The last several toys I’ve reviewed have been fairly expensive and, with the economy being what it is, I really wanted to review a few more of the toys that look promising and are a bit easier on the budget. When I saw the Radiance Vibrator from Doc Johnson, I was intrigued and asked if I could review it. At only thirty-five dollars, it definitely fit into my criteria of being inexpensive and the shape begged for experimentation.

When I unpacked the vibrator, I was surprised by how light it was. Then again, I’d recently reviewed a very heavy toy so I thought it could just be me. The vibrator is about seven inches long and tapers from about the diameter of my partner’s thumb at the base to a more slender finger size near the marble-sized bulb at the tip. I examined it closely and didn’t find any burrs or edges that might hurt. It also seemed nicely clean and without nasty plastic or mold release smells.

The usual first bath in toy cleaner was in order, then I tried to open the end to insert the two AAA batteries. The base unscrews to allow the batteries to be inserted and, because it’s a waterproof vibrator, there is a seal around this compartment. Apparently whoever screwed the base on when it was packaged was very diligent or had a great deal more hand-strength than I have. I struggled to get the battery cover off between the tightness and the small, rounded shape of the cover that made it hard to grip. It finally took my partner’s stronger fingers and a rubber jar opener to get it off. To be fair, this didn’t happen after this one time so it is probably an anomaly. But I do now have a rubber jar opener in the toy stash, just in case.

Batteries inserted, my partner declared that since he had saved the day, I needed to try it out on him first. A challenge? I love a challenge!
The Radiance Vibe is controlled by two simple buttons on the base, a plus and a minus. This makes it easy to turn up or down but, in order to turn it off, you have to press multiple times on the down button until it cycles through the speeds and finally turns off. This can make it a tad slow to power off if you need to do so in a hurry. It’s a four-speed vibrator so that can mean four successive button pushes. I was disappointed that push-and-hold didn’t work, I must admit.

I powered on the vibrator to see what my partner would think of it and was surprised at how loud it was. I’d say it’s louder than any other vibrator its size that I own. Since it was late at night and our children sleep like the dead, we shrugged it off and started playing. After a bit, we did switch places and I got a chance to be “it”.

The Radiance Vibrator is a toy that can be used on either sex but I’d consider it more useful for women, or at least on women. I did find myself wishing for a more severe bend so that I could reach my own g-spot without the need for yoga poses. At least part of that may be due to quirks of my own anatomy, however. When used on me by my partner, the g-spot stimulation was very nice and the ball end of the vibe worked well to concentrate on the g-spot. If you are using the vibrator solo, this may not be the best choice for g-spot stimulation, especially if you don’t want to flip over to a doggy-style pose.

The ball end worked well for anal play and I kept it mostly external because the lightness of the Radiance Vibrator made me a bit nervous about how well it would hold out for vigorous play. I quite liked the vibration and the way it was targeted, though. If you are new to anal play or prefer non-penetrative stimulation, this could be a great choice for you.

When I used the vibrator on my clit, I was disappointed that the strength of vibration was only about a medium strength. I tend to like strong vibrators and this isn’t one. The bend in the shaft let me manipulate the ball end in various ways and it slipped nicely around. I did discover the vibrations were much more concentrated at the ball end and the shaft itself didn’t have enough vibration to make it very useful over a broader area.

If you want a vibrator that is really strong, this is not the toy for you but if you want a medium-strength vibrator that you can explore your body with, the Radiance Vibrator may be the toy for you.

The Radiance Vibrator is not a toy I would use for penetration and thrusting but for those women who don’t enjoy larger dildos or vibrators or young women looking for a first toy, this might be an excellent toy for you. The slim diameter, the medium vibrations and the low price would make a good overall combination. (And, yes, there are quite a few women who don’t think bigger is better. Really.) Since it’s waterproof, it can be used in the bath or shower as well.

The bottom line is that if you’d like an inexpensive toy that offers some variety and prefer more slender toys without too much power, this may be a great toy for you. If you want strong vibrations or prefer thicker toys, this may not be the best toy for you. I liked Radiance Vibrator and will keep it but I don’t think it will be a personal mainstay just because of my own preferences.

Rating: ★★★½☆ 

Radiance Vibrator
Material: ABS Plastic
Powered by: 2 AAA batteries (not included)
Waterproof: Yes
Recommended Cleaning: Anti-bacterial soap or toy cleaner. Do not boil.
Recommended Lube: Any
Care: Clean thoroughly after each use

Note: This item was provided for review by Babeland but appears to no longer be offered on their site. You may be able to find this item at other retailers, however. This review was originally published in August 2009 as part of my “Out of the Toy Box” column for the Erotic Readers and Writers Association but has been re-edited for this blog. Photographs are courtesy of Babeland.

I have a special surprise for you—the SaSi Vibrator! This toy has intrigued me since I first saw it and the description of its Sensual Intelligence. What self-respecting woman wouldn’t be intrigued by a vibrator that claimed to learn what you like and adjust itself accordingly? Heck, I still haven’t fully trained my partner and I’ve had him for more than ten years!

When I was offered a chance to review this toy, I jumped on it. Of course checking my porch every time someone drove by and it sounded like there could possibly be a delivery van in my driveway didn’t make it arrive any faster—but I couldn’t help it. Murphy being the taunting PITA he always is, it arrived on a day when I had to go out and run errands so my partner found the box. Thankfully he has been trained to not open mysterious packages that have my name on them in front of the child.

The instant the child went to bed, he was trying to hand me the box so I could open it. Did I mention he has as much of a desire for delayed gratification as I do? I relented and let him open the box. The SaSi vibrator comes in a beautiful black box that includes its charger, plug adapters, a manual and its storage bag. The box is wonderfully designed to cradle the SaSi so it has its own pedestal! The wonderful attention to detail in the box gave me great hopes for the toy.

The SaSi did take a few hours to charge so my partner had to content himself with reading the manual, mostly out loud, while it charged. The occasional leaps up to check if it was charged or not seemed to stop eventually—or I fell asleep—or both. Hey, it was late and I was tired. New toys are more fun when you’re awake, after all.

The SaSi had more than enough time to charge overnight and the next morning my partner proceeded to recite to me the entire user manual. Not kidding—the whole thing. After convincing him to go play with the child, I locked the bedroom door and prayed for some peace.

The SaSi is nicely made. The top section with the control buttons is a hard plastic, very well finished with no burs or seams to be found or felt. There’s a very well fitted silicone tab that tucks into the top to cover the charger socket that keeps it clean and dry during play without having a separate piece to lose. The silicone cover over the rest of the vibrator was also nicely finished and only had a faint odor of mold release.

I gave the SaSi a loving bath with toy cleaner and plain water. It’s important to note that the SaSi is NOT waterproof. It is splashproof, however—enough so that I felt comfortable running water slowly over the silicone working side to rinse it. A quick dry and I was ready to play—after one more check of the lock on the bedroom door.

The SaSi can seem complicated to “teach” but it’s actually fairly intuitive once you’re holding the vibrator in the “ready to launch” position. There are two basic modes: a “customize” mode that you use to teach the vibrator what you like and a “favorites” mode that you use to let the SaSi go through what you’ve taught it are your favorites. The SaSi has a knob on the bottom that moves in different patterns, a bit like a tongue or finger. It also has options for several levels of vibration, and you can speed up or slow down the motion.

I decided to just jump on it and try to teach the SaSi what I like. I’m not fond of the drag of dry silicon on my vulva or clit, so I dug the water-based lube out of the Toy Box and warmed up with a generous (and thorough) application of lube. I set the SaSi on the “customize” mode and started to play.

I have to say my first little while with the toy were … interesting. Sorta like a blind date sorta interesting. “Do I like this?” “Should I pick up someone else?” “Holy crap, that’s my dream date!” In essence, we were getting to know each other.

The variety of movement was impressive, I turned the vibration on and off or up and down as the mood struck me. There were multiple points where I needed to hit the “OMG” button—okay, the manufacturer calls it the “Don’t Stop” button but I was enjoying it more than that would convey. A few times I skipped a movement that did nothing for me.

I did notice that after about fifteen minutes, the SaSi was working hard and getting pretty warm. Not uncomfortable or painfully hot, but noticeably warm. The nice thing was that the control side of the toy was what was getting hot, not the working side.

I was also pleased that this vibrator didn’t seem to be overly incompatible with my clit hood piercing. I didn’t ever have a moment where I winced and had to shift the toy or the ring in my piercing.

After about twenty-five minutes and several close calls, I was getting tired and the child had trouped past the bedroom door at least twice. I put the SaSi aside and finished off with an old-fashioned finger-fuck. It took, oh, about three strokes. I cleaned the toy and plugged it in again, just in case the run time wasn’t as long as I’d like.

By the time I was in bed, the SaSi was recharged and my partner was giggling like a teenage boy who’d finally discovered that masturbation didn’t really make you go blind. He was dying to watch and, honestly, I was eager to see what the SaSi would do with the training I’d done. This time I gave the prep job to my partner (yumm, he’s got a talented tongue) and turned the vibrator on in its “Favorites” mode. It had definitely taken instruction well and about five minutes later, my head tried to explode in a fantastic orgasm. Because my clit can be overly-sensitive when I’ve come, I turned the SaSi off and molested the not-protesting-at-all partner instead. He didn’t want to try the SaSi though—spoilsport.

I’m really impressed by both the quality and the innovation of the SaSi vibrator. I love the ability to teach it what you like and have it save that information. I’m very pleased that it’s rechargeable—my battery budget is already large enough to be a line item on the household budget. It comes with some plug adapters, so it can travel internationally as well and it can be locked so it doesn’t go off in your luggage. I don’t relish explaining that the strange sound is just one of my toys and not a terrorist device. Really, officer, honest.

The SaSi makes it possible to replace both the control panel hard plastic side and the silicon cover. That strikes me as a great thing, whether needed because of wear, accident or pet curiosity.

The SaSi might take some getting used to and training and how you hold it may vary depending on your own anatomy and likes or dislikes. I had great results just holding it in my hand and pressing it into my clit and vulva but some people have better results if they lie on their sides with it pressed between their thighs. I could see trying it while sitting as well—might have to try that next, in fact!

The SaSi is not a cheap or budget toy, it is what it says—a luxury vibrator. That being said, in this case I feel the design, the usability and the effects actually warrant the price on the sticker. This is a toy that can be trained more and more to suit just you and that means it’s definitely not a one-trick-pony. Once it gets your number, it’s a wild ride! The SaSi is a woman’s toy and designed to be just that, there’s not a lot of effect to using it on a male partner (all threats aside). If you can squeak the money out of your budget for this lovely toy, you won’t regret it!

Rating: ★★★★☆ 

SaSi Vibrator
Material: Hard Plastic, Silicone
Powered by: Built in Rechargeable Battery
Waterproof: No – Splashproof only
Recommended Cleaning: Anti-bacterial soap or silicon-safe toy cleaner. Do not immerse.
Recommended Lube: Water-based
Care: Clean thoroughly after each use and recharge when needed. Allow to dry thoroughly before storing.
Babeland Buy Link

Note: This item was provided for review by Babeland and buy links point back to that provider. This review was originally published in April 2009 as part of my “Out of the Toy Box” column for the Erotic Readers and Writers Association but has been re-edited for this blog. Photographs are courtesy of Babeland.

(Note: This item is no longer available on Babeland’s website but you may be able to find it elsewhere, if you look around.)

I specifically chose the Tuyo to review because I was really curious about this unusual toy. I wasn’t sure what to expect or even how I might use it but I know you’ll be thankful that I took on the challenge for you. Really. Now, despite the passing resemblance to a ball used in pool or baseball, I don’t advise throwing it — even in fun.

This toy actually arrived while I was embroiled in some other issues and I didn’t get a chance to open it for days – despite the pestering, hints and campy pouting from my partner. I finally relented and opened it to find a lovely satin-lined box fitted hold the pearlescent white plastic and pink silicon orb. It’s hard to judge from the pictures but the Tuyo is three inches in diameter – the size of a baseball. It looked a lot more like a pastel Christmas tree ornament – something I’d never considered to be sexy before. I fear my holiday views may have been permanently warped.

After a bit of work (it’s a tad difficult to hold onto, being a sphere), I got the Tuyo open and inserted the required trio of AAA batteries. The battery compartment is sealed with a rubber o-ring to make it splashproof and the threads were fine enough that I had to take care to insure I didn’t cross thread it. I don’t even want to contemplate trying to remedy that – even with my partner’s love of “fixing” things…. I highly recommend inserting the batteries before you wash the Tuyo, however.

Once I’d washed and dried it, I started to explore the Tuyo. It’s controlled by a recessed button on one end, covered by a silicon shield and each time you press the button, the vibrator cycles through 3 different speeds and 5 different patterns. I found out that there didn’t seem to be a shortcut to turn it off when my youngest asked what the sounds were coming from my bedroom. I’m still not sure he bought the “shaving my legs” excuse – he may merely be too polite to call me on it.

The Tuyo is pretty loud. Not Magic Wand loud but definitely calls attention to itself. I also discovered that, although the vibrations are fairly strong, they seem to be somewhat diffuse – maybe because of the ball shape.

Later (and after my son was in bed), I took the vibrator out to actually play with it. A few minutes later, I realized this was an unusual toy that I needed to really experiment with. The ball shape turned out to be a lot of fun to roll over my breasts and graze my nipples with but it was a bit large to easily rub between my legs. A bit of inspiration provided a new solution, however, it was great to nestle between my legs while sitting up – in fact it later turned out to be a nice accessory to reading or watching porn. The diffuse vibrations didn’t bring me to an orgasm but were a lot of fun anyway.

When used with my partner, we actually had more fun using it almost as a foreplay accessory than during actual intercourse. A few attempts to sandwich it between us led to a fit of the giggles and tossing it off on the floor. Important safety tip – do not leave the Tuyo on and unattended. It WILL get itself into spots it may be difficult to retrieve it from and which may terrorize your feline housemates.

The silicon band around the Tuyo did provide a nice gripping surface and since the bottom of the ball holds the motor and vibrates the most, it’s handy for manipulation. I’m not sure, despite the fact it’s quite beautiful and well-made, the Tuyo will be a constant companion. The lack of ability to really give me an orgasm and the unusual shape make it fun to play with but better as a preliminary course.

If you like playing and experimenting, the Tuyo may make a nice toy for you. If you need or want strong vibrations and good control of the application of them, the Tuyo may not be for you. I would, however, recommend it as a great couple’s toy for luxurious and unhurried foreplay and teasing. It’s not a cheap toy, however, so it may well not be for everyone.

Tuyo Vibromasseur
Material: Hard Plastic, Stainless Steel, Silicone
Powered by: 3 AAA batteries
Waterproof: No – Splashproof only
Recommended Cleaning: Anti-bacterial soap or silicon-safe toy cleaner. Do not immerse.
Recommended Lube: Water-based
Care: Clean thoroughly after each use and remove batteries when not in use. Allow to dry thoroughly before storing.
Babeland Buy Link

Rating: ★★☆☆☆ 

Note: This item was provided for review by Babeland and buy links point back to that provider. This review was originally published in May 2009 as part of my “Out of the Toy Box” column for the Erotic Readers and Writers Association but has been re-edited for this blog. Photographs are courtesy of Babeland.

I saw this new vibrator on Babeland’s website and, considering my fondness for bullet vibrators, I just had to give it a try. It’s also a very economical toy with a price tag of $20.00 currently and made by Doc Johnson, who typically makes nice toys that don’t break the bank.
When this vibrator arrived, I was a bit surprised that the bullet was as small as it was. I hadn’t paid attention when requesting it and was expecting a larger bullet, more in line with what is typical for a bullet vibrator. This vibrator has a lovely petite bullet of 1.3”x .66”. Of course the specifications of the vibration told me the size all along. Guess you can tell my mind wasn’t on size comparison.

The vibrator came packaged in a clamshell I actually was able to open without taking out the scissors – already a big plus in my book. Even taking the controller into account, it’s small and light without feeling cheap or fragile. I found it as well-finished as I’m used to from Doc Johnson products and wanted to call special attention to the little collar at the top of the bullet that is probably designed to make the vibrator waterproof but which should also help to prevent the death encountered by many, many bullet vibrators – the fraying-from-cord-traction death. Repeat after me… “The cord is NOT a handle.”

A quick bath in toy cleaner took care of any chemical or mold release on the surface, not that I could see or feel any, and I discovered that the elegant, slim case for the controller and wet hands did not bode well for being able to open it to insert batteries. I finally had to break out the jar opener tool again but I did prevail, inserted the two AAA batteries called for and resealed the waterproof battery compartment (but not so tightly it would take me ten minutes to open again).

When I relaxed and fired up the Teardrop Bullet Vibe, I was very happy to discover this is a relatively quiet vibrator. Finally, here’s one that could be explained away as an electric razor or electric toothbrush! Maybe only parents with very curious small children that creep about at odd hours would be so thrilled, but I was. My partner was annoyed that I’d been playing with it without him and he’d not even heard it from the next room.

The vibration itself is quite strong but a bit more “high-pitched” than my true preference. I tend to like vibrators that feel more throb and less buzz but it was quite capable of taking me from curious to orgasm in short order. The shape and size of the bullet did make manual maneuvering a bit of a trick as there was a strong tendency to use the cord as a handle – a no-no if you want your bullet vibrator to last for any length of time. And, yes, that IS experience talking.

I found this vibrator truly came into its own when I tucked it against my clit and between my labia, then closed my legs. Add in some hip motion and belly-dance moves and it was a terrific way to tease myself to another orgasm. It would also work well in a seated position and using it during sex with my partner was a terrific addition without having to resort to weird angles to make enough room to reach my clit easily.

I didn’t try inserting this vibrator into my vagina, both because I prefer larger items for insertion and because my partner’s section of the headboard was barren of condoms when I was playing. Like all bullet vibrators, I strongly encourage tucking them inside a condom if you are going to insert them so you can use the condom to retrieve them with and not risk the previously mentioned death.

If you like bullet vibrators and are looking for one a bit easier to play with while sitting or if you have panties or clothing on, this may be a great choice for you. It has the power to spare and the quietness to be reasonably unobtrusive. If you are looking for a powerful bullet vibrator and only like the heavy throbbing of the larger ones, this may not be the toy for you.

The Teardrop Bullet Vibe would also be a great choice for someone looking for one of their first toys who prefers smaller insertables or who wants to stick to a budget. It’s a terrific buy for the price and the ability to use it in the shower or in wet environments is an added plus.
While perhaps not my daily “go to” bullet for a quick orgasm before work, this vibrator has definitely won a place in my keeper basket just for it’s ability to be used without my hands but for the small size that makes it fun with a partner during intercourse.

Teardrop Bullet Vibe
Material: Hard Plastic
Powered by: 2 AAA batteries (not included)
Waterproof: Yes
Recommended Cleaning: Anti-bacterial soap or toy cleaner
Recommended Lube: Any
Care: Clean thoroughly after each use and remove batteries when not in use. Allow to dry fully before storing. Do not use the cord to remove or manipulate the bullet as it can fray and cause the vibrator to fail.
Babeland Buy Link

Rating: ★★★☆☆ 

Note: This item was provided for review by Babeland and buy links point back to that provider. This review was originally published in September 2009 as part of my “Out of the Toy Box” column for the Erotic Readers and Writers Association but has been re-edited for this blog. Photographs are courtesy of Babeland.

In the case of the Cascade Wand, I think what caught my eye, again, was the profile. I’m a sucker for texture and the Cascade Wand had the added bonus of both a bumpy textured end and a smooth end.

When my Cascade Wand arrived, I opened the box and my first impression was surprise that it was as long as it was. I’d READ that it was 12 inches long but it hadn’t really registered. This dildo is not a discrete one unless you bury it in your laptop bag under your widescreen laptop. It did come in a nice black bag that would coordinate with my luggage and which was large enough to add a small bottle of lube and some condoms, maybe even another small toy.

As I do with all new toys, I gave the Cascade a careful once over before any play commenced. I was impressed by the lack of chemical smell or oily residue and it was marvelously scratch and burr free. A beautiful finish in an clear transparent acrylic and not a flaw to be found. After a nice first bath in toy cleaner, it was ready to be…explored.

Since my partner was out of town for a few days, I sent a brief text message and picture to gloat, then turned off the phone and retired to the bedroom to play. I didn’t need lube so I didn’t bother by YMMV (Your Moistness May Vary) so don’t hesitate to use lube if you like or need more than Mother Nature feels like gracing you with at that moment.

First I played with the bumpy ridged end, rubbing it up and down my labia and my clit. The acrylic made sure it slipped and slid wonderfully. Ready to step it up a notch, I slipped the end into my vagina and let the thrusting commence. Wow – the ridges on this particular dildo are very intense and non-subtle. I did discover that I couldn’t really hold onto the other end to manipulate the dildo and ended up having to grasp it closer to the middle to allow thrusting. It’s LONG. This also means I could overwhelm myself with stronger thrusting and harder penetration than I could enjoy.

After a couple of very nice orgasms, I needed to take a break. Giving the Cascade another toy cleaner bath, I turned on the cell phone to find several messages from my partner. He called me CRUEL! Then he dared me to try the non-bumpy end as a butt plug/anal toy. Well, he dared me to try a few other things too, but I chose to not pay attention to those dares …

The next night I clothed the Cascade Wand in a condom because scratches in the acrylic can house bacteria and with a generous dollop of lube and some masturbation foreplay, I discovered the Cascade makes a very nice anal toy.

The Cascade Wand is a very formidable dildo at its list price of $30. It’s well made and very well finished with no mold marks and no cracks or burrs. At a full foot long, it’s very impressive looking in its crystal clear acrylic. If you’re looking for a discrete dildo, this is not the one for you.

It’s not excessively thick at 1 ¾ inches at its widest point which is actually just before the taper on the smooth end. The curves and bumps are quite pronounced so it has quite a bit of texture for those who really like that aspect. I did manage to cross the boundary to discomfort with too forceful thrusting but when I slowed down, I very much enjoyed it. If you like a lot of texture, this may be a great choice for you.

Because of the length, manipulation can be a bit of a trick, I was able to use it on my g-spot most easily when I flipped over to doggy style and I did discover that I was able to just about bruise my cervix when I got too enthusiastic because my leverage was so good and it was so long.

The Cascade Wand can be washed with anti-bacterial soap, specialized toy cleaner or alcohol. Because it’s solid acrylic, it can also be sterilized in boiling water. Even with these cleaning options, I still recommend condoms when using the Cascade Wand anally or sharing with anyone. Acrylic does scratch and those scratches can harbor bacteria.

Because of its length, the Cascade Wand is not a great dildo for purse carry unless you use a weekender as your purse, in which case I think you should call your chiropractor. It does come with a very nice and roomy black drawstring bag for storage and to keep the kids from using it as an improvised light saber if they find it.

The bottom line is that if you are looking for an easy care, hard dildo that has lots of texture, can double as an anal plug/toy and that doesn’t empty your checkbook, the Cascade Wand is a great choice. I enjoyed it so much it went into the “keeper” toy box. I wonder what I can dare my partner into?

Cascade Wand
Material: Hard Plastic (Acrylic)
Powered by: n/a
Waterproof: Yes
Recommended Cleaning: Anti-bacterial soap or toy cleaner. Can be heat sterilized by boiling.
Recommended Lube: Any
Care: Clean thoroughly after each use
Available at Babeland

Rating: ★★★½☆ 

Note: This item was provided for review by Babeland and buy links point back to that provider. This review was originally published in March 2009 as part of my “Out of the Toy Box” column for the Erotic Readers and Writers Association but has been re-edited for this blog. Photographs are courtesy of Babeland.