Choosing A
Vibrator
It's safe to say that vibrators are the most popular kind of sex
toy. For good reason—vibrators are cheap and versatile, and
provide a wide range of vibrational intensity. But picking out a
vibrator can be more difficult than you might think. Did you
know there were hundreds of different kinds, including internal,
external, battery-operated, AC-operated, hands-free, black,
white, purple, animal-shaped... Wait a minute! Sex toys are
supposed to be recreational, not analytical. We'll break it down
for you.
Insertable Vibrators
By far the most versatile category of sex toys, insertable
vibrators are usually shaped like a phallus, which means they
all vaguely resemble a penis. Some can be quite realistic,
especially if they're made from silicone. Others look nothing
like the male member. Vibrators come in all sizes, shapes,
textures and colors—from the tiny pocket vibe to the
ridiculously huge twelve-inch dildo vibe. However, vibrators all
have two things in common: they were made to pulsate and
penetrate.
When considering an insertable vibrator, think about what works
best for you. If you're buying the vibrator for someone else,
consider how they behave in bed: does your friend have an open
mind, or does he or she prefer more traditional forms of fun?
Some people (especially newcomers) prefer the simple sleekness
of the frictionless plastic vibrator. Others enjoy a more
realistic shape and texture. Some people like small insertable
vibrators and others like obscenely large ones. It's really a
matter of personal preference. As for texture, stroke a few
floor models if you're shopping live. Pick the material that
appeals to you most. If you don't find it potentially erotic,
it's a colossal waste of time. Try one of the following kinds of
vibrators:
Contoured Vibrators These discreet units resemble anything but
the male member. Ergonomically designed to fit the female body,
these smooth, plastic vibrators have a slightly hourglass shape
and are often offered for sale by more traditional retailers.
Realistic Insertables These lifelike units look just like the
real thing: veins, testicles and all. Internally powered by
batteries, these vibes are perfect for people who love
intercourse with a powerful twist. Varying in size from the tiny
to the grotesque, many realistic insertables have been cast from
a mold made from a real adult film star's anatomy—if you enjoy
that kind of thing.
Rocket Vibrators Also called "bullets" or "smoothies," these
more traditional vibrators are usually made from plastic. A
favorite with novices and those preferring simpler toys, rocket
vibes can induce powerful orgasms from both internal and
clitoral stimulation. Their frictionless exterior makes them a
poor choice for thrusting movements, but the gentle internal
pressure and vibration can be quite nice.
Vibrator Sleeves Made to slip over plain rocket vibrators,
vibrator sleeves are made from silicone, cyberskin, jelly or
rubber. Sleeves can resemble anything from penises to
knob-studded cucumbers to cute little bunnies, and produce an
enticing and versatile array of sensations. A practical way to
maximize your toy collection would be to purchase a good-quality
rocket vibrator and a number of different kinds of sleeves.
G-Spot Vibrators Usually long and slim with a tilted end, G-Spot
vibrators are designed to reach that elusive place within every
woman. Some G-Spot vibrators are thicker and knobbier, but still
tilted. Guys will love what these vibrators do for their
prostates.
Japanese-style Vibrators Intricately made and usually fairly
expensive, these insertable vibrators often have a small animal,
such as a panther, butterfly or rabbit, perched near the base of
the vibrator and facing forward. In addition to making you
giggle, your animal friend will provide clitoral vibrations when
you insert the unit into your vagina. Fancy models also come
equipped with a rotating band of beads or "pearls," which
provides G-Spot stimulation.
Insertable vibrators can be used a number of different ways. The
most obvious method is an "in-out" motion resembling
intercourse, but insertable vibrators can also be used
externally, on the clitoris, anus or vulva. Many people enjoy
several different kinds of stimulation, including a combination
of internal and external strokes. Some women prefer insertables
because using them seems more like traditional intercourse, with
a big, pulsating bonus. Others like them because they are larger
and easier to grasp. But it doesn't really matter why you like
it—as long as you enjoy the ride!
Clitoral Vibrators
While any kind of vibrator can be used on the clitoris, certain
vibrators were specifically designed to tease your lovebud. The
most common type of clitoral vibe is small, egg-shaped and
attached to a multi-speed battery pack by a long cord.
Variations on the basic design include more longer, narrower
vibes, and vibrators shaped like cats, tubes of lipstick, bees,
dewdrops, dolphins and human tongues. Whichever design you
choose, basic operation is the same: you enjoy focused
vibrations at varying speeds and intensities. The best thing
about these handy little vibes is their level of control—all the
fancy bells and whistles ensure you get precisely the clitoral
pulse you require for a mind-shattering orgasm.
Clitoral vibes are for external use only—while some units claim
they can be inserted vaginally and you can certainly experiment
with shallow penetration, it's best to keep them on the outside.
As many of these "novelty" vibrators are of specious design,
it's entirely possible for the vibrating unit to become detached
from the cord and lodge itself somewhere you can't quite reach.
Likewise, these kinds of vibrators should never be inserted
anally. While this kind of situation is hilarious for emergency
room personnel, it's probably not something you want to
experience personally.
Electric Vibrators
Electric vibrators provide an incredibly powerful genital buzz.
The Hitachi Magic Wand, a longtime favorite of electric vibe
enthusiasts, is large, obtrusive and ostensibly intended for
body massage. Its versatile and powerful nature puts it at the
top of most wish lists, but many other brands of wand will
suffice quite nicely. Usually about a foot long, these vibes
plug into a wall socket and tend to have variable-speed
controls. The unit consists of a long handle topped with a soft,
vibrating head approximately the size and shape of a tennis
ball. While you can use these vibrators for back and body
massage, we highly recommend squeezing them between your thighs
for an intense rush of electricity. Not for the timid.
A variation on the standard electric wand, the coil vibrator is
reminiscent the battery-operated manicure sets popular in the
1980s. About the size and shape of a handheld electric mixer,
the coil vibrator is topped with an interchangeable set of
heads, which can include soft, round, bumpy and textured tips.
This vibe produces an incredibly intense sensation and is almost
noise-free. Some women find the sensation too intense; others
just can't get enough.
Numerous attachments are available for both wand and coil-style
electric vibrators. Ranging from the tame to the utterly wacky,
these attachments can include suction cups, G-Spot wands, dual
penetrators, cups, bulbs and soft rubber rings. We recommend
trying the wand or coil alone, then adding attachments as your
sense of adventure dictates. Be aware though: you pay for what
you get. Electric vibrators are definitely on the expensive
side. But look on the bright side—they usually have warranties
and often last for years.
Hands free Vibrators
Designed to resemble a harness or pair of G-string panties,
hands free vibrators are a small, intense molded plastic unit
held fast by straps to a woman's clitoris for an intense,
localized vibration. The miniature motor is housed in a plastic
casing resembling a butterfly, dragonfly or some other kind of
cute forest creature. The sensations produced by these happy
little critters can be incredibly strong—too strong for some
women's tastes. If you enjoy a deep, intense vibration, the
butterfly vibe might be a great option for you, especially if
you fancy wearing it out of the house. While many butterfly
vibrators have larger harnesses that make them only good for
solo use, a number of newer models have been designed with less
obtrusive harnesses and smaller units so that they can be worn
during intercourse, adding clitoral vibrations to the excitement
of penetration. For added excitement, try the remote-controlled
panty. Your significant other will enjoy randomly turning you on
and off during a movie, grocery shopping trip, bowling game,
etc. Warning: the butterfly vibe does make noise, so only use it
if you're relatively alone ... or if you don't care if people
know your little secret.
Intensity
The intensity of vibrators can range from very gentle and
designed purely for relaxation, to a vibration that's
overpowering and potentially uncomfortable. Always start using
your vibrator on its lowest intensity setting, and then
gradually experiment with higher settings until you determine
what feels best for you. If your vibrator is simply too
powerful, don't despair! Many women enjoy diffusing the
vibrations by placing a towel or piece of cloth over their
vibrators. This trick has been raved about for years, and is
especially effective with electric vibrators.
Power
Vibrators can plug into a wall socket or use batteries. Some
people prefer battery-powered vibes—they're less expensive and
more portable. Other people swear by AC-powered vibrators,
because of the stronger vibration and greater durability. The
variable speed settings on most AC vibrators afford a little
more control over what kind of sensation you experience, which
is really nice if you like a fast, intense vibe interchanged
with a slow, gentle pulse. AC vibes are also a little easier to
clean: instead of immersing the whole unit in water, which can
fry the batteries, you can keep the plug end dry and prolong
your unit's life a little. If you decide to try a battery vibe,
be aware that they are available in two basic forms: toys with
internal batteries and toys connected to a battery pack by a
little leash. Generally speaking, the battery pack vibrators
last a little longer, mostly because you don't have to immerse
the whole unit in water to clean it. Also, battery packs can
provide variable speeds, while internal batteries usually have
just an "on-off" switch. However, the vibration produced by both
is equally strong so it's really a matter of preference.
Care and Maintenance
Clean your products with toy cleaner, alcohol or gentle soap and
water after every use. Keep the motor and batteries away from
water or alcohol. It's also a good idea to store your batteries
separately from your toy—this prolongs the life of your battery
and ensures your toy doesn't get fried if the battery leaks. If
you're sharing toys with a partner or using the same toy for
both vaginal and anal use, be sure to clean your toy every time
you use it and use a condom. Silicone products can be boiled,
submersed in water, or washed in a dishwasher.
Most vibrators are designed to "novelties," which means they can
have a very unpredictable lifespan—anywhere from days to months.
A few (usually the more expensive "personal massager" types)
have warranties, but for the most part, don't expect miracles
from your vibrating pal. But good care and careful use will
definitely prolong the life of your toy, so don't give up
altogether. Besides, most of the "novelty" vibrators are
relatively inexpensive, so replacing a well-worn vibrator
shouldn't be too costly.
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