HedoVibes #90

IMG_3248-e1430152076270Photo courtesy of Carnal Queen

Welcome to HedoVibes, a collection of reviews and giveaways that were posted in the past week or so from around the web. This is a collection of adult product reviews & contests from real reviewers. If you want to be included in the next edition start with the guidelines, then use the submission form.

Want to read more reviews? Check out HedoVibes for a list of the latest reviews and stellar reviewers. You can also follow on twitter for the latest round ups. HedoVibes is also accepting photo submissions for each edition.

CONTESTS

DILDOS

VIBRATORS

ANAL TOYS

RINGS & STROKERS

BONDAGE, IMPACT, & FETISH GEAR

LUBES & CONDOMS

EROTIC BOOKS

MISCELLANEOUS

hedo150

 

Tantus Vamp Review

vamp1

Description & First Impressions

The Tantus Vamp is a simple sex toy. There are no internal vibrating mechanisms. No fancy bumps, ripples, or curves along the shaft. The design is obviously phallic in nature, but without super-realistic veins, testicles, and skin-tone gradations. Measuring 7″ long with a 1.75″ diameter, it sits squarely in the middle of the size spectrum: girthy in a way that is comfortable for most, but certainly not winning any size queen awards.

Compared to other (more flashy) products, the Vamp is easy to overlook… but don’t let its simplicity fool you. This toy is like when a friend says they’ll bring mac & cheese to a potluck. At first, you roll your eyes and think, “Seriously?! I can get that from a box.” But then they show up with a magical concoction of white cheddar & truffles & bacon and all of a sudden you’re like, “Hey, I totally underestimated you! You’re invited to all of my dinner parties!” Except in this case, the Vamp is your friend and “dinner parties” is code for masturbation.

The Tantus Vamp is made entirely from nonporous & body-safe silicone that is surprisingly firm but flexible. Its thick, sturdy base makes this toy both harness-compatible and safe for anal use. And although the shiny finish does create a couple of mild annoyances (attracting loads of dust/hair and creating a fair amount of drag during use), a little soap & water/sex toy cleaner and added lubrication will fix those issues immediately.

As I’ve mentioned before, I’m always on the look out for affordable-but-safe sex toys, and the Vamp is one of my absolute favorites to recommend. Normally, this toy comes in two colors (cream & purple) and hovers around the $40 price point. But it’s also available as one of Tantus’ special Grab Bags. This means that for only $25 you can get the Vamp in a surprise color. (Sometimes they are beautiful combinations of colors, and other times they are pretty average-looking, like mine. But it’s always an exciting game of chance!)

So the Vamp is a high-quality, versatile sex toy that is easy on your wallet… but how it feels is obviously very important too. With its pronounced head & deep coronal ridge, this is where the true magic of the Vamp makes itself known.

Experience

vamp2The Tantus Vamp makes my G-spot very happy in a subtle, relaxing sort of way — a completely different sensation from more intense & overwhelming toys like the Jopen Key Comet II. Being primarily straight, the Vamp may not seem like an immediate choice for G-spot stimulation, but the head is so prominent that it does the job with ease. This is great if, like me, you enjoy thrusting with toys but have a pubic bone that tends to get “hooked” by more extreme curves.

Plus, as someone who recently discovered that she’s not a huge fan of large toys, the Vamp is the perfect size. The girth is just large enough to provide a nice feeling of fullness without being uncomfortable. And although there is a distinct ‘popping’ sensation during insertion (which I personally dislike), my body adjusts quickly and effortlessly. It is definitely my go-to “big toy.”

Bottom Line

The Tantus Vamp is a great, high quality dildo without a lot of the bells & whistles that complicate many other toys, making them tailored to very specific needs. Of course, that’s not to say that everyone will enjoy this toy; sexuality is very diverse. However, I do believe that the Vamp is capable of pleasing a wide range of individuals because of it’s beautiful simplicity.

If you’re looking for a girthy (but certainly not huge) “everyday” sort of dildo, this may just be it.

4stars

Pros: nonporous & body-safe silicone, on the large side of “average,” pronounced head may stimulate G-spot, thick & sturdy base

Cons: may still be too large or small for some individuals, pronounced head may be uncomfortable upon insertion, general straight shape may not be stimulating enough


If you are interested in purchasing the Tantus Vamp, please consider ordering from my affiliates: Tantus (who offers the regular, grab bag, and the new vibrating grab bag option), Peepshow Toys, or SheVibe!  

HedoVibes #89

2015-04-20-02.26.44Photo courtesy of Omni Lust

Welcome to HedoVibes, a collection of reviews and giveaways that were posted in the past week or so from around the web. This is a collection of adult product reviews & contests from real reviewers. If you want to be included in the next edition start with the guidelines, then use the submission form.

Want to read more reviews? Check out HedoVibes for a list of the latest reviews and stellar reviewers. You can also follow on twitter for the latest round ups. HedoVibes is also accepting photo submissions for each edition.

CONTESTS

DILDOS

VIBRATORS

BONDAGE, IMPACT, & FETISH GEAR

STORAGE & FURNITURE

EROTIC BOOKS

MISCELLANEOUS

hedo150

 

Jopen Key Comet II Review

Description

Created for targeted G-spot stimulation, the Key Comet by Jopen features a slight J-shaped curve with a very pronounced rounded head. The original Comet is a beautiful glass dildo with a partial silicone coating. The newer Comet II is a lighter vibrating version made from hard, ABS plastic in place of glass. Both have a diameter of 1.5″ at their widest point. However, the Comet II measures 5.25″ in length, making it a quarter of an inch longer than its predecessor. Both models are available in the same three colors: hot pink, purple, and a beautiful shade of turquoise.

Although it is my understanding that the differences between the two are rather minimal (sans vibration capability), my personal experience is limited to the Comet II.

DSC03486

As I already mentioned, the Comet II is made from high quality, nonporous & body-safe materials. The smooth matte silicone doesn’t attract much dust, and the only time that I have noticed a small amount of drag is after prolonged use (once lubrication has had a chance to dry out). It’s waterproof and, like most luxury toys, it is rechargeable. Every 4-hour charge should lead to 2-3 hours of use.

Jopen’s packaging for the Comet II is simple, tasteful, and gender neutral. Its cardboard box features basic product information, as well as a non-discreet photograph of the toy itself. Included is a travel/storage pouch, magnetic USB charging cable, and a single sheet of instructions. It also comes with a 1-year warranty.

keybutton3The Comet II features only one button, the silver Key by Jopen logo at the very end of the handle. (Which, in my experience, can be a little stiff & difficult to press at times.) To turn the toy on/off, press and hold the button for approximately 3 seconds. When the power is on, each quick press of the button will switch to the next vibration setting. The toy has 7 vibration settings in all: 1 constant vibration and 6 different patterns of pulses & waves. Of course, the downside of simple one-button controls is that you have to cycle through all of the settings if you accidentally pass the one you were looking for.

Experience

As I learned with the Lelo Ella, my anatomy is iffy when it comes to G-spot toys with large or drastic curves. Things have a tendency to get uncomfortably hooked behind my pubic bone, forcing me to avoid thrusting and therefore change the way that I masturbate…which is rarely worth the effort. With its swooping curve & bulbous head, it’s no surprise that the Comet II was one of those toys that took some getting used to.

My initial concern was that insertion would be uncomfortable due to the Comet’s large, rounded head. I was happy to discover that although I do occasionally experience a brief moment of discomfort, this is a rare & completely manageable occurrence. In fact, it could probably be remedied altogether if I would slow down and allow myself to get more physically aroused before jumping into insertion. (This, of course, might not be the case for everyone.)

comet chargerOnce inserted, the Comet magically found my G-spot without any of my usual wiggling around in search of perfection. It was like the shape of the toy was simply made to fit my body. Turning on the vibrations solidified in my mind that this was money well spent. Although it’s no powerhouse like the We-Vibe Tango, I do find it very satisfying for internal stimulation (where I typically require less intense vibrations). In fact, it actually made me let out a quick little “Oh!” reminiscent of the very first time I experienced G-spot stimulation at the hands of my partner.

With thrusting out of the question, I did have to experiment with other — much more subtle — motions. Pushing down on the handle, which in turn pushes the rounded end firmly against my G-spot, works well. Combined with the vibrations, this pressure (whether constant or in the form of a quick pattern) is enough to lead me to a solid blended orgasm when combined with clitoral stimulation.

However, what really works for me is moving the handle side-to-side, causing the bulbous head to sort of roll across the front wall of my vagina. Honestly, this is a sensation like nothing I have ever felt before or since. The pleasure builds up until it is so intense that I don’t think I can handle another second. I get physically overwhelmed; my nerves on fire, like after one of those orgasms that makes you cry & laugh & shake all at the same time. I’ve even given up trying to watch porn while using this toy because I simply cannot concentrate on anything besides the glorious magic that is happening to my genitals.

Although I always swear it’s about to happen, I still haven’t squirted. I still don’t know if it’s even possible for me… but I don’t really care. The Comet leaves me exhausted, barely able to stand or even think straight. That’s all that really matters.

Jopen Key Comet

 The Bottom Line

For intense G-spot stimulation, I cannot recommend the Jopen Key Comet II enough. It’s shaped in such a way that finding your G-spot is almost foolproof. It’s more affordable (and in my opinion, less intimidating) than the stainless steel njoy Pure Wand. It even has the added bonus of vibrations — although if vibrations aren’t your thing, you can still get the cheaper, original Comet.

If the cost (approximately $75) is outside of your budget, don’t give up! I’ve seen this toy for as low as $45 online before, which is an amazing deal for a luxury silicone vibrator that will last you many, many years. So, as always…Keep an eye on sales!

5stars

Pros: body-safe silicone & ABS plastic, waterproof, rechargeable, fantastic curved shape & bulbous head for G-spot stimulation, hard enough material to provide steady pressure, satisfying & quiet vibrations, quite affordable with sales

Cons: cannot change intensity of vibrations, one-button control can be annoying, some individuals may find the bulbous head or the large curve uncomfortable


 If you’re interested in purchasing the Key Comet II by Jopen, please consider ordering from my affiliates: Good VibrationsSheVibe, & Peepshow Toys!

I am a Sex Blogger & I Reject Pseudonymity

The last time that I was visiting my parents’ home, my mom and I got onto the topic of sex toys. For some of you with sex-positive parents, that might seem normal. For others, it might be horrifically uncomfortable to imagine. For me, it’s both. There was not an open dialogue about sex while I was growing up, and, not surprisingly, my mom disagrees with many of my current beliefs about sexuality. But our relationship is one of friendship. We talk about nearly everything, and considering that EROcentric has become a rather large part of my life, what I do here is not off limits.

During this particular conversation, she turned to me with a look of utter confusion. “I just don’t understand. I mean…is this just your thing?!” She meant the question in a rather amusing ‘Do you have a fetish for sex toys?’ sort of way, and I tried to explain to her that it’s about so much more than just a sexual response. It’s about discovering my body, taking control of my sexual pleasure, even enhancing the sexual connection that I share with my partner. But I get the distinct impression that she still struggles with the same question in a much larger sense.

Why do I do this? Why do I think that talking about sex is so important that I have decided to openly write about such things on a public blog? 

I do it because sexuality is my passion. Because I believe that we should not be afraid to talk about sex or be ashamed of our own desires. 

As someone who harbored a lot of sexual shame growing up (largely due to a lack of accurate sex education), I want to help educate others & normalize sexuality— of all safe & consensual varieties, including the right to not engage in any/all sexual activity. In my perfect world, sexual stigma would cease to exist. Blogging is one way that I strive to turn that dream into a reality.

It has been my personal conviction that as I am advocating for shame-free sexuality, I must not remain anonymous. No, I don’t share my full legal name on my blog or blast my personal Facebook account with my latest blog posts. I recognize & respect the fact that not everyone in my life would be comfortable with or open to the topics that I discuss here. But if someone I know (who is not already in the know) comes across this website, they will see my first name & my photograph, and they will recognize me instantly. And that is okay.

I am lucky enough to have an amazing support system, a progressive employer, and career goals in the very field of which I write about: sexuality. It’s important to me that, because I am in the perfect position to do so, I take this opportunity to publicly demonstrate a commitment to sex positivity as best as I can.

I won’t lie. There are still days when I question my decision. I get anxious at the thought of everyone I know finding out about this “double life” of mine. I worry that what I write will someday hinder my professional aspirations — even in a relevant field. I fear that online harassment may someday cross the line into reality, posing very serious threats to myself and those I love.

But then I recall the times when friends have come to me, asking questions and revealing intimate secrets because of something that I have written. I feel that by sharing my sexual knowledge (including my experiences & insecurities) in a way that shows that I am not ashamed…it helps facilitate the open dialogue that I aspire to create in the world.

Of course, none of this is to depreciate the work of my fellow sex bloggers who do choose to remain anonymous or use a pen name. I believe that all of us are changing the world in fantastic ways, and I understand that this is by no means the right choice for everyone; it may not even be a viable option.

The debate surrounding online privacy, professionalism, & sexuality is complex and I don’t claim to have the answers. Who knows, perhaps some day I will regret my decision. But for now, I am proud to proclaim…

 I am a sex blogger. And girls do too masturbate.