Tag: sex toys

Header image for Avant Pride P4 butt plug review

[Toy Review] Avant Pride P4 Power Play Silicone Butt Plug

Published on by Amy

Pride month may now be over, but Blush Novelties’ Avant Pride line lives on. Of course, there is never a bad time of year to plaster your favourite pride flag all over everything, including your sex toys. Today we’re looking at the P4, a large silicone butt plug inspired by the leather pride flag. Blush’s other pride-themed sex toys include the bisexual flag, lesbian flag, and LGBTQIA+ flag, amongst others.

The leather pride flag, designed in 1989, was originally primarily used by the gay leather community. In recent years, however, it has come to represent leather culture and the general BDSM community more widely. The flag features horizontal lines of black, blue and white, and a small red heart in the upper left. The Avant Power Play plug’s colour scheme is based upon this flag.

Power Play P4 Large Silicone Butt Plug

The Avant Pride Power Play is a silicone butt plug on the large side, measuring 4.75″ in total length, 4.25″ in insertable length, and 1.5″ in diameter at the widest point. For that reason, I wouldn’t recommend this as a plug for anal play beginners. If you’re just exploring for the first time, I suggest checking out my recommendations for the best slimline anal toys.

Instead of the more traditional round butt plug base, the Power Play plug has a wide T-bar base. It also has a short and wide neck, which is only slightly narrower than the base of the plug.

Avant Pride P4, a large silicone butt plug in black, blue, white and red stripes
Image: Blush Novelties

Design-wise, the Avant Pride P4 is striking but doesn’t particularly call to me. I tend to prefer my toys more on the femme and sparkly side!

Avant Pride P4: In Use

Size-wise. this toy is just on the right side of challenging for me. I can insert it, but it takes time and a lot of warm-up.

The best thing about the P4 butt plug, for me, is the feel of the silicone. It is soft, squishy and malleable, which both feels good and makes insertion more comfortable. If rigid plugs are uncomfortable or turn you off, an ultra-soft silicone plug is a great choice.

I also really like the shape of the base. If you position it so that the T-bar base sits parallel with your butt crack, you shouldn’t experience any of the chafing that can happen with round-base butt plugs during long-term wear.

Unfortunately, there was one big issue with the P4 silicone butt plug that I couldn’t seem to solve: it won’t stay in! I tried different body positions, different types and amounts of lube, and different ways of positioning the toy once it was inserted. No matter what I tried, it slipped out the moment I stopped holding onto it.

I suspect this problem is due to the shape of the neck. Butt plugs are normally anchored in place by the anal sphincter muscles, which clench around the main body of the toy and then relax around the narrower neck. Unfortunately, the P4’s neck is too short and too wide for this to work, at least for my body.

Avant Pride P4 Leather Pride Butt Plug: Verdict

A mixed bag, this one. While I love the base design and the softness of the silicone, the fact that it wouldn’t stay in makes the P4 more miss than hit. It’s fine if you’re looking for a handheld toy, but if you want an “insert and leave” butt plug, this isn’t the one.

The Avant Pride P4 retails for $49.99 and is available from Good Vibes and Babeland.

I received the P4 large silicone butt plug in exchange for an honest review. Affiliate links appear in this post. All views are mine.

Header for Avant Pride P1 rainbow dildo

[Toy Review] Avant Pride P1 Dildo

Published on by Amy

As someone who is both very queer and loves bright colours, Pride Month is kind of a dream. Not only is it tremendously affirming to see celebrations of queer people and who we are, but there are rainbows on basically everything. Fuck rainbow capitalism from corporations that couldn’t give a damn about us the rest of the year, of course, but if a brand I already like and trust releases something in a pride colourway I’ll at least be a little bit tempted. Like this flexible, silicone rainbow dildo from Blush Novelties, the Avant Pride P1.

There are also leather, bisexual, and lesbian flag toys in this range, amongst others.

Avant Pride P1 Rainbow Dildo: Details

The Avant Pride P1 rainbow dildo is a fairly petite little thing. It measures 6″ in total length and 5.25″ insertable length, with a diameter of 1.4″ at widest point. It has a distinctly curved shape, a bulbous head, a flexible and bendy shaft, and a suction cup base. Made of body-safe silicone, the P1 sports the six colours of the classic rainbow LGBTQ+ pride flag.

Avant Pride P1 Dildo In Use: Slimline and Flexible

First, the good. I very much like the shape of the Avant Pride P1 rainbow dildo. The bulbous head is great for stimulating the G-spot, while the slimline shaft makes it comfortable to insert and the slightly wider bottom stimulates the vaginal opening. It’s also anal-safe, if that’s your thing, and imagine it would work similarly for the prostate and the anal opening.

Overall, though, this dildo is a little too flexible for my preferences. When I try to thrust with it, the ultra-bendy shaft means it’s likely to end up hitting the wrong spot or popping out of me entirely. It also means I need to use a lot of lube to even get it in at all.

At first glance, I thought this dildo would be perfect for strap-on sex. However, in reality, that’s really not the case. Though the wide base (sans balls) makes it harness-compatible and the slim shaft could be ideal for beginners or anyone who prefers less girthy insertables, the bendiness makes it far from an ideal dildo for either vaginal or anal strap-on sex.

P1 Rainbow Dildo: Verdict

Though I love the aesthetic, functionally this is a dildo that’s just okay. Where it excels is as a warm-up toy, or as a toy to insert and then leave in while other things are happening (such as clitoral play.) If you like very soft and flexible dildos it might suit you perfectly, but give this one a miss for either strap-on sex or harder thrusting.

The Pride P1 dildo retails for $44.99 and is available from retailers such as Good Vibes, Babeland, Shevibe, Sex Toys UK, and The Pleasure Garden.

I received this toy for free in exchange for an honest review. Affiliate links appear in this post. As ever, all opinions are my own. 

Header image for Hot Octopuss Atom review

[Toy Review] Hot Octopuss Atom Cock Ring

Published on by Amy

The purpose of a cock ring is simple: by constricting blood flow out of the penis, enabling a stronger and more consistent erection. Vibrating cock rings have built on this by adding stimulation for the wearer and, if worn during penetrative sex, for their partner. It’s a simple premise, but one that is so often executed really badly. Would the Hot Octopuss Atom, the so-called “next generation in cock rings,” break the mold? I received one to review, so let’s find out.

Hot Octopuss Atom cock ring
Image: Hot Octopuss

Hot Octopuss Atom

The Hot Octopuss Atom is a stretchy black silicone ring. There’s a large contact area with a raised nub at one end, designed to sit against the clitoris of the wearer’s partner during penetrative sex. The Atom is adorned with a simple silver-coloured plastic band featuring the speed buttons and the company’s crown logo. The company name is also stamped into the silicone. A drawstring storage bag is provided.

The Atom is USB rechargeable and waterproof. It has five vibration patterns as well as constant vibrations, each of which can be used on any of five speeds.

A word for those with girthier cocks: you’re gonna need lube, friends! This ring’s diameter is only about 1.5″. It is stretchy to accommodate most sizes, but getting it on can be a challenge if you’re not adequately lubricated.

Hot Octopuss Atom Review: What We Loved

Mr C&K and I tested out this toy together. Let’s start with the things we liked.

Most importantly, the Hot Octopuss Atom boasts by far the strongest vibrations I have ever felt from a cock-ring. They are powerful, rumbly, and satisfying on all levels. I love the additional clitoral contact and focused stimulation provided by the “nub.”

Ultimately, I’m unlikely to have an orgasm from a vibrating cock ring used in the traditional way. Unless my partner puts their penis inside me and then just sort of stays still, there isn’t the level of sustained clitoral contact required to get me there. So I have learned to manage my expectations. Even so, it adds an enjoyable extra later of stimulation for both of us.

It was also tight enough to actually have the desired effect of allowing my partner to maintain a stronger, harder and longer-lasting erection.

What We Didn’t Love

The biggest problem with this toy, from my perspective, is in the placement of the buttons. The two speed buttons are situated on either end of the plastic band across the top of the toy. This means that changing the settings during penetrative sex is difficult and will almost certainly interrupt your flow. We had to pause to look more closely at which button was which, and then to switch settings. This could be easily remedied with a remote control.

There is also quite a large seam where the plastic band connects to the main body of the toy. This area could easily be a germ trap, harbouring fluids and bacteria, so take the time to clean it properly.

Atom or Atom Plus?

Hot Octopuss actually released two cock-rings last year, the Atom and the Atom Plus. Though I have not reviewed the Plus, I will tell you what I know about it to help you make an informed decision. The main differences between the Atom and Atom Plus are:

  • The Atom features one motor primarily designed for clitoral stimulation, while the Atom Plus has two. The second motor offers stimulation of the perineum, the area between the testicles and anus, which is extremely pleasurable for many people.
  • The Atom is worn around the shaft of the penis, whereas the Plus fits around both the penis and testicles.
  • The Plus is, of course, physically bigger and more expensive (at the time of writing it retails for £69.95 to the Atom’s £49.95.)

Hot Octopuss Atom Review: Verdict

There are far too few quality, body-safe toys with good motors on the market for people with penises. Hot Octopuss are ahead of the curve in redressing that balance. If you’re looking for some additional clitoral stimulation during penetrative sex, or if you’ve tried vibrating cock rings in the past and found their motors too weak for you, give the Atom a try.

Mr C&K concluded that the Hot Octopuss Atom is “hands down the best cock-ring I have ever used!”

The Hot Octopuss Atom is available directly from the manufacturer as well as from retailers such as Shevibe, Good Vibes, Babeland, and The Pleasure Garden.

A banner ad for sex toy company Hot Octopuss, who sponsored a post on sex and mental health
Image: Hot Octopuss

Thank you to Hot Octopuss for sending me the Atom cock ring to review. All views are mine. Affiliate links appear in this post.

Header image for Lovehoney Deluxe Silicone G-Spot Wand Attachment review

[Toy Review] Lovehoney Deluxe Silicone G-Spot Wand Attachment

Published on by Amy

Wand attachments can be a great way to get more from your wand vibrator. They allow you explore different textures, adapt your wand for different body parts, or – in the case of this attachment from Lovehoney – turn your wand into an insertable.

Lovehoney G-Spot Wand Attachment

The G Spot silicone wand attachment on top of the Lovehoney classic wand.
Feat. Lovehoney Classic Wand

The Deluxe Silicone G-Spot Wand Attachment is a silicone cap that fits over any standard-sized wand vibrator. It has a dildo-style appendage for penetration. There are also some gentle nubs on the base designed to stimulate the clitoris once the shaft is inserted.

The insertable length is 5″ and the diameter is a slimline 1.1″. The shaft is completely smooth with no bumps, ribbing or texture.

The G-Spot Wand Attachment is made of body-safe silicone, which is also easy to clean. Using attachments is one way to avoid direct contact with your wand if it has a porous head or to keep things safe if you’re sharing a toy with a partner.

Remember: this attachment is waterproof, but your wand probably isn’t!

The Lovehoney G spot purple silicone wand attachment

G-Spot Wand Vibrator Attachment In Use

I have had to conclude, after numerous attempts, that I don’t like strong vibrations internally. They are consistently far more uncomfortable and painful than pleasurable for me. So I cannot honestly say I enjoyed using this attachment.

However, this doesn’t mean it’s a bad product. It’s not for me due to my body and preferences, but I’m sure it would work well for plenty of people. I do like the slim and smooth shaft design, and I’m sure if I enjoyed internal vibrations this wouldn’t be so wasted on me.

Do I Recommend It?

If you enjoy (or think you might enjoy) strong internal vibrations and are looking to turn your wand into an insertable toy, you can’t go wrong. If you already own a wand and aren’t sure whether or not you’d enjoy vibrations internally, this is also a relatively inexpensive way to try it out.

The Deluxe G-Spot Wand Attachment retails for £19.99 from Lovehoney UK or $24.99 from Lovehoney US.

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

Header image for Lovehoney Hummer review

[Toy Review] Lovehoney Hummer Penis Masturbator Wand Attachment

Published on by Amy

There are things that are a given when it comes to being in a relationship with me. You must have coffee in the house. I will make puns at you. And now, it seems, I will probably at some point ask you to put strange things on your genitals so that I can overshare about it on the internet. #DoingItForTheReaders. Thankfully, my stunt cock Mr C&K is a good sport, so he agreed to try out the Hummer, a masturbator wand attachment marketed primarily to cis men, so I could bring this review to you all.

Lovehoney Hummer wand masturbator attachment
Image: Lovehoney

“Wand Attachment for Men”: A Note on Terminology

The Hummer wand attachment is described as a toy for men. However, I have chosen to use the gender-neutral language instead, referring to “people with penises” and this toy as a “masturbator“. Gender isn’t defined by genitals.

I would like to invite all sex writers and sex-positive retailers to consider their language in this area and not ascribe genders to body parts or toys unnecessarily.

Hummer Masturbator Wand Attachment

Cis men and other people with penises often assume wand vibrators aren’t for them. It’s true that wands and wand attachments are primarily designed with vulvas and clitorises in mind. However, first of all, wands are for everyone and can feel good on any body part that enjoys the sensation of vibration. Secondly, this is where attachments come in. The right attachments can adapt your wand vibrator for use in various different ways.

The Lovehoney Hummer has a cap that sits over the head of the wand and a tube to insert the penis. When the vibrator is turned on, it transmits the sensations all along the user’s shaft. The Hummer’s tube is lined with ridges and little nodules for addiional stimulation.

The Hummer will fit the majority of wand vibrators. We used it with my Lovehoney Classic Wand and it was perfect, but it will also fit the Magic Wand Original, Doxy Original or Die Cast, and most standard-sized wands. It has a diameter of 2.2″ and is very stretchy, meaning it will accommodate the vast majority of penises.

A Note on Materials and Care

The Hummer masturbator attachment is made of thermoplastic elastomer (TPE). TPE is technically non-toxic in that it doesn’t contain known harmful additives such as phthalates. However, TPE is porous. This means it will harbour mold and bacteria, can only be cleaned at a surface level, and cannot ever be fully sterilised. The material will also become unstable and break down over time.

Unfortunately, the vast majority of masturbators and wand attachments for people with penises are made of TPE or a similar material.

I’m less opposed to TPE for penis toys than I am for insertable toys. The outer skin of the penis is much less likely to pick up an infection than a mucous membrane such as the inside of the vagina or anus. However, I still recommend approaching TPE products with caution and always choosing silicone instead where options exist.

If you get a TPE wand attachment or masturbator like this one, you should clean it with gentle soap and warm water and allow it to dry thoroughly. Do not boil TPE. Check your toy for mold, black spots, or visible damage to the material before every use. With infrequent use, it might last a year. If you’re using it more often, though, I recommend replacing it every few months. Don’t share a TPE toy even if you and your partner normally engage in fluid exchange.

Hummer Masturbator Wand Attachment: In Use

In terms of experience in-use, the Hummer attachment was an absolute hit with Mr C&K.

He needed plenty of lube to slide the Hummer over his cock comfortably. The material is stretchy, but it’s also quite “grabby” so I recommend lubricating the toy generously regardless of your penis size. Water-based lube is your best for TPE toys.

When we switched on the wand, I was immediately impressed with the strength of my partner’s reaction. He described it as “like a wrap-around Doxy.” After reaching orgasm in record time, he declared the Hummer “surprisingly effective!”

For user experience alone, top marks from both of us.

Lovehoney Hummer: Verdict

My ultimate verdict on this one is mixed.

I’m loathe to wholeheartedly endorse a TPE toy due to the porous material. I’d love to see someone create a version of this made of silicone. With that said, neither of us can fault how enjoyable it was in use.

If you’re willing to replace it every few months, have at it. If you want something that’ll last you forever, this unfortunately isn’t it.

The Hummer masturbator wand attachment retails for $19.99 from Lovehoney US and £19.99 from Lovehoney UK.

Thanks to Lovehoney for sending me the Hummer and a collection of other wand attachments for review. Affiliate links appear in this post. All views are mine.

Header image for VeDO Izzy review

[Toy Review] VēDO Toys Izzy Lay-On Vibrator

Published on by Amy1 Comment

VēDO Toys produces a range of sex toys for all types of bodies, all of which are made of silicone and have a seamless finish. The VēDO Izzy is one of the company’s new line for 2018. The first thing that struck me about this range? How affordable it is. The Izzy retails for $45.99 (just under £5.)

What is the VēDO Toys Izzy?

The Izzy is a small lay-on clitoral vibrator measuring 3.8″ in length and 1.1″ wide. It has a flexible, curved body designed to lie flush against the vulva and a pronounced nub at the end of the shaft for more targeted clitoral stimulation. It comes violet (the colour I received) and turquoise.

VeDo Toys Izzy pink lay-on vibrator
Image: VēDO

The Izzy is USB-rechargeable with a running time of around an hour, submersible in water, and equipped with a travel lock. It is made of soft and body-safe silicone. Its petite size makes it comfortable to hold, fitting neatly into the palm of your hand. It’s worth noting that some reviewers have mentioned issues with the battery life, with the Izzy dying after a short amount of running time, though I haven’t encountered these problems personally.

VēDO Toys Izzy Review: In Use

The Izzy has a simple one-button interface built into the silicone. You press the button once to switch it on, press again to cycle through the various different settings, and hold it down to switch the toy off. I don’t love single-button interface toys because having to cycle all the way back through the settings to go back a step is really annoying. I’d have preferred up/down buttons.

The Izzy has 10 modes of vibration including 3 constant speeds. You’ll likely know by now that I don’t really care for patterns. I’m much more a “constant vibrations” girl. However, if you do like patterns, Izzy gives you a decent range to choose from.

VēDO Izzy pink vibrator showed from underneath
Image: VēDO

The VēDO Toys Izzy’s shape is excellent. I particularly like that it allows for multiple ways of using it. You can lay the toy on your vulva, place the vibrator on the bed and straddle or grind against it, or hold the tip or side against your clit or any other body part you’d like to stimulate.

The nub on the end of the shaft is really what takes the Izzy from “okay “fine” to “good” for me. If you enjoy targeted and semi-pinpoint clitoral stimulation or want to experiment with it alongside broader all-over vibrations, this toy is a great starting point.

The VēDO Toys Izzy is also reasonably quiet, given its strength.

Surprisingly Powerful for the Price

I’ve been disappointed by so many clitoral vibrators, including (especially!) those claiming to be “super powerful”, that I rarely expect much from them at this point. This is particularly true for toys at lower price-points.

The Izzy’s vibrations, though, are pretty damn good for the price! They’re also not too buzzy. For those for whom a comparison is useful, this toy is not as strong or rumbly as the We-Vibe Tango but is about on a par with the Je Joue MiMi.

VēDO Toys Izzy: Verdict

The VēDO Izzy is definitely one of the better budget vibrators I’ve tried. The quality is excellent for the price point, with a great shape design and a good motor. You can buy the Izzy from Shevibe or Sex Toys UK.

I received this product free of charge in exchange for an honest review. Affiliate links appear in this post. All views are mine.

Header for Zumio review

[Toy Review] Zumio X

Published on by Amy

As a lover of intense clitoral stimulation, I’ve wanted to test and review a Zumio X – the original Zumio product that started it all – ever since I first learned about them. It’s unlikely I’d ever have bought one at full price, though. They’re expensive and I had no idea if it would actually work for me.

Anyone who has been reading my work for any length of time knows that I am frequently annoyed by sex toy marketing claims. Zumio created some waves by claiming that this toy will make anyone with a clitoris orgasm in 60 seconds or less. Dangerous Lilly has covered in detail why this is problematic, so I don’t feel a need to go into it in depth. However, I will admit to really hoping the claims were accurate in my case.

Zumio X: Details

Zumio X official product image
Image: Zumio

The Zumio X is an ultra-pinpoint clitoral stimulator. It looks a bit like a purple electric toothbrush, and has a very thin, plastic rod tip known as a SpiroTIP which “whirls around in tiny circles”. It’s designed to mimic the movement of a finger circling the clit, only… more, faster, and harder.

The Zumio X measures 7″ long and is made primarily of body-safe ABS plastic. It is IPX6 waterproof and rechargeable via a convenient little stand. First point in the “cons” column: charging this thing takes sixteen hours. Even with a pretty decent runtime of around 4 hours on a full charge (supposedly – more on that in a minute), that it still absolutely bonkers.

I’m normally very blasé about sex toy storage, but given how thin the Zumio X’s tip is, I’m a bit nervous about it getting broken in storage. You probably don’t want to throw this one in a drawer or box with a lot of other things. Other reviewers have noted that the Zumio is surprisingly fragile and easily damaged given the price point, so be careful with it.

Zumio X Review: In Use

The Zumio X is about as pinpoint as pinpoint stimulation can get. The tip is also very hard. It definitely does not feel even remotely like a finger. It feels like exactly what it is: a rigid little ball of plastic. I started off on the lowest setting, but quickly discovered the main problem with this toy: the hard plastic tip directly on my clit is intense to the point of painful.

I eventually solved the problem by using the toy through my underwear. This allowed me to enjoy the intensity but dampen it just enough to minimise overstimulation-induced pain. Though I managed to orgasm in this way (eventually), it’s a pretty major downside for me. I don’t usually want to have to keep my knickers on when I’m trying to get off.

Zumio X official product image
Image: Zumio

Contrary to those lofty “orgasm in 60 seconds” claims, the Zumio is a slow-build toy for me. I pretty much have to stop and start a lot, or I start getting overstimulated and annoyed. I’m also not sure I like just how pinpoint it is. Though I enjoy direct clitoral stimulation, I also usually like at least something to be happening to the surrounding area as well. Wand vibrators, for example, stimulate the entire vulva and the internal clit, not just the visible bit on the surface.

It’s also almost impossible to apply any pressure to my vulva with the Zumio X. If I try to, the spinning motion either slows down or stops entirely. So if you’re someone who likes to press a toy against your body, look elsewhere.

Other Things to Be Aware Of

The user interface consists of three simple buttons, and the Zumio X has 8 constant speed settings. I did enjoy not having to contend with patterns. The button placement is a bit weird until you realise it’s more effective to hold the Zumio X as you’d hold a pencil.

Surprisingly (but pleasantly so), given this toy’s intensity, very little of its movement is transmitted through the handle. I suspect this is because the Zumio X doesn’t technically vibrate but oscillates.

Zumio X Review: Verdict

The Zumio X is a genuinely innovative toy and different to anything else currently on the market. For that, at least, I commend it. As a toy, though, I loved it far less than I thought I would.

I wouldn’t exactly say I don’t recommend the Zumio X. It’s more that I recommend it to a very specific subset of people. If you like extremely pinpoint clitoral stimulation, don’t get overstimulated easily, and enjoy intensity but don’t need pressure, the Zumio X might be for you.

You can buy the Zumio X from SheVibe, Good Vibes, or Babeland, where it currently retails for $110/£83.

Thanks to Zumio for sending me this product in exchange for an honest review. As always, all opinions are entirely my own. Affiliate links appear in this post.

Header for Lovehoney Lifelike Lover realistic dildo review

[Toy Review] Lovehoney Lifelike Lover Realistic Dildo

Published on by Amy

Update 2022: the Lifelike Lover 8″ dildo in silicone is still available, but this particular colourway is not. Otherwise, the toy remains identical.

Readers often ask me to recommend good quality and body-safe lifelike dildos at affordable prices. There are many wonderful realistic silicone dildos on the market, but premium brands tend to be expensive. Vixen Creations are pretty unbeatable, but not everyone can afford to drop £100+ on a toy.

That’s why Lovehoney created Lifelike Lover, a range of realistic toys at affordable prices. There are a few different products in this line, some of which are made from body-safe silicone, others of which are unfortunately made of porous and potentially toxic materials such as soft plastic and PVC. Always double-check to ensure you’re buying the silicone versions.

I received the 8″ silicone version to try out.

Lovehoney Lifelike Lover Realistic Silicone Dildo: Details

This Lifelike Lover silicone dildo measures 8″ long from base to tip, with an insertable length of 7″ and a diameter of 1.59″ at the widest point.

The Lifelike Lover design really is very, well, lifelike! It has a natural curve, a pronounced head, realistic veins all down the shaft, textured balls, and even a meatus (don’t you love that word?) It also has a suction cup base.

What I Like About This Dildo

The Lifelike Lover dildo is slightly curved, which is ideal for G-spot stimulation. The silicone is soft and pliable, meaning you can angle it just right for your body’s preferences, but still firm and dense enough to provide plenty of internal pressure.

It’s worth noting that this toy is single-density silicone, meaning you won’t get the realistic “movement” that you can get from a dual-density or triple-density toy. That’s the trade-off for the affordable price.

Its suction cup base makes it ideal for hands-free use as well as making it anal-safe. The suction cup is seriously strong; affix the toy to a firm surface and it won’t move until you want it to. The Lifelike Lover dildo is also technically strap-on harness-compatible, though I find toys with balls much less ideal for this purpose as the balls tend to get in the way.

Lifelike Lover Dildo Review: Verdict

The 8″ Lifelike Lover in silicone retails for £39.99 UK/$54.99 US. If you’re looking for a quality realistic dildo that won’t break the bank, you can’t go far wrong with this toy.

Thanks to Lovehoney for sending me this product to review. All views are mine. Affiliate links appear in this post.

Magic Wand Original review header featuring the toy lying on a pile of towels

[Toy Review] Vibratex Magic Wand Original AKA “The Hitachi”

Published on by Amy

Yes, it’s finally time for a Magic Wand (formerly the Hitachi Magic Wand or simply “Hitachi”) review! Readers and workshop participants often ask me for wand vibrator recommendations, and I did not feel as though I could give a fully informed opinion without trying the so-called “Cadillac of vibrators.” The Magic Wand Original is notoriously hard to come by in the UK. However, a kind US contact was able to hook me up.

The Magic Wand is the toy that started it all when it comes to wand-style massagers. This product was originally sold as a “personal massager” for sore muscles. It was Betty Dodson – artist, educator, masturbation connoisseur, and inimitable vibrator peddler extraordinaire – who popularised the Magic Wand as a tool for masturbation. Since then, there have been countless copycats and imitations, plenty of them terrible and some of them even unsafe. But the Magic Wand still reigns supreme as the most famous and sought-after vibrator of them all.

The Magic Wand Original wand vibrator

Okay, that’s enough of a history lesson. Let’s crack on with the review.

The Magic Wand Original comes packaged in a simple blue and white box with a picture of the product on the outside. This has changed remarkably little from the original packaging of the 1960s, except that the “Hitachi” name has been removed. (The company removed their name from the product in 2013, though continued to manufacture it after persuasion from distributor Vibratex).

The Magic Wand is 12″ long in total and weighs 540g. This puts it on the heavier side. If you struggle to hold heavy things or have a condition such as arthritis, you may want to take the weight and size of the thing into account. A good option for those who want to use a powerful wand but struggle to hold or manipulate it is to use a wand mount.

Vibratex (Formerly Hitachi) Magic Wand Original Review: Details

The body of the Magic Wand Original is made of plastic. The head appears to be PVC, though some retailers list it as TPE. Either way, the material is likely to be somewhat porous. This means it will harbour bacteria and is impossible to truly 100% clean. What this means, in practice, is that your Magic Wand probably won’t last forever. It also means you shouldn’t share it without a barrier.

One option is to buy an attachment made of silicone. Alternatively, if you upgrade to the Magic Wand Rechargeable, the head of that one is silicone.

This is a mains-operated toy and comes with a cable measuring approximately 5 feet in length. If you’re outside of North America, you’ll need a suitable converter to use it safely in your location.

Wand Review: So, Does the Famed “Hitachi” Live Up To Its Name?

I’m sure what anyone reading a Magic Wand review really wants to know is “is it actually as powerful as people say?” Fans of the Magic Wand like to say it has 2 settings: High, and Holy-Fucking-Shit.

So yes, if what you want is power and a lot of it, this toy delivers. There are no patterns and no finely graded settings, so if that’s what you need, give this one a miss. But for pure power alone, it’s a solid bet. 

The Magic Wand’s vibrations felt rumbly and penetrating. It’s loud, but then again most wands are. Someone in the next room can easily hear it, so bear this in mind if you’ve got roommates or family at home. Discreet this thing is not.

The Magic Wand Original is operated by a simple one-button interface.

Perhaps surprisingly, though, my overall review of the Magic Wand Original isn’t an unqualified and glowing endorsement. Powerful? Yes. But despite that, I found myself annoyed by both the softness of the head and the flexibility of the neck. When I’m playing with a really powerful toy like this one, I want to be able to push it hard against my vulva and feel the vibrations everywhere.  The bendy neck made it difficult to get the level of purchase I really desired. In this regard, it loses out to the Doxy Number 3 with its rigid silicone head and less flexible neck.

Magic Wand Original Review Verdict: Worth the Hype?

The Magic Wand Original is perhaps the most hyped sex toy of all time, and tends to retail for between $70 and $90 depending on the retailer. Is it worth it?

Yes and no.

The Magic Wand Original is a very powerful toy. However, if you’ve got this kind of money to throw at a wand vibe, I have to say that I think the Doxy is a better investment. The Magic Wand Original loses major points from me for the porous head and the overly flexible neck.

In the final analysis? I enjoyed it just fine, but I was less blown away than I hoped and expected to be. I’d like to review the Magic Wand Rechargeable to see how that stacks up, so get in touch if you can hook me up.

The Magic Wand Original is available from Good Vibes, Babeland, and Lovehoney US.

Thanks to my contact who enabled this Magic Wand review by sending me the product from the US. This post contains affiliate links. All views are mine.

Header image for a review of the Pink B.O.B Allure Wand

[Toy Review] BOB Pink Allure Wand

Published on by Amy

Regular readers will know by now that I love wand vibrators. I’m pretty much obsessed with them. No other toys hit the spot for me in quite the same way. So I was pretty excited when Too Timid toys offered me their Allure Wand vibrator to review.

When I first received this toy and wrote the review, this toy was named the BOB Allure Wand. BOB stands for (wait for it) “battery operated boyfriend.” To which, I just… no. nope. Absolutely the fuck not.

Say it with me: toys are not boyfriends! Toys are not replacements for partners! Sex toys and partners occupy completely different spaces and functions in a person’s life! Mercifully, several years later, this godforsaken stupid name seems to have been ditched and now it’s just the “Allure Wand.” Much better.

Too Timid Toys Allure Wand Review: Details

My first impression of the Too Timid Allure Wand when I took it out of the packaging is that it’s really, really light. Ridiculously light for its size, really. This could be a really significant plus for those who find the heavier models too cumbersome.

TooTimid Allure Wand, a pink plastic wand vibrator with 3 buttons, a silicone head, and a white power cable
Image: TooTimid

The Allure Wand is mains powered and the cord is a massive 9ft long. The toy itself is about 12″ long and the classic wand shape. It boasts 20 different speeds and pattern settings.

Sadly, the epic array of settings, long cord, and light weight are about all the positive things I can say about this wand. In use, I found it… mediocre and forgettable, if I’m being generous.

The head has a silicone cap, which is body-safe. (It’s definitely silicone, it passed the flame test.) It’s a really weird silicone, though. It feels what I can only describe as rough and grainy. Under the silicone cap are foam inserts, for some reason. I suspect this is a money-saving technique but the overall effect is of the product being cheap and low-quality, not to mention unsanitary. Those inserts are bacteria traps from hell, seriously. The body is ABS plastic.

As of 2025, the Allure Wand retails for $99.95 at TooTimid. At around $20 more expensive than the iconic Magic Wand Original, this is ludicrously expensive for such a low quality product.

Too Timid Wand Review: In Use

I can juuuuuuust about get off with the Allure Wand if I crank it up to the top setting, but it’s not a toy I find enjoyable or pleasurable to use. The vibrations are reasonably strong but they’re also very buzzy. After a while, my vulva and clit felt semi-numb and tingly. It took me about 40 minutes to orgasm with it, which is a pretty poor show for a wand vibe (the good ones can get me off in two on a good day.)

Since I feel like I need to find something positive to say in my first Too Timid review, the Allure Wand’s buttons are intuitively placed, press easily, and make a nice satisfying “click”. The flexible neck is really annoying to me because I like to be able to press a toy hard against my body, but for others it might be a nice touch. This is purely a matter of preference.

The noise level is reasonable. However, I did notice that the head got a little warm after about 30 minutes of continuous use, so you might want to bear this in mind if you like to use your wands for lengthy sessions.

Too Timid Allure Wand: Verdict

Overall, I’m incredibly unimpressed. This toy is poorly made, poor quality, and hilariously overpriced. It feels like it’s about to either fall apart or catch fire any second. Safe to say it did not rock my world.

Looking for a great wand vibrator? The We-Vibe Wand 2, Lovense Domi 2, or anything by Doxy are great choices.

Thanks to Too Timid for sponsoring this review! All views are, and will always be, my own.