Recently, Lovehoney came out with a cool little USB rechargeable vibrator called the Lovehoney Flash USB Rechargeable Mini Vibrator. Again with the long names, Lovehoney. I was so excited that I immediately posted a Spotlight on the Lovehoney Flash. I was really hoping I could get my hands on one for review and I was lucky enough to have a Lovehoney Flash sent to me by Lovehoney.

The Lovehoney Flash USB Rechargeable Mini Vibrator is an adorable little vibrator that is only 3.75″ long and .25″ in diameter. Yes, I called a vibrator adorable and I’m sure it’s not the first time. It’s just so compact and stylish looking. As the Lovehoney Flash Vibrator is waterproof, I suppose you can insert it, but that seems pointless to me. It is so short and thin it really wouldn’t provide much stimulation. It is definitely meant to be an external vibrator.

Made of soft and smooth silicone, the shaft of the Lovehoney Flash Vibrator is solid and firm, while the tip is smushy and flexible. Even with the flexibility, I am still able to apply enough pressure to my clit during play. It is not flimsy in any way. The silicone is latex and phthalate-free, hypoallergenic, and body-safe. It does have some drag, so adding a drop or two of water-based lubricant is wise. Stay away from silicone-based lubricants with this vibrator because the silicone in the lube can react with the silicone of the Lovehoney Flash and cause it to become tacky.

Cleaning the Lovhoney Flash Vibrator is a breeze. You can wash it with antibacterial soap and warm water or a sex toy cleaner. You can also wipe the silicone down with a 10% bleach solution. The bleach solution will disinfect the Lovehoney Flash so you can use it with non-fluid bonded partners.

As you may have guessed by the full name of this vibrator, the Lovehoney Flash is rechargeable. What is very cool about this is that it charges via USB so you can plug it into your computer or USB hub, or any USB cable that plugs into the wall. This gives you a variety of charging options and makes the Lovehoney Flash Vibrator a great travel companion. The first time I charged mine it took about 90 minutes, and a full charge should provide up to three hours of use. I have not yet run mine down, so I cannot report on how much actual play time I am getting out of a single charge, but it will depend upon the level of intensity used.

To charge the Lovehoney Flash Vibrator, simply pull on each end to separate the halves and expose the USB plug. When charging, the white control button on the Lovehoney Flash Vibrator flashes. In bright daylight, it is very difficult to see so I kept thinking mine was all charged up already, but it was not. I had to cup my hand around it to determine if it was flashing. At night, or in lower light, the flashing white LED is very visible. Once the LED stops flashing, the Lovehoney Flash is fully charged and ready to go. When reattaching the pieces, make sure they are snugly together to maintain the waterproofness. (I know it’s not an actual word.) When the Lovehoney Flash’s battery is low, the LED will blink red to let you know it’s time to recharge.

With only one push button, the Lovehoney Flash Vibrator is simple to use. To turn it on you press the button and to turn it off you press and hold it for approximately three seconds. To scroll through the seven modes, you just press down on the button. You need to press firmly, so you won’t change modes accidentally, and the button has excellent feedback. The Lovehoney Flash Vibrator is supposed to have three steady vibration modes and four patterns, but I can only discern three patterns and four steady levels of vibration. I’m not sure if it’s just me, my particular vibrator, or a misprint. Regardless, the modes (as I feel them) are as follows:
1. Medium steady vibration
2. Low steady vibration
3. High steady vibration
4. Highest steady vibration
5. Roller coaster
6. Fast pulse
7. Four fast pulses and one slow

It’s weird that my Lovehoney Flash Vibrator seems to have swapped the low and medium intensities of the steady vibration, but that’s how it feels to me. It is cool though that the Lovehoney Flash has a memory chip so it starts on the same pattern it was on when you last turned it off. Now, the vibrations themselves are powerful for a vibrator of this size, and all the patterns are at the highest level of intensity. It certainly has enough power to get me off. However, the vibrations are very high-pitched and buzzy, which was a great disappointment. As soon as I turned on the vibrator I became concerned because they even sound high-pitched. Unfortunately, they feel the way they sound. Speaking of sound, at least the vibrations are relatively quiet. If you have some heavy blankets they might cover the sound completely. If not, a little music or TV will go a long way. I definitely cannot hear the Lovehoney Flash through my closed bedroom door.

The Lovehoney Flash Vibrator has some great characteristics, but (and this is a big but) it the vibrations are so terribly buzzy that I find them bordering on painful during use. They aren’t actually painful, but they’re close. I can orgasm, but it’s a challenge. The vibrations are too strong and buzzy for me to use on my nipples, which is another place I like to use a vibrator this size. It’s just too uncomfortable. I also really feel the vibrations in my hand, during use and after a while this can lead to buzzy hand syndrome, which is quite unpleasant. On the positive side, the angle and slight pointiness of the tip of the Lovehoney Flash Vibrator allows it to slips very nicely in between my labia to provide pinpoint pressure on my clit. This would be pretty awesome if the vibrations didn’t make me so unhappy. The tip also makes nipple stimulation easy, but again, unhappy vibrations.

The packaging of the Lovehoney Flash Vibrator is the more or less the same as some of the other Lovehoney sex toys I’ve reviewed. It comes in a simple box with an image of the vibrator on the front and some basic information on the side. Inside the box the vibrator is held in a paper sleeve type thingy and there is a small user manual. The information provided in the manual is minimal but sufficient. The box is not great for storage as it didn’t hold up very well during shipping. It just isn’t that strong. Not a big deal though. The Lovehoney Flash is so small it can fit into a snack size ziploc bag for easy storage.

Lovehoney Flash USB Rechargeable Mini Vibrator Pros:
• Excellent tip shape
• Good price point
• Great size for travel
• Low battery warning
• USB rechargeable
• Silicone
• Waterproof

Lovehoney Flash USB Rechargeable Mini Vibrator Cons:
• Buzzy vibrations
• Can feel vibrations strongly in hand
• Lint magnet

I was really excited about trying out the Lovehoney Flash Vibrator so I am extremely disappointed with its performance. There are a lot of things I like about this vibrator. The shape is great, the size is good for travel, it has a low battery warning, and it’s waterproof. It even charges via USB, which I love. However, I cannot get past the buzzy vibrations. They are just too unpleasant for me to want to use this vibrator when I have other options. If it were my only choice, I would put up with it, but it isn’t and I don’t have to do so. If you like buzzy vibrations or don’t mind them much, this may be a good vibrator for you. It does have some serious pros. However, if buzzy vibrations make you want to throw it against the wall, stay away.

You can check out the Lovehoney Flash USB Rechargeable Mini Vibrator for yourself at Lovehoney.

Bean Fiddler Rating:

If you follow Bean Fiddler, you know I get excited by new products, and do my best to make you aware of them through Spotlights and Reviews. At the end of last year I discovered a totally new toy, something I hadn’t tried before, and so I wrote a Spotlight on the Fun Factory Stronic Eins Pulsator. It has taken me some time to get my hands on one, but thanks to EdenFantasys, I finally have the chance to review a Fun Factory Stronic Ein Pulsator.

The Fun Factory Stronic Eins Pulsator is made with completely new technology and is unlike any other sex toy I have experienced. Rather than vibrating like the vibrators I am accustomed to, it pulsates to provide the user with the sensation of thrusting. I have had some rabbit vibrators with rotating shafts that create a sensation similar to that of thrusting, but none of them actually thrusted, which is what the Stronic Eins does very effectively. The technology is really quite astonishing and impressive.

If you’re having trouble picturing how the Fun Factory Stronic Eins Pulsator works, this video gives a great visual, along with some additional information. It is actually the “instruction manual” as the Stronic Eins does not come with one, which is odd as Fun Factory products usually do.

As with all the Fun Factory sex toys I own, The Fun Factory Stronic Eins Pulsator is made of 100% medical grade silicone that is particularly plush. Unfortunately, as it is made with the typical Fun Factory silicone, it is also an insane lint magnet. No matter what I do, I cannot seem to keep this thing clean. I literally washed it right before taking the pictures, then stopped and washed it again during because it was still so linty. You can see in the images it’s still not super lint-free, and that was as clean I could get the damn thing. Nevertheless, this silicone is latex and phthalate-free, hypoallergenic, and body-safe.

The fact that the Fun Factory Stronic Eins Pulsator is made of silicone means you’re better off using a water-based lubricant with it, rather than a silicone-based lube. A silicone-based can cause a chemical reaction in the silicone of the Pulsator, causing it to become tacky. The lush Fun Factory silicone has quite a lot of drag to it so you’ll want to use a fair amount of water-based lube for best comfort during insertion and pulsation. Unlike my other Fun Factory sex toys, the Stronic Eins did not come with a sample of Toy Fluid, Fun Factory’s water-based lubricant.

As the Stronic Eins is waterproof, with no open ports, caring for and cleaning it is a snap. You can wash it with antibacterial soap and water or your favorite sex toy cleaner. You can even wipe the silicone shaft down with a 10% bleach solution to sterilize it so you can share it between non-fluid bonded partners. Do not use the Fun Factory Stronic Eins Pulsator for anal penetration as it does not have a flared base.

The solid silicone tip of the Fun Factory Stronic Eins Pulsator is soft and flexible, while the shaft is a thin layer of silicone over the motor, making it very hard and inflexible. I definitely feel all 1.75″ of girth when the Stronic Eins is inside me. It is 9.25″ long, with 5.5″ being insertable. It has a small bump at the base of the shaft, also made of solid silicone, that is meant to provide stimulation to the clit. This happens more easily for me when I use the Stronic Eins externally. When it’s inside of me, the bump really does not hit my clit.

The Fun Factory Stronic Eins Pulsator belongs to the Click N Charge family of Fun Factory toys, which means it is rechargeable and uses the same magnetic charger as the vibrators in this line of toys. The charger is included in the box but if you do misplace it, you can use another Fun Factory magnetic charger with it. I’m not sure exactly how long it takes to charge the Stronic Eins because I charged mine overnight and I haven’t been able to run it down yet. A single charge should provide up to three hours of play time, depending upon how frequently you use the higher levels of intensity. During charging all three buttons light up in succession and they turn off when charging is complete. The plug has a red LED that lights when it is plugged into the socket to let you know it is working.

Like most of my Fun Factory vibrators, the Stronic Eins Pulsator has a simple control panel consisting of three buttons, the red FUN button, and the clear + and – buttons. The FUN button turns the Pulsator on and off, while the + and – buttons cycle through the different modes of stimulation. To turn the Stronic Eins on, push and hold FUN for .5 seconds. Push the FUN button once briefly to turn the Pulsator off. The Stronic Eins Pulsator has an easy to use travel lock. To turn the travel lock on, press and hold the FUN and – buttons at the same time for .5 seconds. To unlock, press the FUN and + buttons at the same time for .5 seconds. In general, I find the control panel straightforward to use, except for one thing. Due to the coloring and glare of the shiny plastic, the + and – minus buttons are somewhat difficult to differentiate in daylight. It’s not a major issue considering I’m not actually looking at them during play. Besides, they show up just fine in a darkened room.

The Fun Factory Stronic Eins Pulsator has 10 modes of pulsation. To be honest, I’m not really sure how to describe them other than to say the Constant and Dynamic Modes feel the same to me. They definitely increase in intensity as you cycle up through mode seven, but it’s not until I hit the Algorithmic Modes that I feel actual patterns. Gallop is definitely well-named as it feels just like a horse’s gallop. Other than that, I think the mode names are random. The modes, as named by Fun Factory, are as follows:
1. (Constant Mode) Quirky
2. (Constant Mode) Samba
3. (Constant Mode) Rumble
4. (Constant Mode) Samba
5. (Dynamic Mode) Rollerball
6. (Dynamic Mode) Rumba
7. (Dynamic Mode) Vienna Waltz
8. (Algorithmic Mode) Rattle
9. (Algorithmic Mode) Gallop
10. (Algorithmic Mode) Dirty Dancing

I was so excited to get my Fun Factory Stronic Eins that I wanted to try it out right away, and when I realized it had some charge, I did. I was surprised by the level of power. It seemed somewhat weak to me. I figured it must be because the charge was very low, so I charged it overnight and gave it another try. I discovered my previous experience was not due to a lack of charge. I’m not sure I want to say the Stronic Eins lacks power. To be realistic, this is the first toy of its kind that I have tried, so my expectations may have been overly high and unreachable. After all, the Stronic Eins is not a vibrator. It is a pulsator, and to that end, really doesn’t require the same kind of power. The pulsations are very deep and low in frequency, and the different levels of intensity allows you to control the speed of the thrusting sensation. You can use it externally to stimulate the clit and perineum or internally to stimulate the g-spot and rest of the vagina. It is really quite novel and cool. That is the upside. The downside is that I don’t get off with the Stronic Eins without using a vibrator on my clit. However, this is more about my body than a failing on the part of the Pulsator.

The Stronic Eins Pulsator packaging makes a slight departure from the typical Fun Factory packaging. There is an external sleeve with images of the Stronic Eins and little icons describing some of the features. Inside the sleeve is a box with a lift-up lid. When you open the lid you find a large card with a little pamphlet that is a sort of user manual. It has images telling you about the toy, but not details. It’s better than nothing, but it isn’t much of an explanation. It was unexpected as my other Fun Factory toys came with detailed instructions and information. Underneath this card is the Stronic Eins Pulsator in a partial stretchy plastic sleeve, its charger, and a warning pamphlet which tells you all sorts of things you shouldn’t do with the Pulsator and charger, most of which is common sense, but there are a few good tidbits in there. It seems odd that the Stronic Eins and charger are just sort of tossed in the box and left to flop around, but the box is sturdy enough to use as storage for a while. It won’t last forever and it takes up a lot of room which is why, as usual, I wish Fun Factory would include a storage bag.

Fun Factory Stronic Eins Pulsator Pros:
• Unique sensation
• Very quiet
• Silicone
• Waterproof
• Rechargeable
• Travel lock
• Quick turn off button
• Easy to use control panel

Fun Factory Stronic Eins Pulsator Cons:
• Lack of clit stimulation (for me)
• Slightly difficult to tell + and – buttons apart in daylight
• Major lint magnet
• No user manual

After being so excited about trying the Fun Factory Stronic Eins for a while, I was slightly let down that it didn’t get me off on its own. To be realistic though, it does a fantastic job at what it is meant to do, pulsate. It is not a rabbit vibrator, and while it does offer a hint of clit stimulation, that is not its primary function. I test a lot of sex toys that claim to be whisper quiet and only rarely do I run across one that can come close to its claims. The Stronic Eins Pulsator doesn’t actually make any such claims and yet it is shockingly quiet. I suppose that makes sense considering it doesn’t vibrate.

Of course, I love that it is waterproof and rechargeable, and I like the travel lock. I like to use travel locks while storing my toys so they don’t turn on accidentally, which happens with my rechargeable toys with surprising frequency. Even though the + and – buttons are not clearly defined in daylight, they’re totally discernible in the dark. I really like the quick off button rather than the typical hold it for a few seconds off button that is more common. I find it much easier to use and imagine it would be great if you need to turn the Pulsator off quickly for a variety of reasons.

Though there is no strong reason a beginner would not enjoy this toy, I think it better for those more experienced with sex toys. The Stronic Eins provides a very specific sensation not common to other sex toys and I wouldn’t recommend it as a first or only toy, unless you are all about thrusting. Then it night be the one for you. It is also slightly girthy at 1.75″, which may not be ideal for beginners and those who dislike girthy toys.

While the Stronic Eins Pulsator is not the end all be all of sex toys I was hoping it would be, it does what it is meant to very well. For that reason, along with the other positives of this toy, I am giving it high marks. Right now, EdenFantasys is offering a Free Gift with the purchase of the Fun Factory Stronic Eins Pulsator, so head on over and check it out for yourself, in either violet or pink.

Bean Fiddler Rating:

As I was cruising around EdenFantasys looking at some products I hadn’t seen before, the Nexus Revo 2, a prostate massager, caught my eye. I pointed it out to Beanpole Fiddler, as he has recently been exploring prostate stimulation, but he wasn’t super excited about it.

If you remember, I reviewed the Nexus G-Rider last year and was not terribly fond of it. That has been the extent of my experience with Nexus products thus far but I would totally like to jump back into the Nexus universe by trying out the Revo 2. Still, as I mentioned above, the Nexus Revo 2 is a prostate massager, which means it is an anal toy for men. Of course, a woman could use it either anally or vaginally, but it really is designed for people with a prostate.

At 1.25″ in diameter, the Nexus Revo 2 is not a huge toy. Based on the shape, though, it doesn’t seem like a beginner’s butt plug to me. There are also a number of slimmer anal toys out there so beginners may want to start with one of those before hitting the Revo 2. It’s not hugely different in shape from some of the other prostate massagers I’ve seen. However, it has a very special feature that makes the Revo 2 stand out. The head of the Revo 2 rotates, providing a hands free prostate massage.

Take a look at this short video to see Nexus Revo 2 in action.

Pretty cool, right? Now do you understand why I’d like to try it on myself? While I have a number of vibrators that rotate, I have never had a gyrating butt toy. I find the idea quite exciting and think I would really enjoy that kind of stimulation. Unfortunately, Beanpole Fiddler is not nearly as interested in the Nexus Revo 2 as I am, so I don’t know that we’ll be seeing a review of it in the near future. Of course, that could change if I get my hands on one of these gyrating butt plugs…

The Nexus Revo 2 is water-resistant, which always kind of confuses me, but I take it to mean that you can wash it with soap and water without worrying. I’m not sure why they don’t call it waterproof as it appears there are no open ports. It is also rechargeable, which is great. It comes with a magnetic charger and a universal USB cable so you can charge it from your computer, USB hub, or plug the cable into a USB adapter and charge it off a wall plug. I like to have options and I really like to be able to charge sex toys on my computer.

Head on over to EdenFantasys to check out the Nexus Revo 2 and pick one out for the man in your life (or me!).

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Crave Duet Vibrator Cons:
• Metal body gets fingerprinty

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Babeland
EdenFantasys
Good Vibrations

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

Bean Fiddler Rating: