I'm going to start this off with a big WHAT.
Not necessarily in a negative way, mind.
But this is certainly the most ridonkulous item I've received from CalExotics for a review. Really, I wasn't sure if what I was holding existed (and curious about why this wasn't in the form of a dildo, but I'll get into that in a moment), and even then, it was much more amusement than anything.
This month, I was sent a pair of Phil Varone Sex Stix, a pair of ABS waterproof vibes fashioned like drumsticks and marked with Phil Varone's signature. Although I am an admitted musicphile, I can safely say that I am also terrible with names, and for a moment, I wasn't sure just who was on the box of these twin vibes. Aside from stints in stand-up comedy and being a musician, Varone is apparently very well known for his cock and/or sexual escapades.
Feeling like an oblivious idiot, I suddenly wondered why there were Sex Stix but not a dildo fashioned- oh wait, there is and it's an actual cast (that's uh...pretty damn impressive). AND. There is an entire line of sex toys emblazoned with his name. What can I say? I guess I'm a little jealous. Not everyone gets their name immortalized in the sex toy industry. Props.
Now moving into the OH WHY CAN'T I HAVE THAT DILDO INSTEAD phase of surprise item reviewing, I popped a few batteries into the vibes and took them for a whirl.
And was sorely disappointed. One could chalk it up to being spoiled on nicer toys, but the Sex Stix have been tested and have been found wanting. Or rather...left me wanting something else. They're not terrible, and I get it- it's a novel idea and any fan of Varone would probably love to have them. But unless you are one of those people, these aren't going to get you very far. Allow me to explain:
My first vibrator was a piece of plastic with a dial at the end that determined what speed it would vibrate at. There wasn't a lot of variation in speeds, the design was far from ergonomic, and it totally croaked after a few months of light use. This is...really all I see in these vibes (save for the burning out: the Sex Stix are still working perfectly fine).
At the very least, they are waterproof, made of safe materials, and if you really need something jet-speed in your vibes, this is probably worth a shot. I personally found them much too overpowering both internally and externally, and they aren't exactly quiet either.
Just not my thing, darling, I am much too spoiled.
The item in this review has been provided by CalExotics.com to Fantasy Treasures as part of their Sexpert review program.
Friday, May 25, 2012
Tuesday, April 24, 2012
Backlog
I'd like to take a moment and apologize for this site not getting the attention that it deserves lately. 2012 has not been very kind to me and my family.
There is a backlog of review items, so it's not an issue of not having content: it's finding the time and energy to publish that content. For a lot of people, I suppose blogging isn't really time consuming. I am not one of those people, especially when life is giving so many lemons that I don't even have the time to make lemonade.
In any case, I am hoping to have more frequent posting and to bring more life into this little corner of the internet within the next couple of weeks.
There is a backlog of review items, so it's not an issue of not having content: it's finding the time and energy to publish that content. For a lot of people, I suppose blogging isn't really time consuming. I am not one of those people, especially when life is giving so many lemons that I don't even have the time to make lemonade.
In any case, I am hoping to have more frequent posting and to bring more life into this little corner of the internet within the next couple of weeks.
Risque Triples Anal Probe : CalExotics
Apologies ahead of time...my camera decided it would be a good time to break down and I have yet to get a replacement, so no personal photos of review items (save for the grainy webcam photo) until I can do so.
Back to the task at hand: this month I was sent the Silicone Flexi Risque Triples anal probe from CalExotics for review. I'd never had the opportunity to try out an anal probe, much less one so...intimidating? Seeing as I don't make it a habit of using anal toys and the average plug can be enough to make me wince, I was unsure about it from the get-go. At the very least, the base is certainly big enough that there isn't ANY doubt about how incapable it is of getting pulled in.
The Triple Risque has an array of features: it's waterproof, has ten vibration/pulsation functions (which are similar in pattern and intensity to the Silly Rabbit I reviewed a while back), and the neck of the probe under the last ball is extremely flexible, hence the name. It is composed of body-safe silicone and runs on three AAA batteries. I can only assume that the intended use is to insert, sit, and enjoy, but that's far from what actually happened in my experience.
Can I please just re-iterate the fact here that I'm pretty iffy about things being stuck in my rear end? It's quite temperamental, and even just relaxing enough to use this was a feat in and of itself, and is probably a huge part in why I am so frustrated and disappointed with this toy.
I can happily say that the texture of the silicone is not so matte as to cause irritation. In fact it is very, very smooth (satin finish indeed, CalExotics) and I can appreciate that very much. I love silicone toys, but at times the texture leaves my poor butt feeling a bit sore, despite using lubricant. As a whole, the insertable portion of the Triple Risque is firm but still semi-pliable, which I and my rear end also greatly appreciate.
But it seems the biggest issue I have with the Triple Risque is the overall design. As you can see, the last ball on the probe (closest to the base) is vastly larger than the one before it. Without something to work up on, I was physically incapable of inserting it. I would also like to point out that when you're on the big side like I am, there's too much ass to accommodate a full insertion when the base is that large. True, the base is pretty much foolproof for anal safety, but it also causes more problems than it does solutions when using it.
Despite this hurdle that I was incapable of getting over, just using the first two balls was not an unpleasant experience, and the vibrations I think were a nice touch. Some of them are quite intense and caused discomfort, but out of ten speeds and functions, I found a few that worked for me and I think others could too. I would also like to point out that the button on the bottom of the base to control the vibration is not only simple, but frustration-free.
Overall? No, I'm not entirely happy with the Triple Risque. I think it suffers from some design flaws that made it personally difficult, but anyone who has more experience with anal play should at least try it out.
The item in this review has been provided by CalExotics.com to Fantasy Treasures as part of their Sexpert review program.
Back to the task at hand: this month I was sent the Silicone Flexi Risque Triples anal probe from CalExotics for review. I'd never had the opportunity to try out an anal probe, much less one so...intimidating? Seeing as I don't make it a habit of using anal toys and the average plug can be enough to make me wince, I was unsure about it from the get-go. At the very least, the base is certainly big enough that there isn't ANY doubt about how incapable it is of getting pulled in.
The Triple Risque has an array of features: it's waterproof, has ten vibration/pulsation functions (which are similar in pattern and intensity to the Silly Rabbit I reviewed a while back), and the neck of the probe under the last ball is extremely flexible, hence the name. It is composed of body-safe silicone and runs on three AAA batteries. I can only assume that the intended use is to insert, sit, and enjoy, but that's far from what actually happened in my experience.
Can I please just re-iterate the fact here that I'm pretty iffy about things being stuck in my rear end? It's quite temperamental, and even just relaxing enough to use this was a feat in and of itself, and is probably a huge part in why I am so frustrated and disappointed with this toy.
I can happily say that the texture of the silicone is not so matte as to cause irritation. In fact it is very, very smooth (satin finish indeed, CalExotics) and I can appreciate that very much. I love silicone toys, but at times the texture leaves my poor butt feeling a bit sore, despite using lubricant. As a whole, the insertable portion of the Triple Risque is firm but still semi-pliable, which I and my rear end also greatly appreciate.
But it seems the biggest issue I have with the Triple Risque is the overall design. As you can see, the last ball on the probe (closest to the base) is vastly larger than the one before it. Without something to work up on, I was physically incapable of inserting it. I would also like to point out that when you're on the big side like I am, there's too much ass to accommodate a full insertion when the base is that large. True, the base is pretty much foolproof for anal safety, but it also causes more problems than it does solutions when using it.
Despite this hurdle that I was incapable of getting over, just using the first two balls was not an unpleasant experience, and the vibrations I think were a nice touch. Some of them are quite intense and caused discomfort, but out of ten speeds and functions, I found a few that worked for me and I think others could too. I would also like to point out that the button on the bottom of the base to control the vibration is not only simple, but frustration-free.
Overall? No, I'm not entirely happy with the Triple Risque. I think it suffers from some design flaws that made it personally difficult, but anyone who has more experience with anal play should at least try it out.
The item in this review has been provided by CalExotics.com to Fantasy Treasures as part of their Sexpert review program.
Monday, March 19, 2012
Vibrating Bunny Enhancer : CalExotics
The Vibrating Bunny Enhancer from CalExotics is a unique cock ring featuring a bunny extension and nubs along the ring itself for dual stimulation. At the base of the extension, it sports a space for a mini bullet vibe (included with batteries!).
Composed largely of TPE, the Bunny Enhancer is pretty stretchy, but somehow not quite as stretchy as the Tri-O I reviewed a while back. My guess is that this is mostly due to the composition: the Enhancer covers a good length of the penis whereas the Tri-O is more of a ring. As with a few items I've reviewed in the past, the Bunny Enhancer left some to be desired. While the bullet is powerful despite it's small size and offers plenty of pleasure, the design in and of itself could do for some improvement.
We'll be the first to admit, we're not rocking porn star genitals here and my partner is around the widely considered average size. That having been said, the Bunny Enhancer acts more like a sleeve than a ring, only it lacks any real stimulation for the wearer. Not only did we require a dab of lube to slip it on (it was incredibly difficult and uncomfortable for him to do without), but when using it during sex, it actually prevented him from receiving any real pleasure as the Enhancer covered about half of the shaft.
From my end, the use of the Bunny Enhancer was very much dependent on position. I'm a gal that needs constant stimulation in order to really benefit from any vibration, so naturally, any position that allowed me to grind down was quite the treat. The ring/sleeve part of it, however was also a bit of a disappointment for me. The nubs were quite noticeable, but felt more scratchy than anything. Keep in mind that I have pretty sensitive skin, particularly on the nether regions, so that may have been part of the problem.
The Bunny Enhancer does have a lot of potential with some simple changes to its design, so I advise anyone looking at this product to also consider the similar alternatives that CalExotics offers, namely the Triple Tickler and Double Trouble.
The item in this review has been provided by CalExotics.com to Fantasy Treasures as part of their Sexpert review program.
Tuesday, January 24, 2012
Pink Inspire w/ Attachments : CalExotics
Some of you may recall my review full of praise a while back for the Transcend Flexing Massager. This time around, I've got another wand from the Couture Collection that is vastly different, but still brings on the pleasure: the Pink Inspire (now with wand attachments)!
The first thing (and possibly one of my favorite things about the Inspire) you should know about the Inspire is that it gets power straight from the wall socket: no fussing with battery enclosures or the disappointment of dead batteries. It's not rechargeable, but as long as you have electricity in your house, you're free to use the Inspire. Naturally, this also means that the Inspire is NOT waterproof.
The Inspire is composed of ABS plastic, and the interchangeable attachments are made of semi-soft, pliable silicone. Not a big fan of the pink, but thus far, you can only get it through CalExotics in this color if you want the whole kit and kaboodle seen here. Alternatively, if you purchase the Inspire without the additional attachments included, you can get it in purple. There are also a number of attachments (in pink and purple) that you can purchase separately.
While the attachments that come with the Inspire aren't like anything I've seen before, they still looked like a lot of fun. And boy was I right.
The Inspire doesn't have a set amount of speeds: instead it has a single-button control that allows for variable speeds. Hold the button down, and the wand vibrates, with the vibrations gradually escalating up to full speed. Simply press the button again to turn it off.
Let's take a step back and look at the (intended) use for wand massagers- massaging the body. The plain attachment that comes standard with the Inspire is awesome for this, especially around the neck and shoulders. This is usually a problem area for me when it comes to tension, so having something that can rub those knots right out of my muscles and relieve my headaches has been wonderful. It's also a nice, relaxing activity before moving on to the secondary use.
The dual-pronged attachment is a personal favorite of mine when using the Inspire for external stimulation. In fact, it's the only one I use for that. The other attachment with the bulb is decent at best, mostly because of the nubs on either side of the bulb. They don't quite reach my clit or my anus when the bulb is inserted, which is somewhat disappointing considering it seems that's what it's made for. That aside, I'm still quite pleased with the attachment that does work for me, and having full control over vibration speed is glorious. Sometimes when using a vibe, it gets frustrating when low is too low and medium is too high, but that's not a problem for the Inspire. I feel that it could escalate a little slower to allow for more accurate fine-tuning, but that's the most minimal of complaints about this toy, and it's certainly not a deal-breaker.
Really, the only problem I have with the Inspire is how it acts during use (aside from the stimulation, which it does very well). The handle is very lightweight since it doesn't have to house batteries, but this also means that it too vibrates like crazy when the Inspire is on any medium or high setting. Not only is it hard to hold onto, but when running it on higher speeds for a certain amount of time, it can make your hand numb. Something else that concerned me was how hot the top of the handle (the end closest to the head) gets when the Inspire has been used for about 10 minutes. It's not scalding (far from it, actually), but it's more than a little unsettling to realize that the vibrator you're using seems like it's overheating and you know it came included with a pamphlet on preventing starting a fire with it.
Despite the slight paranoia about the heat, I did enjoy using the Inspire. It's not my go-to toy, but having not to worry about batteries is pretty sweet and convenient.
The item in this review has been provided by CalExotics.com to Fantasy Treasures as part of their Sexpert review program.
The first thing (and possibly one of my favorite things about the Inspire) you should know about the Inspire is that it gets power straight from the wall socket: no fussing with battery enclosures or the disappointment of dead batteries. It's not rechargeable, but as long as you have electricity in your house, you're free to use the Inspire. Naturally, this also means that the Inspire is NOT waterproof.
The Inspire is composed of ABS plastic, and the interchangeable attachments are made of semi-soft, pliable silicone. Not a big fan of the pink, but thus far, you can only get it through CalExotics in this color if you want the whole kit and kaboodle seen here. Alternatively, if you purchase the Inspire without the additional attachments included, you can get it in purple. There are also a number of attachments (in pink and purple) that you can purchase separately.
While the attachments that come with the Inspire aren't like anything I've seen before, they still looked like a lot of fun. And boy was I right.
The Inspire doesn't have a set amount of speeds: instead it has a single-button control that allows for variable speeds. Hold the button down, and the wand vibrates, with the vibrations gradually escalating up to full speed. Simply press the button again to turn it off.
Let's take a step back and look at the (intended) use for wand massagers- massaging the body. The plain attachment that comes standard with the Inspire is awesome for this, especially around the neck and shoulders. This is usually a problem area for me when it comes to tension, so having something that can rub those knots right out of my muscles and relieve my headaches has been wonderful. It's also a nice, relaxing activity before moving on to the secondary use.
The dual-pronged attachment is a personal favorite of mine when using the Inspire for external stimulation. In fact, it's the only one I use for that. The other attachment with the bulb is decent at best, mostly because of the nubs on either side of the bulb. They don't quite reach my clit or my anus when the bulb is inserted, which is somewhat disappointing considering it seems that's what it's made for. That aside, I'm still quite pleased with the attachment that does work for me, and having full control over vibration speed is glorious. Sometimes when using a vibe, it gets frustrating when low is too low and medium is too high, but that's not a problem for the Inspire. I feel that it could escalate a little slower to allow for more accurate fine-tuning, but that's the most minimal of complaints about this toy, and it's certainly not a deal-breaker.
Really, the only problem I have with the Inspire is how it acts during use (aside from the stimulation, which it does very well). The handle is very lightweight since it doesn't have to house batteries, but this also means that it too vibrates like crazy when the Inspire is on any medium or high setting. Not only is it hard to hold onto, but when running it on higher speeds for a certain amount of time, it can make your hand numb. Something else that concerned me was how hot the top of the handle (the end closest to the head) gets when the Inspire has been used for about 10 minutes. It's not scalding (far from it, actually), but it's more than a little unsettling to realize that the vibrator you're using seems like it's overheating and you know it came included with a pamphlet on preventing starting a fire with it.
Despite the slight paranoia about the heat, I did enjoy using the Inspire. It's not my go-to toy, but having not to worry about batteries is pretty sweet and convenient.
The item in this review has been provided by CalExotics.com to Fantasy Treasures as part of their Sexpert review program.
Thursday, January 19, 2012
Tri-O Couple's Cock Ring : Good Vibrations
First ever cock ring review here on Fantasy Treasures! While not being the first cock ring to be tried and tested, this is the first one that gets a review: the Tri-O Waterproof Vibrating Couple's Cock Ring from Good Vibrations. What a mouthful, am I right?
To start, does anyone know why they call it the Tri-O? It's not just a cheesy pun for orgasms, the Tri-O cock ring is a figure-8 design that is intended to be worn around the base of the shaft and the testicles, comes equipped with two mini bullet vibes, and is covered in interesting textures for a triple punch of stimulation for both parties. While you can't specify a color choice through Good Vibrations, the only disappointment I have with the toy itself is that I just really wish they would have sent us one of the not-pink ones. :P
Skeptical was an understatement of how I felt when I opened the package from Good Vibes and looked this toy over. Having tried different styles of cock rings before with little to no real success, I wasn't holding my hopes very high, but I still wanted to try it.
First of all, it's made of elastomer (a form of rubber), which, while it isn't ideal for insertable sex toys, is in my opinion excusable for something that is strictly for external use. In fact, it makes it quite stretchy as you can see, which makes the Tri-O a good candidate for men of all sizes, and easy to slip on and go.
I had an assumption that the texture was more for decoration than anything, but from my side of the cock ring fence, that's my favorite part about this toy. The vibrations didn't do a lot for me since they're not very strong, but my partner did really enjoy them because they were so subtle, particularly with the vibe resting between the base of his cock and his balls. Because of the stretchiness, there wasn't a lot of pressure going on with the cock ring itself, so I think any real words on the more traditional use of a cock ring will have to wait.
While I liked the ring overall (despite my initial impressions), and I like seeing a throbbing cock bound by a ring, the Tri-O did look a bit silly when being worn, mostly because of the bulk of the mini-bullets...and that it was a bright shade of fuchsia. If looks aren't a big turn off for you though, and you're looking to try something new, I would suggest this as an experimental purchase.
The item in this review has been provided by Good Vibrations to Fantasy Treasures as part of their sponsored review program.
To start, does anyone know why they call it the Tri-O? It's not just a cheesy pun for orgasms, the Tri-O cock ring is a figure-8 design that is intended to be worn around the base of the shaft and the testicles, comes equipped with two mini bullet vibes, and is covered in interesting textures for a triple punch of stimulation for both parties. While you can't specify a color choice through Good Vibrations, the only disappointment I have with the toy itself is that I just really wish they would have sent us one of the not-pink ones. :P
Skeptical was an understatement of how I felt when I opened the package from Good Vibes and looked this toy over. Having tried different styles of cock rings before with little to no real success, I wasn't holding my hopes very high, but I still wanted to try it.
First of all, it's made of elastomer (a form of rubber), which, while it isn't ideal for insertable sex toys, is in my opinion excusable for something that is strictly for external use. In fact, it makes it quite stretchy as you can see, which makes the Tri-O a good candidate for men of all sizes, and easy to slip on and go.
I had an assumption that the texture was more for decoration than anything, but from my side of the cock ring fence, that's my favorite part about this toy. The vibrations didn't do a lot for me since they're not very strong, but my partner did really enjoy them because they were so subtle, particularly with the vibe resting between the base of his cock and his balls. Because of the stretchiness, there wasn't a lot of pressure going on with the cock ring itself, so I think any real words on the more traditional use of a cock ring will have to wait.
While I liked the ring overall (despite my initial impressions), and I like seeing a throbbing cock bound by a ring, the Tri-O did look a bit silly when being worn, mostly because of the bulk of the mini-bullets...and that it was a bright shade of fuchsia. If looks aren't a big turn off for you though, and you're looking to try something new, I would suggest this as an experimental purchase.
The item in this review has been provided by Good Vibrations to Fantasy Treasures as part of their sponsored review program.
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