[review] LELO SmartWand (Large)

LELO Smart Wands are LELO’s answer to the long-time favourite wand vibrators. Sorry, *massagers* (wink, wink, nudge, etc). It kinda all started with the Hitachi Magic Wand, and now we have a whole lotta wand styled toys with the vibrations and pulsations and attachments and way-hey-hey!

LELO Smart Wand (in ivory)

LELO Smart Wand (in ivory)

So LELO were like, people love the Hitachi but aren’t enamoured with being tethered to the power point while they jack it, so we gotta make this cordless. But the vibrations still need to knock your socks off, because these toys are coveted by those of us who like it STRONG and able to last for AGES. They totally achieved that goal, too. Whilst perhaps not quite as strong as their AC-powered counterparts, the large Smart Wand still packs enough of a wallop to satisfy most discerning power-fiends (the Smart Wand also comes in a smaller size for those who like the idea of a portable wand or don’t need/want the great hulking large wand getting all up in their business).

It even has a clever SenseTouch sensor that knows when you are making contact with the toy and ramps up the intensity accordingly. Plus the standard array of 8-odd variations in the vibrating patterns that we’ve come to expect from quality sex toys.

Plus, aside from going gangbusters on the clit (seriously, it’s like purchasing a ticket to ride the express train to Orgasm Town), this is legitimately good as a massager for working out knots and pain in one’s body. I could hold it against my shoulders and back with ease, and it is light enough that this didn’t result in the heartbreak of Tired Hand Syndrome.

Quick and easy to charge and an included neoprene storage bag (that kinda looks like a cute sleeping bag for the toy) and total waterproofing are all icing on the cake of this stylish, Red Dot award winning toy.

At least, in theory.

LELO Smart Wand (in plum)

What even is all this colour-matched swag?

I work in the sex toy retail industry (but all views on Harlot Overdrive are my own and do not reflect that of my employers or colleagues) and became a little dismayed that there were some whispers about the toy not working so well when it was used in water, despite LELO’s guarantee that the toy is waterproof. Indeed, even when I tweeted about this they stood by that claim and didn’t offer any idea of what the discrepancy could be about.
So, being the sensible and curious pervert that I am, I ventured to the warm bath with my Smart Wand to see just how waterproof it was. I risked a very beautiful, pricey and until that point, flawless toy in the name of science. For you. You’re welcome, world.

Conclusion? I loved my Smart Wand.

Yes. Loved. Past tense. That was intentional, not just sloppy editing. My beautiful, large Smart Wand, all sleek, swank and equal parts shiny and silky silicone, had to be returned for a refund.

After about fifteen minutes the fully-charged Smart Wand stopped working. Shortly thereafter, I was standing on the cold tiles, shaking water OUT OF MY SUPPOSEDLY WATERPROOF SMART WAND. Like, there was so much water in the toy that you could shake it gently near your ear and hear it. The Smart Wand was audibly not living up to the continued claim that it was waterproof.

So, after all the dust and trauma was settled, I decided not to replace the Smart Wand with another Smart Wand. Like, this toy is beautiful, but I can buy another non-waterproof cordless, rechargeable wand vibrator for a fraction of the price and still be riding that train to Orgasm Town (and working out those knots and tension in my back). If you own the Smart Wand already, my advice is don’t take it in the bath unless it is still in warranty.

If you don’t own a Smart Wand and the waterproofing is a selling point for you, then make sure you test it out during the warranty period or be like me and get something else from LELO’s extensive range of genuinely beautiful, quality vibrators and stimulators instead.

xxLauren

Please note: this is not a sponsored review and I have not been compensated in any way to provide my honest opinion. If however you would like to send me your product in exchange for my honest review, please contact me at harlotoverdrive@gmail.com

Masturbation Month: The Harlot Overdrive Top Ten Wank Toys (& Giveaway!)

As promised, here are my top ten masturbation toys. Narrowing it down to ten was hard, and there is easily another ten I could have mentioned. I also tried to make sure it wasn’t just all focused on the clit, because not all of us get off on that sort of stimulation! Also, as promised, this is the first Harlot Overdrive post to feature a give away, ooh la la! More on that further down, but first, may I present to you, in no discerning order, Harlot Overdrive’s Top Ten Wank Toys:

10) The (Hitachi) Magic Wand

Hitachi Magic Wand

Hitachi Magic Wand

The recently renamed vibrator (Hitachi have dropped their branding and are just calling it The Magic Wand now. Boring.) has been a long-time favourite for those who like super-consistent and STRONG vibrations rocketing through their body. You’ve probably seen it, or one of its friends, pop up in a porn film or two, or perhaps you remember that classic Samantha moment in Sex and The City where she schools the department store clerk on why women buy these ‘massagers’. In Australia, The Bodywand is a fine substitute for the ugly, corded but amazingly strong Magic Wand. Both have plenty of silicone attachments, too. These make the Bodywand far more versatile than just ‘oversized, powerful clit vibrator’ and take it into ‘Rabbit’, ‘G-Spot’ and ‘Actually really useful back massager’ territory. Really though, you just need to head over to the amazing comic site Oh Joy Sex Toy, and read their review. Bam.

9) We-Vibe Touch

We-Vibe Touch

We-Vibe Touch

Simple, sophisticated design, the We-Vibe Touch is made of a medical-grade silicone, it’s waterproof and rechargeable and it has a simple one-push button functionality. Cycle through a selection of various vibration patterns, hold firmly against your clit and go for broke. Ergonomically designed to fit comfortably in your hand while you use it, so it won’t get in the way if you wanna use it whilst grinding up on another human. Bonus.

8) LELO Mia 2

LELO Mia 2

LELO Mia 2

This little lipstick vibrator is my favourite ‘keep in purse at all times’ vibrator. At a glance, it just looks like an upmarket lipstick or mascara, but unlike lipstick or mascara this will definitely get you off! With a pointed tip at one end and a flat, smooth surface at the other, all your clit coverage preferences are taken care of. It packs a punch but is still whisper-quiet as well as being USB-rechargeable, waterproofish (I wouldn’t trust it in the bath but I love it in the shower), phthalate-free and lockable (so your luggage won’t start vibrating, making it the perfect luggage-friendly vibe). Mia 2 makes a lovely gift for the traveller in your life, once you’ve already gotten one for yourself.

7) Fun Factory Stronic Eins

Stronic Eins (in pink)

Stronic Eins (in pink)

Oh, Stronic Eins pulsator. You and I are going to be friends for life. BFFs. You make me happy and never sad. Read my full review of this amazing creature for more gushing (and then get to your own gushing with this toy ;))

6) Rocks Off Rock Chick

Rocks Off Rock Chick

Rocks Off Rock Chick

A nice battery-operated number, this has been a solid choice for some time now. A C-shaped silicone sleeve that fits firmly over the Rocks Off RO-160 bullet (or slip it over the We-Vibe Salsa/Tango, if that is your preference). The ridges on the external section feel lovely against the clit. Hands free dual stimulation self-loving is rarely made this easy. Silly name, super toy.

5) Fleshlight

Fleshlight Pink Lady

Fleshlight Pink Lady

Up until now, I’ve concentrated on toys that are good for clits and cunts but it would be remiss of me to not get a couple of cock toys into this list. Whilst I may not have my own permanent cock (just a drawer full of optional ones), I have a delightful array of friends, lovers and customers who have been happy to chat masturbation with me over the years and it would seem that the Fleshlight is the best-selling masturbator with good reason. It may not be as streamlined and sexy as the Tenga range; the gaudy pink is a rather peculiar take on the pink of actual pink bits, but the feeling of the patented cyberskin is something else. The suction and friction and texture of the Fleshlight has seen a lot of dudes trade in their stubborn ‘I don’t need a toy to have a wank’ attitude in exchange for their very own Fleshlight and a bottle of lube. Classic.

4) Fun Factory Cobra Libre

Cobra Libre

Cobra Libre

This toy creates a little more division in opinion, but it’s a very unique take on the masturbation sleeve concept and Fun Factory have done well with finding new ways to get guys off than the ol’ ‘add stretchy sleeve and manually masturbate with it’. It only fits the head of the cock inside the silicone sleeve, which is where they are most sensitive; it looks like a race-care and is controlled with a sleek slider panel for intensity and pattern type. I refer to this one rather affectionately as the ‘lazy wanker‘, because you can position the Cobra Libre and your body to create a rollicking good hands-free time.

3) LELO Gigi

LELO Gigi

LELO Gigi

This is what I refer to in my day job as a first-time toy buyer’s ‘safe bet’. Like, you either have been, are still or know someone who is a little hesitant or anxious about sex toys, right? The Gigi is probably one of the greatest toys to put a newbies mind at ease: it isn’t noisy; it isn’t large; it’s great externally and internally and it is super easy to use. A wonderful toy for clitoral or g-spot stimulation (the world’s best-selling, even), and comes in a turquoise colour that just kills me. So lovely and elegant. A staple for sure.

2) Tantus VIP

Tantus VIP

Tantus VIP

Sometimes, we don’t want vibration or pulsation. Sometimes, I just wanna take a well-shaped hunk of silicone (or glass, acrylic, stone, etc) and rub and pound one out that way. Also, I’m quite the fan of cock, so sometimes I want that hunk of silicone to be doing its best to emulate the sensation that one gets from cock. This is where the Tantus VIP (or Tantus VIP Super Soft) comes in. Complete with head and balls and dreamy g-spot curving, this is a gorgeous toy from the gorgeous Tantus and trust me when I say you’ll just want to straddle it and ride it like there was no tomorrow. Baby, you are a VIP. So get it in you.

1) Pico Bong Ipo

Pico Bong Ipo

Pico Bong Ipo

This little number is from LELO’s battery-operated range, Pico Bong. You get LELO-quality silky silicone-coated ABS plastic vibrators at a fraction of the LELO price. Let’s face it, there are some occasions where you just don’t have access to electricity, so having a battery-operated toy or two in your arsenal is a smart move. The Ipo is a smooth little bullet vibe.. with a finger sleeve! So, you slide your finger on in to the sleeve and then lay or point it at your clit for easy, slip-free masturbating. How clever! You only need one little AAA battery and it lasts for a fair whack of time, depending on how long you use it, before you need a fresh battery. It has a whopping 12 different vibration programs to choose from, is waterproof to a depth of one meter and comes with a one-year warranty. Bongo Bam!

Because I love my subscribers almost as much as I love a good wank, I am giving you the chance to win your very own Pico Bong Ipo vibrator!

Ipos Ipos Ipos!

Ipos Ipos Ipos!

To win, you need to be a subscriber to Harlot Overdrive and/or a liker of the Facebook page.

To enter, you just gotta share a little of the Harlot Overdrive love around for me: link my blog or Facebook page on your social media/blog of choice: Twitter, Facebook, Tumblr, Instagram, Pinterest, Wherevs! Then, leave a comment on this post with a link to your link to this blog. Shit just got meta. Are you still with me? Want more entries? Create more links on more platforms and link ’em to me here!

I’ll be throwing names into a hat (quite literally) and drawing out a winner in two weeks time (17 June 2013).

Good luck to you all, and happy wanking!

xxLauren

Small Print:
– This is a new, unopened, unused Pico Bong Ipo in Black. It is non-transferable and non-refundable. No batteries are included (although some samples of lubricant are, for your pleasure).
– You don’t gotta use your real name publicly, although this item will come via Express Post so it would help if you can email me your real name if you win. That way, AusPost doesn’t make our lives difficult if you need to retrieve this discreet package from the post office.
– You don’t need to be in Australia to receive this prize, but O/S entrants agree to cover the cost of shipping should they win (my poor student arse can’t cover more than the cost of the toy & domestic shipping).
– Subscribers can enter multiple times, by linking the blog to multiple locations. All social media and blogs are acceptable, other sites (forums and the like) will be accepted as entries at the discretion of Harlot Overdrive.

[review] Fun Factory Stronic Eins

Alrighty, it is time to talk about the not-so-new-now new toy from Fun Factory (renowned German makers of brightly coloured toys that are good for fucking with, even if some of them look like the sort of early learning toy you might give to a small child), the Stronic Eins.

For many years now, insertable vaginal toys have tended to vibrate and/or rotate. Occasionally there might be some ‘pearls’ in the shaft of the toy for extra texture fun, but that has been it. Fun Factory have come alone and blown this shit out of the water with this new toy, which is not a vibrator, but a pulsator. Yeah, you heard. A pulsator. Because it pulses. Another way to phrase this would be to say that it thrusts.

If you are into penetration, then you are probably a little beside yourself with this concept, if you don’t already own one of these bad boys. And you should be a little beside yourself, because the Stronic Eins is good. Real good. However, it doesn’t function in the same way as a fucking machine (or human), so don’t expect this toy to be able to go as hard as a real-life partner would, slamming into you with all that good weight and force. No, this is just a little pulsator, and it isn’t going to feel like you are actually fucking, so let’s go into this experience with realistic expectations, shall we?

Stronic Eins (in pink)

Stronic Eins (in pink)

The Stronic Eins comes in your choice of pink or dark violet, is about 24cm in length and 4.5-3.5cm in width, depending on which section you measure. It is completely waterproof and rechargeable with the Fun Factory Click ‘N’ Charge magnetic charger. The charger is sold separately, but works with all the rechargeable toys that Fun Factory puts out. So instead of needing to own multiple chargers, you just need the one. I know a lot of people whine about having to buy the charger separately, but really, just shut up. They are cheap; you only need one; just buy it already and then join me in feeling smug about doing your part for the environment by not getting a useless extra charger every time you buy another Fun Factory toy that will inevitably just sit in a drawer until you move house and lose it or throw it out or whatever.

You’ll get about three hours of pulsing before it needs to be charged again, but charging doesn’t take too long; roughly as long as it would take to charge up a smart phone. If you need to take the Stronic Eins with you when travelling, Fun Factory have taken a leaf from the Lelo tree of goodness and added in a lock function. This means you don’t risk your luggage trying to jerk its way down the check in line at the airport, and no embarrassing bomb squad encounters for you. Unlike Lelo’s clever locking function (hold down two buttons for a count of three to lock/unlock), Fun Factory just makes the on/off button more difficult to accidentally knock on; it needs to be depressed for a second before it will work. I’ve played around with mine, trying to accidentally turn it on, and haven’t yet managed to, but it still isn’t going to be as super-secure as Lelo toys are. Having said that, if this is a massive concern for you, just charge the toy down before you pack it in the suitcase. A toy with no charge can not accidentally be turned on, after all.

The medical-grade silicone is that lovely matte texture that Fun Factory are known for, but seems to want to make love to dust and cat fur more than my other Fun Factory toys. You’ll want to store it in a lint-free storage bag or box so that it doesn’t need de-linting before use. You’ll also want to be liberal with the water-based lubricant, because the matte texture can create a bit of drag and friction when in use.

Speaking of use, let’s get to the good stuff: how this toy performs. Inside the toy is a clever little motor that allows the toy to thrust forward and back, like this:

Stronic Eins

Stronic Eins pulsating

There are about 10 different pulsation patterns, some of which are pretty hot date and some of which feel like you are getting it on with a seizure victim, but there is enough variety that you will no doubt find something that works for you.

If the Stronic Eins is held on to tightly, it will not pulsate as hard as it can, so what you’ll need to learn how to do is hold it lightly, or just let your pelvic floor do the work for you and go hands free. You may also find that certain positions allow this toy to perform the way it wants to better than others. I’ve found it easier to use whilst lying down than standing or sitting. Standing up (the way you might use a vibrator in the shower) is particularly awkward and with the loose grip I was a little too concerned about dropping the damn thing on the tiles; at $200+ a pop, you don’t want to go dropping it.

Once you’ve found a comfortable position you can really get some good g-spot stimulation with this toy. The slight curve at the head means it is already heading in the right direction, and the repeat thrusts into the g-spot, combined if you like with another form of clitoral stimulation, can make for some very satisfying wanking. Yeah, it has a little nub for clit stimulation, but I’m the kind of girl who wants pressure, and I can’t manoeuvre this toy (or most others) in a way that gives me dual stimulation to my liking. Of course, your mileage with the clit nub may vary.

If you are having a partner use this toy on you, make sure you get them to keep a light grip, otherwise they may as well be using a vibrator or dildo on you. And really, were I with a partner, I would probably sooner hand them a vibrator or dildo to fuck me with than this toy. The Stronic Eins is best reserved for solo use when you don’t have someone else to do the thrusting for you and you want to concentrate on how awesome things are feeling and not the annoyance that is having to get a hand cramp from self-thrusting action. And what better way to celebrate Masturbation Month than with a hands-free wank?

All in all, I am in love with my Stronic Eins and have forced it into the hands of most visitors to my house, exclaiming ‘FEEL THIS! LOOK AT THIS! IT’S A REVELATION GOD DAMN IT!’. At $200+ a pop, it is definitely an investment piece, so make sure you hold on to your receipt and buy it from a trustworthy retailer with a good returns policy, just in case. Then start saving for the Stronic Zwei and Stronic Drei!

Please note: this is not a sponsored review and I have not been compensated in any way to provide my honest opinion. If however you would like to send me your product in exchange for my honest review, please contact me at harlotoverdrive@gmail.com

What What in the Butt: Research on anodyspareunia indicates a greater need for anal sex education.

Recently, the Journal of Sex & Marital Therapy published a research paper titled, ‘Should We Take Anodyspareunia Seriously? A Descriptive Analysis of Pain During Receptive Anal Intercourse in Young Heterosexual Women‘ in which they talked about the increasing incidence of attempting anal sex in heterosexual couples (with female as receiving partner) and the pain reported by said young women. Upsettingly, almost one half of the respondents reported excessive pain (so much so that they did not continue) during their first experience of anal sex, and just over half of the respondents didn’t use lubricant during their first anal sexing.

Just over half of the respondents didn’t use lubricant.

It comes as no surprise that the incidence of painful anal intercourse were so significant, really. In fact, as a result of this painful first experience of anal sex, less than two-thirds of respondents re-attempted anal sex, and of those who did (and who reported at least two “episodes of anoreceptive intercourse” (read: buttsex) only 3.6% were free of anodyspareunia (pain/discomfort). This upsets me. More and more young women are trying anal sex but not being given the tools to go about it in a comfortable, pleasurable and safe manner.

So, let’s talk about anal and let’s talk about lubrication, okay?

The thing about your butt is that it can not lubricate itself in the same way your cunt can. It simply doesn’t happen. And you can be as aroused as you want or as in love with the giving partner as you like, but that doesn’t mean that your body will respond well to a dry cock being forced into a dry anus. In fact, this is a great way to go about contracting STIs, breaking condoms and injuring yourself.

Ladies, don’t injure yourself and don’t let some doofus with a well-meaning but un-lubricated cock injure you either. Get your butt ready to be penetrated and you will be a lot safer, and chances are you’ll actually enjoy the experience once it is devoid of pain and tearing. So, if it is your first time, the best advice I can give is to go slow. If you are anything like I was as a bolshy young woman, you’ll be scoffing at the idea that you would want to ‘go slow’ at anything; you’re eager to get to the buttsex and you know best, right? Wrong.

Sliquid Sassy

Sliquid Sassy

Due to the whole pesky non-lubricating nature of our butts, the first thing you need to get is some lubricant. And please, don’t just grab the tub of Vaseline from the medicine cabinet; invest in a decent lubricant and your body will thank you for it. Sliquid make a beautiful lubricant specifically with buttsexing in mind called ‘Sassy‘ and LubeXXX have a blended lubricant that contains both water and silicone that stays crazy-slick (both of these are latex-compatible and safe to use with toys of most materials, including silicone). When using a good quality lubricant, a little will usually go a long way, but when you are starting out, apply liberally and always re-apply as needed. Slippery sex is super fun sex!

Some anal sex advice-givers will tell you to pick a lubricant containing the topical numbing agent benzocaine. If you run across these types of people, please tell them the Harlot needs them to stop spreading harmful misinformation around immediately. The way to get past painful anal sex is NOT to just make it so your butt can’t feel anything. The pain is your body’s way of telling you that something potentially damaging is happening. If you remove your body’s ability to communicate that warning to you, then you run the risk of inflicting some damage. There are products that assist your butt in relaxing without removing your ability to feel. If you are super-tense and need something to help your butt chill out a little, check out something like Apronal (LubeXXX) or Adventure (Intimate Organics) – these products are loaded with pleasant smelling natural ingredients that relax the sphincter, not numb it.

Intimate Organics Adventure

Intimate Organics Adventure

So, now you’ve got your lube handy and if need be you’ve got a little something something to relax it. Next, you wanna get your butt in the mood. And that generally means getting the rest of you in the mood. So, get to foreplaying with your partner. Do all the kissing, sucking, biting, fucking, caressing and fondling you wanna do until you are nice and aroused. Have your partner explore your butt – perhaps stroking or spanking your cheeks, getting their tongue involved (aka ‘rimming’) and communicating with you the whole time; “Do you like this?” “Do you want more of that?” “Can I …”, etc. Don’t be shy about what you are and are not enjoying – the whole point of this is to be comfortable and relaxed with your partner and to do what feels good for you.

Because I doubt y’all need an essay on how to foreplay (but if you do, please say so – I’ll write it!), let’s move right along to the part where things go into your butt. Good things to start with include fingers, and slim toys. Just remember, whatever goes in there MUST HAVE A FLARED BASE. Yeah, I went all caps on that last sentence, because it is important like lube is important and you need to remember it. Speak to anyone you know who has worked in ER and I bet they’ll have some whacky stories about strange things retrieved from the insides of people because they didn’t consider how the human anatomy works and consequently lost a bottle/vibrator/lollipop inside themselves. And no, they won’t believe you when you say you inadvertently sat down/fell on it, so stop giving their Christmas party stories this much flair and USE A FLARED BASE ITEM IN YOUR BUTT. I really love Pendant (D.VICE), Bootie (Fun Factory) and Bob (LELO). All are designed to be comfortable, easy to use and super easy to clean and are my go-to beginner recommendations.

Fun Factory Bootie

Fun Factory Bootie

When you are comfortable with well-lubed fingers or toys and you feel enthused about trying for a cock, it’s time to consider the best position to be in. Women often report that lying on their side with their partner spooning them is a nice gentle way to ease into it, and I’ve always been fond of woman-on-top anal sex, as this allows you far greater control of speed, direction and depth. Remember to eaaaaaaase into it, nice and gently and don’t forget to breathe. Take it slow. Breathe. Stop and re-apply lube to your butt and his cock if you need to. Breathe. I know I keep saying breathe, but when we don’t breathe, we tense up, and when we tense our butt up, we make it a lot harder to gently and comfortably get with the butt sex. So exhale as you or he eases his cock into your butt. If you wanna try for some g-spot stimulation, give doggy style anal sex a go, but be sure you keep communicating with your partner as this is a position that can lead to surprise pain if he accidentally thrusts too hard/fast for you (trust me, I’ve been there and done that and it left me rolling around for five minutes wishing I didn’t have a butt). And regardless of position, if it helps you to touch yourself then please, touch yourself – the combination of a cock in the arse and a hand/toy on the clit can be quite sensational for some.

Lastly, if it isn’t happening then it isn’t happening. Don’t be too hard on yourself or your partner and just do other fun things instead; vaginal penetration, oral sex, watching the latest Parks and Recreation.. whatever makes you both feel good. Put the anal sex on the backburner for now, because your butt? It’s still going to be there next time.

xLauren

PS. Unless you are butt-sexing someone you are fluid-bonded with (which means someone you already have unprotected sex with, and ideally make safe decisions around your sex life with regarding STI testing and so on), use a condom. The lubricants and relaxants I have recommended in this post are all compatible with latex and non-latex condoms.