As a devoted and long-term Doxy fangirl, I was delighted to see they’d teamed up with the good folks at Lovehoney to produce a limited edition version of the Die Cast 3R wand vibrator. The fact that it’s purple? Well, that’s just the icing on top of this very sexy cake! Let’s find out how I got on with the Doxy x Lovehoney Die Cast 3R, shall we?
What is the Doxy x Lovehoney Die Cast 3R?
This toy is a limited edition variation on Doxy’s very popular 3R. Modelled on the full-size Doxy Die Cast, it’s a miniature, rechargeable version. Measuring 11 inches long and with a head measuring 1.8″ in diameter, it features a gorgeous hand-finished aluminium body and a body-safe silicone head. The body is an absolutely stunning shade of purple that sparkles and shimmers when it catches the light.
The head unscrews, making for easy cleaning (helpful, since the Die Cast 3R is not waterproof). This also means you can pair your Die Cast 3R with any of Doxy’s 3R model attachments to turn it into a prostate massager or rabbit vibrator.
The Die Cast 3R comes with a screw-top aluminium case. This makes it feel that little bit more swanky and luxurious, as well as protecting against damage in storage or transit.
The Die Cast 3R’s charging and run time is really its one big let-down. With four hours charge time to one hour of running time, this is a toy you need to plan ahead to use. As someone who can easily have multiple orgasms with this toy, a longer running time would be very welcome.
Oh, and a quick pro tip: check out the instructions the first time you use your Die Cast 3R, because mine came with the travel lock enabled which was temporarily confusing!
The Die Cast 3R in use
Fair warning: though it’s smaller than its full-sized companion, the Doxy x Lovehoney Die Cast 3R is still a heavy beast of a toy. The tapering handle is comfortable to hold but, if hefty weighted toys are challenging for you, this might be one to skip.
The Doxy x Lovehoney Die Cast 3R features the same convenient three-button interface as other products in the Doxy massager range. The buttons are large, responsive, and easy to press. They also light up, making this toy ideal for use in low lighting. You can turn the power up and down by either pressing or press-holding the plus and minus buttons.
If noise is a concern for you, this toy might be a better choice for you than a full-sized wand vibrator. Though it’s not exactly what I would call quiet, you do lose some of the noise thanks to the smaller size.
My experience
The main reason I love my Doxy Original and Doxy Die Cast so much is this: they’re knock-your-socks-off powerful. In the right mood, a Doxy can take me from cold to orgasm in less than 5 minutes (no mean feat for someone whose motor usually takes far longer than that to get going, so to speak). Did the Die Cast 3R match up?
The short answer is yes. This version might be smaller, but it packs a similar level of power to its full-sized, mains-powered counterpart. With that said, the vibrations do feel different, which I attribute to the smaller head on this toy. They’re focused into a smaller space, offering more direct stimulation instead of the very broad rumble you get from a full-sized wand.
The Doxy x Lovehoney Die Cast 3R offers a slightly less rumbly sensation compared to the Doxy Original or Die Cast. Even so, the vibrations on this thing are incredible. It can reliably get me off in minutes.
Now that we’re starting to go to kink events and sex clubs again, having a cordless version of my favourite toy will be very welcome. No more scouting around the dungeon for power outlets required!
Verdict: is it worth it?
If you’re looking for a cordless or travel-friendly wand vibrator without compromising on power, the Die Cast 3R is a no-brainer.
What if, like me, you’re a dedicated Doxy fan and considering adding this one to your collection? Is it worth it? In my view, yes. The Die Cast 3R is notably different from the full-sized Doxy Die Cast in a number of ways, most especially the concentration of the vibrations into a smaller head and the difference in sensation that provides. The slightly greater ease of use is also a plus.
Overall, I’m happy to give the Doxy x Lovehoney Die Cast 3R a glowing recommendation. It packs a hell of a lot of power into its sleek, sparkly package and has already earned its place among my go-to vibes.
Get 10% off this or almost any order at Lovehoney by using my code “coffkink10” at checkout.
Thanks to Lovehoney for sending me this product to review! All views, as always, are my own. Shopping with the affiliate links in this post sends me a small commission at no extra cost to you and helps to keep the blog running.
I fell in love with Pillow Talk when I reviewed the Sassy a few months back. So, when I got the chance to try out another of their range, I was only too happy to oblige. Even more exciting: it’s a wand, and we all know how I feel about those!
Once again, this product was sent to me for review by the lovely team at Self & More, a boutique woman-owned sex shop based in the UK.
The Pillow Talk Cheeky is a wireless wand style vibrator, 8″ in length. In the box you’ll find the toy, charging cable, a branded storage pouch, instructions, and even a little cleaning brush to help you keep your toy in tip-top condition. How cool is that?
The Cheeky comes in a gorgeous turquoise/teal green colour, which is one of my favourite colours in general. I particularly love it for sex toys because it’s just so unusual (and pretty!) The Cheeky is also available in pink, if that’s more your thing.
The Pillow Talk Cheeky is 100% water resistant. It is rechargeable via the included USB cable. By the way, since I got a bit confused: remove the little green or pink piece in the base of the handle to reveal the charging port. It also comes with a travel lock, for those times when we can eventually travel again… (*sighs longingly*)
That Motor Tho…
I was expecting great things from the Pillow Talk Cheeky, given that amazing motor in the Sassy. I was not disappointed! The power starts off at an impressive rumble and builds to knock-your-socks-off intensity. I don’t really have much more to say on this subject – it is simply epic!
User Experience & Interface
The Pillow Talk Cheeky utilises a single button interface. The button, by the way, is a light-catching Swarovski crystal – super cute for a #SparkleFemme like myself.
The controls on this toy are a little unusual. You press the button once to switch it on and off, and then hold it down to ramp up the power. I actually like this, because it allows for really fine grading on exactly what level of power you want. Getting from the lowest to the highest setting takes a full ten seconds, to give you an idea of how much range this thing has!
The light will flash while you’re turning up the power, then stop flashing when you’ve reached the highest level.
The Cheeky is lovely to hold thanks to the plushy soft silicone and gently cushioned handle. The neck is flexible, making it easy to angle the toy just right, however you prefer your stimulation. It’s also relatively light, and the vibrations are concentrated in the head and don’t transmit too much through the handle.
So are there any downsides to the Pillow Talk Cheeky? Honestly, the only one I can find is the battery life. I charged it fully and it lasted less than an hour. This isn’t actually a massive problem in the context of a toy that typically gets me off in less than 5 minutes, but it’s something to be aware of if you take longer to come or like to go several times in one session!
Verdict
The Pillow Talk Cheeky is a big winner. Powerful, ergonomic, and cute into the bargain! I love it and I’ve already found myself reaching for it regularly. It’s an ideal toy when I want the broad and powerful stimulation of a wand, but don’t have the energy to hold a full-size one.
The Pillow Talk Cheeky retails for £50.00. See below for a discount code!
Thanks to Self & More for sending me the Pillow Talk Cheeky to review. All opinions, as ever, are mine. Shopping with Self & More using my links sends a small commission my way and if you use my code, you can enjoy 10% off your entire order.
It’s May (where has the year gone so far!?) and that means it’s Masturbation Month again! I’m pleased to be working with Lovehoney again to bring you a serious of product reviews this month. First up is a very appropriately spring-themed toy. Meet the Happy Rabbit Wand Vibrator!
Happy Rabbit Wand: Info
Happy Rabbit is Lovehoney’s own-brand range of rabbit vibrators and, based on my experience of the line, they’re damn good. The Happy Rabbit Wand is a little different from its fellow bunnies, though. Instead of following the basic rabbit vibrator dual stimulation design, this is an external vibrator based on the “bunny ears” that you find on most rabbit toys.
The Happy Rabbit Wand is a hefty 10.5″ in length. The handle is gently curved and the head looks like, well, a rabbit head with long ears.
The Happy Rabbit Wand is made of body-safe matte black silicone, with a decorative silver ABS plastic band around the handle about half way down. The shaft is fairly rigid (the top half has a tiny bit of flex) and the ears are firm to the touch yet super flexible.
The wand is fully rechargeable via the included cable, and is waterproof and submersible. It also has a travel locking function, if you care about that sort of thing.
First Impressions
I had high hopes for this toy for two reasons. Firstly, because the external “ears” tend to be my favourite thing about rabbit vibes (I’m a clitoral stim girl, okay?) Secondly, because I know from experience that Happy Rabbit products tend to be both well-designed and powerful as fuck.
The Happy Rabbit Wand arrived in Lovehoney’s signature discreet packaging. Inside, the toy was packaged in a box with a picture of the product and some useful information about its functions.
Pic credit: Lovehoney
So far, so promising. But how did it fare in use? Let’s find out.
Form & Function
The Happy Rabbit Wand uses a simple two-button interface. The smaller bottom button turns the toy on and off and switches between speeds, and the larger top button switches between patterns.
This toy offers 10 different patterns, each of which you can use on any of three speeds. The patterns button only scrolls through one way, but I can’t say I care all that much because I don’t like patterns anyway. The smaller button allows me to switch the toy on, whack it on the highest constant vibration setting, and leave it there until I’m done. Perfect.
The handle is comfortable to hold and the buttons are intuitively positioned and easy to press. Because they are raised, they’re also easy to feel with your fingers without needing to break your flow to look.
So how about that motor, then?
The Happy Rabbit Wand is, and I do not say this lightly, powerful as fuck on the top setting. Interestingly, there’s a really big jump between the lowest and middle levels, then a smaller jump up to the top level. I guess I’d define them as “very low,” “high,” and “knock your socks off,” respectively.
Best of all, the vibrations are not only powerful but also rumbly and concentrated in the tips of the ears.
I found there were two main ways I could use this toy to get off. If I hold it parallel to my body with the head pointing downwards, the ears surround my clit for powerful but indirect stimulation. If I turn it at a 90 degree angle, I can get direct clitoral contact from one or both ears. For me both ways can feel amazing, depending on how sensitive I’m feeling, but you’ll want to experiment to see what works for you.
The Happy Rabbit Wand can get pretty intense and I found that adding lube both to the toy and directly to my body beforehand made things much more enjoyable.
Any downsides?
Honestly… nothing major. The Happy Rabbit Wand is a stellar product.
It is a little loud, so that’s something to bear in mind if discretion is important to you. But you’ll always have a trade-off between level of power and level of noise, so I can’t be too critical.
The only other thing worth noting is that the Happy Rabbit Wand is a little heavy which, again, is to be expected for something of this size and power. I still find it easier to hold for lengthy sessions than a full-sized traditional wand.
Verdict
Yes! The Happy Rabbit Wand is everything I hoped it would be, and more. The shape, power, and flexibility of the ears all combine to make my clit very happy indeed. Top marks, Lovehoney!
It’s always a pleasure to review for a company I’ve never worked with before so, when Foxy Touch reached out to offer me the chance to try their wand massager, I was happy to oblige!
Meet Foxy Touch & the Wand Massager
Foxy Touch is a new woman-founded sex toy company based in London. Their online shop just launched this month, and the wand massager is their first product.
The Foxy Touch Wand Massager is a mini classic wand shaped vibrator. It arrived attractively packaged in a black box with a white sleeve, featuring a picture of and information about the product.
The toy is 7.8″ in total length, and the head is 1.83″ in diameter. The massager is coated in 100% silky soft and body-safe black silicone with a subtle ripple pattern, and decorated with a silver ABS plastic band around the base of the handle.
The Foxy Touch Wand Massager is waterproof (easy to clean!) and USB rechargeable via the included cable. It comes partially charged, so you can get started right away. When it needs charging, a full cycle takes around two hours.
This toy retails for a well-priced £49.00 and, when you order, you’ll also receive a free 250ml bottle of Lubido water-based lube and two free erotic fiction ebooks. If you’re in the UK, shipping is free, too.
Controls & Interface
The Foxy Touch Wand Massager is controlled via three buttons positioned on the handle. When I have the toy in my hand, the buttons are in exactly the right place to press them with my thumb.
The quick-start guide explains what all the buttons do, but they couldn’t be simpler. The bottom one switches the toy on and off, the middle one changes the pattern, and the top one changes the speed.
The buttons are easy to press and the toy is responsive. I would have preferred the ability to cycle both ways through speeds and patterns, though.
Since there are 7 different patterns and 4 different intensity options, you can mix and match for any of an impressive 28 different combinations.
Experience
I’m really, really impressed with this massager! As soon as I switched it on, I knew it was going to be a winner based on the powerful rumbles that were emanating from it.
But before we get to the power, let’s take a step back and look at the ergonomics.
The Foxy Touch Wand Massager is comfortable to hold thanks to the soft silicone and gently tapered design of the handle. It fits comfortably in my hand and, though it’s got a little weight to it, it’s not too heavy to use for an extended period.
You do feel some of the vibrations in the handle. So be aware of that if it’s something that makes a difference to you.
So… that motor, then! Holy crap!
I really wasn’t expecting this toy to be as powerful as it is. It starts from a satisfying rumble and ramps up through four levels to a mega impressive top speed. The vibrations are rumbly enough to penetrate deeply, providing the kind of hard and intense clitoral stimulation that I love.
Most importantly, it gets me off – fast, reliably, and hard. Yes, this is a toy that makes my picky, power-queen clit very very happy.
The Foxy Touch Wand Massager has a somewhat flexible neck, which is useful for angling it to get precisely the positioning you’re after. But, thanks to the firmness of the head, you can still get plenty of pressure if that’s what you enjoy.
Noise-wise, it’s fine. Not the most discreet in the world but perfectly acceptable when weighted against the level of power.
The Verdict
As I mentioned, this is Foxy Touch’s first offering. I am seriously super impressed – a body-safe, ergonomic and powerful vibe on the first try? I can’t wait to see what they come out with next.
Heartily recommended if you’re looking for a classic external vibe that does exactly what it says on the tin with power and finesse.
FYI: this review was sponsored, which does not impact my views on the product. All opinions are, as ever, my own.
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:
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 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!
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 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 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 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:
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.
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.
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 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.
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!
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.
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!
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…
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.
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…)
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…
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.
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.
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…
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.
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.
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.
