Hello readers, Beanpole Fiddler here today. Bean is dealing with a sick kitty so I am stepping in with a review this week.

Today we are going to be looking at the very first sex toy that I ever bought and still my absolute favorite, The Fleshlight Stamina Training Unit. Stamina Training Unit is quite the name, so from here on out I am just going to refer to it as the STU. From the name, you have probably gathered that this particular Fleshlight is designed to make men last longer in bed. The key to lasting longer in bed? Practice! The inner canal of the STU is designed to replicate the sensation of sexual intercourse, and I must say, it does a damn fine job of it. The people at Fleshlight say that if you can last 10 minutes using the STU, you’ll be able to last 20 with a real person.

The STU is only available with a vagina orifice and it’s one of the few Fleshlights that you cannot buy as just a sleeve, you have to buy it with a case. The case is “special”, as it’s gold in color as opposed to the standard silver color. Other than color, it’s identical to the other cases. You will also get an exclusive e-booklet with instructions on the proper way to use your STU. I got mine a long time ago, so mine is actually different from what you get today. Back when I got mine they were only available in the “Mocha” color and they came in a silver case. I have also long lost the instruction manual that came with it. Like all Fleshlights, the STU is made with Fleshlight’s patented “Real Feel Superskin” material, which is quite impressive. It feels quite lifelike and does a very good job retaining heat.

While this toy is designed to make you last longer in bed don’t think that it’s only for people who are having problems in that department. Being quick to pop has never really a problem for me, but I did a lot of research before I bought my first Fleshlight and I kept reading about how good the STU is. I also decided to go with the STU as my first Fleshlight because it’s only available with the case, you can’t just buy the sleeve. A lot of men who buy a Fleshlight end up buying more of them down the road. Most of the other ones you can buy without a case. So, I figured the STU was a logical first buy as I’d get my case and what was supposed to be one of the best Fleshlights.

To get the most enjoyment out of any Fleshlight, I highly recommend getting it warmed up first. This is easily achieved by filling up your sink with some hot water and letting the Fleshlight soak in the water. I find a soak of 10-15 minutes is plenty sufficient to keep the STU warm for an entire session. Lube is pretty much required for Fleshlight play. You should use water-based lubricants only as oil based lubricants will slowly destroy your Fleshlight. I find the STU to be pretty light when it comes to lube consumption. I find that the initial lube application is usually enough for a session. Every now and then I may need to add a little bit more, but generally speaking, the STU is not a lube hog. The Fleshlight case has an adjustable end cap at the base of the case. By turning this cap you can adjust the amount of suction inside the Fleshlight as you use it. The tighter the cap, the more suction. The looser, the less. This can make a huge difference in the feel of a Fleshlight. For me personally, I like the STU with quite a bit of suction. I usually tighten it all the way and then loosen it just enough to break the seal. This is something that is very user dependent though. If you buy one, I highly suggest experimenting with this.

I stated at the beginning of this review that the STU is my favorite sex toy. There is one very simple reason for this, the orgasms that it produce are mind-blowing. When you first start to use the STU you may feel very underwhelmed, I know that I did. While the initial stroking feels good, it’s nothing special. The STU really works its magic the longer you go and the closer you get to orgasm, and it really kicks into overdrive as you do orgasm. It goes from mild to “holy crap, sweet Jesus, this feels good” wild. Outside of an actual vagina, I’ve never had a better orgasm than I have inside of my STU. Yes, it’s that good.

My only real complaint with the STU is the same complaint I have with all Fleshlight toys; prep time and cleanup time. To get the best experience you really should heat the Fleshlight up. This means a 10-15 bath in the some hot water. Then after you’ve used it, you need to clean the thing out. This makes Fleshlights not the greatest toy for when you’re lying in bed, it’s 2AM and you can’t sleep and you feel like a wank would help. While you can use it at room temperature, and it does feel good, the experience is much better when it’s warm.

Stamina Training Unit Fleshlight Pros:
• Absolutely amazing orgasms
• Very nice Real Feel Superskin material
• Did I mention the absolutely amazing orgasms?

Stamina Training Unit Fleshlight Cons:
• Prep time

If you are a guy or if you are woman thinking of buying a toy for a special guy in your life, I would highly suggest taking a look at the Fleshlight STU. I’ve been exposed to a fair amount of toys in my years, especially since we started this blog, and in my humble opinion, the STU is the best there is. I highly recommend this toy. So, head on over to Fleshlight and pick up your Fleshlight STU today.

Bean Fiddler Rating:

It has been a very long time since I have reviewed a lubricant. Lubes are not something I review very often but when the opportunity came along to test out a particular lubricant from Sliquid that I had been wondering about, I grabbed it. I have heard good things about Sliquid Sea Lubricant for quite a while and decided it was interesting enough to try out.

Sliquid Sea Lubricant is a water-based lubricant that contains several ingredients meant to provide benefits in addition to the typical perks of lube. We’ll discuss those ingredients in a bit. First let’s talk a look at water-based lubes in general.

Water-based lubricants have several advantages over other types of lubricants. You can use a water-based lube with all sex toys, including silicone, which is a blessing to someone like me who has a large collection of silicone toys. It does not usually stain clothes and sheets and can be cleaned off the body easily with water. On the down side, it is not a good choice to use in water and can dry out more quickly than other options.

The great thing about Sliquid Sea is that it does not seem to dry out terribly quickly and you can reactivate it by applying a little water (or saliva if you’re in a pinch). For a long session, you may have to reapply depending upon how much Sliquid Sea you started off with in the first place. Again, this is common with water-based lubricants so I do not see this as a downfall of Sliquid Sea in particular. In addition, Sliquid Sea dries cleanly, leaving no residue. It does not turn white and does not become sticky or tacky like some lubes. In fact, my skin actually feels soft after the Sliquid Sea dries. It’s not going to replace my lotion or anything like that, but it does leave my skin feeling pleasant.

I detect no discernible scent or taste to Sliquid Sea, which was a nice surprise. I didn’t expect it to smell bad, but I thought it might have an earthy or plant-like scent. It also does not have the bitter taste of some of the other lubricants I have. I’m not a big fan of getting lubricant in my mouth, but it’s nice to know that if it happens it’s not going to be an unpleasant experience.

As a vegetarian, I love that Sliquid Sea is vegan friendly, which means that it contains no animal products or by-products. However, it does include several ingredients that are not a part of a typical lube recipe, and this is one of the things that causes Sliquid Sea to stand out.

Sliquid Sea contains the following ingredients:
Purified Water, Plant Cellulose (from Cotton), Carrageenan, Nori & Wakame (Seaweed Extracts), Cyamopsis (Guar Conditioners), Potassium Sorbate, Citric Acid

So let’s look at the special ingredients that add the “sea” to Sliquid Sea. First off, there is Carrageenan, which has been shown to be a potent inhibitor of HPV (Human Pappilomavirus) and may offer protection against HSV-2 (Herpes simplex virus). I’m sure all my readers practice safe sex, but still, how could you not want that extra bit of protection in your lubricant? Then we have Nori, a red algae that is a natural moisturizer and prevents oxidation of the skin. Finally, Wakame, which is an edible seaweed with B vitamins that reduces inflammation and improves elasticity of the skin. Considering women often experience micro tears when inserting sex toys or a penis into their bodies, the reduction of the inflammation that follows this tearing is a strong benefit. All in all, these additions provide significant advantages to Sliquid Sea.

I am impressed with Sliquid Sea Lubricant. It lasts longer than I expected it would and dries nicely on my skin. I appreciate that I do not feel the need to shower immediately after play time to wash it off my body. I love that it’s vegan and non-toxic, and does not contain glycerine, parabens, and a host of other chemicals I prefer to avoid. The slick and slippery consistency make it a pleasure to use, and the lack of scent (especially) and taste increase that pleasure. It is basically like notching up my own natural fluids, which is how I want my water-based lube to behave. I don’t really want to know it’s there or be constantly aware of it. Sliquid Sea does its job without making a big deal about its presence, both during and after play. I am extremely pleased with it.

Sliquid Sea comes in a plastic bottle in two sizes, 4.2 ounces and 8.5 ounces. The bottle has a pop top which allows you to easily control the amount of lubricant you want to dispense. The bottle comes with a protective seal which is slightly challenging to peel off if you have nails like mine, but it’s totally doable. There is an expiration date on the bottom of the bottle, which I have not noticed on all of my lubes, and I find very helpful. Though it’s obvious to me that this is a bottle of lube, I don’t think it will be necessarily apparent to someone who is not familiar with the Sliquid brand, unless they looks closely and see “natural intimate lubricant” on the label. Just left on the bathroom sink, someone might think it’s a hair styling product. I think the label is cute and classy, as well as amusing.

Sliquid Sea Lubricant Pros:
• Slick and slippery
• Dries nicely on skin
• No scent or taste
• Vegan
• Hypoallergenic & non-toxic
• Glycerine & paraben Free
• DEA, gluten, glycerol, PEG, propylene glycol, sorbitol, and sulphate free
• Easy to use bottle
• Can be used with silicone sex toys

Sliquid Sea Lubricant Cons:
• Not a one

While sexual lubricants generally do not make me jump up and down with excitement, they are a necessary and extremely helpful sex play accessory, and it is always important to have a good one on hand. Sliquid Sea has so many positive attributes. Due to its consistency, it feels much like my own lubrication which makes it enjoyable to use. It dries well on my skin, leaving it feeling soft rather than dry and sticky. The lack of scent is a huge plus for me as I am very sensitive and easily distracted by smells.

I am always happy to find high-quality vegan products, and Sliquid Sea manages to avoid using many ingredients common to other lubricants that are not necessarily the best for a woman’s body. I appreciate the addition of the special ingredients that make this Sliquid “Sea”, carrageen, nori, and wakame. They provide protection to the skin and body and can actually assist in preventing the acquisition of HPV and HSV-2. That in itself would be reason enough to use Sliquid Sea, but it has so many other benefits as well. I am actually hard-pressed to find anything I don’t like about it. Therefore, I can easily recommend Sliquid Sea without hesitation.

You can find Sliquid Sea in both sizes, along with other Sliquid products on the Sliquid Shop website. Use code: FIDDLER10 to receive a 10% discount on your entire Sliquid purchase.

Bean Fiddler Rating:

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:

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:

I have written of my fondness for glass sex toys on numerous occasions and considering it has been a while since I reviewed one, I thought now would be a good time to take a close look at my Tracey Cox Supersex Glass Dildo Set from Lovehoney.

As the name would imply, the Tracey Cox Supersex Glass Dildo Set is a set of two glass dildos. Though it is difficult to really see the color in the images below (Apologies, I am experimenting to a find a better place to take pictures.), the straighter of the two dildos is a very pretty pale pink in color and the curvy dildo is clear. The pink dildo is 7.25″ long and 1.35″ in diameter at its widest point. It has a slight curve to the shaft, six raised nubs along one side of the shaft, one small bulb at one end and two larger bulbs at the other end. The clear glass dildo is 8.25″ in length and 1.11″ in diameter at its thickest point. It has a mild curve shape to it, creating an S. There is a bulb on each end of the dildo, with three additional bulbs one one end.

The box suggests using the pink dildo rather than the clear one for anal play. I disagree. I don’t think either of these glass dildos is appropriate for anal penetration. Neither one has a flared based and the bulbs on the ends of the pink dildo are not large enough for me to feel secure that this dildo will not get sucked up inside me.

As both of these dildos are made of glass they are versatile and very easy to clean. Wash with antibacterial soap and warm water, clean with a sex toy cleaner, or pop them into your dishwasher. You can even sterilize them by boiling them for three – five minutes or washing them down with a 10% bleach solution. Glass is great because you can use any lube with it without having to worry about adverse reactions. So feel free to pull out your favorite water or silicone-based lubricant to use with the Tracey Cox Supersex Dildos. The glass is super smooth and easily gets slippery, so I suggest starting with a small amount of lube and adding more if you need it. I definitely do not need as much lube with glass sex toys as I do with silicone toys because glass has virtually no drag.

Glass is great for sensation play as well. You can heat up or cool down the Tracey Cox Supersex Glass Dildos in a bowl of hot or ice water and the dildo will retain the chosen temperature for a good while. Glass has a tendency to be cold causing many people to warm their glass dildos up so they are closer to body temperature. I happen to like the coldness of the glass and prefer to cool my dildos down.

I know some people worry about using glass sex toys, thinking they will break during play. As long as you are using high quality products designed for insertion, this is not an issue. The Tracey Cox Supersex Glass Dildo Set is made of thick, solid, high-quality glass. While it is possible you might crack or chip one of the dildos if you drop it too many times, I don’t see how anyone could possibly break them during insertion. However, you still want to be sure to check your glass dildos carefully before each use for any nicks or scrapes that could pull at your skin. Due to the fact that glass is latex and phthalate-free and hypoallergenic, it is safe for just about anybody to use. I have yet to hear of anyone who has allergies to glass, so if you do have any issues with glass toys, it may very well be your lube.

The Tracey Cox Supersex Dildo Set is a pleasure to use. Both dildos feel solid in my hand and slick against my skin. First, the pink dildo. I enjoy its girth very much and I like the feeling of fullness it provides. I do not think it’s terribly girthy, but keep in mind that glass has no give so glass toys often feel larger than a toy of equivalent size in a softer material, such as silicone. I can feel the bumps on the shaft as I thrust in and out, but do be careful. When I thrust at too steep an angle the nubs hit the front of my pubic bone in an unpleasant manner. Both sides of the dildo are comfortable for thrusting and its short length means it doesn’t hit my cervix during thrusting. This dildo is not a good g-spot dildo for me but I do not think it is really meant to be one.

The Tracey Cox Supersex clear Glass Dildo is the perfect shape to hit my g-spot, and the slightly pointed tip of the bulbs on the ends of the dildo stimulate it extremely well. I can comfortably hold and thrust the dildo with either end, but I prefer to hold the smooth side and thrust with the four bulbs. I can feel each bulb moving in and out of me as I thrust, so I am being stimulated at multiple points at the same time. If I had to choose which one I prefer between the two, it would be the clear one. Fortunately, I do not have to choose, which is one very cool thing about this set.

The packaging of the Tracey Cox Supersex Glass Dildo Set is basic but suitable. I am not super fond of the naked couple on the front, which makes the box indiscreet. However, it says “dildos” on it all over the place anyway, so even without that image I wouldn’t want to leave this box laying around. There are some helpful hints on how to use these dildos on the back of the box, but nothing regarding how to care for them. I wish they would include this information for first time users of glass sex toys. Inside the box, the two dildos and their storage bags sit in a plastic molded clamshell. The clamshell and the box together provide adequate protection for these dildos. They made it all the way to me from the UK in perfect condition. The box does take up a lot of room so I do not recommend using it for storage. The black velvet storage bags offer great protection from the dildos banging into each other or getting scratched, but they are not padded so do your best not to drop them or smash them into anything.

Tracey Cox Supersex Glass Dildo Set Pros:
• Great shapes
• Good quality glass
• Great value
• Variety- four ends to choose from
• Easy to hold on to
• Storage bags

Tracey Cox Supersex Glass Dildo Set Cons:
• Lack of information

Overall, the Tracey Cox Supersex Glass Dildo Set is pretty awesome. The combination of these dildos ticks off all the boxes of what I want in a glass dildo. They are well-made, easy to use, pretty, and most importantly of all, do a great job at providing the firm stimulation I want, especially against my g-spot. I also think you are getting a good bang for your buck. Two high quality glass dildos at this price, especially with storage bags, is absolutely a great deal. Now I know many people might consider it a little thing, but I love that they include a storage bag for each dildo. Good storage options are an absolute necessity to protect glass sex toys and I find it very irritating when I have to shell out additional cash to buy separate storage bags. This is my first Tracey Cox product and I am happy with the quality.

Right now you can get a FREE Tracey Cox Silver Bullet with the purchase of two Tracey Cox products, so head over to Lovehoney and check out the Tracey Cox Supersex Glass Dildo Set. Remember, you will also get FREE shipping.

Bean Fiddler Rating: