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.

Pop Top Deluxe Silicone G-Spotter [review]

If you’ve read my review of the Hitachi Original Magic Wand, you already know that I absolutely love it for clitoral stimulation. I love it so much that I’ve made an exception for it: It’s the only porous toy allowed in my bed. What can I say? It makes me orgasm quickly and consistently — and I am forever grateful.

Ever since my first time using the Magic Wand, I’ve wondered how that vibration intensity would feel internally. In fact, I even purchased a cheap PVC G-spot attachment before bloggers like Dangerous Lilly schooled me on material safety. I used it a few times, decided that it felt awkward, and questioned why I kept allowing it to take up space in my drawer.

Still, I couldn’t let go of the idea. I was certain that if it were made from higher quality material and shaped in a slightly different way, an internal attachment might feel really nice. So when Good Vibrations offered to send me the Pop Top Deluxe Silicone G-Spotter, I was overjoyed!

First Impressions & Description

Pop Tops boxPleasure Works’ Pop Top Deluxe Silicone G-Spotter comes in a simple (and gender neutral!) cardboard box. It also comes in two fairly neutral colors: purple and black shimmer. Although my review will focus solely on G-spot stimulation, this toy can also boasts that it can be used to pleasure the prostate.

As the name states, this attachment is made from silicone — meaning that it turns the Original Magic Wand into a non-porous toy! The silicone itself is softer than other silicone toys I own. (For example, it is much squishier and more flexible than the Tantus G-spot vibrating dildo or the Lelo Ella.) This flexibility and stretchiness allows the Pop Top to fit snuggly overtop the head of the Magic Wand, while also being very easy to add & remove. The silicone also has a somewhat matte finish which attracts dust and hair like nobody’s business.

Pop Tops Deluxe Silicone G-Spotter (left) vs. cheap PVC G-spot attachment (right)

Pop Top Deluxe Silicone G-Spotter (left) vs. cheap PVC G-spot attachment (right)

Compared to my old “Gonzo-nose” PVC attachment, the Pop Top G-Spotter looks much more appealing. The attachment itself is larger (5″ of insertable length with a 1 3/8″ diameter), the curve is ever so slightly more pronounced, and the tip is rounded and cushiony so that it gently rubs the G-spot rather than just poking at it. It even has a small nubbin for clitoral stimulation.

Experience

When I first attached the Pop Top Deluxe Silicone G-Spotter to my Original Magic Wand, I immediately noticed two things: (1) It transferred vibrations without a disappointing decrease in intensity, and (2) It somehow made the Magic Wand even louder. (Luckily, the only other inhabitants in my apartment are my partner and 2 cats, none of which bat an eye at vibrator noise — even when it sounds like a lawn mower.)

Because the internal portion of the Pop Top G-Spotter is smooth, flexible, and relatively small, it was both easy and comfortable to insert — even without a warm-up. Always skeptical (but yet excited) about dual stimulation toys, I immediately focused my energy on positioning the wand so that both my G-spot and clitoris were receiving vibration. Unfortunately, I quickly realized that this wasn’t going to work for my anatomy. The space between the clitoral nub and the G-spot arm is less than 1 inch. For me, this means that if I have the internal portion fully inserted, the clitoral portion rests much too low for pleasurable stimulation. However, if your G-spot is more shallow or your clitoris is located closer to your vagina, dual stimulation may work for you.

Hitachi with Pop Top G-SpotterForegoing the idea of clitoral stimulation, I shifted my focus to the G-spot. Everyone knows that the Original Magic Wand is heavy and cumbersome. So if you enjoy thrusting your toys, be prepared for a workout. The constant motion made my arm get tired rather quickly, especially with vibrations traveling up it. (Also, the increased movement makes the neck of my Magic Wand creak rather annoyingly — adding even more noise to the lawn mower vibrations.) If pressure is your pleasure, take a moment to watch my video clip and see how flexible the silicone is. One of my concerns was that the material would give too much… and unfortunately, I was somewhat correct. So far, the only way I’ve discovered to combat the issue is to use my free hand to cup the head of the Magic Wand and press it against my body. Of course, this causes my hand to get the full force of the vibrations.

 

I don’t want it to seem like I don’t enjoy the Pop Top G-Spotter though, because I do. I find all of the annoying little obstacles and problem-solving to be worth it. Because I’ve discovered that if I switch to the high setting, and press the head of the Magic Wand firmly against my vulva, this attachment feels amazing. It has even led me to experience my first orgasms without direct clitoral stimulation — and in typical Original Magic Wand timeliness too! (I’m going to take the “I’ll know it when I feel it” stance on G-spot orgasms and suspect that the vibrations here are so strong they are simply stimulating the clitoris internally.)

Overall, if you enjoy the strong vibrations of the Original Magic Wand, I highly suggest purchasing Pleasure Works’ Pop Top Deluxe Silicone G-Spotter. For only $40, you get a body-safe internal attachment that provides you with more variety for an already awesome toy.

3star

Pros: non-porous & body safe silicone, easy to attach and remove from Original Magic Wand, transmits vibrations very well, comfortable shape for insertion & G-spot stimulation, cheap way to add variety to an old favorite

Cons: makes Original Magic Wand even louder, clitoral nub might not work for everyone’s genital anatomy, size and weight of Magic Wand can make thrusting difficult, silicone may be too flexible to provide desired pressure


A big thanks to Good Vibrations for providing me with this product free of charge in exchange for an honest review! 

We-Vibe Thrill charge

We-Vibe Thrill [review]

I’ve been anxious to get my hands on a toy that offers dual stimulation for quite some time now. However, I’ve read enough reviews to know that dual stimulation toys only seem to satisfy a select few. I simply was not willing to risk a ton of money on a (body-safe) toy that may not align with my anatomy — or lower my standards for a cheap, but unsafe alternative. So when PinkCherry put the $130 We-Vibe Thrill on sale for only $30, I jumped at the opportunity!

First Impressions & Description

We-Vibe Thrill BoxThe We-Vibe Thrill comes in a sturdy cardboard storage box with rather nice, subdued product art and information. (If you require a certain level of discretion, removing the thin slip-case leaves you with a plain ruby box with only the product name visible.) Inside is a layer of foam that securely holds the toy itself. Underneath this layer of foam is where you’ll find the user manual, a travel/storage pouch, and the magnetic charging port with an included USB cord. (If you don’t want to rely on your computer for charging, I highly recommend purchasing a simple USB wall-adapter.)

We-Vibe Thrill packageI was pleasantly surprised that my charger was different from many of the older black ones that I had seen (including the one pictured on PinkCherry’s product page). Gone are the days of struggling for a strong magnetic attachment. Now, the We-Vibe Thrill simply stands on top of a magnetic base for it’s 90 minute charging time. (Each of which will give you approximately 2 hours of play.)

We-Vibe Thrill charge

The Thrill itself is mostly made of high-quality (non-porous & body-safe) silicone in a deep magenta or “ruby” color, with a small area of silvery hard plastic on the clitoral portion. It is completely waterproof, making it very simple to clean with soap and water.

There are 8 vibration modes to choose from: 4 constant vibrations of increasing intensities, 3 pulse settings (one that alternates between strong pulses and lighter but faster ones, another that just has constant & consistent quick pulses, and one that varies in a Cha Cha ChaChaCha pattern), plus one “wave” vibration mode. At its strongest (Ultra mode), the Thrill reaches 4800 RPM, making it quite strong for such a small toy — but also surprisingly quiet.

There is only one control button to simultaneously control both motors, which is located in between the magnetic charging connectors. This button will cycle through the various vibration modes and then turn off when pressed repeatedly. You can also turn off the unit by holding the button for 2 seconds. (If turned off in this way, the Thrill will resume your last vibration mode when turned back on.)

DSC02333Review

ComfortOne of my initial concerns was one of comfort. I didn’t know how flexible the silicone would be and was curious if insertion would be awkward or difficult — or if the C shape would feel tight during use. Turns out, while the Thrill is indeed firm, the middle is also very bendy. Not only was insertion easy, but I also found that it is super comfortable in both reclining and sitting positions.

VibrationsIt’s no secret around here that I enjoy rather strong vibrations. The Thrill actually surprised me with its intensity. The silicone seems surprisingly good at transferring vibrations. In fact, I actually wish that they would have made the handle out of hard plastic and kept the clitoral stimulator silicone, as the plastic seems to muffle the vibrations too much in its current location — while my hand has gone a bit tingly a couple of times. As for the pulses? I’m normally not a fan, but I’m actually digging experimenting with some of the unique variations that the Thrill has to offer.

AnatomyThe all-important question when dealing with dual stimulation toys. Did the We-Vibe Thrill “work” for me and my genitalia? …Kind of. While it’s not completely impossible for me to get both vibrating motors in exactly the right spot, it is difficult to keep them there. This leads to a lot of extended teasing and ultimate frustration on my part as I continuously lose the perfect positioning. I’ve also noticed that if I do manage to get close to climaxing with the Thrill, it becomes increasingly difficult to keep the small, lubey G-spot end from being pushed out of my body.

Which reminds me… If you require a lot of pressure for proper G-spot stimulation, the little bump on the We-Vibe Thrill probably isn’t going to cut it. And while I have seen at least one review that suggested intercourse with this toy was possible (like the original We-Vibe), I would definitely not advise that for everyone. The mere attempt at providing pressure to the G-spot end with fingers was too uncomfortable for me to try again any time soon.

Would I recommend the We-Vibe Thrill? 

We-Vibe Thrill

I want to like this toy. I think it can provide some pretty glorious sensations when it’s working as intended, but for me…unfortunately, that is a rarity. Will I keep playing with it, experimenting to see if anything improves? Yes, at least for a while longer. But I’ve accepted that it may always be a warm-up toy and nothing more. My advice: if you’re looking to purchase the We-Vibe Thrill, keep your expectations low. If it ends up easily stimulating both your G-spot and clitoris, you’ll be pleasantly surprised!

Overall, the Thrill (just like a lot of other dual stimulators) is a risky purchase — one that I don’t think is worth the regular $130 price tag. But if you’re curious and can find it on sale, by all means go ahead and give it a try.

2star

(Most websites have now removed the We-Vibe Thrill from their inventory, as it seems to be officially discontinued.) 

We-Vibe Thrill smile

It’s kind of adorable though… the way it just keeps smiling at you.

Hitachi Magic Wand

The (Former) Hitachi Magic Wand [review]

Hitachi Magic Wand

The Hitachi Magic Wand was introduced to America in 1968 — not as a sex toy, but as a “massager.” It didn’t take long, however, for people to discover that a “massager” that will turn your aching muscles to jelly will also make you come like a hurricane when used on your genitalia. To many happy consumers, “Hitachi” is synonymous with orgasmic pleasure despite the fact that the company wanted to be known for their electronics and appliances. In 2013 they finally decided to remove their name from the infamous massager. As I purchased mine right before the switch, my experience is limited to the old Hitachi Magic Wand. However, the improvements that were made to the new “Original Magic Wand,” seem minor enough that this review should still be useful.

Description

As a product straight out of the ’60s, the Hitachi definitely isn’t the prettiest sex toy. It’s mostly white, with blue detail on the power switch and the flexible neck. The long handle is hard plastic, but the vibrating ball-shaped head is made from a comfortable, texturized rubber. (Unfortunately, the rubber cannot be completely sterilized and has been known to stain or simply discolor/yellow with age.) Instead of using batteries, a 6 ft electrical cord powers the Hitachi. Although this can be somewhat inconvenient, it does provide consistent and strong vibrations. There are only 2 intensities, but both are very powerful: low (5000 rpm) and high (6000 rpm). Both settings are also very loud, making this toy potentially embarrassing for those with prudish roommates.

 

There are also plenty of attachments made specifically for the Hitachi Magic Wand. These range from simple silicone (sterilizable) caps, insertables for G-spot as well as anal pleasure, and male masturbatory sleeves. For a fantastic (and body safe) selection of these attachments, check out Shevibe’s Wand Vibrator Accessories page and Good Vibration’s Pop Top selection. (I own the Pop Top Deluxe Silicone G-Spotter and I really enjoy it!)

Review

The most common complaint about the Hitachi is that it is simply too much. It’s certainly true that the vibrations will rattle your entire vulva — and it’s the popular toy used in forced orgasm porn for a reason. With direct contact, it can easily jump the line from “Oh, that feels good…” to “Holy shit, make it stop!” If you have a sensitive clitoris, this toy might not be the perfect match. However, if you’re like me (whose genitals barely even register the vibrations from the Lelo Lily), the Hitachi could easily become your favorite toy.

Masturbation: Using the Hitachi by myself usually makes for a quick session. Desensitization doesn’t become an issue for me. I do, however, feel remarkably lazy at times. Fast orgasms are not always the most pleasurable. Sometimes there is little physical build-up and not much time to enjoy sexual fantasies. It’s also more difficult to ride a slow comedown, as the vibrations immediately become overwhelmingly uncomfortable. But I keep coming back because it’s so effortless.

Partner sex: I find using the Hitachi with a partner to be more complicated. It is difficult for a partner to apply the nuanced pressure and positioning that I find pleasurable. However, staying on the low setting and/or using a buffer can help. Some place a towel between their body and the Hitachi in order to muffle the sensations. Others put a clean sock over the head. There are even dimmer switches to allow for better control. (There is some debate on whether this harms the product.) My personal favorite is simply to wear a sexy pair of panties. As for intercourse, the size and cord are a bit cumbersome, but positions like doggy and cowgirl are quite accommodating.

Male pleasure: This is not a strictly female vibrator! Even without purchasing an attachment that is made for male pleasure, the Hitachi can be used externally on male genitalia. Not all men are going to enjoy vibration (especially at this intensity), but it can be fun to experiment.

Traditional use: I suffer from a lot of back pain, and the Hitachi has definitely improved my day-to-day comfort. The vibrations get deep into the muscles, smoothing out areas that harbor the effects of physical or emotional stress. To avoid overheating, the instructions advise not to use it for more than 25 minutes (with a 30 minute break), and this is almost always satisfactory. Bonus: since it’s marketed for external stimulation of any body part (and does not resemble a disembodied penis), you can accidentally leave it out without disturbing your guests…too much.

Closing thought: I love it!

I think the Hitachi Original Magic Wand is a fantastic purchase, especially for those that experience some difficulty reaching orgasm. The amount of power, the wide range of possible uses, and the long lifespan of this toy all make it well worth the price. It’s been over a year since I bought mine, and it has rarely left its spot on my nightstand since.

5stars

You can purchase the Original Magic Wand from my affiliates: ShevibeGood Vibrations, Tantus, & Sexy Time Toys

Lelo Lily

Lelo Lily [review]

The Lelo Lily was my first sex toy crush. It’s small, sleek, and resembles a sculpture more so than a vibrator. Plus, it concentrates on the clitoris instead of being insertable. Despite some opinions that the vibrations were too weak, I couldn’t get over my infatuation. I spent years swooning over Lily, keeping an eye on various website sales and trying to convince myself that a sex toy was worth the better part of $100. Finally, the desire for a vibrator that was less cumbersome & more intercourse-friendly swayed me to place an order.

First Impressions

Lelo certainly puts effort into making their packaging fit the “luxury” ideal, even if it is somewhat excessive to those of us who try to live green. Upon receiving my Lily, I was greeted with a discreet, shiny black cardboard box. No porn star models & cheap plastic here! Inside the cardboard was a nicer and sturdier black box that can be used as permanent storage.

Lelo Lily

Included inside, along with Lily, was a white satin travel bag, a wall charger (having a rechargeable battery cancels out the amount of packaging, right?), the Lily/Nea/Yva user manual, a 1 year warranty, and a 10 year quality guarantee.

Lelo Lily

The Lily has a wonderfully soft, almost skin-like texture. It easily fits into the palm of your hand, and its shape is made to complement the intimate curves of the female genitals. There are only two buttons that control on/off, vibration intensity, and 5 stimulation modes (continuous, extended/intermediate/short pulses, and one called “before & after” that makes me think of revving a car). Using these two buttons, the Lily can also be locked to prevent accidental loss of battery life. I have been able to lock mine and keep it in my nightstand for weeks, if not months, between uses without any need to recharge. (According to Lelo, there are 4 hours of use for every 2-hour charge.)

Masturbation

The Good: Lily is very quiet. Unless you share a bedroom, nobody will be able to tell that you are enjoying some quality alone time. I also found the Lily very comfortable to hold; not flush against my body, but lifted up a bit so that the vibrations felt stronger (on the pleasure point) and I had easy access to the buttons.

The Bad: It is way too weak for my body. At its highest intensity setting, the Lily is drastically more subdued than any other vibrator I have owned. At the lowest, I am not even able to feel the vibrations. I only recognize that it is still on by a high-pitched electronic squeal. It definitely falls more within the higher “buzzy” category than low & “rumbly.” Although I can orgasm while using the Lily, it’s a long process — full of moments where I lose the perfect sensation and ending with a mediocre climax. More often than not, it simply gets passed over for a toy that I know will do the job in a timely manner and not lead to frustration.

Partner Sex

I had hopes that even if the Lily wouldn’t do the job for me on its own that it would still be enough to tip me over the edge during sex. Sadly, the opposite was true. While it is the perfect size and shape to be unobtrusive, I found that the vibrations from Lily become entirely overpowered during intercourse so that I barely notice them at all, even on the highest setting. However, although Lily is marketed to women, it’s a good size and shape to cradle a male’s testicles while resting the tip against his perineum as well.

Would I suggest the Lelo Lily?

It’s definitely not for everyone. I doubt that I will ever pay the high price for another Lelo product, simply because I fear that all of them will be too weak for my needs. However, if you are very sensitive and easily overwhelmed by genital vibrations, the Lily will probably be a good sex toy for you. Go to your local sex toy store, and see if they have a display model so that you can test out the vibrations before you spend your money.

1star

You can purchase the Lelo Lily from my affiliates: ShevibeGood Vibrations, & Peepshow Toys.