one-button interface on the toy itself, which allows you to cycle through the various pattern settings. However, you cannot turn the power level up or down on the toy itself. The remote, however, allows you to select both a pattern and a speed. The remote control range on this toy is about 8 metres, assuming a clear line of sight.
I don’t really agree with the description of the Desire Panty Vibe as “whisper-quiet” (do I ever?) It has a pretty distinct buzz. It’s not loud enough to be bad, but it’s also not quiet enough to be a selling point.
Lovehoney Desire Vibrating Knickers: Verdict
My overall verdict on this toy depends on what you’re looking for.
If you’re after a vibe to simply masturbate with to get off, this is probably not your best choice. I’d recommend going for the bullet or for the pebble clitoral vibe instead. However, if you’re after a panty vibe or “vibrating knickers” style experience, or a way to hand over control to someone else while keeping your hands free, this one could be a good choice.
The Desire Knicker Vibrator retails at £69.99 from Lovehoney UK or $99.99 from Lovehoney US.
Thanks to Lovehoney for sending me this product to review. Affiliate links appear in this post.
Sex toy kits are a fantastic idea in theory, but usually significantly less amazing in practice. Too often, they’re little more than a collection of cheap and poor-quality products shoved together in a pretty box and sold for a premium price. I’ll nearly always tell my readers to forego a kit and spend a bit more on just one or two quality items. However, I try to keep an open mind, which is why I agreed to review the Take Control Bondage Kit for beginners from Lovehoney.
Take Control: A Beginners’ Bondage Kit by Lovehoney
It’s been a very long time since I was new to BDSM. I’ve been doing kinky shit for well over a decade and have accrued a sizeable collection of toys, from basic staples to custom collars, premium impact toys, and more. So a beginner kit is not something I would ever buy for myself.
Therefore, I am trying to step back in time ten years or so in my mind, and view this BDSM starter kit through the eyes of someone who is just starting out, collecting their first beginner BDSM toys, or maybe wondering if they’re even kinky.
Lovehoney Take Control Bondage Kit: First Impressions
The Take Control Bondage Kit comes in one simple box, with all the products clearly displayed on the front so you know exactly what to expect. The packaging is brightly coloured and fun, reducing the intimidation factor for nervous new kinksters.
There’s a LOT of information on the box, too. I appreciate that Lovehoney has provided a brief description on how to use each item as well as some basic information on safety and consent. The box reminds players to use safewords, never leave a bound person alone, and have a non-verbal safe signal if someone is gagged. It’s pretty 101-level stuff, but that’s also what a complete newcomer to kink is likely to need. Top marks for that.
I wasn’t delighted with the way the box was packed. Everything was just sort of piled in, each item wrapped in a cellophane wrapper. It’s a lot of unnecessary single-use plastic.
There is no real leather in this kit, making it vegan-friendly.
What’s in the Lovehoney Take Control Bondage Kit?
With that said, I think this is overall a decent beginners’ bondage kit. Many BDSM starter kits and sex toy kits generally are filled with things that aren’t even safe, let alone of good quality.
Let’s take a look at what’s inside, shall we? Just for fun, I’ve included a fun tip or an idea to try with each item in the Take Control kit. As always, pick the ones that resonate for you, leave the rest, and add your own ideas as you explore.
1: Blindfold
This blindfold is super comfy. It’s also thick and padded, meaning I couldn’t see a thing when it was on. The band is stretchy, too, so it should fit most people comfortably.
Beginners’ bondage kit play idea: Blindfold your partner and stroke different items across their body – a silk scarf, a piece of velvet, the tails of your flogger – and have them guess what each item is.
2. Nipple suckers
I really liked these little suckers! They’re a great gentle introduction to nipple play, and perfect if you want some sensation but without the pain of nipple clamps or clothes pegs. They work for all chest sizes, from flat chests to large breasts, and most nipple sizes. If you flick or hit them too hard, they will fly off, but they can withstand some gentle manipulation.
Beginners’ bondage kit play idea: Tell your partner to fetch you something from another room with these on. They’ll have to move carefully, though – they’ll be spanked if one falls off!
3. Ball gag
Full disclosure: I hate ball gags. I fucking hate them. They make my jaw hurt, they make me drool, and I can’t kiss my partner when I’m wearing one. They’re basically a soft limit at this point. With that said, this is a fine ball-gag if you do like them. The holes make it breathable, and silicone is a non-porous and hygienic material. I also like how adjustable this gag is. With 9 buckle holes, it will fit most people comfortably.
Beginners’ bondage kit play idea: Make your submissive try to repeat words back to you while gagged.
4. Flogger
This is a stingy little fucker! Don’t let the small size fool you, this flogger can pack a wallop. The falls are made of thin rubber, which delivers a vicious sting when you put some force behind it. If pain isn’t your thing, you can drag it sensually across the skin for a gentle tickle. I would have liked the handle to have a bit more width and weight to it.
Beginners’ bondage kit play idea: Try gently flogging the vulva or penis if your partner is up for it. Remember to clean your flogger thoroughly afterwards to remove any bodily fluids.
5. Wrist and ankle cuffs
These were the weakest part of the Take Control kit by far, for me. They’re quite thin and made of nylon, with no padding, which means they chafe if you put any pressure on them. They’re fine for exploring the feeling of being restrained, but if you want to pull against them at all I recommend getting some quality cuffs.
Beginners’ bondage kit play idea: Restrain your partner then make them watch you masturbate in front of them.
6. Under-bed restraints
These are great, except for the tiny detail that they don’t fit my bed! We have a Super King bed and these restraints fit up to King Size. So they’ll be fine for the vast majority of people, but if you have a ridiculously giant bed like us, they may not fit.
These restraints are strong, durable, and easy to both set up and tuck out of sight when you’re done, if you want to. The little clips mean you can easily add any set of cuffs to them.
Beginners’ bondage kit play idea: when your partner is restrained, run a cube of ice along their body or drip low-temperature candle wax onto their skin.
7. Silicone suction cup dildo
Wow, a body-safe dildo in a BDSM kit! This shouldn’t be a pleasant surprise, and yet it is. This dildo measures 6″ in length and has a diameter of 1.5″. The slight curve is ideal for targeting the G-spot or prostate, and the silicone is super soft and silky. The suction cup and hollow space for a bullet vibrator are great additions.
Beginners’ bondage kit play idea: Tease your lover’s entrance with the dildo until they beg to have it inside them.
8. Strap-on harness
This is the same harness that Lovehoney sells as part of their basic strap-on sex/pegging kit a few years ago. It’s comfortable and the rings are interchangeable so you can use it with any dildo with a flared base. However, it’s a pretty basic harness and you’ll want to upgrade to a higher-quality harness if you find you enjoy strap-on play.
Beginners’ bondage kit play idea: If you have a vulva, insert a wearable vibrator before you put on your harness. This will stimulate you while you penetrate your partner.
9. Wired bullet vibrator
I was fully expecting this bullet vibrator to be awful. While it’s far from the strongest bullet vibrator in the world and it is a little buzzy, it’s not a bad basic bullet for the size and price. It has several patterns as well as steady vibration speeds.
I don’t love that it’s wired rather than cordless, but the wire is long enough for one partner to control the remote while the other holds the vibrator against their genitals. The bullet takes 2x AAA batteries, which are not included.
Beginners’ bondage kit play idea: Switch it off just when your lover is on the edge of orgasm and make them beg for release.
Lovehoney Take Control Beginners’ Bondage Kit: Verdict
On the whole, the Take Control Bondage Kit is a very solid basic beginners’ set for the price. If you’re brand new to exploring your kinks, you get a lot of bang for your buck here.
Thanks to Lovehoney for sending me this kit in exchange for an honest review. If you choose to purchase this or anything else from Lovehoney, please buy through my affiliate links – it supports the blog at no extra cost to you!
