Picking The Right Vibrator

Walking into a sex shop can be overwhelming. With so many vibrators to choose from, how do you narrow it down? Here are some questions to ask yourself before you make your choice – and remember, if at all possible, it's much better to see and handle the toy before you buy!

Question #1 - Is this your first vibrator?

If the answer is yes, you may want to choose a vibe that can do a variety of different things and has a variable speed (the Posh Teaser is a good example). That way, you can explore different ways to use it and find out more about what you like and want. You may also choose to buy a less expensive vibrator rather than an expensive one with a lot of bells and whistles that you may find out you don't like or don't use.

If it's not your first vibrator, ask yourself, "Why am I looking for another one?" Is your old vibrator too strong, too weak, too loud, too quiet, too big, too small? Or have you discovered from playing with your other toy(s) that there are new things you would like to explore? Let your previous choices guide your next ones.

Question #2 - How strong do you want/need the vibration to be?

In general, hard plastic vibrators will feel more intense than soft silicone or rubber ones, and plug-in vibrators like the Magic Wand Plus will be more intense than battery-operated vibes. When you test the strength of vibes, try putting them against the tip of your nose to get a better idea of how strong they are. If it's your first vibe and you don't know what you'll like, go for one that has a widely variable speed.

Question #3 - Is price a consideration?

If the answer is no, buy the best quality material, such as 100% silicone and something rechargeable. It will last longer and be safer for you. If cost is a concern, consider something battery operated. These are good quality, and generally cost less than rechargeable toys. Something like the Dahlia is similar to the Svakom Amy. One is battery operated, and the other rechargeable. 

Question #4 - Do you know what you want to use it for?

If you are looking for a vibe just for clitoral or other external stimulation, you can save money by buying a smaller vibe like the Soft Rain or Mini Swan Wand. These are also great as travel vibes because they are small and compact. Consider though, that soft silicone vibes like the Posh Teaser will vibrate all over, giving you more surface area of vibration to use, even if you don't want to insert them.

If you are looking for a toy to use internally, 100% silicone is the best material. Check out the different lengths and girths to find something that seems right for you. For most people, toys look bigger to the eyes than they feel inside of you.

If you like to move a toy around a lot inside of you, you may forgo the dual vibes like the Rabbit Habit and the San Francisco Sweetheart. You will probably find you just don't use the functions very much. On the other hand, if you don't like to move the toy in and out much, you might love the rotation of the dual vibes.

If you want a toy to stimulate your G-Spot, look for a toy that is firm, angled, and has a shorter shaft, like the Fun Factory Miss Bi. You'll find you tend to fully insert longer toys and will go past your G-Spot. You can read more about the G-Spot here on our website.

If you want a toy to insert anally, look for one that has a base or handle so that it cannot slip all the way into the anal canal where it will be hard to pull out. Silicone is the best material for anal toys because it will not absorb bacteria from the anal tract.

Question #5 - Is the vibe you're considering a good quality vibe?

Although it's hard to tell how good a vibrator is until you've used it a few times, there are some things that will tip you off to a poor quality toy. Check for these things:

• A toy that is sticky to the touch or smells like chemicals — this means it's made of low quality jelly rubbers that will fall apart quickly.
• A plastic toy that has thick seams on the sides — these toys are mass produced with little attention to detail.
• Caps that don't seem to fit on quite right — these will probably break right away.
• Thin wires with nothing to secure them to the toy — these will pull out of the vibrator easily.
• Very small or thin attachments like bee stingers or dolphin tails — these can rip off easily and expose wiring or allow bacteria into the toy.
• Painted plastic. If plastic is colored, it should be dyed, not painted — paint will chip off your toy and get into you!

Question #6 - What appeals to you?

Too many people buy the first vibe they see or the cheapest one they can find. A sex toy is like any other toy — it is a treat for you to play with! Look around and see if you can find something that really appeals to you. The color, shape, and texture of it should be attractive to you. Those things will add to your enjoyment when you use your toy and will make you look forward to your play time!