Lately I have been focusing on rabbit vibrators and dildos and it feels like it’s been a while since I have reviewed a regular old traditional vibrator. So, this week I decided to give the Lovehoney Super7 Smoothie Silicone Vibrator from Lovehoney a whirl.

The Lovehoney Super7 Smoothie Silicone Vibrator is a simple but attractive vibrator. It is made of light pink silicone that is slick to the touch and does not attract much lint. There are several ridges down the sides of the shaft which the website says are to offer gentle stimulation but I don’t feel them at all during use. There are also horizontal ridges around the lower third of the vibrator, but as the on/off button is in the midst of these ridges, they don’t really see much much actual penetration. They do make gripping the Super7 Smoothie easier when it is slick with lube and bodily fluids.

Surprisingly, there is a slightly unpleasant scent to the Super7 Smoothie that I have not been able to vanquish with numerous washings and airings out. Granted, the vibrator needs to be relatively close to my nose for me to detect it, but I rarely find that my silicone sex toys have a scent so this was unexpected. It makes me wonder if the Super7 Smoothie is a silicone mix rather than 100% silicone. Considering this concern, I would definitely stick with water-based lubricant over silicone-based. I would worry the silicone of the vibrator would react to the silicone in the lube and have a negative reaction. Though the Super7 Smoothie is naturally slicker and more slippery than most silicone, you still want to be sure and use a fair amount of lubricant with it, as with all insertables.

The Lovehoney Super7 Smoothie is a battery operated vibrator and Lovehoney is kind enough to include the necessary two AA batteries. Thank you, Lovehoney. The battery compartment is at the base of the vibrator. It is made of gray plastic, and for some reason has the word “VIBE” stamped into the bottom, which amuses me. It twists off smoothly and easily in one motion rather than unscrewing. When reattaching the top of the battery compartment, you must line it up properly with the shaft in order to twist it on securely, which can be a bit tricky but makes me feel as though it is very securely sealed. There is a little band of silver that says “open” and “close” with little arrows indicating direction. Below this band is a black o-ring which allows the Super7 Smoothie to be waterproof.

Being waterproof makes the Super7 Smoothie easy to clean. You can wash it under running water with antibacterial soap, use a sex toy cleaner, or a 10% bleach solution on the silicone part of the vibrator. Using this bleach solution will disinfect the silicone so you can share it between non-fluid bonded partners. I don’t recommend using the Super7 Smoothie for anal penetration as it does not have a flared base and could easily disappear up inside you.

At 7.25″, with 6″ being insertable, and 1.6″ in diameter, the Super7 Smoothie is about average in size. It might be considered slightly girthier than an average sex toy, but only slightly. Even with the motor running through the center of the shaft, there is still some give to the silicone. The top quarter of the vibrator is solid silicone so it very squashy. The tip is also slightly angled to provide g-spot stimulation.

The control panel on the Super7 Smoothie consists of one push button on the side of the vibrator labelled “on off”. It is very basic and simple to use. You press the button once to turn the vibrator on. Keep pressing the button to cycle through all seven modes and then to turn the vibrator off. The downside of this system is that if you pass the mode you want by mistake, you have to scroll through every other mode, including turning the vibrator off and back on, to get back to it. The button is easy to press but requires sufficient pressure to change c=modes that it doesn’t happen accidentally during play. It has good feedback and makes a nice clicking sound when pressed. The seven modes of the Super7 Smoothie are as follows:
1. High steady vibration
2. Medium steady vibration
3. Low steady vibration
4. Pulse- long short long
5. Pulse- long high pulse, long low pulse
6. Pulse- long long long
7. Pulse- short low pulse, long high pulse

I would prefer to have a two button control panel so I don’t have to scroll through all of the modes to get to the one I want. I also prefer to turn a vibrator on the lowest level of intensity rather than the highest, so I think this system is not the best design. However, the vibrations are deep and rumbly and moderately powerful. I don’t think the Lovehoney Super7 Smoothie will satisfy power queens, but I do think it’ll do the job for many people. It is a little louder than I’d like. You can definitely hear it when it’s under the covers, but a closed door covers up the sound well unless you’ve got your ear to the door.

As far as using the Super7 Smoothie, it is certainly easy to hold. The ridges on the shaft make gripping and thrusting comfortable and the push button is easy to reach and press during use. The vibrations travel well through the shaft and are concentrated in the tip of the vibrator, providing good clit stimulation during external play. At first I thought the vibrations were too diffuse for me but I realized I just need the right angle on my clit and they work very well. The head is angled and firm enough to hit my g-spot and I can feel the vibrations in the tip. I like the vibrations quite a lot and am pleased that the Super7 Smoothie is not very loud, especially when I use it internally. At first I didn’t like the pattern modes because the long pulses are slightly too long, especially the low ones, but I ended up really enjoying pattern 7. It ramps me up more quickly than I expected. Overall, the Super7 Smoothie is a solid g-spot vibrator when it comes to play, but it is not outstanding.

I prefer the packaging of the Lovehoney Super7 Smoothie Silicone Vibrator to the other Lovehoney products I have reviewed thus far. While not discrete, it is more subtle and feels classier than a cardboard box with a picture of a sex toy on it. The Super7 Smoothie comes in a small black box with a frosted plastic sleeve that says “Lovehoney” on it in a silver font. There are no other markings on the package to indicate there is a sex toy inside, but as you can pretty much see the vibrator through the sleeve most people will not be left wondering what is inside. After sliding the plastic sleeve off, you’ll find the Super7 Smoothie sitting in a black plastic tray. Underneath the tray are the included batteries (go Lovehoney!) and a small folded instruction sheet. The instructions are basic and moderately clear. I am guessing they were translated into English from another language based on the amusing sentence structure and word choices. The box is small and compact without a ton of extra space surrounding the vibrator so it does not take up much more space than the Super7 Smoothie on its on, which I like. It is also sturdy enough to use for storage.

Lovehoney Super7 Smoothie Silicone Vibrator Pros:
• Rumbly vibrations
• Good power
• Comfortable to hold during play
• Waterproof
• Quiet
• Not a lint magnet

Lovehoney Super7 Smoothie Silicone Vibrator Cons:
• Unpleasant scent
• One button control panel
• Starts on highest level of intensity when turned on

As I stated above, the Lovehoney Super7 Smoothie Silicone Vibrator is a solid g-spot vibrator with moderate power and rumbly vibrations. I really like the vibrations. They are deep and strong enough to get me off rather quickly, and quiet enough to hide behind a closed door. After using it in the shower, I am happy with the Super7 Smoothie’s ability to tolerate water. Certainly there are vibrators with more modes of vibration out there, but seven is more than sufficient. Though there obviously some positives about this vibrator, there are definitely some negatives. While I do like a one button control panel in theory, it really doesn’t work for me in practice. The scrolling through all modes is annoying and distracting. I also don’t like how the Super7 Smoothie turns on at the highest level of intensity. I often prefer to begin play on the lower levels and when I get worked up and want to increase the power I have to scroll through the other modes, including turning it off and back on. Grr. I know for many people the scent would not be a big issue. Granted, it’s not overwhelming and I cannot actually smell it when I’m using the vibrator (unless I’m using it on my nipples, then I get a whiff here and there). However, I just feel like there is no reason for it to smell and I cannot remember the last time I ran into this issue.

If you are not sensitive to scents like I am and don’t mind the endless scrolling with the one button control, the Lovehoney Super7 Smoothie Silicone Vibrator is a good and affordable choice in this class of vibrators. It isn’t the most g-spotty g-spot vibrator out there but it isn’t just a traditional vibrator either. Head on over to Lovehoney to check out the Super7 Smoothie Silicone Vibrator.

Bean Fiddler Rating:

Just Wednesday, I reviewed an awesome little rechargeable clit vibrator, the Crave Duet. I bring this up because today’s Spotlight is on another clit vibrator that charges via USB, the Lovehoney Flash USB Rechargeable Mini Vibrator.

The Lovehoney Flash USB Rechargeable Mini Vibrator is a waterproof vibrator made of silicone. It has three speeds and four patterns and looks simple enough to use. I like that it’s discreet when charging and like the Crave Duet, looks more like a thumb drive than a vibrator.

The Lovehoney Flash has a contoured and flexible tip that looks like it would be very good for stimulating the clit, nipples, and labia. It also can probably be used on the testicles and shaft of the penis, as well as the perineum. Its discreet design brings to mind the LELO Mia, which I also have yet to try. I like the idea of a discreet vibrator I can carry around with me that doesn’t look like a vibrator. In reality, I don’t usually carry a vibrator around with me but it’s always nice to have options.

Beanpole Fiddler is not a huge fan of sex toys that charge via USB, but I am. He thinks its kinda silly while I think it’s very cool. Plenty of people travel with computers nowadays so it’s a lot easier to charge something in your USB port rather than having to drag along a charger, which can be easily forgotten or misplaced. Or if you’re like me, you have a ton of chargers that you didn’t think of labeling and now you don’t know which goes to what. That could be one of the reasons I like a vibrator that plugs right into my computer, like the Lovehoney Flash.

I wonder how the Lovehoney Flash compares to other similar vibrators. I don’t have the LELO Mia but maybe I’ll have the opportunity to review the Flash… Head on over to Lovehoney to check out the Lovehoney Flash USB Rechargeable Mini Vibrator.

Last year I wrote a Spotlight on a new sex toy, the Crave Duet. I recently followed that up with another Spotlight on the New and Improved Crave Duet to update my readers on the fact that Crave has recently released a second generation of the original Duet. Enough spotlighting already, right? This week I finally bring you an actual review of this handy dandy little vibrator.

The Crave Duet is a small, stylish clit vibrator. It measures 4.55″ long, 1.08″ wide, and .47″ thick and fits in the palm of my hand. Its attractive body is made of electroplated metal while its black or cerise tips are made of a very silky smooth silicone. Unlike many other silicone sex toys, this particular silicone does not seem to attract much lint. It also has almost no drag and slides smoothly along my skin. This means it requires only a small amount of lube during play, if any at all. I find my natural fluids are generally sufficient, though adding a drop or two of lube can create a much more slippery feeling, if that is something you enjoy. If you do decide to use lube with the Crave Duet, stick with water-based lubricant. Silicone-based lubricants can cause a negative reaction when combined with silicone sex toys, causing the silicone of the toy to become tacky. One thing I’d like to mention is that there is a thin seam all along the edges of the silicone tips. I can feel this seam with my fingers but I do not feel it against my body.

I have a ton of silicone sex toys, including many clit vibrators, but not all of my toys have such lovely silicone. The Crave Duet’s silicone reminds me of LELO’s in its soft silkiness. Of course, it is latex and phthalate-free, hypoallergenic, and body safe. The silicone tips, as well as the metal body, are very easy to care for and clean, especially as the Crave Duet is waterproof. You can wash it with warm water and antibacterial soap, use a sex toy cleaner, or wipe the silicone tips down with a 10% bleach solution to disinfect them. Disinfecting the tips allows you to share your Duet amongst non-fluid bonded partners. Keep in mind that though it is waterproof, the Crave Duet is not mean to be inserted into any part of the body. It is for external use only. Not only is the Duet waterproof, but it’s been tested down to 100′. I’ve never used a vibrator while SCUBA diving but I guess it’s good to know I can.

Oh, and did I mention that for a small fee you can have your Crave Duet engraved? So. Freaking. Awesome. The Duet wins me over on its own merits, but the fact that it has “Beanfiddler” engraved on it makes me love it that much more. I know, I’m weird. But, seriously, how cool is that?!

I really appreciate products made in the U.S. so I am happy to tell you that although the Crave Duet contains parts from Japan and China, it is assembled in San Francisco. Though it is more cost-effective to make sex toys overseas, assembling them locally allows Crave to keep an eye on quality control and gives me greater confidence in their product.

So, let’s discuss some of the changes Crave has made to the second generation Duet. First is power. In a surprising and unusual move, Crave actually decreased the intensity of the lowest setting on the Duet. Turns out that enough women found the pinpoint stimulation of the Duet too powerful, so Crave responded. At the same time, they increased the highest level of intensity by 25% so they can meet the needs of women on both ends of the spectrum. In addition to the increase and decrease in overall power, Crave added a turbo boost to its steady vibration mode, providing you with a little extra vroom when you need it.

Crave also listened to feedback about the design of the original Duet and has changed the tips on the second generation. The new tips are further apart at 4mm, compared to the original tips which had a 1mm gap. The tips also have rounder edges and a different shape on each side so they are asymmetrical. The front side of the tips is flat to “hug” the clit, while the back side is beveled to surround it. This gives you options for different sensations during play. I am always impressed when sex toy manufacturers seek out and listen to feedback from the end user and Crave seems to really have gone the extra mile. To see some of the other options they tested, check out the Crave blog.

Back to the power of the Crave Duet. It has dual motors, one in each tip. While I do have some other dual motor vibrators, most of them are rabbits, not clit vibrators. In this case, the Duet is somewhat reminiscent of the Jimmyjane Form 2. The main issue I have with the Form 2 is the annoying high-pitched whine that occurs when too much pressure is applied to its legs. I never understood there was an actual mechanical reason for this and that it really isn’t a glitch in the toy. I was fortunate enough to have a lovely conversation with Ti Chang, the co-founder and designer at Crave. Ti explained how dual motors actually work and how applying pressure constricts the motors, which is what causes that increase in sound. It simply is the nature of the beast. Constricting the motors can also cause them to run out of sync so it can feel as if you’re in a pattern mode when you’re actually not. I was so pleased to broaden my understanding of why these things happen.

Ti assured me that Crave has invested time and effort into minimizing this issue and alleviating the sound increase, and they’ve done a very good job. While the vibration does get louder when I apply pressure to the tips, this increase is far less significant than with the Form 2 and there is no change in pitch or an added whine. It just gets slightly louder. However, it’s still not loud enough to hear through a closed a door no matter how hard I squeeze on the tips. In fact, the dual motors of the Crave Duet are very quiet. I can use it under the covers without disturbing my partner next to me.

Since we’re discussing the motors, it seems like a good time to let you know the Crave Duet is powerful, surprisingly so for a vibrator of its small stature. I can easily get off without using it on its highest setting, and while I do appreciate the turbo boost and use it now and then, I don’t need it. Another thing Ti explained is that at times the steady vibration mode can feel more like a pulse mode because of the dual motors, especially if they get out sync. I was glad she pointed that out because it has confused me with other dual motor vibrators.

I have a handful of clit vibrators that have rumbly vibrations, so obviously it’s possible. Nevertheless, I am often surprised when I run across them because they are few and far between. I am happy to report the Crave Duet joins this elite group. Its vibrations are both deep and rumbly, not a buzz to be found. While I do feel the vibrations somewhat in my hand during play, practically unavoidable in a vibrator of this size, it is not uncomfortable or numbing like buzzy vibes can be.

The control panel is located on the bottom of the Crave Duet and consists of three buttons, +, -, and O. The buttons are pretty self-explanatory. The + button increases the intensity level while the – button decreases it. The O turns the Duet on and off and changes vibration modes. The Duet turns on right away when you press the O button, but you must press and hold to turn it off. To enter turbo boost, make sure you are on the highest level of intensity in the steady vibration mode and press and hold the + button for three seconds. To exit, press any button. The Crave Duet has a memory chip so it will start on the same mode it was on when you last turned it off.

The Crave Duet has four modes and four levels of intensity in each mode (five if you count the turbo boost). The modes are as follows:
1. Back and forth (alternating pulsation)
2. Dual pulsating (intermittent pulsation)
3. Wave (similar to roller coaster)
4. Steady vibration*
*turbo boost available on the highest intensity level of this mode only

The Crave Duet is a rechargeable vibrator, which I love. On top of that, it charges via USB which I find extra cool. I realize that some people may not feel comfortable having a sex toy plugged into their computer. What’s great about the Duet is that the metal body separates from the silicone tips and this is what plugs into your USB port, so it looks just like an overly large thumb drive. Nary a hint of a sex toy in sight. The pieces come apart very easily, you simply give a light tug. You just want to be very sure you reattach the two pieces tightly to maintain the integrity of the waterproof seal. I have also found that if I don’t reattach the pieces properly, they have a tendency to vibrate apart, which does not happen when they are snugly attached. If they do vibrate apart during play, the Duet will stop vibrating. The Duet’s LED will blink while charging and glow steadily when charging is complete. One important note- you must press the O button after plugging the Duet into your USB port to begin charging. Otherwise, it’s just sitting there looking pretty.

My Crave Duet arrived with a charge but I wasn’t sure how much it had and I was so overly excited to use it I didn’t read the info before plugging it straight into the computer. This will teach me to read instructions first. Ok, it probably won’t. Anyway, there is a little guide on the box that shows you how to determine the battery level. When you turn on the Duet, it will pulse to indicate how much battery life remains. Four pulses means it is fully charged, three means 75% full, two is 50% full, and one means 25%. A 1.5 hour charge should provide approximately two hours of play time. Of course, this will depend on what intensity level you’re using and how often you use the turbo boost.

After all of this information, you’re probably wondering how the Crave Duet is in use. It is fabulous. The vibrations are perfect for me, as is the power. In fact, I rarely use the Duet at its full capacity because the dual motors and shape of the tips provides such pinpoint stimulation. I think this will please many women, even those who require a significant amount of power to orgasm. The design of the tips is pretty brilliant and though I never tried the original ones, I am thrilled Crave went back to the drawing board. I really do feel a difference between the flat and beveled sides of the tips, though I cannot decide if I prefer one over the other. Both offer good sensations, just slightly different. I love this because it makes the Duet even more versatile. Sometimes I need different types of stimulation than other times and the different sides of the tips gives me more options than a regular old vibrator. My clit really does slip in between the tips which is quite intense.

I don’t notice a big difference between the two shapes on my labia. However, skimming the tips along my labia is a good way to warm up, or cool down if I’m getting overly excited too quickly, which happens easily with the Crave Duet. The tips are also wonderful on my nipples. I can drag it along them, allowing the beveled side of the tips to cup them or the straight side to slightly bump them. The different sides of the tips really do create different sensations on my nipples and clit. When I want to feel filled up or thrust with something, I can easily use a dildo alongside of the Duet.

I really like the packaging of the Crave Duet. The box is small and in the shape of a trapezoid. If it didn’t say “vibe” on the front it would be completely discreet. On the inside flaps of the box is information and images on how to use the vibrator along with some basic and useful information. Inside the box is a product safety card with some additional info. I really love that Crave is able to provide all the necessary information while keeping the packaging small and recyclable. Inside the box is a black leather, zippered pouch that stores the Duet. Inside the pouch is the Duet in a plastic sleeve and a little card with a small metal charm that has the website address engraved on it. The charm is a cute idea but I’m not really sure what I will do with it other than keep it in the storage pouch. I just don’t see myself wearing, but you never know. The storage pouch itself is great. It is good quality, solid, sturdy, and the perfect size for the Duet. It is way classier than any other storage pouch I have and I love that it zips securely.

My Crave Duet arrived wrapped in paper and ribbon, which I am happy to report is standard. No, it’s not necessary, but it’s a lovely touch that reminds me I’m dealing with a small, local company who does everything in-house. It feels like a little gift from someone with a personal interest in how I will respond to it, and based on the effort Crave puts into their testing and relationships with their users, I think they do have this interest.

Crave Duet Vibrator Pros:
• Great shape
• Dual motors
• Powerful
• Rumbly vibrations
• Quiet
• Turbo boost
• Rechargeable
• Can be engraved
• Silky silicone
• Easy to use
• Not a lint magnet

Crave Duet Vibrator Cons:
• Metal body gets fingerprinty

It has been a long time since I have loved a vibrator enough to give it 5 beans, since 2011 in fact. Congratulations to the Crave Duet for earning the first 5 bean rating for a vibrator in over one year. What can I say? I love this vibrator. It has even replaced my previous favorite go to clit vibe, the We-Vibe Touch, which has been my fave for over 1 1/2 years.

There are just so many things I like. The Duet has a nice weight to it so it doesn’t feel flimsy, yet it’s not heavy in my hand. It is comfortable to hold and the control panel is easy to use and reach during play. This particular silicone is very silky and smooth against the skin and is not a lint magnet. It has a memory chip and lets you know how much charge is left when you turn it on so you don’t have to worry about it dying during play.

I really like the dual motors because even the steady vibration mode feels different from a single motor vibrator. There is a slight pulse underneath the steady vibration that feels extra good and creates a sensation I just don’t get with single motor vibes. The vibrations are not only deep and rumbly, they are also powerful. The Crave Duet provides such pinpoint stimulation that I rarely turn it up to the highest level of intensity. As I mentioned previously, I don’t need the turbo boost to get off but it is fun to have.

I don’t have the original Duet but I am thrilled Crave changed the tips because I love, love, love them. They really do cup and hug my clit to provide very precise stimulation. I think the Duet is the only vibrator I have that I can use on such low levels of intensity while still being able to get off. It really works well on my labia and nipples, as well as my clit, and I like that it provides different sensations depending upon which side I use.

I have tried and tried and really cannot come up with any negatives. The only thing I can find to complain about is that the metal body gets all fingerprinty very easily, which is just being nitpicky. It shines right up when rubbed with a towel or a t-shirt (I totally wipe my vibrators and glasses on my clothes).

If you happen to have the original Crave Duet with the original tips, you can upgrade to the new tips for free. Crave is offering free upgrades for early supporters of the Duet. All you have to do is fill out a form and wait for your fabulous new tips to arrive in the mail.

You can buy the Duet directly from Crave or you can find it at the following stores:

Babeland
EdenFantasys
Good Vibrations

As I mentioned in my recent Spotlight, you can also purchase two versions of the Crave Duet that are actual thumb drives. They are called the Crave Duet Lux and are available in 8 GB and 16 GB versions. You can also buy these directly from Crave. Lovehoney also carries the 8GB Crave Duet Lux and the 16 GB Crave Duet Lux, as does Babeland.

Bean Fiddler Rating:

Just yesterday a new product was brought to my attention and I thought the timing was perfect to share it with my readers. It is a brand new, not even on the market yet, still being funded, vibrator from the UK, called the iGino One.

The iGino One is a curious looking little gadget that reminds me of an iPhone in shape, though not so much in color scheme. It is a rectangular box with a small nodule sticking out of the top. The casing of the iGino One is made of ABS while the nodule is made of ethylene vinylacetate (EVA). EVA is a polymer that can be processed like thermoplastics and does not contain chlorine or plasticizers. This means it is phthalate-free and safer for the body and the environment than PVC. I have not used any sex toys made with EVA so I have no idea what it feels like, but according to iGino, it feels lifelike. EVA also can be used with both water and silicone-based lubricants.

iGino has created a new, patented technology called vibraMove that looks really interesting. Not only does the skinTouch head vibrate but it also moves from side to side, which is meant to simulate fingers rubbing the clit. The iGino One has one speed and I am very curious about how vibraMove feels. You can see how it works in the below video from iGino.

One cool thing about the iGino One design is the hygienic cover that protects the skinTouch head. I really like this idea. First of all, I think it’s great to cover and protect the piece of the toy that will be rubbing up against sensitive areas. Secondly, the cover makes the vibrator more discreet (and is what makes it look like a pink and white iPhone).

Though not everyone appreciates a vibrator that can charge via USB, I definitely find it an added bonus. Especially when a USB charger and charging cable are included with the toy, thus providing me with several different charging options. Even though the iGino One is made in the UK, iGino is considerate enough to think of us Americans and include an EU to US plug adapter in the box. iGino does not recommend immersing the iGino One in water, but it is splash proof.

At the moment, the iGino One is a prototype dream, but you can help make it become a widely distributed reality by contributing to the funding of the iGino One and receiving some perks in return for your investment. Learn more about the iGino One campaign on the indiegogo website and let me know if you decide to invest.

Keep your eyes peeled. I just may have the chance to review one of these nifty looking prototypes.

About two years ago, I reviewed a butt plug I had wanted to try for a long time, the Tristan made by a company called Vixen Creations. It was my first experience with them and while I did not like the butt plug as much as I had hoped, I found it to be very high quality. Since then I have been hearing about Vixen Creations dildos, specifically their dual density products, the VixSkin line. I decided it was high time for me to try one of these out so I picked myself up the Vixen Creations VixSkin Maverick Dildo.

The Vixen Creations VixSkin Maverick Dildo is not something I would normally choose for myself because it’s a realistic dildo, which is not really my style. I prefer odd and more unique sex toys. Realistic dildos make me kinda sad. They look so lonely with no body attached. Many people prefer realistic dildos, and as far as they go, the VixSkin Maverick is pretty impressive. First and foremost, it is made of 100% premium silicone and it feels like it. It is heavy and solid. The VixSkin line is Vixen Creations’ dual density line of dildos. They have a firm inner core with a softer, somewhat squashy exterior. They are meant to mimic the feel of a real penis and the Maverick does this shockingly well. The only other dildo I have that is even close to the feel of the Vixen Creations VixSkin Maverick is the Tantus O2 Cush. Though I love my Cush (especially the fact that’s it’s purple and white and not realistic looking), I’m having trouble deciding if Tantus’ dual density is as good as Vixen Creations. It is a close competition.

As it is made from silicone with no electrical parts, the Vixen Creations VixSkin Maverick is super easy to clean and can even be disinfected for anal to vaginal use and sharing with non-fluid bonded partners. You can wash it with warm water and antibacterial soap, use your favorite sex toy cleaner, or pop it in the top drawer of your dishwasher with no soap. To disinfect, use a 10% bleach solution or boil it for three to five minutes.

Though I do have some clit vibrators that don’t require lubricant, with insertables you want to be sure and use lube. There is major drag with the silicone of the VixSkin Maverick, and considering the size, I definitely recommend using a lot of it. Be sure to stick to water-based lubricant as silicone-based lubes can interact with the silicone of the Maverick and make it tacky. The VixSkin silicone is something of a lint magnet, so you may not want to leave it laying around or let your cat use it as a pillow.

Speaking of size, for some reason the Vixen Creations VixSkin Maverick looks quite a bit bigger than the dimensions indicate. Then again, 2″ in diameter is nothing to scoff at. Nor is the 7″ of insertable length (total length being 7.75″). This is a large dildo. If you are a size queen, it may not do it for you, but if you are accustomed to your basic 1-1.5″ diameter dildo, be prepared to supersize it. You can see from the images, there is quite a curve to the VixSkin Maverick. This may allow it to hit some women’s g-spots, but it does not hit mine.

Aside from its stellar dual density texture, the Vixen Creations VixSkin Maverick has a very large and thick base that seems to suction on to things, like my computer, my bathroom sink, and my marble table. Even if I’m not going to ride the dildo, I love a suction cup base. The size and shape of the base also make it a good candidate for harness play, which isn’t my thing so I haven’t tested it this way, but it’s good to know that option is there if I ever want to take advantage of it. The base is easy to grip for thrusting, which is nice, because it keeps my hand from being on the shaft which tends to get somewhat slick from a combination of lubricant and body fluids.

The base is rather wide, so people with small hands may be more inclined to hold onto the shaft. If you have issues with your hands or lower arms, the VixSkin Maverick may not be the ideal dildo. It is heavy and requires a firm grip. I can see it putting too much of a strain on people people who have greater sensitivities in this area of their body.

Though I am not a huge fan of realistic dildos, I do have to comment on the detail of the Vixen Creations VixSkin Maverick. While it’s not the most detailed dildo I own, what detail there is quite good. It has a slightly pronounced head with a large wrinkle of “skin” underneath it. Though it doesn’t have all the veins and lumps and bumps of some dildos, I find these details impressive. As a side note, the Vixen Creations logo is molded underneath the base, in the suction cup area.

In use, the Vixen Creations VixSkin Maverick is downright fun. I love girthy sex toys so the 2″ in diameter works really well for me. When I thrust in and out or just hold the Maverick inside me, it gives me that being filled feeling I desire. I love the dual density texture. While I feel full, I can still clench down on the VixSkin Maverick without it being painful or jolting the way some of my harder dildos can be. Though it’s not the real thing, it comes closer than anything else I have, except maybe the Tantus O2 Cush.

Another thing I really like about the Maverick is that the shape allows it to stay inside me without me holding onto it. I can stop thrusting and let go and do whatever I want with that free hand. Many of my dildos just slip out when I try and do this. The pronounced head is also pretty great as it gives me that nice “pop” during insertion. I can really feel the difference between the head and the shaft. I definitely need a good amount of lube with the Maverick to keep thrusting smooth and comfortable. Though I wish I had been able to get one in a funky color, the Caramel of the my VixSkin Maverick is decent. It ‘s not exciting but it’s not horrible and doesn’t make me think of some poor albino penis.

Though I do not have vast experience with Vixen Creations, I believe the packaging of the VixSkin Maverick is standard for them. It comes in a clear, semi-hard (or should I say semi-erect?) plastic tube. On the downside, the round shape does tend to take up a lot more room than a rectangular box of the same size and it is so not discreet. On the upside, it is sturdy and great for storage. It keeps my Maverick safe from dust and hair and from smushing up against other sex toys which could damage it. Though it would be nice if the tube was not see through and more discreet but for storage purposes I think it’s excellent.

Vixen Creations VixSkin Maverick Pros:
• Dual density
• Slightly pronounced head
• Girthy
• Good shape
• High quality silicone
• Strong base for thrusting or harness play

Vixen Creations VixSkin Maverick Cons:
• Lint magnet

The Vixen Creations VixSkin Maverick Dildo is just as impressive as it looks. The dual density VixSkin really feels amazing, both in my hands and inside of me. It feels as life-like as I think a dildo can feel. The shape fits my body well, and while the curve does not hit my g-spot I wasn’t really looking for that in the Maverick. The girth is perfect, with the right amount of lubricant, and fills me up nicely. The head provides a delightful pop upon insertion, and though I don’t actually feel the other details during play, I appreciate the craftsmanship of the head and shaft. In fact, the VixSkin Maverick is a very well-made dildo overall and I am looking forward to trying additional products from the VixSkin line. I am hard-pressed to find anything I don’t like about the VixSkin Maverick Dildo other than the fact it attracts some lint and hair. However, most of my silicone sex toys are lint magnets and the Maverick really isn’t that bad compared to some of them. The one caution I would give is in regards to the girth. If you are new to sex toys or prefer slimline dildos, this is not going to be the bright spot in your day. 2″ is significant and many people need to work up to this size. Some will also need a smaller dildo to allow them to loosen up during play before using the Maverick. If you do prefer something smaller but still want to try out VixSkin, consider one of the other Vixen Creations VixSkin Dildos carried by EdenFantasys and Good Vibrations.

Oh, and did I mention Vixen Creations is a California-based company? You know this makes me like them even more. You can find the Vixen Creations VixSkin Maverick at the following stores:
EdenFantasys
Good Vibrations

So far I seem to be starting 2013 off with a bang as far as sex toys go. This is my third 5 bean review since the beginning of the year, all dildos. I can already tell that Bean Fiddler’s Best of 2013 is going to be challenge.

Bean Fiddler Rating: