InfraRed Massager (CalEx)

Not exactly sure how to tell whether this Hitachi wannabe from California Exotic Novelties is truly infrared, or if it's just lit with LEDs behind a red plastic cover like my car's brake lights. But, really, until there's a solid reason to care, it doesn't matter. This is a nice product that does indeed give Hitachi's Magic Wand a run for its money.

The "InfraRed Electric Massager" has two speeds (high/low) which correspond to the inverse low/high heat. High heat is not all that hot, incidentally. Just noticeably warmer than low. One side of the bulbous head lights & heats, while the other hosts one of the 5 massage attachments. I tried each for actual massage of stiff/sore muscles, where they performed admirably, and I tried a couple of them for pleasure purposes. However, I much preferred the heated side over the attachments for stimulation of my sensitive pink parts.

The power cord is identical in length (6') to the Hitachi, which is the next best thing to cordless/rechargeable, and it's sized comparably. The vibration strength isn't quite as powerful as its famous cousin, but it gets the job done -- and it's a wee bit quieter.

So, all in all, I'd give this puppy two thumbs up. If it were significantly cheaper than a Hitachi, I'd be really impressed.

Until next time...

peace & passion,

~ Alessia

Jesse's Vibro Toy

I opened the package and thought, "It's a glorified bullet vibe." And technically, it is just that. It has that high-pitched beehive type vibration which is standard for bullet vibes. Y'know, the type that takes next to FOREVER to get you off? Unlike other bullets, however, this one has a tongue. It's a niiiiiiiice tongue, too!

Until I experienced this toy, I had relegated bullet vibes to the "supplementary" category. In other words, an enjoyable (non-threatening) add-on for partner play, but not "front line" orgasmic material (like a Hitachi Magic Wand or a jackrabbit-style vibe).

Jesse's Vibro Toy is made by California Exotic Novelties. It's a small (3") rigid plastic waterproof "micro massager" with a removable jelly sleeve. Takes 3 button sized batteries. Six are included. (A nice touch!) I preferred using it with the sleeve on ('cause, again, that tongue is quite nice).

Toys for Tarts found a WIDE range of prices for this product online -- anywhere from $19.00 all the way up to $44.95 -- so shop around. (Clicking on the picture will take you to the store with the lowest price that we found.) I'd pay up to $25 for this toy, but not a penny more -- especially since rechargeable button batteries aren't available.

* This toy graciously provided for review by Xandria

Pearl Butterfly

This attractive multi-function vibrator by California Exotic Novelties offers a butterfly clitoral stimulator rather than the standard bunny rabbit ears. The wings of the butterfly (a full 2.5" tip-to-tip) cup the labia while its body vibrates in between. Some women may like this, but this reviewer thought it muted the intensity of the vibrations by squeezing the labia together.

The area spanned by the rotating pearls in the shaft is considerably larger than other such products, providing broader coverage for internal stimulation -- but it also makes a considerably louder grinding noise. The shaft is 7" long and 5" in circumference -- quite filling, indeed.

Takes 3 AA batteries in the base. (The battery compartment door was rather loose, occasionally slipping open during use.) It has separate sliding controls (also in the base) for the vibration of the butterfly and the rotation of the pearls. As with other products of this style, it is easy to bump the controls during use -- changing the speed without intending to do so, which can be rather distracting.

California Exotic Novelties' products tend to work fairly well -- but not be very durable. Unfortunately, 4 of every 5 toys on the market seem to be from this manufacturer. As this is an older product, we can hope that its newer products are of greater quality.

Prices online are all over the map! From $127.50 all the way down to the low-thirty dollar range. Do NOT pay more than $40 for this product, and (for a few dollars more) you can do a LOT better with other jackrabbit style products. (Check out the Vibratex Rabbit Habit, for starters. It's not quite as girthy, but the quality completely blows the Pearl Butterfly out of the water.)

Waterproof Turbo Glider Raspberry Crush

The Turbo Glider Raspberry Crush is 6.25" long and made of nonporous, rigid plastic. It has a bulbous head and nubs on the 1.25" diameter shaft. Takes two AA batteries.

If it takes you more than a few minutes to get off, perhaps this toy isn't for you. As with most products by California Exotic Novelties, it is prone to overheating, which imparts an unpleasant odor that never entirely fades. Its vibration isn't quite as strong as other AA-powered vibes, but the hard plastic carries it well. Use a condom and try this one anally -- just an inch or two.

While it says it's waterproof, water resistant would probably be more accurate. Shower use should be fine, but immersion in the bathtub might not. Remove batteries when not in use, or at least remove the cap to allow air to circulate.

You can find this basic toy for under $10 at many online vendors (including Amazon). It's well worth $10 ... but not more.

Water Gems Multi-Function Bunny

The Water Gems Bunny vibrator by California Exotic Novelties is advertised as 100% waterproof and designed to provide both vibration (of the bunny) and rotation (of the shaft). It features a soft jelly shaft of delightful girth filled with (purportedly) non-jamming, rotating pearl beads. The shaft has ridges and a softly beaded head, and the clitoral stimulator has a flickering bunny ears for intense stimulation. The easy-touch, push-button pulse pad controls provide a high/low function, auto-reverse rotating action, and on/off vibration. The removable battery pack requires 4 AA batteries.

Until the "non-jamming" pearls jammed, this reviewer adored her Water Gems Bunny. Even after the shaft no longer rotated, it remained a favorite toy. Then, alas, moisture got inside the "100% waterproof" battery pack and killed it as well as the four rechargable batteries it contained.

This seems to be par for the course for products by California Exotic Novelties. Their motors also tend to overheat after only a few minutes' use (and smell like popcorn burnt in a microwave). More's the pity 'cause they have some of the nicest sized/shaped toys.