G-Twist Vibe

The first full day of football season provided an ideal time for toy testing, since I'm not a fan -- and my partner is. I just wish I had a better report on this product.  Alas, the one received for review was inoperable. I tried several different sets of batteries in every permutation to no avail. Therefore, this review will simply deal with the product as a dildo as opposed to a vibrator. I will assume that the strength of the vibration is similar (if not identical) to another Fun Factory product, The Boss, which I reviewed here some time ago.

The G-Twist is like The Boss in terms of its battery compartment and controls. I seriously dislike this aspect of its design. Not only is it confusing (and completely lacking "How To" instructions), it is physically difficult to open. If you have any impairment in finger/grip strength, forget about it!

It's longer and girthier than it appears in the pictures, but not uncomfortably so with appropriate lubrication.

Where the G-Twist differs is its ridges. While I didn't really care for the little ones along its length, the bigger, clit-bumping ridge certainly hits the sweet spot. There's enough flexibility in the silicone shaft to bend it to provide dual stimulation -- inside and out. It would've been nice to do so with vibration, but... oh, well.

Until next time...

peace and passion,

~ Alessia

Here's what Good Vibrations has to say:

This Good Vibes staff-designed toy embodies a virtual wish list of nearly all the vibrator features we love. It's got a G-spot curve; substantial-yet-subtle texture along the shaft; a strategically placed clit ridge; water-resistant design; a top-quality, velvety smooth silicone body; reliable, quiet motor and a convenient ergonomic dial at the base to control the variable-speed vibrations. And oh yeah, it's one good-looking toy.

• 6 long, 1 1/2 in diameter.
• Uses two AA batteries (included).
• Now available in Black and Raspberry, as well as our classic colors Dark blue, Purple, Baby blue, or Candy Pink.
• Volume: 2; Intensity: 3.
• Care and Cleaning: This nonporous vibrator can be washed with a mild soap and water. It can be immersed in water for ease of cleaning, but be careful to keep the battery compartment closed and dry.

Bootie

The Bootie (by Fun Factory) is a 100% silicone, velvety textured, creatively shaped butt plug that provides comfortable stimulation for the anal beginner. The head is slightly larger than a man’s thumb, while the shaft is about as thin as a pinky finger. Curving slightly in a “come here” gesture, the Bootie’s shape and flexibility can make it a bit tricky to insert the first time. It is very comfortable to wear for play, but the larger safety bottom is uncomfortable to sit upon, making it less than ideal for longer term wear.

Touted as delivering “rapturous pleasure” by the manufacturer, this reviewer was not rewarded with such outstanding responses. The comfortable flexibility minimized the stimulation to the prostate as compared to such products as the Aneros or manual self-stimulation. There are better prostate toys on the market, but as a basic butt plug for safe play, the Bootie delivers in spades.

~ A.B. Guye

Here's what Babeland has to say:

Shake your booty all night long with the beginner-friendly Bootie anal plug. Insertion is easy thanks to the firm, tapered tip; and once in place, the pliable neck, tapered base and soft silicone make wearing the Bootie all pleasure. The curved base helps ‘rock’ the Bootie for gentle prostate stimulation, and squeezing the resilient shaft with anal muscles amps up the sensation. It's bootie-licious! Brought to you by Fun Factory. Color may vary. For a discount, check out the Bootie Plug & Sliquid Sassy Booty Formula Combo.

• Size: 2-1/2” x 1”
• Material: Silicone

The Boss

The Boss was awaiting my return from the Romantic Times BookLovers Convention in Orlando. Great, I thought! A Fun Factory exclusive from Babeland. An orgasmic win-win!

The first thing I noticed was that it was packaged in a Babeland box with ZERO instructions on how to open the battery compartment and insert the AA batteries. Fail. I had to go to the Fun Factory website, find a similar product, and download its PDF user guide in order to figure it out -- because it is NOT obvious. For a high-end ($58) product, that's damned near unforgivable.

I got over that annoyance and moved on to the fun part...

Given its girth, I tested this toy along with Sliquid Organics Silk (reviewed separately).

The Boss I received is black & grey, not the (seemingly) requisite sex-toy-purple. It's a bit longer AND girthier than I gathered from the photos. Perhaps a visual is in order. See how it stacks up to my Hitachi? The Boss is a big pleasure puppy. I've known guys this big, but they're few & far between (and quite often lousy lovers, thinking their impressive equipment is all they need to please a partner). It's heavy, too. The shaft is silicone and somewhat floppy--kinda like an 80% erection. It'll go in without bending, but there's more flexibility there than with a raging boner.

The end cap is rigid with a knob that turns to adjust the strength of the vibration. It's not easy to manipulate when slippery-wet, but it's not likely to be changed unintentionally, either. Even at its highest setting, the vibration is nothing to write home about, but coupled with the aforementioned girthiness, it gets the job done in relatively short order.

As a g-spot toy, I didn't appreciate it. I found that I enjoyed The Boss externally as much as, perhaps more than, inserted. The vibrations, while strongest at the base of the shaft, are well conducted throughout its length. Thus, I was able to stimulate myself from bow to stern without even moving the toy. It wasn't easy to grip this way, especially when lubed, but movement wasn't absolutely necessary to be effective.

Until next time...

peace & passion,

~ Alessia

Here's what Babeland has to say:

Let Babeland be The Boss, with our exclusive new Fun Factory vibrator. This is the G-spot vibrator we have always dreamed of letting take control! Finally a realistically-shaped silicone insertable vibrator with a strong, localized internal buzz. We wanted The Boss to be hefty (check), soft silicone (yep), and with a sweet tilt just right for the G-spot (it is!). Add in the shower-friendly splashproof shell and vibrant Fun Factory colors, and you’ve got a toy which will put you in your place and show you who's The Boss, every time! Color may vary. Available only at Babeland!

• Size: 8-3/4” x 1-3/5”
• Material: Silicone
• Volume:
• Intensity:
• Batteries: Two AA

Bloomy

I typically adore Fun Factory products. They're funky, irreverent, yet serious in their intent to deliver pleasure. And they're 100% silicone, which makes cleanup simpler. So, it was with great anticipation that I requested Bloomy to review.

As a butt toy, which is how Bloomy is primarily marketed, this product fulfills its mission admirably. It's not too big and not too small. It's not too smooth and not too bumpy. It's not too rigid and not too floppy for the butt. Its "tongue" provides perfectly placed perineal stimulation, especially with a bit of lubricant (natural or otherwise). And it's got an ideal finger-ring handle for solo play or for the convenience of a partner who multi-tasks (as all good partners should).

Bloomy can also be used vaginally. (As always, sterilize toys before and after use -- especially when previously used anally. Silicone can be boiled, bleached, or put in the dishwasher. Hibiclens is another option. Can't be TOO careful. Use a condom over toys when shared or when in doubt of their cleanliness.) Bloomy is a bit too floppy for my tastes as a vaginal toy, but it does connect well with both g-spot and clitoris, and its smooth surface feels quite yummy. Some foks add an egg vibrator in the finger ring (which is too big for a standard bullet), but that does remove the functionality of the ring as a grip. I didn't care for that approach vaginally or anally.

My recommendation? Buy Bloomy for your anal arsenal. If it happens to also trip your (or your partner's) pussy triggers, all the better.

Until next time...

peace & passion,

~ Alessia

Here's what Babeland has to say:

The only thing better than a beautiful sex toy is a beautiful sex toy with multiple functions, and the Bloomy leads the pack in both categories. Pliable, body-friendly silicone loops and swirls into a delicate bloom shape that’s perfect for G-spot or prostate stimulation. Try it as a dildo, a PC muscle exerciser, or a butt plug... it might even do the grocery shopping if you’re nice to it. Seriously, we’re head-over-heels for this versatile, gorgeously designed toy from Fun Factory.

• Size: 3-1/4” x 1-1/3”
• Material: Silicone

Delight

My partner took one look at this cordless, rechargeable, silicone & plastic Fun Factory product and dubbed it Shamu. And judging from the--Wait for it!--whale of a good time I had testing it, I'd have to agree. Shamu, it is.

The fact that I got all hot & bothered merely doing a Google image search for a picture of its namesake is an indicator of this toy's effectiveness. I now have a fetish for marine mammals thanks to this product. It is--by far--the most effective dual-stimulating g-spot/clitoral vibrator I've tested TO DATE. (Yes, toy vendors/manufacturers, that IS a gauntlet.)

The design is ingenious, the curves perfectly formed. Every push pulls and every pull pushes. It's like an orgasmic teeter-totter without the splinters.

The storage case/charger is discreet enough to leave on your nightstand (or coffee table) without drawing attention. The toy itself is very aesthetically pleasing, and if your toddler happens to snatch (no pun intended) it and plunk it on the dinner table along with GI John and Caribou Barbie, no one will bat an eyelash.

The controls--lit by glowing red LEDs--are easily visible in the dark and positioned such that they're readily accessible without being prone to inadvertent change. There are multiple levels of vibration. I counted 9 levels of steady vibrations and 3 pulsing speeds, and it's relatively quiet-ish. I really couldn't hear it over my whale-song modulating moaning. *eep* I noticed no power loss during a prolonged dive, either.

I believe I just had a mini-gasm simply thinking about this toy in conjunction with anal sex. Yeah, it's expensive... but, great-killer-marine-mammals Batman!, it's worth every wet cent.

Until next time...

peace & passion,

~ Alessia

Here's what Babeland has to say:

Invite Delight into your bedroom, with this beautifully-sculpted new vibrator. Designed to please the body as well as the eyes, the Delight practically guides itself to your favorite pleasure points, surrounding your G-spot or clitoris with powerful sensations. The Delight recharges easily while sitting in its Babeland-branded carrying case, and is available in three gorgeous colors. From the makers of our bestselling line of silicone vibrators, this Fun Factory toy also features 32 different vibration options, plus an ultra-ergonomic handle. Water-resistant. Constructed of water-resistant plastic and silicone. Delight is one of the Babeland All Stars! Please refer to our return policy for this product.

• Size: 4" x 1-3/4" (insertable)
• Material: Silicone and plastic
• Volume:
• Intensity:
• Batteries: Recharges in case

And here's what the manufacturer's website reveals:

With »Delight« you will enter a new universe of lust!

This new vibrator combines exterior stimulation with simultaneous insertable function.

It is convincing, not only due to its breathtaking looks, but also because it combines precious elegance with fabulous functionality.

The small and estethic sculpture comes with a slightly bent tip for G-Spot stimulation. A little knob that is placed on the silicone part of »Delight« will – intensified with vibration - excite for extra pleasures.

1. The curl is held with two fingers.
2. Illuminated controls are easy to operate with one's thumb.
3. An extra bump stimulates clitoris
4. Made from 100% medical grade silicone, hook tickles the G-Spot.
5. Sides made from smooth, shiny, skin-friendly plastic.
6. Carrying case: Is both a travel box and recharger.

Bandito

I heart Fun Factory products. They're always a bit unusual, which appeals to the eclectic eroticist in me. Even when the product doesn't really work for me, I still admire its looks and the creativity behind its design. I especially like that Fun Factory doesn't insist upon making a dildo look precisely like a penis. While the male organ is delightful in so many ways, not all lesbians care to be reminded of such during sex. Fun Factory makes dicks that aren't exactly like dicks for chicks that like un-dick-like dicks. Take Bandito, for example. Sure, the silicone dildo is phallic. It's undoubtedly intended for very dick-like uses. However, it's also intriguingly un-dick-like in a futuristic kinda sci-fi tentacle way. I think artistic sex toys are just damned spiffy.

And, even if one is enamored of the male organ, which--I'll readily admit--I am, that's not to say that it's not enjoyable to have a little added up-curve to one's silicone shaft. Or, if you happen to be pegging, to spin that sucker around in the harness and make the up-curve into a down-curve to better hit the p-spot. Just can't DO that with a real dick, y'know. Well, you could spin the whole guy around, but we're not talking about zero-gravity sex... yet.

Last week, I reviewed a similar product: Vixen Creations' Woody. It's the glittery, more dick-like faux dick over there on the right. As you can see, both have the concave base that serves to suction the dildo to any smooth surface. I had to fidget with Bandito a bit to get it firmly affixed, but neither product lost its grip on my shower wall until I pried it loose after the hot water ran out.

The angle of the photo makes it look as if Bandito is larger, but in reality, Woody is slightly longer and slightly thicker. The only difference I could feel, though, was Bandito's yummy extra up-curve. Both got the job done in roughly the same amount of time. (I don't keep a stopwatch handy when toy testing, sorry.)

Like Woody, Bandito fits my favorite harness beautifully. As singles go, these comparably-priced toys are both solo and strap-on winners.

Until next time...

peace & passion,

~ Alessia

Eden Fantasys, who graciously provided the Bandito for review, says:

Indulge in silicone fantasy with this artistically designed dildo. Swirling patterns are raised from the surface, giving a dual-texture feel to this pliable sensual toy.

Curved in a gentle arc, the design helps stimulate the G-spot with its smooth tip. A unique three-lobed base is ideal for harness play, and sits very comfortably in the hand for thrusting when used on a partner. A concave shape on the bottom gives it a suction-cup quality for solo play.

Made of soft 100% silicone, the Bandito can be fully sterilized by boiling in water for a few minutes, or a quick soak in a 10% bleach solution. Silicone warms to body temperature, is hygienic, and perfect for those with sensitivity to materials like jelly.

• Product code: FUN24308
• Type: Strap-on dildo
• Texture: Swirled
• Care and cleaning: Dishwasher safe/Boilable/Bleachable
• Safety features: Non-porous/Phthalates free/Hypo-allergenic/Latex free
• Harness compatibility: O-ring compatible
• Material: Silicone
• Length: 6 1/2"
• Insertable length: 5 1/2"
• Circumference: 4 1/2"
• Diameter: 1 1/2"
• Weight: 1 lb
• Special Features: Waterproof, Harness compatible, Flared base

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