The Tantus T-Rex

Apr 102012
 

Sometimes, what you really need is a great big dildo.  Maybe you need it to accessorize for your next party, maybe you need a little something masculine for your altar, or maybe that special someone just knows what they like!  No matter what, you’ll be ready to give it to ‘em with the Tantus T-Rex and a lot of lube.

  • Toy:  T-Rex (sent by Babeland.com for review)
  • Type: (Very big) Dildo
  • Manufacturer: Tantus
  • Material: Silicone
  • Price: $99
  • SMT rating: N/A
Nowhere near actual size

The Tantus T-Rex lives up to its name

Let’s get the obvious, most important point out of the way first: the T-Rex is big.  This high-quality silicone dildo by Tantus measures 2-1/4″ across and 6-7″ insertable length.  I think that numbers don’t really communicate the massive-feeling girth of this toy, so you’re well-advised to check out the video above so you can see how it looks in relation to other objects, like a hand (I can’t even get mine all the way around it!).
So, other than its hulking presence, what else is there to know about the T-Rex?  Well, it’s by Tantus, and that means it’s high-quality.  It is also quite lovely, and could be considered a functional piece of art.    It’s nicely detailed, with some well-formed ridges, ‘veins,’ and other flourishes, enough to make it semi-realistic, but not enough to make it uncannily so.  Since it’s made from high-quality silicone, it’s easily cleanable (like most Tantus toys)–you can boil it, run it through the dishwasher without soap or bleach, or wash it with antibacterial hand soap.  It’s also fairly heavy, around 1.5-2 pounds.  Since it’s got some attached balls, it’s harness-compatible, but be aware that you’ll need a larger ring than most other harness-compatible dildos, and a stretchy one at that.   It has a nice bit of flexibility, but is still firm enough to be usable for anal play.
Bottom line, make sure you’re really looking for something this large and get a sense for how thick it is.  If you do want a large toy, this is a fantastic one, because it is difficult to find high-quality toys in this size.  If it’s what you’re looking for, you’re very likely to be happy with the T-Rex.  And, hey, even if you don’t know anyone who can take it, you can wear it around to make one hell of a first impression.
 Babeland Products, Blog Entries, Reviews, Toys  No Responses »  Tagged with: , , , , , ,

Review of Babeland’s Obsession Bullet Vibe

Mar 042012
 

There’s something to be said for the simple things in life.  Sure, sometimes we want a toy with lots of attachments or tons of moving parts, but sometimes we want the comfort of something that only does one thing and does it well.  That’s the joy of bullet vibes: these compact little vibrators are easy to use, versatile, and affordable.  If the only experience you’ve had with these small packages of buzzing pleasure is the cheap metal ones that are handed out like candy, however, with the little button that’s hard to push and their lackluster vibrations, you may be a bit underwhelmed.   Good thing Babeland is here with the Obsession, a powered-up bullet vibe that’s entirely waterproof.  So whether you want some buzzy fun in your bed, in the shower, or anywhere else, the Obsession’s there to make sure you’re not left wanting.

  • Toy: Obsession (sent by Babeland.com for review)
  • Type: Bullet vibrator
  • Manufacturer: Babeland
  • Material: ABS Plastic
  • Price: $28
  • SMT rating: 0 (Nice and rumbly vibration)

The Obsession is a Powerful, Waterproof, and Affordable Bullet Toy

The Obsession is a plastic bullet vibrator with a small hand-held control unit.  The bullet, cord, and control unit are all totally waterproof.  It runs on 2 AA batteries (not included).  The bullet is about 2 1/4″ long and 1 1/4″ wide at its widest point; this means it’s slightly larger than the more common metal bullet vibes you tend to see.
While some people may prefer the compactness of a cordless bullet vibe, I tend to find that the ones with a control unit have better control and are more powerful than self-contained bullet vibes.  The Obsession has a nice, rumbly buzz at its higher levels, and has 7 different speed/patterns.  The controls are simple: one button to turn it on/off, the other to scroll through the different settings.  One nice touch is that the toy has function memory–when you turn it off and then on again, it will restart on the same setting it had when it was turned off.  So if you find a particular speed or pattern really hits your spot, you don’t need to scroll through to find it again next time you play.  On its low levels, it is quite quiet, and on the highest setting it has an audible buzz, but not as loud as an electric toothbrush or similar item.  When it’s under the blanket or pressed up against/inside a body, it’s nice and quiet.  The control unit makes it easy to adjust the toy without having to remove it or stop the stimulation, which is nice.  It’s an excellent toy for clitoral stimulation, and since it’s plastic, not silicone, it’s safe for use with silicone lubricant as well as the other usual lubes.  It can also be used vaginally, and tends to nestle nicely against the G-spot for many women.  As with any other toy that can only be really retrieved by the cord, I do not recommend the Obsession for anal use.  While the cord seems nice and strong, an embarrassing emergency room visit can await the unlucky vibe-user who happens to have the cord pull out while trying to retrieve the toy.
You’ll recall that with the Honi, another bullet vibe I reviewed a couple months ago, I was troubled by the places on the toy that were difficult to clean.  Thankfully, the Obsession has no such problems; it’s nice and smooth with no weird crevices for stuff to build up.  And since it’s totally waterproof, it’s particularly easy to wash without having to worry about hurting the battery case.
There’s few negatives about the Obsession.  Other than the aforementioned warning about anal play, the only other real qualm is that if you pass by a setting you like, you have to scroll through all the settings to get back to it, since it only has a single function button.  But this is a trade-off with the simple nature of the toy, and those who want a toy with very few buttons to figure out will likely be happy to do a little extra scrolling in return.
Overall, the Obsession is a high-quality, enjoyable bullet vibe.  It’s affordable, but not of cheap quality, it’s easily cleanable, it’s waterproof, and it has a nice buzz for a toy its size.  If you’re looking for a simple bullet vibe that isn’t a wimpy disposable, the Obsession makes a great choice.
 Babeland Products, Blog Entries, Reviews, Sex Ed You Can Use, Toys  1 Response »  Tagged with: , , , , , ,

Not So Sweet on the Honi

Dec 112011
 

The Honi is a cute, larger-sized bullet vibe, but it’s just not sweet enough to be worth the effort.  It could use a bit more power, unless you’re a light touch, and (in what seems to be a pattern for the Picobong brand and, to a lesser extent, its parent brand, Lelo), it leaves a lot to be desired when it comes to ease of cleaning.

  • Toy: Honi (sent by Babeland.com for review)
  • Type: Bullet vibrator
  • Manufacturer: Picobong
  • Material: Silicone and ABS plastic
  • Price: $34
  • SMT rating: 0
The Picobong Honi lacks the power and ease of cleaning necessary to capture our hearts
The Picobong Honi is a fairly standard bullet vibrator.  It’s made from silicone (for the vibrating end) and ABS plastic (for the screw-cap/battery case end) and, at 3″ long and 1″ wide, is a little larger than the standard bullet vibe.  This larger size is nice, giving bullet vibe users more of a choice in terms of size variety, and is one of the Honi’s strengths.  It also has a nice, solid retrieval cord that makes it easy to remove if it’s being used internally.  Plus, it runs on a single AAA battery rather than expensive and harder to obtain watch batteries like some of its bullet relatives.
The Honi, however, failed to impress on several levels.  First, its vibration felt a bit lackluster, and we would’ve preferred a strong motor.  Those who prefer a lighter vibration, of course, may consider this a  pro instead of a con.  Second, the section where the plastic battery-cap screws onto the body leaves a small ridge that collects lube and body fluids; this section will need special attention during cleaning but this cleaning must be done carefully to avoid getting water in the battery area.  Furthermore, the unscrewing cap portion has hollow areas that require a Q-tip to get clean.  And, as a lesser cleaning complaint, the engraved Picobong lettering can be somewhat annoying to properly scrub out, as well.  On a non-cleaning note, the +/- buttons are hidden in the engraved Picobong logo lettering, which will make them difficult to find for visually-disabled users.  Overall, the Picobong just didn’t seem to have a lot of thought put into its design, particularly for cleaning purposes, and wasn’t powerful enough to be worth using, in our opinion.
 Babeland Products, Blog Entries, Reviews, Toys  2 Responses »  Tagged with: , , , , ,

Get Some Cush-in’ for the Pushin’

Dec 112011
 

They say that the winter holidays are a time for giving and that giving is more fun than receiving, but I think that you can have fun on either end–or both–with this toy.  The Cush is a dual-density silicone dildo by Tantus with a semi-realistic shape and a gorgeous, unrealistic color.  It’s on the hefty side of moderate (see the video) and plenty firm with a wide flared base, for fun anywhere you want to put it.  In addition to the great feel of the firmer core and the somewhat softer outer layer, this is a uniquely beautiful dildo.  It makes use of having two layers of silicone by putting a frosty white color over a rich purple core.

  • Toy: Cush (sent by Babeland.com for review)
  • Type: Dildo
  • Manufacturer: Tantus
  • Material: Silicone
  • Price: $62
  • SMT rating: N/A
The Tantus Cush is a gorgeous and delicious-feeling silicone dildo
Like the previously reviewed Tantus Bandit and Mark, the Cush is a dual-density dildo; it has a firm silicone core, with a softer, squishier silicone outer layer.  As with the Bandit and Mark, this dual-density silicone gives the Cush a deliciously realistic feel.  The Cush’s density is a little firmer than some other dual-density toys, making it plenty flexible but not too much so.  It has a very nice feel to the touch and is enjoyable to squeeze with a hand or other body parts.  The Cush’s 6.5″ are pleasantly smooth with some texturing on the shaft, and its 1.75″ width gives it some nice heft.
The best part, however, of the Cush is how beautiful it is.  Unlike the Bandit and Mark, which are flesh-colored, the Cush embraces an unrealistic aesthetic, with a frosted-white outer layer and purple core.  The purple of the core peeks through differently depending on the thickness of the outer layer in the given area, and gives it a very pretty sort of “icicle with snow on top” look.
As far as I’m concerned, the Cush doesn’t really have any downsides or caveats to speak of.  As usual, it is important to note that since the Cush is a silicone toy, it shouldn’t be used with silicone lubricant.  This is particularly important for these dual-density toys, as the squishy outer layer of silicone can be particularly vulnerable to a conflict with silicone lube.

 Babeland Products, Blog Entries, Reviews, Sex Ed You Can Use, Toys  Comments Off  Tagged with: , , , , ,

Oden – A Vibrating, Remote Controlled Cock Ring By Leo. Need I Say More?

Nov 162011
 

  • Toy: Oden (sent by Babeland.com for review)
  • Type: Remote controlled vibrating cock ring with AAA battery powered vibrating remote that goes with a rechargeable cock ring vibrator
  • Manufacturer: Lelo
  • Material: silicone and hard (ABS) plastic
  • Price: $149
  • SMT rating: 0, moderate strength vibes for both
One thing I’ve learned over my years of doing toy reviews is that people friggin’ love remote controlled sex toys, but they rarely live up to the hype and expectations.  So, can a premium company Lelo pull it off?  They have a new line of high brow vibes, all featuring unique wireless remotes paired with the design sense that so many folks love about Lelo.  So, lets dive in, shall we?
Whew. Seriously.  You get the works with this package!  In your sassy black box (Lelo always has great packaging) comes your usual paperwork (directions, 10 yr warrantee, etc.) the Lelo insignia brooch, charger, satin toy bag, a vibrating battery powered remote control and a vibrating rechargeable cock ring with a unique design that resembles a giant sperm with a curly tail.  Plus, there is a special little plastic tab which acts as a key to get the back of the remote open and closed for swapping out the batteries.  That’s quite a lot of stuff to play with!
So how well does it all work?
Pros:
  • If definitely feels like you’re getting a lot for the money with the Oden.  The packaging is lovely, as always, and if you loose the key for the back of the remote you can still get it open using a US nickel or similarly sized coin.
  • If you charge it for about 2 hours, you’ll get about 2 hours of use.  This isn’t too terribly far to plan ahead, and will last long enough for the vast majority of folks.
  • The remote vibrates, too!  That means that you can easily monitor what the cock ring is doing by feeling the remote, which is pretty cool.  You can also use it’s many settings to stimulate other areas while the cock ring does its thing.
  • The ring is an open circle, making it very adjustable and easy to get on without awkwardly sliding it down or shoving your bits through.  It’s also easier to adjust where the protruding vibrator on the ring hit’s the partner’s body.
  • Have trouble finding an insertable innie vibe with a clitoral vibe that hits your body right?  The Oden is a great fit for wrapping around your favorite phallus-type vibe.  You can adjust the tilt somewhat and place it at the right depth, and if necessary you can easily use your thumb to push the Oden’s vibe against your clit while grinding away with your toy.  Heck you can even use the remote to buzz yourself elsewhere at the same time. Go to town!
Cons: 
  • Few products meet my desires for easy cleaning, and neither does this.  All of the pretty chrome Lelo toys have a troubling valley where the chrome meets the silicone coated ABS plastic, and that area requires special cleaning attention lest crustiness build up.  This is true on both the remote and ring for this toy.  Furthermore, in order to recharge the vibe on the cock ring, it is unscrewed from the ring-tail and plugged in.  The place where these two parts screw together collects quite a bit of lube and people juices, and is not easy to clean without pulling it apart and flushing out the tail part thoroughly and pulling out the Q-tips and cleaner for the vibrating section.
  • This remote is stronger than most I’ve reviewed, but it still didn’t do well when the testers’ plush bodies were pressed together.  It just couldn’t get the signal through all that flesh.  Would it work better for skinnier owners?  I’m probably not the one to ask.  When the signal is lost the controller keeps vibrating but the ring stops, which is frustrating.  It would have been better if it continued at the last known setting, but alas.
Noteworthy:
  • The remote uses buttons to switch settings, but there are two other unique ways to turn it on, if you’ll pardon the pun.  One setting allows you to tilt the vibe to control it.  The more vertical it is, the harder the buzz.  The other reacts to shaking or jiggling – flail madly and it buzzes harder.  Hm.  While these were interesting features and may be enjoyable for some folks, I found them functionally useless and didn’t even include them in the video – but I am adding it here so you know this about the product.  You still have to use the buttons to synch the product and turn it on/off, so if you trouble pushing buttons you’re still out of luck.
  • Be sure this toy with a quality water-based lube (like Maximus), as silicone lube may eventually wear down the silicone coat and oil based lube with be especially hard to clean out of the toy’s crevices.
  • Cock rings don’t work for everyone.  The vibrator on this cock ring extended nicely and was flexible at the base as well as nicely contoured, so it’s probably going to work for a wider range of people.  For some women their clit is right above their vaginal opening, so a shorter vibe is best.  For many others it’s a little higher above the vagina, so the extra reach is important.  And remember, flesh cocks don’t carry vibrations well and all cock rings work best with grinding-style style vs. thrusty sex.
So there you go!  If you’re interested in vibrating cock rings but need a vibe that doesn’t stick out as far from the ring, or you prefer an enclosed ring to help keep him harder, you might also want to check out the: Tor by Lelo, JimmyJane Iconic Ring, or the Ophoria V-Ring.  Or you might try the Koa ring, by Lelo’s economy priced brand, PicoBong.  I haven’t reviewed that one yet, but it may be worth a look as it also has a vibrator that sticks out further, and there is no remote.

 Babeland Products, Blog Entries, Reviews  Comments Off  Tagged with: , , , , ,

Review of Babeland’s Mahana Duo Vibe

Nov 042011
 

  • Toy: Mahana Duo Vibe (sent by Babeland.com for review)
  • Type: AAA battery powered vibrator, dual vibe innie/outtie combo
  • Manufacturer: Picobong
  • Material: silicone and hard (ABS) plastic
  • Price: $69
  • SMT rating: 0, low to  moderate strength vibes
While rumor has it that I’ve never met a toy I didn’t like, I’m sad to report that I am not a fan of the Mahana Duo vibe.  It’s not that it’s crappy, it’s just not worth your time or money.

The Mahana Duo is not twice the fun

The Mahana Duo vibe from Picobong is meant as a lower-cost alternative to the high-quality, classy but more high-end toys from Lelo (which shares the same toy design team).  Unfortunately, it ends up being a get-what-you-pay-for situation, and so is hard to recommend.  The Mahana Duo is a combination innie-outtie vibrator, like several other toys that have been previously reviewed here (see the bullet list at the bottom for these more highly-recommended toys of a similar style).  It has a flexible C-shape with both ends containing vibrators; one end is meant to be inserted, while the other should rest against the clitoris.  It’s about 1/2″ wide at its widest, and takes 2 AAA batteries (one for each vibrating end).
On the plus side, since it’s from the same design team as Lelo toys, the Mahana Duo has a reputable brand to back it up, and is made from body-safe silicone and ABS plastic, as we’ve come to expect from its higher-end siblings.  It comes in two cute colors (pink and blue) and has a smooth, simple, non-intimidating visual design.  If the C-shape stays in place correctly, then its innie-outtie design can be useful (but see below on our testers’ feelings on how well it stayed in place).
Unfortunately, the Mahana Duo raised many qualms and negative points in testing.  First of all, it’s difficult to clean well; the engraved Picobong logo and the edges where the vibrator-ends screw onto the plastic are both grooved in a hard-to-get-at way.  Cleaning the Duo thoroughly would require Q-tips and a lot of patience.  It didn’t come packaged with any directions, instead opting to include a little six-sided die with various toy emblems on it.  This is exacerbated by the fact that the controls are somewhat non-intuitive; the buttons aren’t readily visible, and are hidden beneath plus and minus signs that blend into the logo.  It just feels cheaply made, with little aesthetic appeal and the sharp contrast between silicone ends and plastic middle.  The vibrations are fairly low-level and lackluster.  Additionally, C-shaped innie-outtie toys are meant to be able to stay in place without help (and maybe even be able to stay in place during intercourse or other play).  None of our testers, however, reported that the Duo could stay in place without constant assistance.  Finally, if you’ll watch the video review, you can see that the toy began making loud, ugly buzzing noises during the course of the review after only a couple of uses.  It’s normal for vibrators to become slowly louder over the course of many uses, but to have a toy start making such obtrusive noises so early in its life is a bad sign.  Overall, it’s hard to justify spending the money on the Duo–it has no special qualities to recommend it and several flaws that speak against it.  Here are some better alternatives that fulfill the same functionality and general design of the Mahana Duo, but are worth your time and money:
 Babeland Products, Reviews, Sex Ed You Can Use, Toys  2 Responses »  Tagged with: , , , , , , , , , , , , ,
 Older Entries

Dr. Ruthie’s New Book

Stay In Touch

|| © 2011 Exploring Intimacy ||
|| Disclosure Statement ||
|| Privacy Policy ||

TwitterFacebook
FeedYouTube

Dr. Ruthie’s Mailing List

Fill out info, then click "Subscribe" button once. You will receive a confirmation email almost immediately.
* indicates required