Penetration Station

The Penetration Station was a lot of fun to play with…

The straps are comfortable on the legs and wrists and easily adjustable. As a woman (or a bottom), if you need a little help holding your legs up or open, this gadget is gonna be your new best friend. As man (or a top), if your partner tries to close you out when you get a little vigorous, you’ll be just as pleased that they're unable while strapped in.

The Penetration Station is not exactly intended to be bondage equipment, but it helps hold things where both partners want them. Plus, it gives the visual effect of being tied down. It could lead to more bondage type play for those who are so inclined. The extra strapping on the cuffs could easily be used to tie thighs and wrists in a particular position. Just saying… It was way more fun that way!

All and all, not a bad toy for the investment… and it would be especially useful for those with physical limitations and in need of a little help holding those legs up/out/down for extended periods of time.

The only down side was the somewhat difficult installation which includes a strap that goes around (meaning you have to fish it under) the mattress. Once it's on, however, you can tuck it all discreetly under the bed and use it again and again with out having to reinstall it.

Enjoy!

~ Mari

From the Babeland site:

Description

Working your way through the sexual positions in the Kama Sutra just got a whole lot easier—and way more fun—thanks to the Penetration Station. Easy-to-use nylon and neoprene straps work as hand grips, foot stirrups, or thigh straps, taking the performance pressure off of you and making sex from every angle creative, comfortable and super-satisfying. As a result you’ll be able to amplify your thrust, depth, stability, and endurance (not to mention pleasure) in a jillion or so different sexual positions. Fits all bed sizes, easy to assemble, and includes a how-to DVD.

* This toy graciously provided for review by Babeland.

Jollie

Let me catch my breath... Okay, YUM! And I repeat, YUM! As reported by Fleshbot's Marital Aid Test Kitchen, the Jollie is a big dildo. It takes a bit of patience (and lube) to get it where it needs--no, wants--to be, but once it's there, you'll have no regrets. Trust me on this one.

The photos and the numbers don't really give an adequate understanding of this toy's delicious girth. The manufacturer's website says it's 5.75" in circumference. To put that in perspective, my wrist is 6" around. Got it now? Yup, when likening this product to a sexual experience, fisting is the first thing that *cough* comes to mind.

And, as with fisting, pleasure is not about the piston-style thrust, but the stretching and the fullness and the g-spot pressure. Even little movements provide intense stimulation. That finger ring is a terrific design element, too -- especially when grasping a smooth, slippery toy. The back flange functions as a lever, bringing the "hump" into firmer contact with g-spot. Cha-ching! Grab a towel before you get started. You'll need it.

The only thing I don't like about this product is its packaging, a plastic clamshell case with a bed of polka-dotted tissue paper inside, which makes it impossible to tell if it's been opened. There's a squick factor involved with a toy that could've already been used, y'know? However, an extra diligent pre-cleaning allayed those fears--and they were certainly not in my mind while I was enjoying its girthy, purple bliss.

Until next time...

peace & passion,

~ Alessia Brio

# # #

Product Dimensions
Material: Silicone - Length: 7.5"
Insertable Length: 4" - Circumference: 5.75"
Diameter: 1.75"



* This toy graciously provided for review by Babeland.

Havana Vibrating Plug

It's been my pleasure to spend this past week reviewing the Havana Vibrating Plug.

This gadget is a sweet pink color and made of gentle silicone. The texture is very smooth and there is no offensive plastic odor, even brand new out of the box.

It's a tidy little plug, just 3" x 1-1/4", perfect for the beginner. Even a complete novice to anal play would have little or no difficulty with insertion.

And, unlike most plugs, this toy comes with a bright purple wireless bullet vibrator. Batteries included, the vibe has two speeds: a warm buzz and a much stronger and enjoyable zing. The vibrator slips in and out of the base of the plug fairly easily and the entire unit is waterproof.

This toy is perfect for solo play. Wearing this while utilizing other pleasure enhancing equipment was indeed a true delight. It also added positively to my bathing experiences.

A word of caution: The vibrator protrudes from the end of the toy so make certain to place a washcloth beneath you. If the buzzing bullet vibe loudly connects with the bottom of the tub you may unintentionally alert the entire household as to your adventures.

Though terrific for solo toying this plug was not very practical for partner games, including double penetration. I'd really hoped that the slender size would be an asset to this sort of play but was disappointed.

Because of the narrow shape it tends to not remain in place during extended sexual activity. Even with minimal lube the stem isn't designed to stay solidly embedded.

With my partner vaginally inserted and us in motion, the anal plug quickly slid out and disappeared amid the sheets. We lost track of it until much later.

And, as previously mentioned, the bullet vibrator does stick out of the base of the plug. During a bit of spanking play my partner accidentally hit the on/off switch and managed to stop the vibration completely.

This led to giggling, then some minor adjustments and then more spanking. Which led to the vibe accidentally being turned off yet again followed by more giggling and more adjustments. And then more spanking, of course.

Though not the expected or certainly the desired outcome, it was still enjoyable.

On the plus side, the vibrator held up to the wooden paddle quite well. Ahem.

Overall, with the narrow size and gentle buzz, I think this is a perfect vibrating plug for anal beginners. It's also a nice toy for tub play and for other solo activities. It just isn't as practical to use with a partner or for lengthy sexual play. But there are certainly enough reasons to keep this toy in my nightstand.

~ Sarah Rose

From the Babeland site:

A sweet silicone Havana butt plug with a vibrating heart will have you smiling from cheek to cheek. Slip the waterproof, wireless vibrating bullet into the soft silicone plug to relax muscles and provide extra stimulation, or slide it out to set your other pleasure points abuzz. Pink silicone.

• Size: 3” x 1-1/4”
• Material: Silicone
• Batteries: 3 watch batteries (included)

* This toy graciously provided for review by Babeland.

Nexus Glide

Right Up There with Chocolate and Red Wine

It's always refreshing to discover that something one enjoys greatly is actually good for you. I believe red wine was determined to be the first pleasure that one should actively pursue in a campaign for good health, and dark chocolate came right after. Now we can add the Nexus Glide Male Prostate Stimulator to the list. A quick Google search reveals that the benefits of regular prostate massage (PM) are well-established within the medical community. Any man lucky enough to have had one will tell you they feel really, really good. Unfortunately, PM is difficult to do to oneself and getting a willing partner to perform it isn't always easy.

Over the last decade, several devices have come onto the market designed to allow a man to massage his prostate "no hands" and enhance the quality of his orgasms, as well. They have not proven uniformly successful. While there are enough different shapes that each man can find one that provides an individual fit, there are several drawbacks to the majority of the massagers out there. Comfort isn't always achievable, and often there is a long learning curve for many of us before the healthy pleasures promised are delivered.

Enter the Nexus Glide. This new massager, by the makers of the first intelligently-designed double dildo, is a marked improvement over the competition. The difference in shape of the massaging body may or may not be what so improves its performance, but there is as well a rolling ball-bearing that stimulates the perineum. This adds greatly to the experience and is a feature unique to the Nexus brand.

The Glide's instructions are clear, its operation simple and the results... Let us just say that it was the most intense solo orgasm that I can remember, and I've been around a long time. What it might be like with a partner boggles the imagination but is definitely something that is going to be researched very soon.

So there you have it. For those of us entering (or already well within) our middle years, PM is something that we know we should be doing. One man in six will develop prostate cancer in his lifetime, and those are such scary odds that anything we can do to prevent the condition should be encouraged. Add improved orgasms on top of the health considerations, and I must really wonder why we don't all have and use the Nexus Glide regularly. Mine is now in my drawer with the socks. Where are you going to keep yours?

~ Mario Vacchi

# # #

From the Babeland site:

The Nexus Glide is the latest innovation in prostate pleasure. The medical-grade plastic fits comfortably in the butt to cup the prostate, while the rolling, stainless steel ball bearing in the handle glides smoothly back and forth over the perineum. Plus, gentle ribbing at the base stimulates the anus. The icing on the cake? The Glide is a snap to clean; the sturdy plastic can be washed with soap and water, while the steel ball pops out for rinsing or boiling. Assorted colors.

• Size: 6" (4-1/2" insertable) x 1-1/8"
• Material: Medical-grade hard plastic

* This toy graciously provided for review by Babeland.

Papillon

A Toys for Tarts guest review:

I had high hopes for this toy as I am always looking for something new for clit stimulation to spice things up a bit. Unfortunately, I ended up disappointed. The toy did not deliver to my expectations, and I gave it three runs to be sure.

Papillon feels smooth, and the little butterfly on the top is a nice feminine touch. The batteries slipped in easily, though the cap didn't cooperate without difficulty. There was no click to let you know if it shut properly. (I did not test it in water for this reason).

Papillon has a small button on the top which allows you to switch speeds with a quick tap of the finger. Low speed emits a nice vibration, and high speed revs it up a notch. It fits nicely in your hand and is lightweight. The sound is a bit louder than a bullet but not so loud that you have to worry about someone in another room hearing what you are up to.

My first use of the Papillon was pleasurable but not an earth-shattering experience. Low speed gave a pleasant buzz but failed to deliver more than slight arousal. High speed managed to kick things into gear, but it took longer to achieve climax than with my trusty bullet. Also, if you wish to reach maximum clitoral stimulation, it's likely your hand is going to get cramped and tired long before you ever get to the point of no return.

My second and third attempts with Papillon were frustrating and disappointing. Neither effort brought about climax after a sufficient amount of time, even when the toy was used on high speed.

If you are looking for a masturbatory toy to help you achieve a good orgasm, the Papillon is not for you. However, if you are simply searching for an aid in foreplay to help stimulate and arouse, then this toy would probably fulfill the need. Part of the proceeds of the sale of the Papillon do go to a worthy cause, the Living Beyond Breast Cancer organization, so if you wish to add a new toy for foreplay to your chest, do give this a try.

~ Savannah Reardon

* This product graciously provided for review by Babeland.

Toy Care & Cleaning Tips

Information in this post is courtesy of Babeland. Receive 10% off your first online order from Babeland when you enter the coupon code babecat during checkout.

Non-porous Materials

• Glass should be washed with soap and water. Do not expose glass to extreme temperatures.
  
• Pyrex, a heat-resistant glass, can be boiled, put in a dishwasher, or washed with soapy water.
• Silicone is our material of choice because it will clean easily and thoroughly. To clean, wash the toy with soap and water or place it in the top rack of your dishwasher. Immersing silicone in boiling water for 10 minutes will disinfect it. Silicone may be shared safely after disinfection. Never use silicone lube with silicone toys; this will break down the surface of your toys.
• Stainless steel can be boiled, soaked in a bleach and water solution, or run through your dishwasher.

Porous Materials

• Acrylic toys should be cleaned with soap and warm water.
• Cyberskin (also known as Ultraskin and Softskin) is a delicate material; wash it gently with soap and warm water. Air-dry, then powder lightly with cornstarch (do not use talcum powder; it has been linked to cancer). Store the toys in a plastic bag containing a small amount of cornstarch to keep them from getting sticky. Cyberskin may contain some of the same chemicals found in jelly-rubber. We recommend using a condom on Cyberskin toys.
• Elastomer is a soft, phthalate-free plastic. People who wish to avoid contact with rubber softeners can choose Elastomer toys as a hypoallergenic, durable alternative. To clean, wash with soap and water. We recommend using condoms if sharing the toy and for easier clean-up.
• Hard plastic toys should be wiped down with a soapy cloth and warm water.
• Jelly rubber is a soft rubber that cannot be completely disinfected. To clean, wipe the toy with a soapy cloth and warm water. Store it in a cool, dry place away from other objects. Jelly-rubber contains latex and phthalates (pronounced “thall-eights”). Phthalates are chemicals used as softeners or solvents. We do not have conclusive information on the health effects they may have. Because of their porous nature and chemical components, we believe the only way to safely use jelly rubber toys is with a condom, every time.
• Leather will wipe clean with a damp, soapy cloth or with leather cleaner. Do not soak leather. Wiping with a 70% isopropyl alcohol solution (rubbing alcohol) will disinfect leather toys. After cleaning, you may recondition your toy by using a leather conditioner. Protect metal parts from tarnish by applying a coat of clear nail polish. Always let leather air dry and store in a cool, dry place.
• Neoprene is a synthetic, rubber-based polychloroprene. Wash it with warm water and mild soap, then air-dry.
• Nylon can be hand or machine washed.
• Soft vinyl toys have a smooth, flexible surface that is easy to clean with soap and water. These toys typically contain much lower levels of chemicals than those made of jelly-rubber.
• Vinyl will wipe clean with a damp, soapy cloth or rubbing alcohol.
  
• Nitrile safe sex supplies are compatible with oil-, water-, and silicone-based lubricants. They protect against STDs and pregnancy. Masturbating with gloves, condoms, or dams can be a great way to further eroticize them. Buy differently-sized gloves in different colors to make it clear in the heat of the moment which are medium and which are large. To avoid cross-contaminating, use different color gloves for the butt and the vagina or use a marker to put an “X” on the gloved hand you will be using for the butt. Use dental dams or non-microwavable plastic wrap for cunnilingus and analingus. Put an “X” on the outside so when things get good and slippery you can tell the sides apart.

For more about sex toy materials, click HERE.

General Tips for Longer Toy Life

We strongly recommend using a condom with toys that are made of porous material. This will help prevent transference of body fluids that can carry bacterial and/or viral infections.

• Remove batteries when storing vibrators.
  
• Never submerge electrical components in water. Use a damp, soapy cloth to clean electric toys.
  
• Protect your water-resistant and waterproof vibes by making sure the rubber O-ring stays tight around the battery compartment. If the O-ring is missing or broken, the vibe is no longer safe to use in water.
  
• For vibrators with cords, wrap a small piece of electrical tape around the vibrator/wire and wire/ plug connection points to strengthen them.
  
• Rough edges on hard plastic toys can be filed down with a nail file.
  
• If you are using a bullet vibe internally, put it in a condom and use the condom, not the power cord, to pull it out.

Share Double Dildo

I really wanted to like this toy. Seriously. In fact, I began to question whether my desire to find it all flavors of magnificent would interfere with my objectivity. I needn't have worried. *sigh* I do not like this product. I have read some glowing reviews elsewhere, though -- so don't base a purchasing decision for such a high-priced toy on just one person's opinion. Women come in an infinitely delicious variety of shapes and sizes, so one product is never going to fit every woman perfectly.

It looked, from the photographs, like the designers had incorporated the best features of the Feeldoe and the Nexus and left the worst on the cutting room floor. Pretty packaging, too.

Size-wise, the shaft of the Share is comparable in length to the Nexus and slightly less girthy than the Feeldoe Stout.

Weight-wise, it is also comparable. In other words, it's heavy. It's made of solid silicone, as are the Feeldoe and the Nexus. Kegels of steel are required to use any of these products in the traditional on-top thrusting position without a harness. Not saying it can't be done, mind you, just that it--like all physical achievements--takes some training. Don't expect to slip any of them in and have them stay put during no-holds-barred fucking unless you work your Kegels religiously.

Texture-wise, I do like this product better than the other two. It's softer, more flesh-like, and not as smooth. (Plus, it's a more natural color.) As a result, however, it requires more lube than either of its cousins. (Two packets are included in the box.) That's not necessarily a bad thing, but the more lube floating around down there, the more likelihood that pony end is gonna slip right out of its vaginal stable.

Speaking of the pony end -- it's big. Too big for my comfort, actually. In order to "sit" in the saddle, I had to push and squirm and maneuver to the point that I totally lost my enthusiasm for the task at hand. YMMV, of course. I have been surgically altered (complete hysterectomy -- including my cervix), which may very well be the reason I couldn't get comfortable with the Share. I will note, however, that this hasn't been an issue with either the Nexus or Feeldoe. The pony ends of both cousins fit quite comfortably.

But the aspect of the Share that I dislike the most is the floppiness of the saddle. The Feeldoe is somewhat floppy. It dangles at the same angle when held by the pony end. However, the Share has more bounce. Give 'em each a jiggle, and the Share takes twice as long to return to a resting position. That's WAY too much play, in my opinion. Of the three, the Nexus is the most stable in this regard, but I think even it could use a bit of stiffening. The glowing reviewer mentioned above considered this "flexibility" a plus. I don't.

So, alas, what could have been the be-all-and-end-all ended up being a disappointment. Hopefully, the engineers will keep trying. We walked on the moon, after all. Surely we can design the perfect strapless double dildo.

Until next time...

peace & passion,

~ Alessia

Nipplettes Vibrating Clamps

I so look forward to going to the post office when I know I'll open my box and find that yellow you've-got-a-package slip inside! The past week was no exception, as a shipment from Babeland awaited pickup. Of the four products sent for Toys for Tarts to review, I was most eager to try the Nipplettes Vibrating Clamps.

I had high hopes that these cute, pink pinchers would not be as heavy as similar products, for the weight combined with the vibration often requires the clamp to be tightened beyond that point of deliciously painful pressure in order to stay where you want 'em -- even when horizontal. Sweat, other *cough* bodily fluids, lotions, lubes, or oils just compound that slippery problem.

These babies are essentially bullet vibes with a spring clip attached. They're made of a rigid, lightweight rubber (which aids their stay-put-edness). Each takes 3 button batteries. The product comes with a set installed and an extra set, so you're ready to rock-n-roll right out of the box. The tension can be adjusted via a small, plastic thumb screw. For me, the tightest setting was not the least bit uncomfortable -- and any loosening of the screw resulted in slippage when powered on, even without any of the slip-inducing factors mentioned above.

For bullets, these have a decent vibration that is not smothered by the casing. The higher-frequency buzz is not as stimulating to me as the deep, thrumming resonance of more powerful toys, but they make a nice addition that frees the hands to attend to other erogenous zones. Hassle-free, simple on/off toys that can be grabbed on impulse. Yeah, these will stay in my nightstand within easy reach.

And, speaking of other erogenous zones... while the packaging might SAY they're nipple clamps, I've never been one to follow instructions. I am pierced on one of the two appendages for which this product is intended, and that side really doesn't need any additional stimulation -- if you get my drift. So, I had the bright idea to put it to good use below the waist. What an intensely delightful discovery! I think these puppies should be sold in THREEs. Seriously.

Two of the remaining four products in the shipment have been farmed out to intrepid Toys for Tarts volunteer reviewers. Their reviews will be posted in the coming weeks, after they've had time to thoroughly *ahem* field test them. As for me, I'll be reviewing this one next. Is my halo on straight?

Until next time...

peace & passion,

~ Alessia

* This toy graciously provided for review by Babeland.

Je Joue

Reviews wanted! Has anyone tried this toy?

Sticky

Coming (pun intended) soon:

Hustler Real Man Dream Dick

A Toys for Tarts guest review:

There’s a new line of dongs on the market. They’re made from a material called CyberSkin.™ Per the promo from one of the manufacturers:

“CyberSkin is different from all other materials on the market today. With the creation of CyberSkin it is now possible to make adult sex toys with Virtual Touch, that is, with an extremely realistic feel like that of the human body. This means that if you close your eyes & touch the material, you can't tell the difference between a CyberSkin Dildo and the human penis for instance. CyberSkin has memory, and is very flexible so it can recover to its original shape.”

Now, one quibble: you can’t claim anything that comes in bubblegum pink, lavender, and electric blue is just like a real cock. Nope, just can’t.

I have the Hustler Real Man Dream Dick. (Who thinks up these names???) When I close my eyes and touch it… I know it’s not a real dick. The difference comes across in tactile sensation. It just isn’t skin. However, among the six or seven other dildos in my collection, it does feel the most realistic. The surface warms to the touch. It gives like skin when you slide your hand along the surface. The flexibility is great. The Hustler model, if worn in a harness, hangs correctly and moves like a real erect cock.

Given a decent harness, just about any position a guy with dick could manage is achievable. Anal penetration? Well, most dongs they’re just too clunky, not flexible enough. The penetrating party gets a lot of resistance from the product itself. That doesn’t happen with, in this case, the Hustler model. In fact, a side by side, early morning rear entry was incredibly pleasurable for all concerned. No loss of control was experienced. It stayed in place and because of the flexibility, a fairly awkward position became possible.

Dream Dick has a pretty solid core and that extends into the scrotum section. I would like someone, someday, to come up with a dildo where the balls have as much give as a real set… and that could be possible with the CyberSkin.™ They didn’t go that far. Still, the Hustler Dream Dick was well worth the $48.95 price tag.

James Buchanan
www.James-Buchanan.com
www.eroticjames.livejournal.com

How to Buy a Green Sex Toy

It's Blog Action Day. Toys for Tarts is doing its part ...

Snugglepuss

From the Eden Fantasys website:

At first glance, it may look like some kind of a sea creature, but it is actually the Snugglepuss from Vibratex. The Snugglepuss is the newest, hands free vibrator for simultaneous G-Spot and clitoral stimulation. The toy is flexible, so you simply pull the two sides apart and you can insert the G-Spot end while the clitoral end rests against you on the outside. This toy is made out of elastomer, so it's very soft and comfortable. Each end is also covered in soft textural nubs to amp up the stimulation and increase your satisfaction. The clitoral end also has two fins on either side that provide added sensations for labia stimulation. To activate your Snugglepuss, simply roll back the sleeve on the clitoral stimulator, open the battery compartment and remove the protection sticker. After you've done that, your toy is instantly turned on when the two sides are pulled apart from one another. So there are no buttons to fumble with. Comes with 3 watch sized batteries.

Hmm. If you're after g-spot stimulation beyond just pressure, get another toy. The vibrations in the exterior arm of this one are simply not strong enough to be felt inside. They're really not all that strong outside either, but this puppy didn't interest me a solo toy. I thought it'd be a great hands-free adjunct for anal. The fit is fine. It stays put, freeing the hands for other places in need of attention. I just don't think it'd be good for much else, unless you wanted to wear it around all day as a teaser. I seriously doubt it's able to "do the job" by itself, but it might be kinda neat as part of an extended foreplay-ish game.

Also available at Babeland.

Clitoral Kiss Creme

One of the most delightful things about this blog is the opportunity to field test complementary products, so when the USPS delivered a small tube of Clitoral Kiss Creme this afternoon, I felt obligated to drop everything else and test it immediately. (I'm just so responsible, aren't I?) The website makes the following claims:

New Femme Arousal Creme in a Fabulous Berries and Cream Scent!
Clitoral Kiss Creme increases clitoral sensitivity to bring a whole new level of enjoyment and excitement. The label and bottle allow for extreme discretion...let everyone think its your latest hand creme! Apply as needed and let the intense warmth take you away immediately. Safe for oral sex and condom use. All natural, contains no hormones. Made with Arginine HLC, Amazon and American Ginseng. Arginine dilates and engorges the blood vessels in the clitoris, facilitating genital responsiveness. 2.0 Fl Oz. Bottle.

Well, the scent is fine, but you do NOT want to be using this product for oral sex. Ptui! It might be "safe" for oral sex, but that doesn't mean it tastes good. I wouldn't exactly classify the warmth as "intense" or "immediate," either. That being said, it did grow in both warmth and intensity as my ... um ... research proceeded, and it definitely contributed to the speed with which that research was spectacularly concluded.

I don't think it would stimulate arousal from a non-aroused state moreso than any other lubricant, natural or otherwise, but I can't test that theory because ... well ... ya gotta be at a full stop before you can gauge acceleration from a full stop, y'know what I mean?

So, in a nutshell, the product does produce a pleasurable effect, but it does leave a lot to be desired. Personally, I don't want to be putting any bad-tasting cream "down there" if there's even the remotest possibility that a tongue might find its way there later in the evening. Solo play? Sure. Partner play? Only if a shower is next on the agenda.

* This product graciously provided for review by Xandria

Toys in Texas / RIP Molly Ivins

Waterproof Double Penetrator

A Toys for Tarts guest review:

Wow. And likewise yum. This lovely toy is my new favorite. The batteries pop right in, and then the cap locks down, which has the advantage of keeping water out of the battery compartment and also prevents a sudden loss of power if the user twists the cap a little too hard. The jelly covering is softish, but the vibe itself is rigid enough to be inserted without the gyrations needed with the Scorpion.

The circumference on this toy is perfect—the vaginal arm is big enough to make this user feel full and a bit stretched, but not so big as to be painful. The anal probe is perfectly sized as well.The veins are raised enough to be palpable and add a wonderful sensation when thrusting. The speeds range from a gentle caress to “oh god ohgod ohgod DAMN” with a slight twist of the cap. The motor’s placement towards the top of the vaginal shaft makes deep thrusting an exquisite pleasure.

So far, the Double Penetrator has proven to be as waterproof as it claims to be. After five or six uses in the shower or the tub, it shows no sign of water in the battery compartment. All in all, this is a wonderful toy for solo or couple play.

Overall, this toy is a definite YES, and even better, it’s on sale right now.

* This toy graciously provided for review by Xandria

Ring of Xtasy

Cock rings always look so much bigger in pictures, and this one is no exception. With your garden-variety bullet-toting cock ring, quality is gauged in two ways: (a) vibration, and (b) fit. Unfortunately, this particular product gets a B- on both prongs of the quality test. It's a decent enough toy, but the bullet vibe isn't very powerful & it burned through a set of batteries in one session. (Okay, granted I was riding it for a while, but even so ...)

From my perspective, the only enhancement provided by the toy was the hardness of the bullet sandwiched between my partner and me. It was nice to grind against. My partner reported no enhancement (beyond the enjoyment of watching me do said grinding *wink*).

The blurb says:

Made of super stretch silicone this heart-shaped ring is soft with a snug and comfortable fit. The mega powered bullet sends the bunny ears into strong rapid motion for steady clitoral stimulation. Easy on/off push button for the bullet. Embedded hearts on the ring aid in providing friction and labial stimulation. Requires 2 button cell batteries - 2 sets are included.

Soft, yes. Comfortable, yes. Snug, no. "Mega powered," no. Easy on/off, yes. The "embedded hearts" (i.e., little bumps) didn't add to the friction that I could discern.

This is, unfortunately, a product that will most likely spend the rest of its life in the bottom of my toy bag.

* This toy graciously provided for review by Xandria

Scorpion

A Toys for Tarts guest review:

At first glance, the most noticeable facet of the Scorpion vibe is the contrast between the sparkly purple body and the bright blue heads on the double prongs. At a closer look, it’s possible to tell on sight and even better, by touch, that the bright blue heads are fairly realistic in shape. Straight out of the box, this jelly toy does have the familiar, slightly plastic-y scent and tacky texture, but both disappear after a wash or two.

It would have been easier to install the batteries with a diagram, as the battery compartment isn’t very clearly marked for where to put the two AAs required. However, once the batteries are inserted, the cap of the battery compartment locks into place, making it less likely that the user will twist the cap too far and empty the batteries out on the bed while in search of a faster speed.

One difficulty with the Scorpion is the lack of rigidity, a problem typical for jelly toys. The very flexibility of the toy makes self-insertion a tricky process, requiring some limberness and dexterity. It is not a great toy for spur of the moment orgasms, but rather one for slow, lingering use or adventurous couple's play.

Once in, though, the toy provides a nice combination of multiple stimulations. The rounded balls along the vaginal prong massage inside, while the head is positioned very nicely for G-spot stimulation. The smaller, slimmer anal wand is curved in, and its rounded head provides a nice feeling of fullness. The multi-speed vibrations range from a teasing tickle to a serious throbbing, and while the motor seems loud at first, it’s muffled fairly well when the toy is fully inserted. There’s a nice four-inch shaft left outside, which can be used as a handle for thrusting, swiveling or bouncing, any of which can greatly enhance the experience.

Having gotten all too used to weekend quickie orgasms in bed or the shower, slowing down and spending some time with the Scorpion was a very nice change for me. I’d recommend trying it.

* This toy graciously provided for review by Xandria

Silicone Slims

There are some good points about this small toy. The vibrations are pretty strong, particularly for a toy depending on two AA batteries. The cord is long enough to keep the handle in a comfortable position, and the protrusions make it safe to use either vaginally or anally. It’s also quite easy to clean, despite the ridges, and it does not have the plastic-y or fake fruity scent you get with a lot of jelly toys.

Unfortunately, cute and pink as this little vibe is, it fails at its stated purpose of providing simultaneous vaginal and clitoral stimulation. The “external stimulator” is not rigid enough to vibrate when the toy has been inserted. It does provide vaginal or anal stimulation, but the extension just doesn’t vibrate against the clitoris the way it’s supposed to.

Thanks to the silicone, this is the Elmer Fudd of vibrators. Once inserted, it is vewy, vewy qwiet. I field-tested it at the office, and found that the cord is long enough to lead from pussy to pocket, or from ass to pocket, and nobody in the office could hear a thing, even with the vibrations set to the strongest level.

Overall, while this toy doesn’t quite live up to its billing, it does come in handy when you need a quiet thrill. ;-)

Black Fireman's Penis Pump

The term "penis pump" to me is always either an enlarger or a milker, like a breast pump idea. Now granted, every guy wants a little more. I'm quite fond of my cock, and from what I have been told, it's a rather nice one: not too big to cause lock jaw; not so small as to be deficient for duty. So looking for an enlarger is just not on my horizon, but if another inch or so could be had, I'm not complaining. Unfortuantely, this pump just doesn't make that much of a difference. I work the pump, create the vacuum feel my john thomas swell and engorge, but an hour later I'm back to my pre-pump size. Unless there is a several month long cumulative effect, it's just not much good other than for a short term boost and acheyness.

As a milker... well, that's fun now and then -- when I've had a drought and need to get all I have been storing up out in one fell swoop. The pump does make a decent suction -- not great, but decent. With some work you can get a nice ball cleaning squirt, not an earth shaking orgasm as the tactile sensations are missing, but it does pull more than the usual stroke and squeeze jack-off technique.

On the whole, not a great toy, but if you get one as a gift, don't toss it aside either.

* This toy graciously provided for review by Xandria