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.
When it comes to body-safe pleasure products at affordable prices, Blush toys are hard to beat. Let’s look at the most recent one I received to try: the Ruse Jammy, a realistic dildo with a large girth size.
Blush Toys Ruse Jammy: Large Girth Realistic Dildo
Image: Blush Toys
The Ruse Jammy is a dildo for those who like their toys girthy. This toy measures 7.5″ in length and 2″ in diameter.
The Ruse Jammy has a realistic veiny shaft, a subtle natural curve, a pronounced coronal ridge and head, and lifelike skin texturing. The level of detail is impressive for a toy at this price-point. It is made of 100% silicone, available in purple or black. The base is a suction cup, making it suitable for anal play, strap-on sex, or hands-free pleasure.
Blush Ruse Jammy In Use
There’s a lot to like about this Blush toy. The silicone is soft, velvety and not too matte, with a nice glide especially when you add a little lube. The curve is just about perfect, and the shaft is fairly dense while still retaining some flexibility. Its pronounced head stimulates the opening of the vagina or anus on insertion, which some people find pleasurable.
I have to be honest: I’m not a “size queen” (someone who prefers very large penises or toys.) A challenge can be fun occasionally, but most of the time small to medium is more than enough for me when it comes to penetrative pleasure. I also find anything touching my cervix intensely painful.
The Ruse Jammy by Blush isn’t exactly an ultra-giant toy, but it’s on the edge of being too much for me. I find that I get the most out of it when I use just the first two or three inches of the shaft, rather than trying to insert the whole thing.
Blush Toys Ruse Jammy: Verdict
If you’re looking for an affordable yet body-safe girthy dildo, the Ruse Jammy is a great choice. Considering that some toys this size run to £100 or more, the under-$50/£38 (at the time of writing) price-tag makes this one a budget-friendly alternative.
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 BDSM 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!
Update 03/07/24: the Womanizer Premium has been replaced by the Womanizer Premium 2. Check out my review or buy it from the retailers listed at the end of this post. I’ve left this Womanizer Premium review up for information and because a lot of the points I’ve made here still apply to the new iteration of the legendary Womanizer clit sucker.
I’ve been wanting to get my hands on a Womanizer toy for so long. I missed the initial buzz as the first few Womanizer models were already old news by the time I started blogging. However, there are now new models out, and I was lucky enough to receive one to try out.
Let’s dive into the Womanizer Premium review.
Womanizer Premium: Details
Womanizer was the first company to create clitoral suction toys of the kind that are now made by a whole host of manufacturers. Many sex toy experts hold them up as the original and best, while others say they’re overpriced and the more affordable equivalents do just as good a job.
The Womanizer Premium is the latest in Womanizer’s line of clit sucker toys utilising their patented “Pleasure Air Technology”. The toy’s nozzle creates a seal around the clitoris and the toy provides stimulation via rapid pulses of air.
Image: Womanizer
The Womanizer Premium has a simple interface of 4 buttons. The bottom button just above the charging point switches the toy on and off, the one with a little wave pattern on it switches in and out of Auto Pilot mode, and the +/- buttons adjust the speeds. The buttons are easy to press and well positioned.
This toy is USB rechargeable, waterproof, and ergonomically designed to fit comfortably in the user’s hand. The nozzle is made of body-safe silicone, and the body is coated in the same.
The Womanizer Premium lives up to its name before you even take it out of the box. The packaging is elaborate and decorated in a style which makes me think of perfume or high-end make-up, with a clear section where you can see the toy. Included with the toy is the charging cable, a convenient storage bag, and two nozzles of different sizes (so you can swap them out depending on what suits your body, or switch them between partners for safer sex reasons.)
The Womanizer Premium also comes with a premium pricetag. At the time of writing, it retails for £169.99 ($199.99 US). Do I think it’s worth it? Eh… maybe.
If you can drop this kind of money on a toy, it’s an investment in your pleasure that will last you for years. On the other hand, the Classic model is just as good unless you care about the Premium’s special features.
Womanizer Premium Review: Special Features
The Womanizer Premium has three defining features which set it apart from Womanizer’s lower priced models and other brands’ clit sucker toys:
It boasts a massive 12 speed settings (the Womanizer Classic has only 8.) The lowest setting is lower and the highest setting is higher than ever before.
It has a truly fantastic feature known as Smart Silence. Smart Silence uses sensors to allow the toy to turn itself off automatically when it’s not in contact with the body and then back on again (at the same setting) when contact is reestablished. I’m obsessed with this feature, particularly for anyone who needs more discretion in their toy use.
Finally, there’s the Auto Pilot mode. I actually hate this with a ferocity that surprised me, because it’s really little more than a glorified pattern. In Auto Pilot mode, the intensity moves automatically between speeds (within a range of 4, which you can turn up or down). Which, no. I want to be in control when I’m using a toy! It can ruin my chances of orgasm if the stimulation changes suddenly when I’m getting close. I had to test this function for the review and now I will never use it again and forget it exists.
What I Liked About This Toy
This thing is fucking amazing. That’s it, that’s the Womanizer Premium review.
The best description I can give of how this toy feels? It’s like it is caressing your clit with a fierce determination to rip an orgasm from you whether you want it to or not, and when it does it’s the kind of orgasm that drenches the sheets and wakes the neighbours.
At least that was my experience.
It took me a while to come around to suction toys. However, now I’ve tried a fair few and the good ones are really good. I’d describe the Womanizer Premium as gentler than some others I’ve tried, even at the higher settings. Not in the sense of being lower powered – far from it, it packs a punch on the higher settings – but the overall effect is somehow smoother. If you’ve got a super sensitive clit or have found other suction toys too intense or harsh for you, the Womanizer Premium on the lower settings might be the perfect choice.
Anything I Didn’t Love?
Well, that stupid Auto Pilot setting, but it’s easy to forget that exists. The Womanizer Premium is also not the quietest, even when the toy is pressed against a body. For reference, my partner could hear it in the next room quite clearly even with the door closed.
Womanizer Premium Review: Verdict
If you can afford to drop close to £200 on a toy and want something really luxurious that will last you for many years, I can’t recommend the Womanizer Premium enough.
I approached this Lovehoney Happy Rabbit Thrusting review with some trepidation. I haven’t had the best relationship with rabbit vibrators up until now. For every one I love there are ten I hate and several I feel indifferent towards. There are three main reasons for this:
First, I don’t like internal vibrations. I find them uncomfortable or even painful, rarely pleasurable.
Second, most rabbit vibrators treat the clit as an afterthought, putting the weakest and buzziest vibrations in the rabbit “ears.”
Finally, the design of rabbit vibrators means that most of them will only work for a small number of bodies. Unless you have exactly the vagina-to-clit distance the designer envisioned, the toy probably won’t work as intended for you.
With that said, let’s look at the Thrusting Rabbit from the Lovehoney Happy Rabbit range.
Lovehoney Happy Rabbit Thrusting
The Thrusting Happy Rabbit is a hot pink rabbit-style vibrator with a thrusting shaft and two vibrating ears. It measures 9″ in total length and 5″ in insertable length. Its shaft has a diameter of 1.5″. It is fully waterproof and submersible, and USB rechargeable with a 150-minute charge giving 120 minutes of runtime.
Every toy in the Happy Rabbit range is made from body-safe silicone. A far cry from the horrible jelly things that everyone went mad for after that episode of Sex & the City aired 20 years ago.
Happy Rabbit Thrusting Vibrator: What I Liked
Let’s not bury the lede here: this toy gave me an orgasm, and it did so in under five minutes. Not an insignificant feat for any toy, and for a rabbit vibrator it’s downright impressive.
Image: Lovehoney
The Lovehoney Happy Rabbit Thrusting’s main selling point is, obviously, the thrusting mechanism. And, I have to say, it is excellent. There are three thrusting speeds to choose from, and personally I preferred the slowest. I found the higher speeds a little too intense to be pleasurable, but “hard pounding” has never really been my thing. Your mileage may vary.
The rabbit ears are thick and firm, and have a massive fifteen different vibration settings to choose from. I like that the clitoral arm has some flexibility, so you can maneuver it to fit with your body, but isn’t so flexible that getting any kind of pressure is impossible. The vibrations themselves are moderately powerful, if not exactly “blow your socks off.” I also love that the shaft doesn’t vibrate, just the ears.
What I Didn’t Like
The main downside of the Lovehoney Happy Rabbit is the sound. While I wouldn’t exactly describe it as “loud” in the true sense, the thrusting mechanism makes a noise I can best describe as “squeaking.” I could just about tune it out long enough to get off, but it’s a significant distraction and not a pleasant sensory experience.
Image: Lovehoney
The buttons are also pretty annoying. There are two buttons: one for the thrusting motion and one for the vibrating ears. Having to scroll all the way through fifteen settings to go back a step is frustrating. It breaks my flow in use and is not something I’d expect from a toy at this kind of price-point.
Finally, cleaning the Happy Rabbit Thrusting is a pain. Those little creases around the thrusting mechanism are traps for bodily fluids and bacteria.
Verdict: Did the Thrusting Rabbit Make Me Happy?
Overall, I was surprised by how much I liked the Lovehoney Happy Rabbit Thrusting. Despite my complaints about the noise, buttons, and germ-trap silicone creases, please don’t forget that this toy got me off in under five minutes. Its design is good, the thrusting motion is excellent, and the vibrating ears don’t appear to be an afterthought.
If you enjoy dual stimulation but prefer thrusting to internal vibrations, this could be a good option for you.
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.
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.
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.
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 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.
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!”
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
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!
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.
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.
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.
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.
