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Header for a review of the Lovehoney Nouveau Wand

[Toy Review] Nouveau Rosy Gold Wand Vibrator

Published on December 3, 2020February 23, 2021 by AmyLeave a comment

Welcome to day 3 of the #12DaysofLovehoney project, where I’ve partnered with Lovehoney to bring you a different review every day for 11 days… and then a super-special giveaway on the final day! Check out the entire series to get some ideas for your festive gift-giving. Today we’re looking at the Nouveau Rosy Gold Wand Vibrator, a new limited-edition rechargeable wand.

Nouveau Wand: First Impressions

The Nouveau Wand arrived in gorgeous black and gold art nouveau-style packaging. The immediate impression is of luxury and a high-end product. Inside the box you’ll find the wand, the magnetic USB charging cable, the user manual, and a cute little door sign that looks like this:

Funny door sign that came with the Nouveau Rosy Gold Wand Vibrator

The Nouveau Wand is 12 inches in length and is the classic wand shape first popularised by the (not actually Hitachi) Magic Wand. The body is a gorgeous rose gold colour and made of ABS plastic, while the head is black silicone. It features a flexible neck and a two-button user interface.

What sets this wand apart from the majority of full-size wand vibrators I’ve tried is that it’s completely waterproof. So if you’ve always wanted to play with your favourite wand in the tub or shower, you’re in luck! I’ve had over an hour of play on a full charge, and it’s still going strong, so the battery power is impressive.

So far, so good. But how did it fare in use?

Weight and Ease of Use

Considering its size, the Nouveau Wand is lighter than you might think from looking at it. The lightweight plastic body makes it much easier to hold than most of the other wands in my collection.

Sometimes, when I have a long session with one of my heavier wands, I find my hand and wrist end up stiff and sore by the time I’m done. The Nouveau did not present the same problem because it’s so much lighter. The handle is tapered and becomes narrower towards the bottom, which makes it comfortable and ergonomic to hold.

The controls couldn’t be simpler. The smaller round button turns the toy on and off, while the larger button cycles through patterns and settings. (There are up AND down controls, praise the sex toy gods!)

The Nouveau Wand Vibrator buttons close-up

The flexible head makes it easy to position the toy in different ways against your body.

Fun pro tip for you: if you want to use wands but find the weight or bulk difficult, an orgasm belt can help some people. Another option is to pile the wand up on a couple of pillows and straddle it face down.

Packs a Powerful Punch

The Nouveau Wand is seriously impressive from a power perspective. I might go as far as to say it’s the most powerful rechargeable wand I’ve ever tried.

I exclaimed “FUCKING HELL” when I took it out of the box and turned it on, because I had not expected it to be so powerful. The Nouveau Wand basically has five speeds: medium, high, HIGH, oh-my-god, and holy-fucking-shit. Yeah, this thing is intense.

It also offers five vibration patterns, in case that’s something you care about.

The most important question, of course, is this: did it get me off? And the answer is, oh my goodness, a thousand times yes! The deep, penetrating rumbles made my clit very happy indeed.

I’ll be packing the Nouveau Wand for sex club outings[1] when I want the power of a wand but might not have access to power outlets. I’m also likely to reach for it when I’m craving power but my hands can’t deal with the weight of a heavier mains-powered wand.

The one downside? It’s pretty loud. We certainly can’t expect wands to be silent, but be aware if discretion is important to you that this one sounds like somewhere between a lawnmower and a jet engine firing up!

[1]*sob* remember those?

Final thoughts

I’ve been a wand lover for a long time, and there’s a reason for that. They’re just so good. Wands aren’t discreet, they aren’t quiet, and they don’t pretend to be something else. A wand is a sex toy that says “I am here to kick ass and provide orgasms!”

I’m very happy to recommend the Nouveau Wand. It retails for £79.99 from Lovehoney and would make a lovely treat for yourself or a luxurious gift for a lover.

Thanks to Lovehoney for sending me this product to review! Views are, as always, my own. Affiliate links appear in this and all toy review posts. Want to support the blog? Signing up to my newsletter and buying me a coffee are great ways to do that!

Header image for a review of the Doxy Die Cast

[Toy Review] Doxy Die Cast

Published on June 29, 2020February 26, 2021 by Amy3 Comments

I didn’t actually get the Doxy Die Cast as a review unit. I bought it from my friend LSB (who blogs over on Little Switch Bitch – follow her, she’s great!) But, being the ultimate Doxy Fangirl, I thought you guys might be interested in knowing what I thought.

Holy shit, you guys.

Holy. Shit.

For those who are new here and/or have been living on the moon, what is the Doxy Die Cast?

Doxy is a British company based in Cornwall, launched in 2013 to be England’s answer to the famed (not-actually-Hitachi-any-more) Magic Wand. It’s safe to say they met and exceeded that goal, as their products are now sold and renowned globally.

The Doxy Die Cast Wand Massager in purple

The Doxy Die Cast is functionally very similar to the Doxy Original, with two significant differences:

The body is metal, specifically an aluminium/titanium alloy (as opposed to the ABS plastic of the Original.)
The head cover is made of firmer silicone, giving the vibrations a slightly different feel.

Stats & things

The Doxy Die Cast is a large, hefty and heavy beast of a toy that means business. It is 37cm long with a head diameter of 6cm, and weighs 690g. This toy is operated via plugging in to the mains, and the cable is 3 metres (10 feet) long, so don’t worry if your bed isn’t next to an outlet!

Your Doxy Die Cast comes with a sturdy, zip-up case which is ideal for both transporting it and keeping it safe in storage.

The grey zip up Doxy Die Cast storage case

The Doxy Die Cast’s head is rigid and made of black silicone, which is non-porous and totally body-safe. All Doxy products are non-waterproof. You can clean your wand with a damp (NOT wet) cloth and some gentle detergent, and sterilise it with a body-safe medical wipe. And don’t forget that, if you’re sharing it, you can stretch a condom over the wand head for STI protection.

The Doxy Die Cast is absurdly beautiful. I can’t stop looking at it and stroking it. It comes in four standard colourways: brushed natural aluminium (silver,) black, purple, and red. All of these variations retail for £149.99. There’s also a matte black version with a 24K gold collar which retails for £199.99, and you can even custom-order a version completely plated in 24K gold if you want to spend ten grand on a sex toy.

Mine is purple and it’s the most gorgeously bright, vibrant colour.

User interface

All Doxy wand massagers run on a simple three-button interface. There’s an on/off button, and increase/decrease buttons. It really couldn’t be simpler. There’s also a pulse mode, which you can access by holding down the on/off button.

The Doxy Die Cast Wand Massager in purple in its case

The buttons are large and easy to press. Unlike the Original wand, the Doxy Die Cast has LED-lit buttons for easy use in the dark.

To Die (Cast) for?

I knew I was going to love this toy. I’ve been a Doxy fan for years, ever since Mr CK bought me my (much-loved and still going strong 5 years later) Doxy Original for my 25th birthday. There’s really no way the Die Cast wouldn’t live up to expectations.

Holy fucking shit, I love this thing. The power is INTENSE. The Doxy Die Cast motor is capable of 3000 to 9000 RPM and, thanks to the rigidity of the head, that power manifests as deep and penetrating rumbles. I used this on the second setting, through my clothing, and it still got me off in minutes.

Not just for clits! (And other pro tips.)

The Doxy massager range were all designed with clitoral stimulation in mind, and they do a damn fine job of it. But why stop there? If you have a penis, vibrations can also feel intensely pleasurable. Try holding the wand against the underside of your cock, or running it over your whole genital area.

Just a few other ways you might want to use your Doxy:

Pair it with a wand attachment, such as a penis stroker or a rabbit attachment.
Press it against the base of a dildo or butt plug for intense internal stimulation.
If holding the Doxy for long periods of time is uncomfortable or difficult for you, consider using a wand mount to hold it in place. Another option is to stack a couple of pillows, put the wand on them, and lie on top of it. The pillows and your body weight will keep it in place.

Get creative! There are always numerous ways to use a sex toy.

So do I recommend it?

Oh my god, get one g et one get one. You’ll thank me.

Now if you’ll excuse me, you’ll find me melted in a puddle of post-orgasmic bliss.

Affiliate links appear in this post. All views are, as ever, my own.

Header image for a review of the Noje Magic Wand

[Toy Review] Noje Magic Wand

Published on April 7, 2020February 26, 2021 by AmyLeave a comment

The Noje Magic Wand was sent to me by Francesca at The Pleasure Garden, a wonderful feminist sex-shop with an inclusive, safety-first ethos.

The Noje Magic Wand mint green vibrator on a white sheet

So pretty!

Can we just take a second to acknowledge how pretty this colour is? In an endless sea of the same colours again and again, toys that do something surprising and different aesthetically are a big hit. I love this green, which I can’t decide if it’s mint or turquoise.

Important Bits & Bobs

The Noje Magic Wand vibrator is a teeny-tiny little thing. It is just 13cm in length, and fits completely in my (also very small) hand. It looks like a very miniature version of the classic wand vibrator shape, only with a curved handle. Weighing in at just 67g, the Noje is a great choice if heavier toys are difficult for you.

The Noje Magic Wand mint green vibrator in a womans hand

The body of the toy is ABS plastic and it has a silicone cap which fits over the head. This makes it 100% body-safe, non-porous and phthalate-free, so you can play safely. The silicone cap pops off and back on easily, so you can wash it thoroughly or even boil-sterilise if you wish. Water-based lube is safest and makes everything more fun!

The Noje Magic Wand is rechargeable via a magnetic cable (included,) and is fully waterproof. The Noje is brought to us by Blush Novelties, who make a bunch of other awesome products including my favourite bullet vibrator of all time. It retails for a very reasonable £39.99.

Packs a Punch!

Don’t let the small size fool you – this baby has some serious power behind it.

The Noje Magic Wand mint green vibrator on a black and white sheet

Blush consistently use incredibly good motors in their toys. (Again: that $32 bullet vibe!) The Noje Magic Wand is no exception. It has ten settings in total, five constant vibration speeds and five patterns. The lower levels start out with a deep rumble, building up to some impressive power at the higher speeds.

Of course, as this toy is so small you don’t get quite the same level of broad stimulation that you’d get with a full-size wand. However, if you’re after something a little less pinpoint than a bullet but still good and powerful, the Noje Magic Wand delivers.

Flexible Neck

I’m torn on the flexible neck design of this toy. On the one hand, it’s great because it means you can angle the toy precisely and get it exactly where you want it. The downside, though, is that many of us – me included – like to press a toy hard against our vulva, and the flex here makes it hard to do so.

It’s not really a concrete good or bad – it’s just a thing to be aware of. You know best whether it is likely to be a plus or minus for you.

Simple Interface

The Noje Magic Wand operates on a one-button interface, which sits in the base of the toy. You hold the button down to switch the toy on, press it to cycle through the patterns and speeds, and hold it down again to switch the toy off.

You may know that I’m not a huge fan of a one-button interface. I prefer to be able to scroll back through settings, rather than having to cycle all the way back through to go back to one I liked or dial it down a notch.

The button itself is in a sensible place, large enough to press easily, and makes a satisfying click.

Other Things of Note

The battery life of this toy is decent. I got about 90 minutes of play out of a full charge (which took around 2 hours.)

Noise-wise, the Noje Magic Wand is very quiet for the amount of power you get. On full power, I cannot hear it from outside my (closed) bedroom door. If a full-size wand is too noisy for your needs (perhaps you live with roommates or have kids asleep in the next room) this is a great choice.

One thing I did notice about this toy is that it tends to get very warm. The head started getting noticably hot after about ten minutes of continuous use. It wasn’t hot enough to hurt me or anything, and the toy continued functioning just fine, but I do worry about what consistent high level use might be doing to the motor if it heats up that quickly.

Overall: do I recommend it?

The Noje Magic Wand is a real winner! It packs a lot of power into a small, discreet and super-cute package. Yet another brilliant addition to Blush’s already very strong line-up.

Thank you to The Pleasure Garden for sending me the Noje Magic Wand in exchange for an honest review. Affiliate links appear in this post. As always, all opinions and experiences are my own!

Header image for 3 mini reviews of kink products

[Kink Product Review] Three Mini Reviews: Cuffs, Rope, Paddle

Published on May 7, 2019January 30, 2020 by AmyLeave a comment

It’s no secret to my readers that I love small, independent, women-owned-and-run businesses, especially when they sell exclusively body-safe adult products. That’s why I am proud to be an affiliate of The Pleasure Garden Shop, a homegrown (pun intended) online feminist sex shop right here in the UK.

I must first apologise for the delay in getting these reviews out – my health (physical and mental) have taken a nosedive since the beginning of the year and Mr CK has been unwell too. As such I am woefully behind on testing and writing about everything! But no matter – we’re here now.

I was really excited when Francesca, owner of The Pleasure Garden (who I interviewed recently!) reached out and suggested a series of mini-reviews of kinky products that might appeal to people looking to explore BDSM for the first time, along with some handy tricks and tips on using them safely. This is the first of such a series – let’s take a look at what was in my very exciting parcel when it arrived…

Bound Noir Slim Wrist Cuffs

People who have seen me getting my sexy on will know that I kink super hard for leather. (Yes, I know, as a vegetarian this makes me a horrible hypocrite – don’t @ me!) Good quality leather also tends to be expensive, which is probably why I don’t own that much of it.

So the Bound Noir Slim Wrist Cuffs had me squeeing for joy! Not only are they super stylish, made of soft black leather with gold coloured metal accents, they’re also an absolute steal at £32.99. I’ve seen leather cuff sets go for £100+, but there’s no need to spend that much when these are so good! They come with a removable connecting chain with clips at either end, and each cuff has two D-rings – so lots of ways to fasten your sub to something (or to themselves) should you desire.

Bound Noir black wrist cuffs on anonymous hands

These cuffs feel super luxurious to wear. The leather is really soft and supple, and just gets softer with use as you break them in. I’ve worn them for well over an hour before, including in a session where my wrists were above my head. They remained comfortable the whole time. The gold accents give an elegant feel. The perfect accessory for any sexy outfit!

Bound Noir black wrist cuffs on anonymous female hands

They’re super adjustable. They have 5 notches, and there’s no reason you couldn’t get an extra one put in if you wanted to. (Take them to a professional leather worker, you could ruin them if you try it yourself!) The adjustability means they’ll work on most bodies. I have tiny wrists so I use them on the tightest setting. But I’ve also used them on people with much bigger hands/wrists than me with no problems at all.

Leather Wrist Cuffs Tips & Tricks…

Bound Noir black leather wrist cuffs on anonymous female hands

Experiment with different positions. Not everything will be comfy for everyone. Clip your partner’s hands together behind their back, hook their arms around the bedpost, tie their hands to something above their head.
Pair with a set of ankle cuffs and a 4-way hogtie for more complete immobilisation.
Cuffs should be loose enough that you can slip 1-2 fingers between the cuff and the skin, but tight enough so your partner cannot wiggle free. Experiment with different settings and check regularly. If there is any numbness, tingling or pins and needles in the hands, take the cuffs off IMMEDIATELY.
Never, EVER leave a bound person alone.
Store your cuffs flat, not fastened – the leather will degrade quicker if you store them closed.

Bound to Please Hemp Bondage Rope

Ask any rope bondage aficionado about their favourite type of rope, and you’ll get wildly different – but equally passionate – answers. We all have our favourites. I’ve always been a jute fan; I love the smell of it, the feel of it and the way it handles. But hemp is also a really popular choice. So I was delighted to try out this hemp bondage rope from Bound To Please.

This rope comes in 10 metre lengths and 5mm width. I believe this is the most ideal rope thickness for most bondage – any thicker and it starts looking bulkier and less elegant, any thinner and it starts to make ties more painful due to the way thinner ropes cut against the skin. (Not necessarily a bad thing if you like pain, but I don’t suggest tying with anything below 5mm until you’re experienced!) Each length costs £12.99.

“How much rope should I buy?” is always a question beginners ask me. It depends on a number of things, including types of ties and the size of the bottom. If you eventually want to move on to complex ties and suspensions, you’ll need more. If all you want to do is tie your partner to the bed for sex, you can get away with a couple of lengths. As a rough guide, for a TK (Takate Kote or Box Tie, the first formal harness tie most riggers learn) you’ll need 3 lengths and possibly 4 lengths for larger bodies. (If your partner is very petite, you might get away with 2.)

(I should just write a Big Guide to Choosing Rope, shouldn’t I? Okay, coming up…)

Anonymous leg tied in a futomomo with hemp rope

The thing I really love about natural fibre ropes, and especially hemp, is the smell. Hemp rope has this slightly undefinable sweet/woody smell and it’s gorgeous. I love tying in a room full of rope enthusiasts because the mix of natural fibres, bodies and sex in the air is just so intoxicating. Natural fibre ropes also get softer and smoother with use, as they are handled and absorb the natural oils from your skin.

Yes, I LOVE this rope!

Rope Tips & Tricks…

Close up of part of a futomomo in hemp rope on anonymous leg

Firstly and most importantly, always – ALWAYS – keep a cutting tool to hand. The safest and best tool is a pair of EMT shears, like this, which you can by for a few quid on Amazon or from a medical supplies store.
Suspension looks cool and is great fun, but it is NOT the be-all, end-all. It is also very dangerous if not done properly. Gain proficiency in floor-work before you even think about suspending, and then do it under the tuition of an experienced rigger. Bottoms, this applies to you too – don’t ask someone to suspend you when you’ve never even worn a basic chest harness before.
Rope is for everyone! No matter the size of your body or your ability level, you can do rope if you want to. Listen to your body and be prepared to adjust.
Get some lessons! Rope bondage is inherently risky, and can be dangerous if not done properly. If you’re really lucky, there might be a rope studio near you. Otherwise, see if there’s a Peer Rope event in your area (these are usually listed on Fetlife) or find a trusted private tutor.
Check out some instructional Youtube videos. Ask in your local community or on Fetlife for recommendations, as not all teachers are created equal.
Get a book, such as Shibari You Can Use or Showing You the Ropes.
Learn about the safe areas of the body to tie. This is a great and thorough guide to bondage safety.
Rope can be a scene in itself. “Tie them up and fuck them” is great if that’s your thing, but don’t discount the possibility of rope for the sake of rope. Some of my most amazing scenes have been rope and nothing else.
To keep your rope in the best condition, coil it and put it away as soon as you can after a session.
This is worth reiterating: NEVER leave a bound person alone!

Bound to Please Silicone Paddle

I’d never used a silicone paddle before, so the Bound To Please Silicone Paddle was an exciting new addition to my impact play collection. It measures 41cm long by 6cm wide and is nice and light to handle. Silicone is super easy to clean and sterilise (just chuck it in boiling water or use a body-safe medical wipe), and as it contains no animal derived materials is suitable for vegetarians and vegans.

I tested this one out with The Artist. From what I recall, my reaction to it was a string of profanity, followed by tears (because it hurt so fucking much, y’all). Due to the density of the silicone and the slender design, what feels like a relatively light stroke to the Top can deliver a hell of a sting to the bottom.

This thing is fucking vicious.

I absolutely adore this paddle. But I am an experienced bottom and have been doing impact play for well over a decade at this point. Unless you have a high pain tolerance and a very clear idea of your body’s capabilities and limits, I cannot recommend this paddle to a beginner.

A wide leather paddle or a paddle that is padded on one side are great options for a gentler start for complete beginners! If you’re feeling brave enough to try this fucker, it retails for a very affordable £24.99.

Paddle Tips & Tricks…

Start slowly. People can take more impact if you build up gradually rather than just whack them at full force straight away!
Remember that the goal isn’t “take as much as you possibly can”. The goal is for both of you to have fun and get something out of the session.
Get clear about what kind of scene you want and what impact play means to you. Playing with punishment is hot to some people, and emotionally painful for others. “Teacher spanking a naughty student” roleplay is a VERY different scene to “I’ve had a terrible week and need you to spank me until I cry“, even though both might superficially look similar.
Learn the safe areas of the body to hit. Upper back and butt = good. Thighs, chest and genitals = yes if you’re careful. Face, head, joins, spine, lower back and neck = absolutely not.
Making your partner count the strokes and/or ask you for them can be super hot. Try phrases like, “Thank you Sir/Miss, may I have another?”

Other recommendations for your beginner kit…

When you’re just starting out in kink, you don’t necessarily want to spend a fortune on kit – especially before you’ve fully worked out what you like! Exactly what you prioritise spending your money on will, of course, depend on your interests. But here’s a few things I think you should consider for your basic all-purpose kink kit…

A blindfold
A soft flogger
A wand vibrator (great for vulvas and penises alike!)
A gag
A pair of nipple clamps
A set of wax play candles

Thank you to Francesca at The Pleasure Garden for sending me these items to review. Please check out the affiliate links in this post – by buying from The Pleasure Garden, you’ll be supporting a small woman-owned business as well as sending a little commission my way to help me keep doing what I’m doing. All views are, as always, my own.

Header image for a review of the Lovehoney Metallic Magic Wand

[Toy Review] Lovehoney Metallic Classic Magic Wand

Published on December 16, 2018January 30, 2020 by AmyLeave a comment

I’m definitely not above acquiring a new version of a sex toy that I already own, if the company re-releases it in better colours. Look, I’ve got to live up to my #Sparklefemme goals, okay!? So when I first saw Lovehoney’s new twist on their Classic Magic Wand vibrator way back in summer, I knew I needed it in my life. Thankfully, my pals at Lovehoney HQ were able to hook me up.

Let’s dive in, shall we?

The Classic Wand… but SHINY!

The Metallic Classic Magic Wand is a new spin on Lovehoney’s bestselling Classic Wand. It’s a mains powered (UK plug!) multi-speed wand vibrator. It’s visually gorgeous. You all know I’m not super into pink toys, but the pink-fading-to-purple is definitely an aesthetic I can get behind.

Like most wand toys, it’s pretty hefty. The Metallic Wand is 32 inches in total length, with a 7.5″ circumference head. That said, it’s not excessively heavy for its size and level of power. The cable is a useful 1.8m long, so plugging in isn’t an issue if you don’t have outlets right next to your bed.

That scroll wheel tho!

One of the things I’ve always appreciated about the Lovehoney wands over other designs is the scroll-wheel control. It makes it so easy to change the vibration speed really quickly, with no annoying button pressing. It also means you can be super precise about the level of power you want.

This simple and easy user interface is something other toy designers could learn from. Also, bonus: this toy has no “patterns”! Just simple, steady vibration. Bliss.

New silicone head!

Apart from the aesthetic, this is the main change this version of the Classic Wand has gone through as far as I can tell. The head is now silicone! (Previously it was PVC, which was a bit grey-area for me in terms of body safety). I’m so glad they’ve made this change – silicone is none-porous, phthalate-free and 100% body-safe, so you can use your wand with confidence.

Clean your wand head with a body-safe sterile wipe and then a warm damp cloth. Being mains-powered, it is not waterproof and should not get wet! You can stretch a large condom over the head of your wand if you want to be extra cautious, or if you’re sharing in a non-fluid-bonded relationship. Water-based lube is recommended.

Did it match up, power wise?

You all know by now that I fucking love mains-powered wands. They’re my favourite types of toy, hands down. I love them because they’re just so damn powerful compared with literally anything else. Though this wand isn’t the absolutely most powerful on the market (that honour goes to the Doxy) it’s still very impressively strong and will be powerful enough to satisfy the vast majority of users. I can get off with it quickly and efficiently. The vibration is a little buzzy at higher settings, so I prefer it a speed or two below maximum.

The only downside is the noise

This isn’t the noisiest toy on the market by any stretch. However, the noise it makes is less of a low rumble and more of a higher-pitched whirr, which for some reason I found super distracting! I managed to mitigate the issue somewhat by using it under the blanket, but it’s definitely something to be aware of if you’re sensitive to noise. Wand vibrators are never going to be whisper-quiet, but the type of sound this one made was bothersome to me.

So do I recommend it?

Yeah, I really do. Wands are for everyone! They’re so often lumped in the category of “for women” but actually they’re great regardless of gender or anatomy. They’re obviously brilliant for clits but that’s not where the fun stops. Penis owner? Press your wand against the underside or head of your cock, or invest in a simple attachment for all-over buzz. Wands are also great for partnered sex – place it between you during P-in-V intercourse, or take turns getting each other off with it. You can even use it to give each other sensual back or full-body massages. And don’t forget you can get all kinds of attachments for your wand, making it a truly versatile investment.

The Metallic Classic Magic Wand retails for £49.99 ($69.99), putting it at the more affordable end of the spectrum for a body-safe, powerful wand.

What are you waiting for? Go buy one for the femme in your life. Even if the femme in your life is you!

Thanks to Lovehoney for sending me the Metallic Classic Magic Wand to review. All opinions, as ever, my own. Buying through my affiliate links sends me a small commission at no extra cost to you and helps keep the blog going. Images are by me.

[Toy Review] Mantric Rechargeable Vibrating Penis Masturbator

Published on July 14, 2018 by AmyLeave a comment

I’ve discussed before how difficult it is to find toys for people with penises which use truly body-safe materials. There’s a lot of TPE/TPR and other porous materials out there, including the extremely popular and well-rated Tenga and Fleshlight products. This means that they will harbour bacteria, degrade over time, and ultimately not last all that long. So I was really pleased to see that, like the whole Mantric range, this penis masturbator offering from Lovehoney is made entirely of silicone.

Let’s take a look…

The Mantric penis masturbator is cylindrical, open at one end and closed at the other. The outside is black and features a subtle geometric pattern. Inside, the silicone is the dark pinkish-red that characterises the Mantric range, and is gently ribbed – presumably, to enhance pleasure. On one side of the internal wall is a small hump. This is where the motor sits and the vibrations are concentrated. The total internal length is only about 3 inches. This toy is very light and sits comfortably even in my very small hand.

The Mantric masturbator is USB rechargeable, with a use time of about 90 minutes for a 100 minute charge. It retails for £49.99 at Lovehoney UK ($64.99 in the US.)

Buttons & Settings

The Mantric masturbator has an extremely simple one-button interface. You press the button once to switch one, then again to cycle through the settings, and you hold it down for two seconds to switch off. The simplicity of this type of interface is, as always, undermined by the annoyance of only being able to scroll through the settings on one direction. Up/down buttons on toys, people – please!

There are five settings in total – constant vibration and four different patterns. The other cool feature this toy has is a travel-lock. So you don’t need to worry about it switching on in your bag!

Care and Cleaning

I was worried about how difficult it might be to clean this product. Thankfully, it’s fully waterproof and submersible. This means cleaning it is… if not the easiest, at least much easier than I expected. I used warm water, a clean cloth and my index and middle fingers to clean the inside thoroughly, and then left it out to dry thoroughly. For a quick in-between clean, wiping it out with a sterile medical wipe should be fine. Being silicone, you can be assured of a full clean and not worry about it going moldy or holding on to any yucky bacteria.

In Use

I was really excited to use this product. Mr CK very much enjoys vibrations on his penis, so I thought it would be a great toy for him. Unfortunately, it really fell down in practice.

I can’t tell you this without it coming across as an #explanabrag, but it is honest-to-God true – his cock didn’t really fit! The diameter of the inside canal is only about 1.5″. This is far too narrow for anyone who is even slightly above average in the penis department.

We used a metric fuck-tonne of lube, both on his cock and inside the toy, but he had to really force to get even part way inside. An extremely tight squeeze is not, contrary to what ridiculous virginity-fetishists would have you believe, conducive to a fun or sexy time! He described it as uncomfortable-to-painful.

The other thing, and I’m giggling remembering this as I write the review, is that whenever he tried to insert his cock into this toy it made… um, a rude-sounding noise. Yeah, it sounded like a super loud fart noise. A+ for making us fall about laughing, but significantly less points for actual functionality.

This toy might work for people with cocks on the smaller side (which there is absolutely nothing wrong with!) But if you’re even slightly above average, there’s a decent chance your penis simply won’t fit inside it properly.

Our other complaint was that the vibrations are not very strong. Now, it’s possible that Mr CK has been spoiled by my using the Doxy on his cock, but penis shafts have less nerve endings than clitorises (and they’re less concentrated) so many penis-owners find stronger vibrations are better. Even if he’d been able to get his cock in properly, the vibrations are too weak to lead to orgasm.

Overall, a great concept and I absolutely applaud Lovehoney for making a penis toy out of pure silicone. Unfortunately, the functionality just isn’t quite there yet.

What should you buy instead?

I really wanted to recommend this product. There are so few silicone penis masturbators on the market that to negatively review one feels awful. Unfortunately, for most people I cannot recommend this toy. If you’re after a vibrating toy for your penis, try the Hot Octopuss Pulse III, which is extraordinary – or get a wand vibrator and a penis wand attachment. We really like the Hummer attachment (which comes with a wand in this great-value set!) – though we wish it was silicone, as the TPE is porous and will degrade over time. The O-Wand O-Gasm attachment is the only good silicone option I know of.

Thanks to Lovehoney for sending me the Mantric masturbator in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are, as ever, entirely my own. I have used affiliate links in this post, and all images are by me and not for use without permission.

[Toy Review] Bodywand Rabbit Wand Attachment

Published on May 12, 2018 by AmyLeave a comment

This is the first in a series of upcoming short-‘n’-sweet reviews of wand attachments, as this is something I get asked about all the time.

It’s no secret to anyone that I love wands. I currently own seven, and am lusting after at least two more. They make me come quickly, reliably, and hard. If I’m worked up, a wand can get me off in 2-3 minutes. Even starting from cold, it rarely takes longer than ten.

But did you know you can get all kinds of attachments and add-ons for your wand? I will admit that I’ve always looked at wand attachments and gone “meh”. I like my wands as they are and saw no benefit to adding anything extra to them. Until last night, I’d never even tried one.

But, as I said, I get asked about wand attachments all the time so it seemed like past time for me to try some out and bring y’all some reviews. Thankfully, my friends at Lovehoney have got us covered, and have kindly sent me several of their best-selling wand attachments to review.

The first is the Rabbit Wand Attachment by Bodywand.

I have a complicated relationship with rabbit vibrators. By which I mean I usually hate them, but very very occasionally stumble across one that really works for my body. So I will tell you straight off the bat that I, personally, did not enjoy using this wand attachment.

However, let’s back up and take a closer look…

However, the shape and size of many wand heads is similar enough that most standard-sizes attachments will work with most standard shaped wands. I used the Bodywand Rabbit Attachment with my Doxy Original, and it fit absolutely fine. It’s also pictured on Lovehoney’s site being used with the Lovehoney Classic Wand and it fits fine there too. The circumference of the part that goes over the wand head is 7 inches and the silicone is a tiny bit stretchy.

The insertable length of the Rabbit’s internal arm is 3.5 inches, and the circumference is 4.5″ at widest point. The clitoral arm is 2.5″ in length and very flexible, meaning it will fit

The Bodywand Rabbit wand attachment is made of body-safe blue silicone. As it has no motors, it is safe to boil-sterilise or pop in the dishwasher for thorough cleaning. Remember: this bit is waterproof, but your wand isn’t!

The Bodywand Rabbit attachment retails for £24.99 at Lovehoney. This may seem expensive for an attachment, but if you consider how much you’d pay for a rabbit that is anywhere near as powerful as a wand (hint: £50 absolute minimum) it’s quite a reasonable price.

My experience

The clitoral arm on this attachment is very flexible, meaning that it will suit a range of different vulvas in terms of clitoris/vaginal opening placement. My problem with many rabbit toys is that, unless your anatomy is shaped and sized a very specific way, the two parts just don’t line up. I didn’t have that problem with this attachment.

I did, however, really struggle with the physical challenge of using this attachment. A wand is already heavy and bulky. Add an attachment, and it gets bulkier. An attachment like a rabbit, which typically requires very precise placement in order to pleasure the right spots, combined with the heft and bulkiness of a wand just makes the whole thing ridiculously difficult to put and keep in place. It kept slipping out of position and my arms were aching long before I achieved any kind of satisfaction.

Ultimately, my dislike of this attachment also came down to a matter of physical preference: my vagina simply does not like internal vibrations! My G-spot wants to be either pounded hard or caressed in a “come hither” motion. Not vibrated. Ever. (Are you surprised that one of the only rabbit toys I genuinely love is the Come Hither Rabbit?)

Recommended?

Yes, if… you like dual stimulation toys; you’re a fan of intense internal vibrations; you already know you enjoy rabbit toys but want the vibrations to be stronger.

No, if… you don’t like internal vibrations or prefer your clitoral and vaginal stimulation separate; you find it difficult to maneuver awkwardly shaped and bulky toys.

Thanks to Lovehoney for sending me this and the other attachments I will be reviewing for you in the coming days. You can buy your own from them, or from SheVibe if you’re outside the EU. Images are by me and not to be used without permission.

The Big Damn Wands Comparison Post

Published on March 22, 2018March 22, 2018 by AmyLeave a comment

I’m obsessed with wands.

I love them. I love the size and weight of them, the intense rumble of the vibrations. And I fucking love the way they rip orgasms from by body, sometimes taking me from cold to coming in as little as a couple of minutes.

Whether you use them on a clit, a dick, or on your sore muscles, wands are fucking great.

“But which wand should I buy?” people often ask me. And my answer is… it depends. It depends what you’re looking for. So here I want to look at some of the most popular wands on the market that I’ve tried, and the pros and cons of each to help you make an informed decision.

The One That Started It All: The Magic Wand Original (AKA “Hitachi”)

I reviewed this just yesterday! It’s the most famous wand vibrator of all, popularised in the 1960s by the amazing and inimitable Betty Dodson. In use, I found it decent but not world-rocking. Your mileage may vary, of course, and it’s popular for a reason!

Quick facts: Plastic body; PVC head; 2 settings; mains powered.

Pros: The most famous and original wand vibrator; trusted for over 50 years; VERY powerful; mains powered so will never run out of charge.

Cons: Only 2 settings; porous head; very flexible/bendy neck; almost impossible to source legitimately outside of North America; not particularly visually attractive; needs to be plugged in to use.

Get yours: SheVibe or TooTimid. Retail price anywhere between $60 and $120.

The Rechargeable One: Desire Luxury Rechargeable Magic Wand by Lovehoney

Good rechargeable wands are really hard to find. Those in the US and Canada have the Magic Wand Rechargeable at their disposal if they can afford it, but what are the rest of us to do? I’m pleased to say that Lovehoney’s Desire Wand really delivers in this regard.

Quick facts: plastic body; silicone head; mains rechargeable; 20 patterns and 5 levels of intensity.

Pros: completely body-safe; LOTS of settings so extremely customisable; rechargeable – no need for a plug socket; 3 hours running time on a 3 hour charge; travel lock; comes with an attractive faux-leather case; visually beautiful.

Cons: Pretty heavy; less rumbly than some other wands; you can only scroll one way through the pattern settings, so if you skip over the one you like you have to go allllll the way back through; risk of batteries running out mid-wank.

Get yours: Lovehoney UK, Lovehoney EU, Lovehoney Canada. RRP £99.99, currently on sale for £69.99 in the UK.

The Budget Option: Lovehoney Classic Mains Powered Wand

I initially didn’t expect much from this one, given the cheaper price-tag compared to luxury wands, but I was quite pleasantly surprised! I haven’t actually done a stand-alone review of this one yet but I will. With some caveats (see below) I’m happy to recommend it as a lower budget option for a wand.

Quick facts: Plastic body; rigid PVC-coated head; variable speeds controlled with a sliding wheel; mains powered.

Pros: Affordable; VERY powerful for the price; mains powered so no risk of running out of battery; easy slider control.

Cons: No pattern settings; somewhat porous head (using a condom is recommended); needs to be plugged in to use; one of the louder models.

Get yours: Lovehoney UK, Lovehoney EU, Lovehoney Canada. RRP £49.99.

The Extremely Light One: Pink BOB Allure Wand

I reviewed this one recently and overall liked it more than I expected to. It’s never going to be a top go-to wand recommendation in general, but some people struggle with the weight of some heavier wands and this is a good bet in that regard.

Quick facts: plastic body; silicone head cover; 20 speed/pattern settings; mains powered.

Pros: Body-safe; extremely light compared to all other models; very versatile with so many settings; mains-powered so no risk of running out of battery; solid level of power for the price.

Cons: EXTREMELY PINK; not the finest quality silicone; gets hot after more than 3o minutes’ use; “Battery Operated Boyfriend” as a brand-name.

Get yours: TooTimid. RRP $69.95.

The ‘Mid Budget, High Quality’ One: Lovehoney Deluxe Extra Powerful Mains Powered Wand

I JUST tried this one last night and haven’t even reviewed it yet. Bear with me, though – I definitely will! In short I really like it and I’m growing more and more impressed with what Lovehoney are doing with their own-brand luxury toys.

Quick facts: Plastic body; silicone head; 10 speeds and 20 pattern settings; mains powered.

Pros: Body-safe; really good price for a luxury toy; mains-powered, so no risk of running out of charge; dozens of speed/pattern combinations so extremely versatile; sleek and attractive design; impressive level of power.

Get yours: Lovehoney UK, Lovehoney EU, Lovehoney Canada. RRP £79.99.

The Tiny But Mighty One: Doxy Number 3

Mr CK rolled his eyes at me when I brought this one home. “Surely you don’t need another Doxy?” Yes, friends, I definitely did. This baby is a POWERHOUSE, despite its small size. It’s the only wand I own that can make me come, through underwear, in less than a minute pretty reliably.

Quick facts: Aluminium body; silicone head; multiple graded settings and an escalating pulsation mode.

Pros: Body-safe; RIDICULOUSLY POWERFUL; rumbly vibrations; removable silicone head for easy cleaning; by far the smallest wand with this level of power on the market; mains powered, so no risk of running out of charge; sleek and attractive design; fantastic, ethical company with brilliant customer service.

Cons: Expensive; weighty for its small size, needs to be plugged in to use.

Get Yours: Lovehoney UK, Lovehoney EU, Shevibe. RRP £119.99.

The Most Beautiful One: Doxy Die Cast

I don’t actually own one of these! (Any companies or generous readers want to send me a present? 😉 ). But I’ve tried out a friend’s one and it’s pretty divine.

Quick facts: Aluminium and titanium alloy body; silicone head; mains powered; multiple graded settings and an escalating pulsation mode.

Pros: Body-safe; RIDICULOUSLY POWERFUL; rumbly vibrations; mains-powered; the most beautiful wand on the market hands-down; fantastic, ethical company with brilliant customer service.

Cons: The most expensive on this list; only 1 “pattern” setting; very heavy; needs to be plugged in to use.

Get Yours: Lovehoney UK, Lovehoney EU, Lovehoney Canada, Shevibe, The Pleasure Garden. RRP £149.99.

My Favourite One: Doxy Original

What can I say!? I’m a loyal girl. Mr CK gave me one of these for my birthday our first year together, and I’m only about 10% joking when I say that’s when I knew he was a keeper.

Quick facts: Plastic body; non-porous, medical-grade PVC head; mains powered; multiple graded settings and an escalating pulsation mode.

Pros: Body-safe; RIDICULOUSLY POWERFUL; rumbly vibrations; mains-powered, so no worries about it running out of charge; comes in several different colours including purple, pink and white; fantastic, ethical company with brilliant customer service; has come down in price and is now really good value for the quality.

Cons: Only 1 “pattern” setting; needs to be plugged in to use.

Get Yours: Lovehoney UK, Lovehoney EU, Lovehoney Canada, Shevibe, The Pleasure Garden. RRP £89.99.

IN CONCLUSION

No-one except you can say with any certainty what the right wand for you will be… or even if wands are the right toys for you at all. They’re not for everyone. But I hope this post will have given you an insight into the pros and cons of various models I’ve tried, and why I think they’re great (or not so great).

Happy shopping, and you can always email me or hit me up on Twitter for a personalised recommendation!

Affiliate links are used in this post. Shopping with them sends a small kickback my way and helps me keep doing this work. Thanks to TooTimid and Lovehoney for providing me the toys required to do this post. Images are either by me, or property of the featured retailers, and must not be reproduced without express permission.

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

Published on March 21, 2018June 29, 2020 by AmyLeave a comment

Yep, I finally got my hands on one of these! I’m currently working on a wand vibrators comparison piece and I didn’t feel right in doing this without trying, as it’s so often described, “The Cadillac of Vibrators.” Thanks to my contact at TooTimid for hooking me up with the Magic Wand Original, which is notoriously hard to come by in the UK.

The Magic Wand Original, previously known as the Hitachi Magic Wand or simply the Hitachi, is the toy that started it all when it comes to wand-style massagers. Originally sold as a “personal massager” for sore muscles, it was Betty Dodson – masturbation connoisseur and 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.

Okay, enough with the history lesson. Let’s look at the product.

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 wand is 12 inches long in total and weighs 540g. This puts it on the heavier side which might not be accessible or easily usable for everyone. I didn’t struggle with it in this regard, but I’m able-bodied. 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 such as those made by Liberator.

Materials

The body is made of plastic, and the head appears to be PVC, though some retailers list it as TPE. Either way, the material is unlikely to be toxic but is 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.

You will also want to use a barrier if you’re going to be sharing it with a partner. STIs can be transmitted via non-sterilised toys, and you can also get an infection from using an unsanitary toy. One option is to buy an attachment or a replacement cap such as the Off With Your Head by Vixen, which are silicone and therefore non-porous and truly body-safe.

Also worth mentioning: if you upgrade to the Magic Wand Rechargeable model, the head is silicone.

I’ll say this, it’s powerful as fuck.

The Magic Wand Original has 3 settings: Off, High, and Holy-Fucking-Shit! Yes, if power is what you want, this toy delivers. There are no patterns and no finely graded settings, so if that’s what you need, avoid. But for pure power, it’s a solid bet. The vibrations felt rumbly and penetrating. Even the lowest setting will be satisfying to all but the greatest of power queens. (Anyone who has met my clitoris will be entirely unsurprised to know that I whacked it onto the Holy-Fucking-Shit setting and left it there until I’d come three or four times). It’s loud, but most wands are. It’s not distractingly loud, from my perspective, but someone in the next room can easily hear it. So bear this in mind if you’ve got roommates/family/kids and are trying to be discreet.

Despite the power, though, I found myself annoyed by the softness of the head and the flexibility of the neck. When I’m playing with a really powerful toy, 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.

User-friendliness and care

The Magic Wand Original is operated by a simple, one button interface which makes it really easy to use. It has to be plugged into the wall, but the cord is a decent 5ft long, so you can use it even if your bed (or wherever you wank, I make no assumptions!) is a ways away from the nearest socket.

When it comes to care and cleaning, this toy – as I mentioned above – is somewhat porous. It’s also not waterproof, so please don’t submerge it to clean (or try to use it in the bath)! I recommend wiping clean with a body-safe sterile medical wipe, using a condom if you’re sharing it, and considering investing in a silicone cap or attachment like those linked above.

So is it worth the hype/money?

The Magic Wand Original tends to retail for between $80 and $120 depending on the retailer. I’m going to say my verdict is a qualified “worth it”. It IS a reasonable quality and very powerful toy. However, if you’ve got that amount of money to throw at a wand vibe, the Doxy will always be my first recommendation. The Magic Wand Original loses major points from me due to the head not being truly body-safe.

My overwhelming impression from the Magic Wand Original is, “I enjoyed it just fine, but I was less blown away than I hoped/expected to be, given the hype.”

Thanks to TooTimid for sending me this toy to review! All opinions are, and will always be, my own. Some of the links in this post are affiliate links and buying from them supports my work. Enjoyed this review? Buy me a coffee to say thanks!

Pictures courtesy of Shutterstock.

[Toy Review] Desire Luxury Rechargeable Magic Wand

Published on March 8, 2018January 1, 2020 by AmyLeave a comment

Update 01.01.2020: This product has been discontinued. Dead links have been removed but I’ve left the post up for reference purposes.

Hey everyone! So I’m trying a new way of writing toy reviews. My previous format worked well for a while, but I want to change things up a bit. So let me know how this works for you, ‘kay?

This review isn’t actually the primary purpose I requested this toy. I’m currently working on a big guide to all the wand vibes currently on the market that I’ve tried. However, I need to wait for my Magic Wand Original to ship from the US, so I’m sitting on it until then. In the meantime, my friends at Lovehoney sent me this one to feature and I couldn’t wait to try it out.

Desire is Lovehoney’s luxury own-brand toy range. I’ve tried a couple of their products before and am generally a fan. I’m so pleased to have finally got my paws on this particular item, because you all know that I am a big ol’ Wand Queen.

“The design delivers on the luxury promised by the line’s name.”

The Desire Luxury Rechargeable Magic Wand arrived in Lovehoney’s standard discreet packaging (plain brown box). Inside, the toy is presented in an attractive box with the Desire branding and colours – black and purple. I was super impressed to see that this wand comes with its own storage case, a sleek and discreet black zip-up in faux leather and with a little hole through which to stick the charger to plug the toy in. Major points for presentation and for including a case.

The toy itself is hefty – 13.5 inches long and with a fair bit of weight to it. For comparison, it’s lighter than the Doxy Die Cast, but a fair bit heavier than the Original. If weighty toys are difficult for you, you might want to give this one a miss – or invest in a wand mount such as those offered by Liberator.

The Desire Wand is mains-rechargeable with a charging time and constant-use time of about 180 minutes each. Being mains chargeable, it is NOT waterproof, so take care when cleaning it and don’t use it in wet environments like the bathroom.

The design is gorgeous. This toy is in my absolute favourite shade of purple, and decorated with the signature Lovehoney heart logo. The head is lovely, smooth matte silicone, which is body-safe, odorless and silky soft on the skin. The design really does deliver on the luxury promised by the line’s name.

The Desire line of toys are on the pricier end for own-brand products, and this wand is the most expensive of the bunch with a RRP of £99.99. However, based on the ones I’ve tried, it’s also far and away my favourite toy in the range. £100 isn’t an outrageous price for a really good toy and I’m happy to say this is value for money if you can afford it.

Pro tip: wand vibes are designed for clitoral use, but they’re great for dicks too!

The user interface is simple – a “on/speed up” button, a “off/speed down” button, and a “change pattern” button. The Desire Wand boasts a massive 20 different patterns, each of which can be used on 5 different levels of intensity. Those who have read my work for any length of time know I’m not really a fan of patterns. I tried a few of them out, and they were okay… but I much (much!) prefer constant vibrations. If you’re a pattern fan, though, then this might be the wand for you. Annoyingly, you can only scroll one way through the pattern settings. So if you find one you like then click away from it, you need to hit the button another 20 or so times to get back to it.

Safer sex wise, the smooth silicone head is easy to sterilise with a body-safe medical wipe, which is my recommendation for any toy you can’t submerge in water to clean. The wand shape is condom-compatible if you’re using it on multiple partners without sterilising in between.

“Absolutely, far and away, the most powerful rechargeable vibe I have ever used.”

Arguably the most important single factor of any toy for me is its level of power. The power offered by the Desire wand is pretty impressive and, for me, falls about half way along the rumble/buzz spectrum. It’s less rumbly than I would ideally like, especially on the top setting, but nowhere near buzzy enough to cause me numbness or itching. I came really easily, twice in a row, with this toy on the top setting. It is absolutely, far and away, the most powerful rechargeable vibe I have ever used – for that, I cannot fault it in the least.

Recommended for: power Queens, anyone after a rechargeable alternative to mains-powered wands, pattern lovers.

This post contains affiliate links. Buying toys from Lovehoney or my other affiliates in the right-hand sidebar sends a small commission my way and helps me keep doing this work. All opinions are, and will always be, my own.

Images are courtesy of Lovehoney and reproduced with permission.