It’s been a very long time since I have reviewed anything BDSM related. I figured it was about time to take a break from vibrators and dildos and review something else. When it comes to BDSM, even if you’re a beginner, you want to have good basics. One of the very basic items you need is a good set of restraints, like the Liberator Tensionier Cuff and Blindfold Kit.

The Liberator Tensionier Cuff and Blindfold Kit is part of Liberator’s Black Label collection and more or less what you might guess from the name, a kit consisting of cuffs and a blindfold. However, this kit is a bit more complete than some others I have seen. Contained in the kit is the following:
• 2 wrist cuffs
• 2 ankle cuffs
• 1 blindfold
• 1 bow-tie choker
• 4 tethers
• 1 storage bag

Cuffs can be made from many different materials, leather, metal, satin, etc. One of the things that makes the Liberator Tensionier Kit unique is that the cuffs, blindfold, and bow-tie choker are all made from a dark wash denim. This is the first time I have run across denim cuffs. That doesn’t mean there aren’t others out there, just that I haven’t seen them. The dark wash denim is stitched with a contrasting white thread. This and the silver-colored hardware make these items quite attractive. Each of the four cuffs has a clip and a D ring that allows you to attach them to each other, the tethers, the bow-tie choker, or anything else you come up with. Each of the tethers also has a D ring that can be attached to the cuffs’ clips. The bow-tie choker also has a D ring so you can attach the cuffs, a leash, or something else with a clip. In fact, the only thing in this kit that does not have a D ring is the blindfold.

Speaking of the blindfold, it actually works better than I expected based on its looks. My experience with blindfolds that are cut similarly to the one in the Liberator Tensionier Kit have not been very good. Usually this design lets a lot of light in around the nose. However, due to the elastic band at the back of the blindfold, it fits securely and though it does let a bit of light in, it’s really not bad at all. The downside of the blindfold is that the after a while the pressure on the bridge of my nose from the elastic band becomes uncomfortable and I need to remove it. It is also snug enough that I really need to keep my eyes closed while the mask is on. No biggie, right? After all, there’s nothing to see under there. Still, some people don’t like that kind of pressure against their eyes, so I thought I’d mention it.

Oh, there is actually another issue with the blindfold, with the entire kit actually. The denim has an unpleasant odor that reminds me of glue. All of the pieces smell badly. Granted, it’s not like you can smell them across the room, but I can definitely smell the blindfold when it’s on my face. Yuck. It is also not adjustable, which may be a problem for some people.

I realize the bow-tie choker is meant to be a cute collar, but I am not a big fan. I think it’s just kinda silly looking. It’s about 20″ in length so it can fit a wide variety of neck sizes. I find it rather thin, especially if something heavy is attached to the D ring in front. This can drag the bow-tie choker down and cause some discomfort at the the back of the neck. Keep in mind that I have a chronic pain condition and frequently have pain in my neck so I am probably more sensitive to this than many people.

The wrist and ankle cuffs are more or less the same, with the ankle cuffs being somewhat larger. Both the wrist and ankle cuffs are 2.5″ wide. The wrist cuffs can be adjusted up to approximately 10.5″, thus allowing for them to fit most people who are not The Hulk. The ankle cuffs can adjust up to about 17.5″ so they are significantly larger than the wrists restraints. Liberator calls these cuffs self-tightening, but I have not had that experience. If I struggle enough, the cuffs loosen somewhat. In fact, there is a slight amount of give to the denim material. However, it is not stretchy by any means. One issue I have with both the wrist and ankle cuffs is that the piece of denim opposite from where the restraints tighten slips and slides around and does not always stay beneath the strap. It’s a bit annoying to have to keep straightening it out when you are putting the cuffs on.

The four tethers included in the Liberator Tensionier Cuff and Blindfold Kit are made from heavy duty 1″ wide nylon, the kind you find on duffle bags and backpacks or seat belts. It is extremely durable and has absolutely no give. The tethers are 55″ long and adjustable. Each one has a plastic clasp that allows you to wrap the tether around something and secure it.

All the pieces of the Liberator Tensionier Cuff and Blindfold Kit are quite lightweight due to the denim fabric, but the hardware is heavy, maybe a little too heavy to be supported well by the denim. The contrast can make the cuffs a bit unwieldy when putting them on but isn’t as noticeable once they are secured.

The packaging of the Liberator Tensionier Cuff and Blindfold kit is simple and stream-lined. The cuffs, bow-tie choker, blindfold, and tethers come in a handmade denim storage bag that is very discreet. The only hint that something nefarious is inside is the Liberator tag on the outside that says “Bedroom Adventure Gear”. Otherwise, it looks totally innocuous. The denim storage bag securely closes, like a sleeping bag, and comes inside a clear plastic bag which does have the name of the product on a sticker on the outside. With all the pieces of the kit stuffed inside the storage bag, it is surprisingly heavy due to the hardware. Other than the shipping box, there is no additional packaging wasting resources, which is a good thing.

Liberator Tensionier Cuff and Blindfold Kit Pros:
• Very sturdy
• Vegan
• Material is comfortable
• Attractive
• Good storage bag

Liberator Tensionier Cuff and Blindfold Kit Cons:
• High price point
• Blindfold is not adjustable
• Has odd glue-like scent

In looking for a set of restraints, different people look for different things. I always want mine to be comfortable, secure, and durable. The cuffs in the Liberator Tensionier Cuff and Blindfold Kit are all three. They also have the added benefit of being lightweight and vegan. I have used leather restraints in the past and they can feel very luxurious. They can also be hot, feel heavy, don’t react well to sweat, can chafe, and are made of animal parts. For these reasons, the denim fabric of the Tensionier cuffs is great. The odor, however, is not. In fact, it’s quite bad and I have no idea what’s going on with that. Maybe it’s a chemical used in the treatment of the denim. maybe it’s a fluke. I don’t know but I don’t like it.

While the Liberator Tensionier Cuff and Blindfold Kit does come with 11 pieces technically, I find the price point rather high for denim restraints, a bow-tie collar, and a blindfold. It’s certainly not something those who are new to BDSM will want to spend when they’re just experimenting. It also doesn’t seem like BDSM experts would want to drop that much on cuffs made of denim. Of course, I could be wrong. While the cut of the blindfold works, the fact that it isn’t adjustable is likely to create issues for some. What really kills it for me is the scent. My sensitive nose cannot take it. Hopefully, it’s just my set and not all of them out there.

Head over to Liberator to check out the Tensionier Cuff and Blindfold Kit for yourself.

Bean Fiddler Rating:

I love a rabbit vibrator and I love weird and unusual sex toys. Not that I’m saying anything new here, but combining the two makes me jump up and take note. This is why the Pixie Plus Rabbit Vibrator from Vibratex caught my attention.

The Pixie Plus Rabbit Vibrator is made by a company based in Northern California, Vibratex, who makes the Classic Rabbit Pearl and the recently reviewed Budding Bliss. As you can see, the Pixie Plus is not your typical rabbit vibrator. First off, the shaft is covered in soft, tiny little nubs. Secondly, it has an oddly shaped head that is meant to focus its attention on the g-spot. What makes this rabbit vibrator even more unusual is that it doesn’t rotate or vibrate like most rabbits. The head of the Pixie Plus actually moves up and down, mimicking the “come hither” motion often said to be the best movement to stimulate the g-spot with fingers. Additionally, the “rabbit” piece of the vibrator, or the clit stimulator, is shaped more like an alien sucking monster than a cute little animal. This alien sucking monster is also attached to the vibrator by what looks like a telephone cord, rather than being connected directly to the shaft, and has a suction cup on its tip.

Made of elastomer, the Pixie Plus is the same material as the Classic Rabbit Pearl. Elastomer is not as high on the list of safe materials as silicone but it is latex and phthalate-free and body-safe. You can wash your Pixie Plus with warm water and antibacterial soap or use a sex toy cleaner. Unlike silicone, elastomer cannot be disinfected so it is best to either use condoms when sharing this vibrator or not to share it all, other than with fluid-bonded partners. Take extra care when cleaning the Pixie Plus as bodily fluids and lube can collect amongst the little nubs. Also, keep in mind the Pixie Plus is not waterproof, it isn’t even splash proof, and the battery cover is very loose so be extra cautious about keeping water away from the battery compartment.

One bonus of elastomer, for my silicone-based lube loving readers out there, is that it can be used with both water and silicone-based lubricants. I definitely recommend using lube with the Pixie Plus as the elastomer has a decent amount of drag, added to by all the nubs. Lube will make insertion easier and more comfortable and improve your experience all around.

The Pixie Plus Rabbit Vibrator is 7″ long, with 5″ of insertable length, and approximately 1.75″ in diameter. The stretchy cord that attaches the clit stimulator to the vibrator measures 2.5′. The control panel of the Pixie Plus takes up about 1/3 of the vibrator and is made of plastic. It has one switch and two dials. The switch turns the vibrator on and off while the dials control the shaft and clit stimulator functions. After turning the vibrator on, nothing will actually happen until you slide one or both of the dials. To turn on either the come hither function of the shaft or the vibrations of the clit stimulator, scroll down on the dials. These dials turn easily but do not have a typical “click” to let you know they have been turned all the way down. To turn the functions off, scroll up, but remember you also must turn the on/off switch to off. Otherwise, (I assume) a small amount of power could be leeching from the batteries. The Pixie Plus requires four AA batteries, which are not included. Do not store the vibrator with the batteries inside as this will decrease the life of the batteries and possibly the vibrator.

Unfortunately, the battery compartment does not seal well and can easily collect moisture if you’re not careful, which I do not like. Another thing I really dislike about the battery compartment is that the panel slides off very easily with the slightest hint of pressure. This wouldn’t be so bad if it weren’t also the “handle” of the Pixie Plus. During play when I am holding onto the vibrator, any movement of my hand causes the panel on the battery compartment to slide down and open. This is distracting and irritating whilst masturbating. It also makes the Pixie Plus difficult to grip.

I have already mentioned that the elastomer shaft of the Pixie Plus is covered in soft pink nubs, as is the sleeve over the clit stimulator. This sleeve has a cool little suction cup on the end that can be stuck on many parts of the body. My partner especially likes the suction just under the head of his penis and along the underside of its shaft. The clit stimulator is actually a basic corded silver bullet with the elastomer nubby sleeve covering it. This sleeve can be removed for easy cleaning and you can use the silver bullet on its own if you prefer. One advantage of this is that you can get more pinpoint stimulation on your clit with just the bullet. The disadvantage is that you lose the texture and suction aspect of the sleeve.

I wasn’t sure if the Pixie Plus would be difficult to use. I have played with many a g-spot vibrator but none with this kind of moving head. Insertion is easiest when then tip of the shaft is at its highest point rather than poking straight out. This creates a less steep curve. The g-spot head is slightly less girthy than the shaft, which also makes for easier insertion. With enough lubrication, I find it quite easy to insert the Pixie Plus and get it into the right position to hit my g-spot.

There are both good and bad aspects to the Pixie Plus. It did not turn out to be what I was really expecting. Surprisingly, I find myself quite enamored of the shaft’s come hither motion but not really liking the function of the clit stimulator as much as I had expected. On the one hand, I love the stretchy phone cord. It lets me have the shaft inside of me while using the stimulator on my nipples and allows the vibrator to fit my body better than some other rabbits. The vibrations of the stimulator tend toward middle of the road as far as buzziness is concerned. They do land on more on the buzzy side of the spectrum but by no means do they make my clit hurt.

The problem really lays with the sleeve. While I appreciate the sleeve on other parts of my body and like it in theory, it really dissipates the vibrations and causes them to be much more diffuse than I want. I prefer pinpoint clit stimulation, and though the vibrations are plenty powerful, the sleeve makes them feel much weaker than the intensity I expected from the level of power I feel elsewhere on my body. I like the suction feature but I tend to run the edge of the suction cup along my clit to really get the stimulation I need. Of course, I can remove the sleeve but then it’s just a boring old silver bullet and there’s nothing exciting about that. Besides, I like the texture of the sleeve against my skin. So the clit stimulator is really a win/fail combination for me.

On the other hand, the shaft works very well. Though the texture I like so much on the sleeve of the clit stimulator is too soft to actually do anything for me internally, it does provide a nice cushion, and the up and down come hither motion, so unusual from a vibrator, feels great on my g-spot. It’s not my partner’s fingers, but it is as close as I have gotten with a sex toy and that’s saying something. The level of power is excellent and easily adjustable depending upon what I want at any given moment. This part of the Pixie Plus is a total win.

The fact that the clit stimulator is corded, while being a huge benefit in my book, might be troublesome for some users. It does make using the Pixie Plus one-handed slightly challenging. Most people will need one hand on the stimulator and one hand on the base of the shaft. However, I find that if I desperately want a hand free I can simply clench the vibrator between my thighs and voila, free hand. This does help to eliminate some of my annoyance with the battery compartment cover slipping off during use, barely though, because I prefer holding the base in my hand. As a side note, clenching down on the shaft inside me does not stop the up and down movement of the head of the Pixie Plus like it does with some rotating shafts.

The packaging of the Pixie Plus is the standard Vibratex clear plastic box. You can see the vibrator right through it so it is totally indiscreet. I mean, you’re not going to mistake the Pixie Plus for anything other than a sex toy. This box doesn’t take up a huge amount of room so I suppose you could use it for storage but it’s not very strong or stable so I don’t recommend it. You’re better off with a ziploc bag to keep it from getting dusty and touching your other sex toys. There is an insert with some very basic info in the box and that’s it.

Vibratex Pixie Plus Rabbit Vibrator Pros:
• Great g-spot stimulation
• Powerful
• Clit stimulator can reach clit easily
• Clit stimulator feels great on nipples
• Clit stimulator works well for men too
• Cool suction cup feature
• Removable clit stimulator sleeve
• Easy to use control system

Vibratex Pixie Plus Rabbit Vibrator Cons:
• Diffuse vibrations on clit
• Battery cover comes off easily during use
• Loud
• Not even splash proof

The Pixie Plus Rabbit Vibrator creates a bit of a conundrum for me. The movement and power of the shaft are great and stimulate my g-spot very effectively. The sleeve provides a softness to the firm pressure I enjoy so much. The control panel is simple and easy to use, with the one downside being my tendency to forget to click the off switch. I think the stretchy cord that connects the clit stimulator to the vibrator is a fantastic idea and I wish more rabbit vibrators had a setup like this. It would certainly allow more women to benefit from a rabbit. It creates versatility in where I am stimulated. I also like the suction cup aspect to the clit stimulator. I think the power of the vibrations is more than sufficient. However, the sleeve diffuses the vibrations to the point where they feel far less powerful against my clit, as opposed to my nipples, labia, or my partner’s penis. I have a hard time getting the pinpoint stimulation I want and need.

The other thing that kills me is the how easily the door to the battery compartment slides off. It keeps coming off during use which is super annoying and distracting and makes it more difficult to hold onto the vibrator. I also don’t like how that makes it very susceptible to water damage. It would be so easy for water to drip down into the electronics during cleaning. It hasn’t happened so far but it concerns me. To be fair, I do not know if this is common with all of these vibrators or if it is just a glitch with mine. Additionally, the Pixie Plus is very loud. It can definitely be heard through a closed door and would require a decent amount of volume to hide the noise, so it is not a good choice for those with nosy roommates, parents, or children down the hall.

You can find the Vibratex Pixie Plus Rabbit Vibrator at the following stores:

EdenFantasys
FunWares (receive 10% off your entire purchase with code: FIDDLER at checkout)
The Stockroom

Bean Fiddler Rating:

Ever since I saw the Sqweel online I have wanted to try it. I love having oral sex performed on me, and while I have a ton of vibrators, I have never had a sex toy that simulates oral sex. I think the idea is great and it’s such a unique looking toy. Having read a lot about the Sqweel, I was curious but not in a big hurry to pick one up based on some of the negative reviews. However, when the Sqweel 2 came out I decided I had to give it a whirl. Luckily for me, FunWares carries it so I was able to get my hands on one.

The Sqweel 2 is made by Lovehoney, a UK-based sex toy company that makes a number of other products, such as my Shag Factory Flower Power, and Realistic Oh! Rabbit Vibrator. I met some of the UK folks from Lovehoney last year at ANE, as well as their American counterparts, and they were all delightful. Lovehoney is also responsible for the original Sqweel, which is supposed to be much less powerful than the Sqweel 2. I’m afraid I can’t really do a comparison though as I don’t have the original.

The Sqweel 2 is a good-sized toy measuring at 4.5″ by 4.5″. Though it looks quite large, it is lightweight and feels comfortable in my hand. The indented sides allow for a good grip during play while permitting access to the control panel. There are three main pieces to the Sqweel 2, the body with the control panel, the hood that covers the tongues, and the wheel of 10 tongues. The body and hood of the Sqweel 2 are made of plastic, while the tongues are silicone. My Sqweel 2 is black plastic but it also comes in white. The plastic hood is clear on both models and is used to protect the tongues from getting dusty or squashed up against things that could damage them.

As the tongues are silicone, it is best to use water-based lubricant with the Sqweel 2. Silicone-based lubes can interact with the silicone of the tongues causing them to break down. The silicone tongues are what touch your body for the most part, though sometimes my labia will rub up against the plastic. When this happens you want to be sure to wash the body as well as the tongues. Of course, it is important to wash your sex toys before and after each use for hygienic purposes. Cleaning the Sqweel 2 is relatively easy but a bit more time consuming than most of my other sex toys. First, you push down and up on the center of the Sqweel 2 in order to remove the front of the toy. This gives you access to the tongue wheel. You slide this wheel off and clean it with antibacterial soap and warm water or a sex toy cleaner, or you can spray it with a 10% bleach solution. I would be careful with the bleach and I wouldn’t boil it as there is a plastic piece in the center of the tongue wheel that fits onto the case of the toy. To make sure the external plastic case is clean, carefully wipe it down with warm water and antibacterial soap or a sex toy cleaner. You can also use rubbing alcohol on the plastic but not on the silicone. Be careful when cleaning the plastic case as the battery compartment is at the back and it is not waterproofed.

Both plastic and silicone are good materials for sex toys as both are latex and phthalate-free and hypoallergenic. Plastic is also non-porous while silicone has teeny, tiny pores that are not big enough to really absorb anything. The plastic of the Sqweel 2 is very shiny, while the pink silicone tongues have a matte look to them. The silicone has a bit of drag so I would definitely recommend using a bit of water-based lube. I’m guessing the success of this toy has much to do with the level of lubrication. The tongues have a fine seam down the middle of each one that I can feel with my fingers but can’t feel against my clit.

The control panel of the Sqweel 2 is easy to use. It is made up of two buttons and a sliding switch. Button 1 is the larger button and it has a play symbol on it. Button 2 is smaller and looks like a power button, which is what I expected it to be but it’s not. To turn the Sqweel 2 on, press down on Button 1. This starts the tongues spinning in one direction. To change direction, press down on Button 2. To change direction again, press Button 2 again. On your third press of Button 2, the tongues will flick back and forth from one direction to the other. Apparently, reversing directions and the flicking motion are new additions to the Sqweel 2′s repertoire. There are three levels of intensity on the Sqweel 2 and you cycle through those by pressing on Button 1. To turn the Sqweel 2 off, press and hold Button 1 for approximately 2 seconds. Both buttons light up blue when the toy is on. There is a sliding switch that has little locked and unlocked icons, which lead me to believe it is a locking mechanism. However, I cannot get it to work. It doesn’t lock and keep the toy from turning on, nor does it lock and keep it from turning off or changing modes. I find this totally confusing. Of course, it’s possible I have a defective unit and the locking feature just doesn’t work on mine. There is no information about it in the owner’s manual so maybe it is something else entirely and I just haven’t figured it out yet.

The Sqweel 2 takes three AAA batteries, which are not included in the box. The batteries fit into the compartment in the back which is easy to open and close. Remember to remove the batteries from your Sqweel 2 before storing it, as leaving them in could drain your batteries and damage the toy. Even the owner’s manual makes a note of this. It is especially easy to accidentally hit the button and turn the Sqweel 2 on so I imagine this could happen in storage as well, another good reason not to leave the batteries in.

In use the Sqweel 2 is…well, interesting. It is certainly unlike any of my other sex toys and feels very unique on my body. It makes a great warm up toy, especially on my nipples. It doesn’t really feel like someone is licking them but it’s a much different sensation than a vibrator. Those little tongues lapping against my nipple feels just amazing. I prefer using the reverse direction on my nipples as it seems to hit them just right. Using the forward motion slows the tongues down a bit and making it somehwat choppy. The Sqweel 2 also feels pretty great against my clit. Again, it’s not the same as oral sex (obviously) but there is a definite sensation of licking. There is obviously a difference between using the Sweel 2 on a forward or backward setting but I don’t really know which one I like better on my clit. The flicking back and forth motion is good as well. I think these were strong additions to the Sqweel 2.

Using the Sqweel 2 makes me wish I had the original so I could compare the power of the two. I find the Sqweel 2 to be more powerful than I expected, but my expectations were lower than my hopes so that could be the reason. You do have to very careful not to press the Sqweel 2 against the body too much or it will stop. It just can’t handle the pressure. This makes me realize how much I actually need pressure to orgasm, which I don’t notice as much with other sex toys as I can apply pressure with them. The Sqweel 2 turns me on when I use it on my nipples as well as on my clit. I really like using it on my nipples while using a separate vibrator on my clit. It does such a great job at stimulating my nipples. I’m just not sure I really have the patience to use it by itself that much of the time. It takes such a long time to orgasm just using the Sqweel 2 that I get impatient and want to move on to another sex toy. I always thought warm-up toys were kinda dumb. What’s the point in having it around if it doesn’t do the job? With the Sqweel 2, I see the point. It really has the capacity to rev me up. I’m just not sure it can always finish me off.

The packaging for the Sqweel 2 is simple and totally indiscreet. Not only do you see the Sqweel 2 up front and center through the plastic clamshell, it says, “ORAL SEX TOY” in ginormous letters on the front and back of the box. Lovehoney wants everyone to know the purpose of this sex toy. The box itself is a typical cardboard box with an open front. Inside the box the Sqweel 2 sits on a white plastic tray with a clear plastic tightly fitting lid. This plastic is very flimsy so I don’t think it’s a good option for storage. Considering the outside of the toy is a sturdy plastic and it has a lid that covers the tongues, you can pretty much just toss it into your toy chest as is. Also included in the box is a small owner’s guide. The instructions are very basic on how to use and clean the Sqweel 2. I would have liked a bit more information, such as details about the materials and locking mechanism, especially for newbies. For example, it says to apply water-based lubricant to the tongues and your clit but doesn’t explain this is because the tongues are silicone. People unfamiliar with such products might think the silicone or hybrid lube they have on hand is perfectly fine. It also says nothing about the locking mechanism.

Sqweel 2 Pros:
• Excellent stimulation
• Strong rotations
• Silicone

Sqweel 2 Cons:
• Can’t put enough pressure on clit
• Cleaning takes longer than most other toys
• Noisy
• Locking mechanism doesn’t work (may just be mine or not a locking mechanism at all)
• Owner’s manual

The Sqweel 2 is such an unusual toy I find it slightly difficult to describe the sensations. It’s almost one of those situations where you’ve got to feel it yourself to know if you’ll like it. As I mentioned before, though I was hoping I would like it I wasn’t sure that I would. I do. Where I’m on the fence is in its power to make me orgasm all by its lonesome. The lack of pressure is a challenge for me but I think that’s just the nature of the beast rather than a flaw in the Sqweel 2. It’s fantastic on my nipples and never gives me a numb, buzzy or painful, over-sensitive feeling in my nipples or clit. While it may end up being more of a warm up/nipple toy than a main eventor for me, I really like it and it has a very special place in my toy box. If you don’t require pressure on your clit to orgasm, you may very well fall in love with the Sqweel 2. As a nipple and warm-up toy I’d give the Sqweel 4.5 stars but as clit/orgasm inducing toy it fails for me so I’d give it a 1.5 stars, which averages out to 3 stars. However, I’m giving it an extra .5 stars because it is just so unique.

There is a Black Sqweel 2 and a White Sqweel 2 available at FunWares, along with the three different Sqweelers. Sqweelers are tongue wheels that you can insert into your Sqweel 2 casing for a different experience. There is the Sqweeler Pearl Tongue, the Sqweeler Tingle Tongue, and the Sqweeler Wave Tongue Sqweel Wheels. There is also the Sqweevee Flexible Vibrator Case for the Sqweel 2 that allows you to attache a vibrator to the toy so you can experience the unique lapping sensation along with penetration. Keep in mind you will receive a 10% discount on your entire FunWares order by using code: FIDDLER at checkout!

Bean Fiddler Rating:

I really am a sucker for different designs and styles in my vibrators and I love ones that stand out. Last year, a new clit vibrator was released that instantly grabbed my attention. Unfortunately, it took me quite a while to get my hands on one. However, thanks to Lucid Obsession, I finally got a RIANNE S Matryoshka.

The RIANNE S Matryoshka is an adorable little vibrator shaped like one of those Russian nesting dolls, or perhaps a squat little bowling pin. It is much smaller than I expected, measuring only 3.5″ tall and 2″ wide at the base. However, this size fits perfectly in the palm of my hand and is very lightweight so this vibrator may be a good choice for someone with pain or strength issues in their hands or arms.

With its deep purple silicone, the Matryoshka is soft and smooth, and surprisingly, not a lint magnet. If you have an assortment of silicone sex toys you know that silicone often attracts every dust mote within five miles. Thankfully, the Matryoshka does not. Its silicone is latex and phthalate-free, hypoallergenic, and body-safe. It is also easy to clean, especially as this vibrator has no open ports, making it waterproof. You can do what I generally do, which is wash it with water and antibacterial soap in the sink or use your favorite sex toy cleaner. If you’d like to sterilize your Matryoshka because you want to share it with a non-fluid bonded partner, simply spray or wipe it down with a 10% bleach solution. Do not boil your Matryoshka or wash it in the dishwasher as it has electronic parts that could be damaged by the heat.

As the silicone of the Matryoshka is so sleek, I do not find it necessary to use much, if any, lube with it. If you find you need or want to use lube, be sure to sure a water-based lubricant rather than silicone-based. The silicone-based lube can react to the silicone of the vibrator and cause it to break down, becoming sticky. For this reason, be sure to store your Matryoshka in its storage bag or charging case to keep it from touching other silicone sex toys.

The RIANNE S Matryoshka is rechargeable and it has one of the coolest chargers I’ve seen. It comes with a round purple case made of shiny plastic with a small gold plate stamped with RIANNE S on the front. The top of this case pops off, allowing you to set the Matryoshka in its base, aligning the charging pins in the base with the metal contacts on the bottom of the vibrator. You plug the charging cord into the back of the base and the wall, and you’re charging. What’s great is that you can put the top of the charging case back on while the Matryoshka is charging so no one need know it’s there. This makes it by far the most discreet rechargeable vibrator I own. The instruction manual advises charging the vibrator for eight hours before its first use, but that after that a two hour recharge should suffice. During charging, the LED will blink, and when the Matryoshka is fully charged, the LED will turn off.

With the two button interface on its front, the Matryoshka is easy to operate. It does come with the travel lock on, so be sure to disengage it by holding down both buttons for five seconds. The LED will blink and the motor will turn on. To turn the travel lock back on, you so the same thing. Press and hold the two buttons down for five seconds. The LED will blink again once, indicating the travel lock is active.

You can use either button to turn the Matryoshka on and off. Simply press either button down to turn the motor on and hold either button down for three seconds to turn the motor off. No matter which button you use to turn it on, the Matryoshka always starts on the lowest intensity of steady vibration. The Matryoshka has five levels of steady vibration and the instruction manual states that it has six different pulsation modes, but I can only discern five. To utilize the steady vibrations, use the bottom button. This scrolls through all five levels of intensity. If you pass the level you want, you will have to continue scrolling until you get back to it. You cannot back up. For the pulsation modes, use the top button. It scrolls through the modes in the same way. Just keep pressing the top button until you reach the desired pattern. The pulsation patterns are as follows:
1. Slow escalation
2. Faster escalation
3. Moderate pulse
4. Fast pulse
5. Escalation to steady vibration to escalation to fast pulse to moderate pulse back to escalation

In use, the Matryoshka has both positives and negatives. I really like the way the soft silicone slides easily against my labia and clit. It feels so smooth and sensual. It also feels silky against my nipples. While some people may enjoy inserting the tip as a tease, it just doesn’t do that much for me. I prefer using the Matryoshka externally where it does its best work. Though the vibrations could be more powerful, they are certainly strong enough to get me off easily, and they’re not terrible for such a small vibrator. In fact, my neck gets sore working on the computer and using the Matryoshka on it does help to relax it a little. The Matryoshka fits well in my hand and is comfortable to hold during use. It is easy to manipulate around my clit and labia, as well as providing pinpoint stimulation for my nipples. The silicone is super sleek and soft and is not a huge lint magnet. I love the discreet charging solution as well.

While I like the RIANNE S Matryoshka, I do find there is a lack of power. It’s likely some people will have trouble getting off with this vibrator, especially if they need Hitachi level vibrations. The other thing about the vibrations is that they’re not terribly rumbly. They aren’t at all buzzy or surfacey though. For me, they are fine. Not bad, not fabulous, just fine.

The packaging of the Matryoshka is some of the lushest I’ve ever seen. First is the standard external shiny cardboard box. It’s not terribly discreet as it does have images of the vibrator on it. Inside, however, is a beautiful purple box with a hinged lid. It’s actually kinda velvety to the touch. On the top of the box RIANNE S is printed in gold. When you open this lovely box, you see “RIANNE S, Excite your lovelife” printed on the inside of the lid. Sitting in a black velvet tray is the Matryoshka and its charging case. Upon removing this tray, you will find the charging cord and three adapters that will allow you to charge your Matryoshka in a number of countries. The only other time I have seen adapters included was with the OhMiBod Freestyle W. These adapters are very cool because rather than have a bunch of big and clunky plugs, they are simply the prong part of the plug. These prongs twist and snap onto the charger easily and securely. I have never seen anything like it. Maybe it’s just been too long since I’ve traveled, but I think it’s pretty damn neato. In addition to the extra charging prongs, there is a silky storage bag with RIANNE S on it, an instruction manual, a shiny product guide, and a warranty card in a cute purple envelope with RIANNE S stamped on it in, you guessed it, gold. It’s clear a lot of time and energy went into putting together this packaging and I really love it. If you remove the black tray, the purple box can easily be used to store other odds and ends, from bullets and chargers to condoms.

RIANNE S Matryoshka Pros:
• Great shape
• Comfortable in hand
• Lightweight
• Quiet
• Good storage options
• Charges discreetly
• Not a lint magnet

RIANNE S Matryoshka Cons:
• Could be stronger
• Not the deepest vibrations

The RIANNE S Matryoshka certainly has its good points. I love the shape, both in use and aesthetically. It’s comfortable and easy to hold and use. It is so lightweight that I can really use it for a long time without my hand or wrist getting tired or crampy, though I have not really had this need. It gets me off quickly enough, but I don’t think the power level is going to meet everyone’s needs. It certainly does not replace the We-Vibe Touch as my go-to clit vibe, even though I prefer the Matryoshka’s silky silicone. For those people who live with roommates or have nosy guests, the discreet charging solution is awesome. If you need intensely strong and deep vibrations, the Matryoshka is not for you, but for a moderate intensity, small clit vibrator, the Matryoshka does a very good job.

You can find the RIANNE S Matryoshka at the following stores:

Babeland
EdenFantasys
FunWares (get 10% off your entire order with code: FIDDLER)

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A while back Rocks-Off sent me the cute little Luv Massager which I enjoyed using. Recently they offered to send me a couple more vibrators to try out and I was happy to oblige. One of the vibrators is the Rocks-Off RO-160mm Vibrator.

The Rocks-Off RO-160mm Vibrator is actually listed on the Rocks-Off site under bullets, but as you can see from the images below it is quite large and not what I consider a bullet at all. It does look like a giant bullet, however, due to the shape. The RO-160mm is what I consider a classic or traditional vibrator, indicated by it’s smooth, sleek shape and semi pointy tip. My RO-160mm is a lovely magenta color, but it also comes in a deep blue. It has “RO-160mm” stamped into its side along with the Rocks-Off heart logo.

Speaking of size, the RO-160mm Vibrator is 6.75″ long, with 5.25″ being insertable, and 1.25″ in diameter. It has a nice weight to it and feels solid in the hand. It is made out of plastic but the smoothness of the shaft and the metallic color of the plastic makes it seem more like metal. Plastic is great because it can be used with either water-based or silicone-based lubricants. The plastic of the RO-160mm is sleek and smooth and does not require a great amount of lube. It also does not eat the lube like some silicone vibrators do because the lube is not absorbed by the plastic.

The plastic of the RO-160mm is a great material for a vibrator because it is latex and phthalate-free and non-porous so it won’t retain smells or give bacteria a place to grow. Plastic is very easy to care for and clean. You can use warm water and antibacterial soap, your favorite sex toy cleaner, or alcohol. Be sure when cleaning to carefully clean the Rocks-Off logo as lube and bodily fluids can get trapped in the grooves. I generally just use soap and water as that is the easiest for me, especially because the RO-160mm Vibrator is waterproof. It has a an o-ring and screws tightly shut to keep any water from leaking inside the battery compartment. The RO-160mm runs on two AA batteries, which Rocks-Off has kindly included. I’ve said this before, but I just love it when sex toy companies include batteries with their vibrators. It is practice they should all take up.

What is very noticeable about the RO-160mm is the large push button on bottom of the vibrator. This button is what controls the vibrator. It is soft and very easy to press, a bonus with my long nails. The RO-160mm responds to just a gentle press of the button. The button turns on the vibrator and cycles through the different settings. To turn the RO-160mm off, you simply hold down on the button for about five seconds. The RO-160mm Vibrator does not have a memory chip so every time you turn it on it starts at the lowest level of vibration.

The RO-160mm Vibrator has seven settings, three levels of steady vibration and four different patterns. I find the vibrations to be very strong, especially on the highest level of steady vibration. They are also buzzy and surfacey as opposed to deep and throbby. While I generally do not like buzzy vibrations, these are actually not terrible. I was surprised that they got me off without leaving my clit numb, but they did, so I have to say they do a good job. The vibrations are definitely on the loud side, especially as the vibrator gets up to the highest level of vibration. At that level there is a bit of a whine and I can hear it through my bedroom door if I listen closely. It’s not totally obviously and some light music or the TV will definitely cover up the sound.

The RO-160mm Vibrator’s seven levels of vibration are as follows:
1. Low steady vibration
2. Medium steady vibration
3. High steady vibration
4. Slow and fast pulse pattern
5. Fast single pulse
6. Escalating
7. Fast pulse pattern

So how do I like the Rocks-Off 160mm Vibrator? Overall, I like it but I don’t love it. The sleek plastic allows it to slide inside me easily, requiring little lubrication. As the plastic does not give, I definitely feel all of the 1.25″ diameter when the vibrator is inside me. The vibrations are strong and steady and I like the pulsation patterns, especially number 6, the escalating pattern. It is a great tease that eventually brings me to a fairly high level of orgasm. While I like the strength of the vibrations, they are on the buzzy side which is not so fabulous. The RO-160mm still gets me off in a lovely way and it doesn’t leave my hand buzzing like some other vibrators I have.

The packaging of the Rocks-Off RO-16omm Vibrator is simple and lovely. It comes in a black hard box with a hinged top that closes securely but is easy to open. Inside the box the RO-160mm sits in a molded plastic tray. Underneath the tray is a 2012 Rocks-Off Mini Brochure that includes images of the Rocks-Off line of sex toys. The included batteries are inside the RO-160mm with a little disc of paper that keeps them from touching the contacts and turning the vibrator on. This box is great for storage because it is so sturdy and isn’t that much bigger than the vibrator itself. However, the box is not discreet. It has a plastic window across the front that displays the RO-160mm fully and leaves no doubt that it is a vibrator. The back of the box has some very basic information and shows how to insert the batteries. It does say instructions are included inside, but I did not find any. Nonetheless, it is very easy to figure out how to use the RO-160mm, even for a beginner.

Rocks-Off 160mm Vibrator Pros:
• Large easy to press button
• Strong vibrations
• Good pulsation patterns
• Waterproof
• Easy to care for
• Battery included
• Good storage box

Rocks-Off 160mm Vibrator Cons:
• Buzzy vibrations
• On the loud side

I love the the look of the RO-160mm. It’s sleek and smooth and looks much more interesting that a typical classic vibrator. The fact that it’s waterproof makes cleaning easy and means you can take it in the shower or bath. Just be sure the end cap is screwed on tightly. The diameter of the RO-160mm is not over large and will be comfortable for many users. Be sure to keep in mind there is no give to the plastic so the vibrator may feel slightly bigger than it actually is. I also really love how easy the push button is to operate. The packaging is great because the box can be used for storage without taking up much room. I’d prefer the vibrations to be deeper, but the strength is quite nice. If you enjoy buzzy, more surfacey, vibrations the Rocks-Off RO-160mm is an excellent choice. If you require deep and throbby vibrations, you may want to steer clear. Check out the Rocks-Off 160mm Vibrator over at the Rocks-Off website.

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