HedoVibes #80

AnthroSharkPhoto courtesy of Carnal Chameleon

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

STRAP-ONS/HARNESSES

LUBES & CONDOMS

STORAGE & FURNITURE

ADULT VIDEO

EROTIC BOOKS

MISCELLANEOUS

hedo150

 

We-Vibe Tango: Old Version [review]

The We-Vibe Tango is the little darling among the sex blogging crowd. I had read many reviews singing the praises of its powerful and rumbly vibrations, but I still wasn’t entirely convinced. I mean…it couldn’t possibly be as strong as my beloved (electrically powered) Magic Wand Original — and for a significantly higher price?! No, I waited until the new & improved Tango was released and I was able to snag an older, discounted version from Sex Toys Canada. (Although my review will be based on the older model, I will also comment on the aspects that have been improved upon.)

tangoeditDescription

The We-Vibe Tango is your typical bullet vibrator, shaped very similarly to a tube of lipstick, angled tip and all. It measures 3.5″ long by .75″ wide. Because of this standard size, it can be paired with most (if not all) toys that have a bullet cavity — including many amazing Tantus products.

My Tango came packaged in a tastefully designed cardboard box, featuring a photo of the toy and some basic product information. Inside was the Tango itself, the infamous magnetic charging cord, a small instruction manual, and a surprisingly large storage pouch.

While my photos will be of the old rose-colored version, the new Tango is available in hot pink, blue, and white (if ordered as part of the Pleasure Mate Collection). All versions, old & new, are made of hard ABS plastic. They are non-porous and body-safe, smooth to touch, waterproof, and easy to clean.

 

We-Vibe Tango PatternsThe Tango has a reputation for being the “world’s most powerful mini-vibe” and that’s NOT just a marketing ploy. I’ve never had a vibrator that spins and rotates and bounces as much as this one when I lay it down somewhere. There are 8 different vibration modes: 4 levels of constant vibration and 4 patterns. The Tango only has one button, which cycles through all of the vibration modes and then turns the toy off. However, if you press & hold the button for a couple of seconds, the Tango will turn off immediately and remember your vibration mode for next time.

ExperienceWe-Vibe Tango

It’s no secret that I’m a power queen when it comes to vibration… and despite how skeptical I was at first, the We-Vibe Tango did not disappoint! In fact, it rivals the Magic Wand Original for me, perfect for those times when I want to slow down and really enjoy my pleasure. (Or when I prefer a smaller toy, like during partnered sex.) Because the vibrations are deeper and more rumbly, I can even reach orgasm on lower settings without a lot of frustration.

Although I don’t often pair it with bullet-compatible toys, I’ve been genuinely surprised by how well the Tango’s vibrations travel through the thick silicone of my Tantus G-Spot vibrating dildo. The bad news is that, when using the Tango alone, these vibrations will also travel through your hand. It’s definitely a toy that can cause numbness, and We-Vibe actually suggests not using it in one spot for more than 15 minutes at a time. For all of its power, the We-Vibe Tango is amazingly quiet. And although it definitely warms up during use, I’ve never had it get “hot.”

DSC03302My biggest issue with the Tango so far has been its poor battery life. Although We-Vibe claims that the product lasts for 2 hours (on every 90 minute charge), that estimate varies greatly depending on which vibration setting you use. For example, my Tango only lasts 45 minutes on “ultra.” While this is usually enough to get me through 2-3 sessions, I do need to constantly remind myself to charge it — unlike many of my other toys. It doesn’t help that the old-style magnetic charger is notorious for being finicky and will lose its connection at the slightest jostle. (The new model has improved upon this design, thereby creating a stronger connection. It also has a blinking indicator light for when the battery becomes low.)

Lastly, there’s a couple of craftsmanship issues that need mentioning. Many Tangos (mine included) have a tiny imperfection near the tip that occurs during the molding process. It’s only a pinpoint-sized divot, so I have never been able to notice it during use. But it is something to be aware of. Secondly, although I haven’t experienced any DSC03306trouble as of yet, many others have reported a relatively short lifespan for their beloved Tangos. According to We-Vibe, this issue has been addressed in the internal workings of the new version. However, it’s still pretty early to know for sure. My advice is to hang onto those serial numbers — just incase you need to use the 1-year warranty.

Recommendation

The We-Vibe Tango is definitely the most powerful vibrator of it’s size. It takes bullet-compatible toys to a whole new level, it’s perfect for partnered sex, and it’s great for travel (just be aware that it doesn’t have a locking function). Although it might seem pricey for a bullet, it’s well worth it if you’re looking for intense, rumbly vibrations. It’s quickly become a favorite of mine, and I find it hard to believe that any other bullet will ever compare.

5stars

Pros: small, unobtrusive during partner sex, standard size for bullet-compatible toys, extremely intense & rumbly vibrations, body-safe ABS plastic, quiet, rechargeable, & waterproof

Cons: rather short battery life on highest setting, finicky magnetic charger, some reports of product defects

If you’re interested in purchasing the We-Vibe Tango, please consider ordering from my affiliates: SheVibePeepshow ToysGood Vibrations, or Lovehoney.

HedoVibes #78

missrubyPhoto courtesy of Miss Ruby Reviews

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

 

HedoVibes #74

LELO_Etherea_Cuffs_Blk-6Photo courtesy of Cara Sutra

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

 

Lelo Ella [review]

First Impressions 

The Lelo Ella seems to be a classic beginner’s favorite among the sex blogging world, as far as G-spot toys go. It’s created by a reputable manufacturer of non-porous & body-safe sex toys. It’s relatively inexpensive, despite the fact that Lelo is considered a “luxury” brand. It’s not as intimidating as the rigid steel of the njoy Pure Wand. And the curve is very pronounced, made to effortlessly provide direct G-spot stimulation — without vibration. With everyone gushing (both literally & figuratively) over the Lelo Ella, I simply couldn’t resist trying it out for myself.

DSC03205Description

Like all Lelo products, the Ella comes packaged in multiple layers. On the outside is a thin cardboard box, featuring an elegant photo of the “pleasure object” and some basic product descriptions. Inside is another, much sturdier (and plain) cardboard box that is perfect for long-term storage. Also included is a storage/travel pouch, a user manual, and an authenticity card for warranty purposes.

The first thing I noticed about the Lelo Ella was just how small it is. At only 7″ long and under an inch & a half at its widest point, it is certainly a petite piece of sexual equipment. However, one of the most appealing things about this toy is that it’s double-sided. One end is slim and tapered for easy insertion and warm-up. The other end features the beloved curve and flattened tip for focused G-spot stimulation.

As per usual, the Ella is made from Lelo’s fabulous velvety silicone. Although Lelo products are hit-or-miss with me, this is the one facet about them that I am never disappointed with. It’s matte, provides little-to-no drag during use, and magically doesn’t attract dust, lint, or hair. (Honestly, I sometimes just like touching it or rubbing it over my body; it’s that awesome.)

Because it’s made from silicone, the Lelo Ella is considered a soft toy. However, when compared with other silicone toys, it’s very firm. There is no squish to the Ella and only a slight amount of flexibility along its “neck.” For many people, this is very important in G-spot toys because it provides stronger pressure.

It’s also important to note that while the Ella is seamless, there is a small ‘LELO’ imprint on each side. Although this isn’t noticeable during use, it does like to collect a lot of lubricant and bodily fluids, requiring more focused cleaning.

ExperienceLelo Ella + pouch

Unfortunately, my experience with the Ella did not live up to the hype. I did not have a sudden G-spot epiphany, mastering this controversial spot and swearing by its magical powers. I certainly did not experience a G-spot orgasm. No, to put it simply: the Lelo Ella did not ‘wow’ me.

The Tapered Side: I will admit that the small and sleek tapered end does offer a nice warm-up before the more awkward-to-insert G-spot end or other, larger toys. It also appears to fit my vaginal anatomy quite nicely, making it feel very comfortable and natural to insert. Unfortunately, the fact remains that it is small, straight, and boring. Even the beautiful & gentle swell near the middle doesn’t provide much pleasure for me (compared with other toys). The absolute worst part, however, is that I actually have to be cautious when using this end. It’s just pointy enough to be painful if I get too enthusiastic with my thrusts.

The G-spot SideI wish I could say that using the G-spot end is less of a lackluster (and potentially painful) experience for me…but unfortunately, that would be a lie. Sure, it does find the right spot — and sometimes even produces pleasurable sensations that help lead to orgasm. But my first time using the Lelo Ella was so horrible that my vagina just can’t trust it. It’s the only time a sex toy has almost sent me into a panic, because it was causing me pain and I couldn’t seem to remove it without that pain getting worse.

For me, the problem appears to be in the curve. It’s simply too drastic and “hook-like” for my anatomy. Insertion is often uncomfortable, motion is highly restricted or else it gets hooked behind my pubic bone, and removal is almost always a difficult and/or painful experience. (Although I have discovered that turning it so that the hook faces one of my legs makes this a little easier.)  

The Bottom Line: If I want G-spot stimulation, I reach for a different toy. The bulbous head of the Tantus G-spot is able to provide the right amount of stimulation, without getting hooked behind my pubic bone. It allows me to thrust as much and as quickly as I want, which is how I experience the most pleasure. I also just recently purchased the Jopen Key Comet II. Its gentle & swooping curve instantly finds my G-spot and the vibrations counteract my inability to thrust with it. The Lelo Ella forces me to change the way that I masturbate, and it’s not remarkable enough to make up for it.

Lelo Ella

Suggestion

A lot of people really love the Lelo Ella. If you know that your anatomy allows for drastic curves without getting uncomfortably hooked behind your pubic bone, or it you don’t require thrusting or vibration for pleasurable G-spot stimulation, this toy could be a good purchase for you. At the very least, it is a quality product that is both body-safe and affordable. However, if you’re like me, I suggest saving your money for a toy that will better match your anatomy and/or masturbation style.

2star

Pros: made from Lelo’s fabulous silicone (non-porous & body safe), affordable & high quality, curved design & flattened tip reach the G-spot without much effort

Cons: “hook-like” curve can catch behind one’s pubic bone and/or make insertion & removal uncomfortable or even painful, tapered end can feel too pointy, both of these issues can prevent thrusting or large movements

If you would like to purchase the Lelo Ella, you can do so through my affiliates, Shevibe or Peepshow Toys. In addition to black, the Ella also comes in white & rose.