Remember the Spotlight I did on the new Leaf Vibrators a little while ago? Well, I have been lucky enough to get my hands on one of these brand new vibrators, Fresh. Am I a lucky girl or what?

For a sex toy reviewer like me, it is always exciting when new toys hit the market but it is especially exciting when I am one of the first people who has the opportunity to try out a product. When Leaf contacted me to review one of their new vibrators, I jumped at the chance.

leaf by Swan is a new line of six vibrators made of green silicone in unusual shapes. These cool and funky vibrators are designed by BMS Enterprises in Canada and made in China. They are made of ABS and silicone which makes them hard with a lovely soft finish.

As with all of the Leaf by Swan vibrators, Fresh is rechargeable and waterproof and comes with a one year warranty. I love a company that stands behind its products. Fresh is easy to operate as it has only one button located on the side of one of the heart bumps. To turn Fresh on and off, simply press down on the button. To increase the vibration strength you press and hold the button down. The vibration will then increase gradually until you release the button at your desired level. This threw me at first as I am accustomed more to vibrators that have discrete levels and require me to push the button each time to reach those levels. I quickly got used to it though and I really like the easy use of this one button.

The Fresh Vibrator also has a very cool locking mechanism. Quickly press the button three times to lock the Fresh. This will keep it from turning on accidentally while in storage or during travel. It is quite smart because the vibrator does turn on easily at the click of the button. To unlock, simply press the button quickly three times again and ta-da! It is unlocked.

When you first receive your Fresh Vibrator you want to charge it for at least three hours prior to using it for the first time. After that, charging time will vary depending upon how much battery power is left when you go to charge it. The manual tells me I should get one hour and 15 minutes of power off of a two hour charge. Of course this will vary based on the strength of the vibration you use during play. So far this seems to be accurate for me.

Charging is easy as the power button lights up red during charging and turns off when your Fresh Vibrator is completely charged. The button also lights up white when you first turn on the Fresh Vibrator. It blinks as you ramp up the vibration strength and stops blinking when you hit the highest level. Though Fresh is quite a small vibrator I find the vibrations to be deep and rumbly which I really like. They are also sufficiently strong for me. I do sometimes use Fresh on its highest level but not always. I can get off with it on lower levels of vibration, which really says a lot.

Speaking of size, the Fresh Vibrator measures almost 3″ in length, is almost 2.5″ wide and is maybe 1″ thick. It is a teeny vibrator. I was surprised by how small it was when I opened the box. However, I do love its size. It fits perfectly in my hand and is neither too large nor too small.

The Fresh Vibrator looks somewhat like a misshapen heart which I thought might be weird until I used it the first time. As I mentioned above, the core is ABS so it is completely hard but it has a silicone covering on top of the plastic which is soft and silky. The green silicone is great because unlike other types of silicone it is not a lint magnet. There is a small seam all along the exterior of the Fresh Vibrator and though I can feel it slightly with my fingers if I try, I don’t feel the seam when I’m using the vibrator.

The insert for the power cord is placed at the top of the heart in indentation. It is a very small hole that closes up when the power cord is not plugged in, thus making the the Fresh waterproof. One thing that’s unusual is the information provided on the actual vibrator. As you can see in the images, it says “power bullet” and “leaf” as well as a few other things in the actual silicone. The text is raised and can be felt with a finger but does not distract during use. According to the instruction manual, this text is required by international law.

I have mentioned the Fresh Vibrator is covered in 100% silicone and I always recommend using water-based lubricant with silicone sex toys. In fact, the instruction manual vehemently states the silicone finish will be damaged if used with silicone-based lubes. You all know how much I love silicone as it latex and phthalate-free, hypoallergenic, non-porous, and body-safe. It is easy to clean and can even be sterilized with the use of a 10% bleach solution. Be sure to wash your Fresh Vibrator with warm water and antibacterial soap or your favorite toy cleaner before and after each use. Do not boil Fresh or put it in the dishwasher as this could ruin the electronic workings inside the vibrator.

I really love the shape of the Fresh Vibrator. The pointy part of the heart slips perfectly between my labia and under my clit hood to reach my clit. It delivers perfect pinpoint stimulation and sits so well in my hand. However, if you don’t like pointy stimulation like I do you can flip the Fresh around and use the top of the heart against your clit. This will give you a more broad stimulation. In fact, as the vibrations can be felt throughout the entire vibrator, you can use any part against your body which makes the Fresh quite versatile. It works great against my nipples as well.

The Fresh Vibrator comes in some rather unique packaging. The box is made from hard brown cardboard and has a magnetic closure. It looks like the recycled material but it doesn’t say anywhere on it that it is recycled so I would guess it is not. Inside the box is a sleeve that holds the very complete user manual which discusses Fresh in seven languages. This sleeve has a velcro closure. Underneath the sleeve is the Fresh Vibrator itself, the charger, and storage bag. The storage bag is also unusual in that it is made of canvas which is different from the typical satin storage bags that usually come with my vibrators. The drawstring bag has the leaf by Swan logo on it and is large enough to hold the Fresh and charger if you want, though the box is certainly sturdy enough to be used for storage as well.

Leaf Fresh Vibrator Pros:
• Silicone
• Rechargeable
• Waterproof
• Deep vibrations
• Great shape
• Versatile
• Storage bag

Leaf Fresh Vibrator Cons:
• No patterns
• May be too simple for some

The Leaf Fresh Vibrator is a great little clit stimulator. I love the shape and the simplicity of this vibrator. I do notice there are no patterns, which I tend to expect in a clit stimulator but I enjoy the vibrations of the Fresh so much, I really don’t miss them. If I want patterns, I just reach for another vibrator. It is difficult to find a pointy vibrator which I really tend to prefer, so the shape of the Fresh works so well for me. The strong, rumbly vibrations are a pleasure to use and you all know I love a good storage bag. Overall, I am so very pleased with the Leaf Fresh.

Head over to the leaf website to check out the new line of leaf Vibes and pick up your own Fresh vibrator.

Bean Fiddler Rating:

So I’ve been thinking it would be a good idea to look back over the last year and see what my favorite sex toys and sensual products were from 2011. Quite frankly, I am not always great at narrowing down lists of favorites because I tend to waffle back and forth so this has proven to be a challenge for me. I decided to go back and look at all the products that received a 5 Bean Rating from me and share my list with you. However, it turns out I reviewed a number of highly rated items in 2011 so I did have to narrow down the list somewhat to highlight my true favorites.

I have split the list between my top sex toys and my top sensual products to be more specific.

Top Five Sensual Products of 2011

#5 Chocolate Body Cream

Number five is Sweet Beauty’s Chocolate Body Cream from Babeland. This body cream is thick and creamy and has the most delicious chocolatey scent. It makes my skin feel soft and silky and smell heavenly. In fact, the danger of the Chocolate Body Cream is that it makes me crave chocolate. While body cream may not be the first thing you think of when discussing sensual products, I think anything that tantalizes multiple senses is a sensual treat.

#4 TRUST Oil

In the number four spot is TRUST Natural Oil. TRUST is the most amazing massage oil I have run across in a long time. It is an organic, vegan, cruelty-free, food-grade oil that happens to be kosher as well. TRUST is made with Grape Seed, Avocado, and Apricot Kernel Oils and is light and silky on my skin. It is very moisturizing and adds both a high class feel and increased intimacy to any massage.

#3 Intense Clit Stimulating Gel

Number three is Intimate Organics Intense Clit Stimulating Gel. This Clit Gel makes my clit all cool and tingly in the most wonderful way. Another vegan, cruelty-free product, Intense Clit Stimulating Gel is glycerine and paraben-free and does not contain DEA or menthol. However, it does contain organic extracts which I think is a nice bonus. Most importantly, I love how it makes my clit feel and how it speeds up my orgasms.

#2 Beginner Bondage Kit

The number two slot goes to the Beginner Bondage Kit from MyPleasure. The Beginner Bondage Kit comes with wrist and ankle cuffs, tethers, a blindfold, and a small flogger. Though I do not consider myself a beginner when it comes to bondage, I love the cuffs in this kit. They are not only an awesome color with a cute heart detail, they are strong, secure, and comfortable. The kit is totally worth it just for the cuffs and storage bag.

#1 Liberator Wedge

My number one sensual product of 2011 is the Liberator Wedge. The Liberator Wedge is an amazing piece of sex furniture that belongs in everyone’s collection. It brings comfort, communication, and creativity to the bedroom in a fun way. It provides a variety of positions and allows for better access for both partners. I still leave mine out on the bed and use it as a backrest as well. My Liberator Wedge is good for all sorts of things!

Top Five Sex Toys of 2011

#5 Hitachi Magic Wand

In the number five spot is the Hitachi Magic Wand. I recently reviewed the Hitachi and fell in love with its deep vibrations and ability to multitask as a muscle massager, which is really its intended use. It doesn’t look like a sex toy which is a bonus if I want to leave it laying around.

#4 Octopussy

Number four on my list of sex toys is the Octopussy also from Babeland. This dildo is shaped like tentacle and has the most amazing texture I have ever run across. It is a lovely light pink color and is made of glass. The Octopussy can be used vaginally or anally and the curved handle makes it very easy to use. The glass is great for sensation play but what truly stands out is the texture. I don’t have anything else quite like it and it’s just great.

# 3 G-Spot Lollipop J Pop

My number three toy of 2011 is the G-Spot Lollipop J Pop. I discovered this little beauty when I attended ANE in July. Its rather unusual shape allows for great g-spot stimulation and it comes in all sorts of fun colors. The G-Spot Lollipop also comes in multiple styles and sizes, and though I haven’t tried any other style, I do love my G-Spot Lollipop J Pop.

#2 Crystal Kiss & njoy Pure Plug

 

Tied for the number two slot are two phenomenal butt plugs, the Crystal Delights Crystal Kiss and the nJoy Pure Plug. They are both so awesome, I can’t choose which one I like more. The Crystal Kiss is the most beautiful toy I own. It is just exquisite with its swirl of red and gorgeous swarovski crystal. The njoy Pure Plug is delightful in its heavy steel and can be worn for significant periods of time comfortably.

#1 Eroscillator

My number one top sex toy of 2011 is the famous Eroscillator. The Eroscillator is so unlike any of my other sex toys because it oscillates rather vibrates. It really is a must have for every sex toy aficionado. It is also an excellent choice for women who have only one clitoral vibrator and those who may have trouble reaching orgasm. It has multiple attachments which makes it very versatile and can be used solo or with a partner. I just adore the way it feels on my nipples and clit.

As I said, this has been quite a challenge for me. 2011 was a good year for sex toys and sensual products and I am lucky to have reviewed so many great things last year. I am sure I have left out some really nifty products but I had to narrow it down somehow. I am already looking forward to the awesome products I will review in 2012. A big thank you to everyone who has made it possible for me to review all these wonderful products. Hey, being a sex toy reviewer is a tough job, but somebody’s got to do it.

About this time last year, I reviewed the Nomi Tang Getaway Wild Vibrator. It was my first experience with Nomi Tang and I was impressed. Thanks to Babeland, I have had the opportunity to try out the Getaway’s older sibling, the Nomi Tang Better Than Chocolate.

The packaging of the Nomi Tang Better Than Chocolate Vibrator is very high end, so of course I’m a fan. The outside sleeve is not the most discreet, however, as it has an image of the vibrator and the printed words, “designer vibrator” on it. This I could do without. Get rid of the sleeve and you have a lovely white hinged box with the Nomi Tang logo on it, discreet and elegant. Included in the box is the Better Than Chocolate Vibrator (of course), the user manual in nine languages, and a soft, velvety storage bag.

As you can see from the images, the Nomi Tang Better Than Chocolate Vibrator has an unusual shape. It is designed as a clitoral stimulator, to be used externally, not for insertion. The shape is meant to gently stimulate the sensitive areas on your body and is especially good for cupping the the labia and pressing up against the clit. The Better Than Chocolate also works well for pinpoint nipple stimulation.

The Nomi Tang Better Than Chocolate Vibrator is 4.25″ long, 2.5″ wide, and approximately 1.5″ thick. It is made from thermoplastic elastomer and polycarbonate. This elastomer/polycarbonate combination feels softer than a hard ABS plastic. It is also porous and therefore should not be shared with non-fluid bonded partners. However, as it is plastic, you can use both water-based lubricants and silicone-based lubricants with it. The thermoplastic elastomer is nice and smooth so I find very little lubricant is necessary for use. Just a little dab does it for me if I use any lube at all. I find my natural lubrication is often sufficient.

As the Nomi Tang Better Than Chocolate is waterproof up to approximately three feet, cleaning is a breeze. Just make sure the battery cap is screwed on tightly before washing with warm water and antibacterial soap, or cleaning with your favorite toy cleaner.

Did I say battery cap? Why yes, I did. The Nomi Tang Better Than Chocolate Vibrator runs on two AAA batteries that are not included. Sad. I really do think all vibrators that require batteries should include the first set, but maybe I’m greedy. I do give Nomi Tang points for including the very nice storage bag.

Aside from its unusual shape, the other thing that makes the Nomi Tang Better Than Chocolate Vibrator unique is its control panel, which consists of the dedicated on/off button and the touch sensor. The on/off button is self-explanatory. It’s the touch sensor that requires a bit of explanation. The touch sensor is about 1.5″ long and .5″ wide, with the “NT” logo at the bottom, and very easy to use. To increase the Better Than Chocolate’s vibration level, slide your finger up along the sensor, away from the NT logo. Each swipe of your finger increases the power by one level. To decrease power, slide your finger down, toward the logo. To switch to a pulsation pattern, hold your finger over the NT logo for 2 seconds. Change the pulsation speed by swiping your finger and down the sensor, just like you do with the vibration levels. This control system is unique and responsive, and works remarkably well. I will say it does take some getting used to though.

A great feature is the touch sensor’s lock. At any time, simply hold your finger at the top of the touch sensor for two seconds and you lock in that particular power level and pattern. This keeps you from accidentally changing the program during play. The NT logo glows blue while on steady vibration, flashes blue while on pulsation pattern, and glows red when the sensor is locked. The Nomi Tang Better Than Chocolate Vibrator will lock automatically when the touch sensor is covered with water, but it will continue functioning. Simply dry off the touch sensor to unlock the vibrator and change your speed or pattern or turn it off.

The pulsation patterns are a bit difficult to define as they are not exactly discrete, but they go something like this:
1. Buuuuzzzzz buuuuzzzzz buuuuzzzzz buuuuzzzzz
2. Buuuzzz buuuzzz buuuzzz buuuzzz
2. Buuzz buuzz buuzz buuzz
3. Buz buz buz buz buz

The Nomi Tang Better Than Chocolate Vibrator comes with a one year manufacturer’s warranty, which tells me that Nomi Tang is willing to stand behind their products. This is always a good sign to me.

In use, I really like the Nomi Tang Better Than Chocolate Vibrator. The unique shape fits well in my hand and is easy to press up against my clit. The shape also transmits the vibrations well against my body without making my hand go numb. While I had some complaints about the power level of the Getaway Wild, I find the Better Than Chocolate sufficient in power to get me off. It’s actually quite a bit stronger than my Getaway Wild, which surprised me in a happy way. The vibrations could still be stronger, but it’s not like it takes me forever to get off with this vibrator. I find the vibrations to be slightly less rumbly than those of the Getaway Wild, but they are not high-pitched and buzzy.

Nomi Tang Better Than Chocolate Vibrator Pros:
• Great shape
• Intuitive control panel
• Waterproof
• Storage bag

Nomi Tang Better Than Chocolate Vibrator Cons:
• Material cannot be sterilized
• Vibrations make be weak for some
• Battery-operated

There are definitely some great things about the Nomi Tang Better Than Chocolate Vibrator. I really like the shape and the control panel, though it does have a learning curve. I love that it is waterproof and comes with a storage bag. I am not a power queen but I do need a fair amount of lower frequency vibrations to get off. While the Better Than Chocolate is not the most powerful, most rumbly vibrator on the block it does the job. I would prefer this vibrator be rechargeable but that’s just kinda picky. I would also prefer it to be made out of silicone, but I have no real need to share it with anyone so that isn’t an issue for me. Overall, I am happy with the Better Than Chocolate, though I’m not sure it lives up to its name. Then again, sometimes there truly is nothing better than chocolate.

Head on over to Babeland and choose a Nomi Tang Better Than Chocolate Vibrator in one of three colors, fuschia, blue, or sakura pink (like mine)!

UPDATE
Unfortunately, Babeland no longer carries this vibrator, but they do carry the OhMiBod Better Than Chocolate, which is similar but can be set to work with music. You can find the Nomi Tang Better Than Chocolate at the following stores:

EdenFantasys
FunWares

Bean Fiddler Rating:

Are you familiar with Je Joue? If you aren’t, you want to be. They make lovely, high-end sex toys like the MiMi and the SaSi. Well, they have just released a new vibrator called the Je Joue Uma and you can find at EdenFantasys.

The Je Joue Uma is a simple, sleek looking vibrator made of silicone. Its shape is contoured to fit the curves of the body, which I think is wonderful. It is billed as a great first toy for clitoral or g-spot use, but I have a feeling it will be awesome for all users. The Je Joue MiMi is also billed as a beginner vibrator and while I don’t have it, I know some advanced users who just love it. So if MiMi is anything to go by, I’m thinking the Je Joue Uma will be a very handy little vibrator. I’m considering picking one up myself.

The Je Joue Uma is rechargeable and as the charger is magnetic, the Uma is totally waterproof. I just love rechargeable and waterproof sex toys. Not having to buy batteries is great for the environment and my pocketbook. Waterproof vibrators are easy to clean and can be taken into the shower, bath, or hot tub. The Je Joue Uma has seven levels of vibration, as well as seven different pulsation patterns. I expect this means the Je Joue Uma can please any sexual palette.

The Je Joue Uma comes in four colors, black, lavender, purple, and fuchsia. You can buy it at EdenFantasys in every color but black. So head on on over to EdenFantasys and pick one of these cool new vibrators up for yourself or someone on your holiday shopping list.

I have long wanted to try the Hitachi Magic Wand, in part because it’s just so old school and in part because people say so many good things about it. It is supposed to be the best vibrator around.

For most people the Hitachi Magic Wand does not even need an introduction. In fact, I am a bit hesitant to review this massager/vibrator. It has been reviewed by so many others what could I possibly have to say that’s new? Maybe nothing, but I can certainly tell you how I feel about it and give you my feedback.

Let’s start with the packaging. Normally I like my packaging to be high end and fancy. However, I actually do like the plain crappy packing of the Hitachi Magic Wand. What I like best about the packaging and one great thing about the Hitachi Magic Wand itself is that it does not look like a sex toy. It comes in a simple cardboard box with images of people using the Hitachi Magic Wand on different parts of their mostly clothed bodies. You can leave the box and the vibrator laying around and people will just think you have a sore neck or back. I have so many sex toys that I have to hide when people come over, I really like having something I can just leave out and not worry about. The box can be used for storage though it’s not the most sturdy thing in the world. You might be better off storing it in a large cosmetics bag, if you can find one big enough.

The Hitachi Magic is ginormous, it really is. It measures just over 12″, with the handle being 9.25 of those inches. The head is about 2.4″ in diameter and it weighs 1 pound, 7 ounces. That’s right, almost 1.5 pounds, which is pretty dam hefty for a vibrator. However, the plastic handle is easy to hold and grip. Quite frankly, I don’t use the massager long enough for it to hurt my wrist. It gets me off before any pain or tiredness kicks in.

The head of the Hitachi Magic Wand is made of vinyl, which is not my favorite material for sex toys. Vinyl is porous so if you’re planning on sharing your Hitachi Magic Wand with others, or if you are concerned about sensitivities, use a condom over the head. Of course, you can also use some happy silicone attachments like the Vixen Creations Gee Whizzard and the Pleasure Dome. The other advantage of using a condom is that you can then use any lubricant with the Hitachi Magic Wand. Without a condom, stick to water-based lubricants to maintain the integrity of the vinyl. A condom will also make cleaning a breeze.

If you choose not use a condom with your Hitachi Magic Wand, it is still easy clean. Simply wipe the handle down with a damp cloth and use toy cleaner for the head. As it is not waterproof, don’t go sticking the Hitachi Magic Wand under running water, you could damage the motor.

The Hitachi Magic Wand is a corded electric massager that must be plugged in during use. It runs on 110-120 volts which is standard in the United States. If you want to travel with your Hitachi Magic Wand, you’ll need to take an adapter with you. The cord is over 6′ long, which gives me plenty of play room. Of course, I have a plug right next to my bed (what self-respecting Hitachi owner doesn’t?), but if you don’t, you might need an extension cord. The electrical cord is both a plus and a minus as far as I am concerned. It means never having to buy batteries or have the massager die on me at an inopportune moment, but it also mean having to fiddle with a cord and worry about plugging it in. You can’t just run into the next room with it or pop it into your travel bag. Then again, it would take up way too much room in my travel bag. It is just so damn big.

Let’s keep in mind the Hitachi Magic Wand, while being perhaps the most famous sex toy for women, is actually designed as a body massager and it works great as one. I have Fibromyalgia and therefore I frequently have muscle pain. Considering the amount of time I spend hunched un-ergonomically over my computer, my neck and back are often in need of attention. I have found the Hitachi Magic Wand to be a helpful solution. It is great for loosening my muscles and releasing the tension that leads to pain and headaches. Of course, it also helps me relieve tension in other ways as well.

The Hitachi Magic Wand is great for producing quick and to the point orgasms. The vibrations are incredibly deep and rumbly, and very low frequency. They are quite different than anything else I have tried. The head of the Hitachi Magic Wand spreads the vibrations over a large surface area which diffuses the power somewhat, so if you expect pinpoint accuracy with the Hitachi Magic Wand you will be disappointed. I prefer pinpoint accuracy with my vibrators but the Hitachi is just so powerful that the diffuseness works for me. I even enjoy it on my labia and nipples and it feels great when pressed up against a butt plug.

There are only two settings on the Hitachi Magic Wand which is a downside. I would like something that I could ramp up slowly rather than just go from 0 to 60 in no time flat. This does basically make it a Vibrator for Dummies because it is so easy to use, but the intense power level might be intimidating for some users. I was worried it would be too much for me but it isn’t. When using it on my clit, I rarely use it on high because low is plenty. When using it on my neck and shoulders I often use the high setting. The Hitachi Magic Wand is also very loud, as in shut the door and turn on some music because I can hear this massager through my closed bedroom door.

I like my Hitachi Magic Wand so much I am now looking at attachments for it and wondering what I should get… Any suggestions?

Hitachi Magic Wand Pros:
• Does not look like a sex toy
• Powerful
• Deep and rumbly vibrations
• Multi-purpose
• Easy to use
• Plugs in

Hitachi Magic Wand Cons:
• Must be plugged in
• Loud
• Only 2 speeds
• Awfully large

So, does the Hitachi Magic Wand live up to all the hype? Yes, indeed it does. In some ways, the Hitachi Magic Wand reminds me of my Eroscillator (read my Eroscillator review here). It’s big, it’s utilitarian, it’s ugly, it has a cord, but it just works so damn well I have to forgive it all its faults. It really comes down to the frequency and power of the vibrations. The deep rumbliness is just perfect for me and it is so easy to use. I love that it multi-tasks as an excellent body massager as well. I would recommend the Hitachi Magic Wand to just about anybody with an electrical outlet and a desire for orgasms.

I’m planning on trying it out with a Tenga Egg, so stay tuned!

You can purchase the Hitachi Magic Wand and many of its attachments at EdenFantasys.

Bean Fiddler Rating: