Almost two years ago, LELO, a manufacturer of luxury sex toys, came out with a new line of toys targeted for a younger audience. This line is called PicoBong, and during the first round of toys they released, I reviewed the PicoBong Kiki. I was so disappointed in the Kiki that I didn’t bother trying any of the other vibrators in the line. Then last year, Picobong released another set of vibrators. I didn’t know whether or not I wanted to review another PicoBong toy due to my experience with the Kiki, which is why I’ve waited until now to review one. Due to my love of rabbit vibrators, I decided to test out the PicoBong Kaya from SexShop365, and I’m glad I did.

The PicoBong Kaya is not a typical rabbit vibrator in that the shaft does not rotate and the clit stimulator is not in the shape of an animal. It has a sleek silhouette that I find attractive. At 7.75″ in length, with 5″ being insertable, and a diameter of 1″, the Kaya is suitable for many people. It is neither terribly long nor girthy, so it would be a good choice as a first rabbit for someone less experienced with sex toys.

Made of a soft and smooth silicone, the PicoBong Kaya is latex and phthalate-free, hypoallergenic, and body-safe. As it is waterproof, cleaning the Kaya is very easy. I just wash it in the sink with warm water and antibacterial soap. You can also use a sex toy cleaner or a 10% bleach solution to disinfect the silicone. Disinfecting the silicone will allow you to use this vibrator with non-fluid bonded partners.

As the PicoBong Kaya is made of silicone, it is important to use a water-based lubricant with it. Silicone-based lubes can react negatively with the silicone of the vibrator and damage the surface. The silicone of the Kaya is a thin layer over a hard internal shaft. There is absolutely no give. The clit stimulator itself also has a hard interior but is flexible at the base. This allows you to press it against or pull it slightly away from your body if you need to do so. You will need to hold it in the position you want it as it is not actually adjustable and won’t remain at a different angle. I would still be gentle with it as you don’t want to damage the internal wiring. One of the great things about the Kaya is the dual motors. Both the shaft and the clit arm vibrate, together, as well as independently of each other.

The PicoBong Kaya requires the use of two AAA batteries, that are not included with the vibrator. You can get up to two hours of playtime with one set of batteries, depending upon how you use the vibrator. The batteries are easy enough to insert. You just twist the textured, ABS base of the vibrator very slightly and it pops off. There is no unscrewing. Now I may be blind, but I cannot find any indication of which way the batteries need to be inserted. This causes a fair amount of irritation every time I put them in the Kaya because I don’t remember from use to use. However, I do remember to remove the batteries after each use, as you also want to do. For my sanity and yours, this is the correct way to insert the batteries- the battery closest to the clit stimulator is positive side up and the battery furthest away is negative side up. Storing the batteries inside the vibrator can shorten their life and that of the Kaya. While I like that the battery compartment opens easily, I think it’s a bit too easy. I have opened it accidentally more than once while playing with the vibrator, not a great feature.

The control panel of the PicoBong Kaya is a vast improvement over the Kiki’s. Rather than inserting the buttons in the letters imprinted on the side of the vibrator, they are all by themselves on the opposite side. There are also three buttons rather than just two. I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again, LELO is very good at responding to feedback and adjusting their products as needed. There is a +, -, and M button. These buttons provide good feedback and must be pressed very firmly, so it is unlikely you will change the intensity or pattern by mistake during play. To turn the Kaya on, you press and hold the + button. You can increase the intensity of the vibrations by continuing to press this button. As you may have guessed, you decrease the intensity and turn off the vibrations with the – button. The M cycles through the patterns. I’m guessing “M” is for modes…

The image above provides a great visual of the PicoBong Kaya’s seven levels of intensity of steady vibration and 12 different modes. Below is is my description of how they feel to me.

1. Steady vibration in shaft and clit attachment (seven levels of intensity)
2. Steady vibration in shaft only
3. Steady vibration in clit attachment only
4. Slow pulse between shaft and clit attachment
5. Faster pulse between shaft and clit attachment
6. Fastest pulse between shaft and clit attachment
7. Ramp up between shaft and clit attachment
8. Ramp up in shaft and clit attachment
9. Faster version of mode 7
10. Ramp up in shaft with steady vibration in clit attachment
11. Roller coaster between shaft and clit attachment
12. Pattern of pulses between shaft and clit

I really like modes five, six and seven. I think 12 modes is a bit overkill but I’d rather have more than not have any that I like. The downside of having so many patterns is that if you pass the one you want or want to switch to another pattern, you have to scroll through all of them to get back to it. The PicoBong Kaya does not have a memory chip, so it always starts on the lowest level of steady vibration when you turn it on. The vibrations themselves are on the deeper side of the spectrum. They are not the deepest vibrations ever, but they are not at all buzzy. They are also fairly quiet when the Kaya is inside me. You really cannot hear it through heavy covers, so you may be able to use it with your partner sleeping next to you. The vibrations of the PicoBong Kaya are definitely much stronger than those of the Kiki, but they are not as strong as I was expecting. I do generally need to use the vibrator on its highest level of intensity, so it may not be strong enough for everyone. It is not a powerhouse.

Obviously, I was hoping I would like the PicoBong Kaya, but I was surprised by how much I actually ended up liking it. It happens to fit my body very well, which is always the tricky part of a rabbit vibrator. I like the smoothness of the silicone as it slides inside of me. There is very little drag, so it requires much less lubricant than some of my other silicone toys. The hardness of the shaft feels good as I clench down on it, and though I like girthy toys, the lack of thickness does not trouble me with the Kaya for some reason. If I thrust it in a certain way, the curved tip will hit my g-spot. However, it really does not hit my g-spot if I am holding the vibrator inside of me so that the clit attachment lines up with my clit. This is not an issue for me, but it might be for some people. I find it easy to press the buttons to change modes during play, and I am quite fond of some of the patterns. I really do like this vibrator.

The packaging of the PicoBong Kaya is basically the same as the Kiki. It comes in a colored box with a front and side window that matches the color of the vibrator. It is not discreet nor sturdy. The Kaya sits inside a little cardboard indentation that does an ok job of keeping it upright. I do not recommend the box for storage. You’re better off using a ziploc or other sex toy storage bag. Included in the box is the barely there user manual with the most basic of information and the warranty information. The Kaya has a standard one year warranty. Also included in the box is a rubbery charm with the word PicoBong. It looks to me like a zipper pull, but there is actually a notch on the base of the vibrator so you can attach it. I. Don’t. Get. It. Why, PicoBong, why?

PicoBong Kaya Rabbit Vibrator Pros:
• Good shape
• Enjoyable patterns
• Fits my body well
• Easy to reach controls
• Sleek silicone
• Not a lint magnet
• Waterproof

PicoBong Kaya Rabbit Vibrator Cons:
• May not be powerful enough for some
• Many patterns to cycle through
• Battery compartment pops open too easily
• Battery insertion is trial and error

All in all, I am very pleased with my PicoBong Kaya. The vibrations are strong and deep enough to get me off very quickly, and it has some great patterns. I love the smooth silicone and am thrilled that it does not attract lint and dust like many silicone toys. The size, shape, and form suit my body quite well and I find the vibrator easy to use. My only real complaints are the fact that I don’t know how the batteries are meant to go in and how the base of the vibrator pops off a bit too easily. I feel like they could easily fix this problem by adding an extra twist to the base. Still, neither of these are big issues for me. I do acknowledge that the vibrations may not be strong enough for some people but they work for me.

Umm, what is up with the PicoBong charm? It reminds me of the die I received with the PicoBong Kiki. Pointless. I did loop it on the end of the vibrator for kicks but I’m certainly not putting on a zipper or anything like that. I just wish PicoBong would not waste money and resources on these little trifles that do not add anything to the design or function of the toy.

Regardless, this is a solid and simple rabbit vibrator with several good qualities and I think many people will like it. Head over to SexShop365 where you can check out the PicoBong Kaya for yourself.

Bean Fiddler Rating:

Recently, I was offered the opportunity to review a product from a manufacturer I had not worked with previously, Blush Novelties. It looked like they have a large and interesting product line and I’m always open to trying new toys. I decided to go with the Luxe Rabbit II as I hadn’t reviewed a traditional rabbit for a while.

As I mentioned above, the Blush Novelties Luxe Rabbit II is a traditional rabbit vibrator, meaning it has a shaft that rotates and a rabbit shaped clitoral attachment that vibrates. There are many variations on this theme, some of which I have reviewed, but the rabbit attachment is the most common one.

The Luxe Rabbit II comes in either pink or purple and is made of elastomer and plastic. Elastomer is a soft material used commonly in sex toys, though it is not as common as silicone or TPR. It does feel similar in texture to TPR, as it is very soft and flexible. Elastomer is latex and phthalate-free, which makes it a safe material to use internally. It is significantly more porous than silicone so condoms should be used when sharing amongst non-fluid bonded partners. The packaging says the Luxe Rabbit II is waterproof, but it also says it is not to be submerged in water. As far as I am concerned, that means splash proof, not waterproof. Regardless, you can still wash it with warm water and antibacterial soap or wipe it down with your favorite sex toy cleaner.

One advantage of elastomer is that you can use both water and silicone-based lubricants with it. Elastomer has a ton of drag, so be very liberal in your use of water-based lubricant. When using a silicone-based lube, you can usually get away with far less, as a little goes a long way.

As you can see from the images, the Luxe Rabbit II has a clear elastomer shaft, so you can see through the shaft to the internally rotating beads. You can also see through the rabbit to the purple vibrating bullet. The shaft of the vibrator is ribbed, and while I feel the ribbing quite well in my hand, I don’t really feel it internally. It isn’t pronounced enough. The shaft has a somewhat life-like shape with its pronounced head. Fortunately for me, that is where the life-like similarities end.

The Luxe Rabbit II is 10.2″ in length, with 5″ of that being insertable, and 1.5″ in diameter. The diameter makes it a relatively average sized vibrator, though it may be too thick for some users who might want to look for something a bit thinner. The elastomer covers the the shaft and rabbit portions of the vibrator, while the base with the battery compartment and control panel is made of purple and white plastic.

The base has indentations on each side, providing a much more comfortable grip than something that is completely round. The bottom of the base screws off and you can see the clear o-ring that keeps water from seeping in to the battery compartment. Inside the battery compartment is a battery cartridge that holds the four AAA batteries (not included). I love a battery cartridge because it makes things a lot easier. You simply pop the batteries into the cartridge and slide the cartridge into the compartment.

What I really love about the cartridge is that is makes storing the vibrator without the batteries super easy. You can just leave the batteries in the cartridge and store it alongside the vibrator. Then when you’re ready to play, you just slip the cartridge in and voila, ready to go. No fumbling in the dark trying to figure out which way the batteries go in. Remember, you always want to store your vibrators without the batteries inside as this will shorten the life of the batteries.

The control panel on the Luxe Rabbit II is pretty self-explanatory, which is a good thing as there are no instructions on how to use it. There is an On/Off button, which as you might expect, turns the vibrator functions on and off. When you turn the vibrator on, a red LED to the side lights up. There is a button with number 7 on it that controls the very loud rabbit attachment. Pushing the 7 button scrolls through the rabbit’s seven different modes of vibration. At the first press of the 7 button, the LED turns green. As you continue to press the 7 button, the LED changes with the specific mode.

Then there are the up and down buttons that control the rotation of the shaft. The package says the beads are “multi directional”. I believe they mean that the beads rotate in one direction while the shaft rotates in the opposite direction. Pressing on the Up button increases the speed of the rotation and pressing on the down button decreases the speed. The shaft rotations have three speeds. When the shaft is activated, so are a row of three yellow LEDs that light up in accordance with the speed of the rotations. You can turn the vibrator off at any time by pressing the On/Off button. All of the buttons on the control panel are flush with the base of the vibrator, easy to press, and have good feedback.

As I mentioned, the rabbit attachment has seven different modes of vibration. They are as follows:
1. Low steady vibration
2. Medium steady vibration
3. High steady vibration
4. Increasing pulse pattern
5. Steady long pulses
6. Steady short pulses
7. Three short pulses, one long

In watching the shaft of the Luxe Rabbit II rotate outside of my body, it seems to rotate in a very small circle. I was hoping that would be enough to provide the internal stimulation I expect from this type of rabbit vibrator. I am sad to report than it is not. The vibrations of the rabbit attachment are loud and can certainly be heard through a closed door. The shaft rotations are also loud, though the fact that they are internal does dampen the sound a bit. I do see the loudness of the vibrator as a downside, but I will also say that this has been a common experience for me with traditional rabbit vibrators. On the plus side, the vibrations of the rabbit are more powerful than I expected. Unfortunately, they are on the buzzy side rather than being deep and throbby, which is what I prefer.

In use, I find the Luxe Rabbit II uninspiring. This is due in part to the the fact that the vibrator does not fit my body well. The rabbit attachment is not quite in the right place when I have the shaft inserted, so it hits above my clit, which is not terribly helpful. This is not a design flaw, but rather an incompatibility between the Luxe Rabbit II and my body. However, there are several flaws I find annoying.

First, the rotations of the shaft are not very wide so I don’t feel them internally as much as I had expected and would like. Second, the rotations are not very powerful even at their highest level of power. In fact, I can almost stop the rotations completely by clenching down on the shaft. Third, the vibrations of the rabbit attachment are buzzy. They are moderately strong and have some nice patterns, but even when on my clit, I don’t enjoy the buzziness of them. I was hoping I would feel the rotation of the internal metal beads of the shaft and I don’t, which is also not really a flaw but more of a disappointment. Additionally, the Luxe Rabbit II is loud, which is common amongst rabbit vibrators with rotating shafts, but it just adds to the list of not so great qualities.

The packaging of the Blush Novelties Luxe Rabbit II is not at all discreet nor sturdy. It comes in a clear plastic sleeve that opens on the side. As you can see, the Luxe Rabbit II is completely visible while in its packaging. Inside the plastic sleeve, the vibrator sits in a molded plastic tray. There is some useful information on the back of the packaging regarding the features, care and cleaning, and 30 day warranty. This plastic sleeve and the plastic tray are super flimsy and not at all good for storage. The good thing about this plastic package is that it is not sealed around all the edges so you can get into it without needing a cutting instrument, and it can be easily recycled.

Blush Novelties Luxe Rabbit II Pros:
• Vibrations do not travel to base
• Battery cartridge
• Easy to use control panel

Blush Novelties Luxe Rabbit II Cons:
• Loud
• Buzzy vibrations
• Rather weak and shallow shaft rotations
• Not truly waterproof, but rather splash proof

For a traditional rabbit vibrator, I quite like the appearance of the Luxe Rabbit II. I find it attractive in color and shape. Though I tend not to like realistic looking sex toys, I like the pronounced head. Of course, it helps that the shaft is clear with purple showing through. The control panel is well laid out and easy to use and I really like how comfortable the grip is with the indented sides. The strength of the rabbit’s vibrations is sufficiently strong but I would like them to be much deeper. I really appreciate that the vibrations do not travel to the base of the vibrator, thus eliminating any buzzy hand syndrome that might have otherwise occurred. I also really like the battery cartridge which makes storing the Luxe Rabbit II easier.

However, I’m a bit miffed by the waterproof but don’t submerge it description. Either it’s waterproof or it isn’t. I’m also not happy with the depth and strength of the shaft rotations. They are not wide enough to create as much sensation as I want and they are not powerful enough to continue rotating when I clench down on the shaft. Overall, I find more things to dislike about this vibrator than to enjoy.

You can check out the Luxe Rabbit II on the official Blush Novelties website and you can purchase it here.

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:

My first review here on Bean Fiddler was the Vibratex Classic Rabbit Pearl. It wasn’t a great review, but it was a vibrator I liked very much at the time. It is not something I use any longer. I actually broke it and I have so many other rabbit vibrators I prefer. Since that time, I have had the opportunity to review both the Vibratex Mystic Mini and the Vibratex Mystic Wand, both of which I also enjoyed. So when I ran across the enticing looking Vibratex Budding Bliss Rabbit Vibrator on the FunWares website, I figured it was worth taking for a spin.

The Vibratex Budding Bliss Rabbit Vibrator has a design that is somewhat different from many rabbits. Rather than having some sort of animal as the clit stimulator, it has a rosebud that is just beginning to bloom, hence the name. It also has some curious looking winglike protrusions on the shaft. It comes in two color combinations, pink on pink and pink on white. I love the pink on white combo because it looks so sleek and stylish (Can a vibrator look stylish?) and I don’t actually have many white vibrators. It’s actually more of a deep rose color and closer to red than a true pink, which I also appreciate.

Made of ABS and silicone, the Budding Bliss is a very safe vibrator. It contains no latex or phthalates and is hypoallergenic and body-safe. The base of the vibrator, which contains the battery compartment and control panel, is white ABS while the body is silicone. This silicone is unusually soft and silky. Even better, it does not attract lint and dust so it is very easy to keep clean. You can use warm water and antibacterial soap or your favorite sex toy cleaner. You can also use a 10% bleach solution on the silicone portion of the Budding Bliss to sterilize it. As this vibrator is only splash proof and not waterproof, do be cautious around liquids. The battery compartment does have an o-ring and seems to seal tightly. I have not had any issues thus far but I am careful when washing and don’t take this vibrator into the bath or shower.

The super soft silicone of the Budding Bliss Vibrator has less drag than many of my other silicone sex toys. That said, I still recommend using a decent amount of water-based lubricant to make sure everything is slippy and slidey and comfortable during play. Stay away from silicone-based lubes with this vibrator, as the silicone in the lube may react with the silicone of the Budding Bliss causing the the vibrator to become tacky.

As I mentioned, the control panel is on the base of the Budding Bliss, right above the access to the battery compartment. This control panel is comfortable and easy to use during play. There are two round dials. The dial top controls the rotations of the shaft and the dial on the bottom controls the vibrations of the rosebud. These dials rotate to the right to turn on and allow you to control the exact level of intensity you want. Most vibrators like this have a predetermined number of levels. With the Budding Bliss, you can fine tune the intensity of vibration from the lowest setting to the highest with pinpoint accuracy. Think of the dial like a volume control knob on your stereo or on a light dimmer. These dials turn smoothly and provide good feedback. There is a loud click that you hear and feel when you’ve turned the vibrator off.

At the base of the control panel is the access to the battery compartment. The base of the Budding Bliss twists off and inside the compartment is a battery cartridge. Simply pop the four (count ‘em, four) AAA batteries into the cartridge and slide it right into the compartment. Unlike the PAPAYA Toys Tattoo and the PAPAYA Toys Candy Stick with their award winning battery packs, there is a right and a wrong way to put in the cartridge. If you do it wrong it won’t fit, so it’s pretty easy to figure out which is the right way. While scraping up four AAA batteries is a pain, considering they are not included with the Budding Bliss, they provide a good amount of power to the vibrator.

The Vibratex Budding Bliss Rabbit Vibrator is 8.5″ in length, with 4.5″ being insertable, and 1.5″ in diameter. This size is pretty average as far as vibrators go. What is not average is the way the vibrations travel from the clit stimulating rosebud through the shaft. As I crank up the intensity level on the vibrations, I can actually feel them in the tip of the shaft. They are so powerful, in fact, I can get off with just the tip of the Budding Bliss on my clit. I cannot recall another rabbit vibrator that has been able to this. The Budding Bliss’ rotations are quite powerful, allowing me to clench down on the shaft without stopping them. I also have to say, turning on the rotations with the tip of the vibrator on my clit feels unexpectedly good.

In general, the Budding Bliss does what a rotating rabbit vibrator should do. The shaft rotates smoothly and the vibrations are powerful. It works well to stimulate both internally and externally at the same time. The control panel is very easy to reach and use during play, and the silicone feels great against my skin. I also really like the texture of the rosebud against my clit. Where the Budding Bliss falls down is in the quality and volume of its vibrations. The vibrations are definitely buzzy, which makes me want to punch someone. I know some people like buzzy vibrations, but I am not one of them. I find them tolerable to annoying to downright painful. At least the ABS base blocks them so my hand doesn’t get buzzed during use, but they are not happy vibrations as far as I am concerned. That said, they do get me off, both when I use the tip or the rosebud against my clit. Still, I don’t like them. The shaft rotations and the vibrations are very loud, so this vibrator is certainly not a good choice for someone who does not have plenty of privacy.

The packaging of the Vibratex Budding Bliss Rabbit Vibrator is the same packaging I’ve seen before from Vibratex. The vibrator comes in a clear, kinda flimsy, plastic box. It doesn’t actually say “vibrator” on it but you’d have to be Amish not to know what is inside, which makes this packaging totally indiscreet. Inside, there is a small paper sleeve with some very basic information and that’s it. I’m not going to complain about there not being a users manual with this particular sex toy because I think even the newbiest newbie can figure it out on her own. I don’t recommend using the box for storage because it won’t stand up over time. Mine is already breaking and it’s not like I’ve abused it or anything. Since it does not come with a storage bag (boo), pop it into a ziploc or some other type of bag to keep it from squashing up against other silicone sex toys. Remember what I said about using silicone-based lubricant with the Budding Bliss? The same applies when storing silicone toys together. If two silicone toys are left touching too long, a chemical reaction can occur which could result in destroying both toys.

Vibratex Budding Bliss Rabbit Vibrator Pros:
• Strong vibrations that reach tip of shaft
• Strong rotations
• Silky soft silicone
• Easy to use control panel
• Can increase/decrease intensity in increments
• Splash proof

Vibratex Budding Bliss Rabbit Vibrator Cons:
• Buzzy vibrations
• Loud

There is a lot to like about the Vibratex Budding Bliss Rabbit Vibrator. It’s cute, the silicone is awesome, and the rotations and vibrations are powerful. It’s different from your average rabbit vibrator, which I like. The fact that the vibrations travel all the way to the tip, making this even more of a multifunction toy, is also a benefit. However, the buzzy vibrations are a big let down for me and I think the volume of the vibrator, though not a deal breaker for me, will be an issue for many. To be fair to the Budding Bliss, rotating rabbits do tend to be loud so I don’t think this is very unusual. Still, a lot of people just need a quieter vibrator for a variety of reasons. If you are a fan of buzzy vibrations then this may be a new favorite vibrator for you. As far as I am concerned his vibrator is definitely above average in many aspects, but it loses points for its buzzy vibrations.

You can find the Budding Bliss Vibrator at FunWares. If you’re disturbed by the idea of buzzy and loud vibrations, check out their other rabbit vibrators. They have a ton, so it’s likely you’ll find something that will work for you. Also, keep in mind you’ll receive a 10% discount on your order with code: FIDDLER at discount.

Bean Fiddler Rating:

Happy New Year and welcome to Bean Fiddler’s Best of 2012. I remember having a really tough time writing my Best of 2011 post last January. I had reviewed so many great products over the course of the year. This year it’s a slightly different issue. I don’t seem to have loved nearly as many products in 2012 as I did in 2011. I don’t think this is necessarily a comment on the quality of sex toys and sensual products in 2012, as much as it has to do with me being less cavalier about handing out those five bean scores. In fact, I only rated one product a full five beans in 2012. Shocking!

Due to the way things played out in 2012, I am doing something a little different than last year. I decided to go with 10 different categories and choose my favorite product of the year in each category. So, without further ado, on to Bean Fiddler’s Best of 2012.

LELO Insignia Tiani 2

Best Sex Toy for Couples: LELO Insignia Tiani 2
In 2011, I reviewed the original LELO Insignia Tiani and thought it was OK. Certainly, I thought the new technology was cool but there were issues with the actual vibrations of the toy and communication with the remote. LELO did a very quick turnaround on revamping the Tiani and came out with the LELO Insignia Tiani 2 which has much stronger vibrations and communicates very well with its remote. They included two g-spot attachments and you can also use the wearable part of the Tiani 2 on its own without the remote, which was not possible with the original Tiani.

Jenna Haze Swallow Fleshlight

Best Sex Toy for Men: Jenna Haze Swallow Fleshlight
This really in Beanpole Fiddler’s category and I know he only does a review here and there so there’s not a lot of competition in this category. Still, the Jenna Haze Swallow Fleshlight was his favorite toy that he reviewed last year. He loved the feel of the Fleshlight Superskin material and found the Swallow texture to be very enjoyable. He also really liked the experience of looking down and seeing Jenna Haze’s lips wrapped round his cock. He reported that when warmed up, the Jenna Haze Swallow Fleshlight was pretty great.

Pjur Original Body Glide

Best Lubricant: Pjur Original Bodyglide
Pjur Original Bodyglide Lubricant is the first, and so far only, silicone-based lubricant I have reviewed. A big part of this is that the majority of my sex toys are made of silicone, and if you read my reviews you know that using silicone-based lube with silicone sex toys is generally a bad idea. The silicone of the two can interact with each other and cause a chemical reaction that leaves the toy feeling tacky. Nevertheless, I do have a handful of toys in materials such as glass, plastic, and metal, and decided it was high time to review a silicone-based lube. I was thoroughly impressed with Pjur Original Bodyglide. It is soft and slippery and provides a variety of perks aside from just using it sexually.

LELO Smart Wand

Best Wand: LELO Smart Wand
There was a lot of fanfare about the brand new LELO Smart Wand being released last year. I think due in part to the fact that it was the first “massager” type of product released by LELO. It comes in two sizes and three colors. The Smart Wand is rechargeable and sleek, and though I wanted it to be stronger, it is very effective. (I might actually pull it out and use it on my neck which is in a lot of pain right now.) I liked that it has multiple uses and didn’t really look like a sex toy. I was also impressed that some mainstream stores, like Brookstone, have started stocking it.

Tantus Cush Dildo O2

Best Dildo: Tantus Cush O2
While I do want to give a shout out and honorable mention to the Fleshlight Freaks Drac Dildo, I must say my favorite dildo of the year was the Tantus Cush O2. With its dual density squashy outer layer and firm inner core, the Cush O2 was a new experience in dildos for me. Not only did I love the color, but it just feels awesome during play. I must agree with all those fans of dual density out there and say I really do prefer it overall to regular old silicone dildos. Not only is the Cush O2 a great dildo, Tantus is a great U.S.-based company that makes all of its products on site in Nevada.

PAPAYA Toys Tattoo

Best Traditional Vibrator: PAPAYA Toys Tattoo
My pick for this category actually comes from a very recent review. The PAPAYA TOYS Tattoo is a good-looking, not to mention flat out good, vibrator. It has great rumbly and strong vibrations that my body loves, wrapped in vivid green silicone. The PAPAYA Toys Tattoo is waterproof and has a very cool memory chip that allows it to turn on at the same level of intensity and same mode it was in when you turned it off. It’s a bit girthier than a lot of traditional vibrators out there and its shape keeps it from being average. The head creates a nice popping feeling during thrusting and the silicone is particularly nice. Though it is a bit noisy, the positives definitely outweigh the negatives for me on this one.

Jopen Vanity Vr5.5

Best Rabbit Vibrator: Jopen Vanity Vr5.5
After my less than thrilling experience with the Vanity Vr3 and the Vanity Vr10, I was pleasantly surprised by their newer cousin, the Jopen Vanity Vr5.5. Not only is it rechargeable, but it is waterproof and fully immerseable. I had high hopes but strong doubts about the Jopen Vanity Vr5.5, because while the shape looked interesting, it didn’t really seem like it would effectively hit my clit. Turned out that what I liked best about this redesigned vibrator was how deep and rumbly the vibrations are, and how perfectly its unlikely shape fit my body. Jopen did a great job with this one, even if it does come with an unnecessarily ginormous storage bag.

LELO Nea

Best Clit Vibrator: LELO Nea
I realize this is the third time LELO has shown up on my Best Of list this year and I don’t want to be a LELO whore or anything, but what can I say? Their toys work for me. Not only that, but they’re made of high quality materials. In general, I prefer silicone vibrators and I love LELO’s silicone in particular. Nevertheless, I just happen to adore the LELO Nea’s plastic body. The flowery design is adorable, but more importantly, the plastic is perfectly slippery and slidey for a clit vibe so I don’t need to use lube. I also find the vibrations to be both rumbly and strong enough to get me off quickly, and the small size of the LELO Nea fits perfectly in my hand without causing it to get buzzy or crampy.

Leaf Fresh

Best New Product: Leaf Fresh
I was lucky enough to be amongst the early testers of the new Leaf line and apparently even luckier to select the Fresh. From what I heard around the water cooler, it seemed not all of Leaf’s vibrators were winners. Fortunately for me, the Leaf Fresh is a pretty great little vibrator, and I do mean little. It’s almost as small as the LELO Nea, which is tiny. The atypical shape of the Fresh fits comfortably in my hand and nestles right up against my labia to hit my clit. Oh, did I mention that it’s made of green silicone?? Any sex toy that’s green is already a step above the rest. I was so pleased the Fresh actually lived up to its potential.

Liberator Fascinator Throe

Best Standout Product: Liberator Fascinator Throe
The only review product to get a full 5 beans from me in all of 2012, which is quite something considering all the beans I handed out in 2011, was the Liberator Fascinator Throe. The Liberator Fascinator Throe is a great all around item to have in your arsenal. While it really doesn’t double as a comfy throw blanket like I hoped it would, it is a must have for all your reindeer games. It truly works as promised and has saved my sheets from many a mess, keeping me from having to change them at an awkward/exhausted moment. It washes and dries well, and is soft and silky to lay upon. If it was just offered in smaller sizes it would make storage, solo play time, and tossing it in the back of the car a lot easier.

Considering the shift that seems to have occurred from 2011 to 20912, I am very curious to see what happens in 2013 with my review choices and how I approach rating products. As always, I hope these reviews are helpful and provide clarity to my readers. Thank you to all those who have made my reviewing these great products (and even the not so great ones) possible. Let’s hope that 2013 brings some interesting and exciting new products to our attention! So far, so good considering my first review of the year, the Whipspider Rubberworks Jellyfish Dildo. **Spoiler Alert** I may have already found my favorite dildo of 2013.

I notice that I focused much more on sex toys than sensual products last year, and reviewed more vibrators than any other sex toy. My focus appeared to be on clit vibrators, with a handful ending up with 4 and 4.5 bean reviews. I only reviewed one anal toy in 2012, which is astonishing to me, and did I not review any nipple toys. 2012 was a very different year when it comes to reviews.

I have now been exposed to so many sex toys that something which would have blown me away when I first began this journey may now seem very blah. The longer I review sex toys, the better I get at distinguishing quality toys from those that are merely mediocre. I think this maturation as a reviewer is a very good thing for you readers. My exposure to all these products allows me to provide you with a better understanding of how well a sex toy actually works for me, as well as assisting me in answering many of your questions, on and off the site.

Additional honorable mention is deserved by the following sex toys that received 4 and 4.5 bean ratings:
LELO SIRI
Jimmyjane Form 2
Lovehoney Realistic Oh! Rabbit
Lovehoney Tapered Prober Orgasmic Glass Dildo
Tantus Goliath Vibrating Dildo
Toyfriend Starlet