This Sunday, we feature an interview with Shaye Saldana of Lelo.  It’s an in depth look at how Lelo makes sex toys with some of the best reputations in the industry:

“LELO uses the quality of the design and a fashionable aesthetic to appeal those customers naturally used to shopping in the luxury end of the market. In fact we have created a limited edition of medical grade stainless steel and gold vibrators that sell for over $1,950. The reality is, that for various reasons the sex toys market still creates many products which are at the low price, low quality end of the spectrum. From that perspective we may be perceived as luxury, however as customers get used to certain standards then we believe that we will be seen as much value for the money as a luxury brand.” – Shaye Saldana

Also, we’ll have Ginger Leigh’s Sunday Wishes and other educational and informative posts that we hope you can use to find the perfect toy for you.  Check in on Sunday for the second edition of the Sunday Sex Toy Review.

Sextoys – We noted recently that conservative retailers like Target and Walmart are even offering massagers.  You predicted this last year.  What changes do you see occurring in the industry, with regard to distribution and access, in the near future?

Metis Black – Let me pull out my crystal ball… Honestly I think there are going to be stores that are geared towards sexuality that are more like going to an Apple Store. Where the displays are clean, everything is laid out so you can try the vibration or feel the texture or hardness, customer service is attentive and knowledgeable and these stores will make it to the malls. How will they overcome the zoning issues? I think it will have to do with rebranding “adult” to sexual health and well being. I think Oprah and The View showing sexual products on TV, as they have recently, will get much more common and that is going to be another factor in changing public perception.
 
Sextoys – Tantus recently introduced the Alumina line of aluminum toys.  Do you plan to work with other materials as well in the near future?

Metis Black – Oh yes and they will all be safe and healthy for the body. But first we’re working on making the Alumina line vibrate. We should have products mid-year so stay tuned.

Love LA

Sextoys – Is there anything we haven’t discussed that you’d like to discuss, or any news for our readers regarding coming events?

Metis Black – Wow do I have an upcoming event! One of the components of SHEE is education through entertainment. Last year Tantus was part of LoveLA , a sexuality expo for the public. It’s a very different kind of event, one where manufacturers and stores work together to educate in a very cool salon type environment. Last year there was standing room only at all the sex education seminars. This year the ticket sales will be a fund raiser for SHEE. It’s being held at a bigger venue this year, the Music Box at the historic Henry Fonda Theater in Los Angeles, and it will be a two day event—July 11 and 12th. So if you’re in LA, it’s the summer event you don’t want to miss. We also have plans to take it to Chicago and New York City. It’s going to be very exciting and I can’t wait to see everybody.

I’m very honored and really appreciate the opportunity to share my perspective and Tantus’ with Sextoys.com.  Thank you.

Sextoys – You’ve been great to speak with on all of these questions.  We appreciate the time you’ve given us and your candor on some very important issues.  Thanks again.

Read Part 1 – Read Part 2 – Read Part 3

Sextoys – We’ve seen a growth in the demand for products made from silicone, glass, metal and certain plastics. As consumers become more educated about the benefits of these products, do you think this market pressure for these materials will begin to expand their use throughout the industry?

Metis Black –We’ve already seen that start to happen. As customers have gotten savvier about toys, they’ve gotten more demanding and they’ve definitely pressed hard on manufacturers to be responsible and make safe products. People seek out products that not only feel good tonight but that tomorrow won’t give them rashes, inflammation or a strange discharge from the gasses and byproducts oozing from the toys. The problem is that most customers buying online, or even in brick and mortar stores, still don’t know what’s in the toys they buy. With Tantus they can always rest easy.

Sextoys – One of the things we’ve noticed is that the old stereotypes of people who purchase and use toys have been disproved. People from all walks of life, and in many different cultural frameworks openly discuss, compare and debate about sex toys. And many consumers are very educated about them. Have you noticed changes in the demographics of people who purchase Tantus products since you began?

Metis Black – That’s another reason that we are transitioning as an industry from “adult material” to “sexual health and wellness”. It’s easier for people to talk about toys and how to use them, to talk about sexuality in general, when you place it in the context of general health.

The biggest change in demographics, I think, is that the aging of America is really coming into play in the purchase of all sex toys. The average age of a customer in one New York store I heard recently was over 40. Very few companies have seen to elder sexuality needs. The medical world just put out the first large study last year on elder sex- 25% of women and 29% of men over the age of 80 are still sexually active. For me that’s inspiring and something we at Tantus are definitely looking at.

Read Part 1 – Read Part 2 – Read Part 4

Feeldoe by Tantus

Silicone is a material that is growing in popularity among sex toy manufacturers.  Here’s our list for why you should choose a silicone toy:

1.  Silicone is non-porous and hypoallergenic.  That means you don’t have to worry about bacteria nestling into your toy, and if you have allergies you won’t break out in an allergic rash when using it.

2.  Silicone toys are very durable.  Unlike some of the soft materials, silicone can last for a long time and holds up well.

3.  Cleanup is a breeze.  Silicone can be bleached  in a 10% solution.  Non-electric silicone toys can be boiled, or washed on the top rack of a dishwasher (don’t use the dish soap).  You don’t have to scrub and scrub with silicone.

4.  When cleaned properly, you can share silicone toys with a partner safely.

5.  This one is important – Silicone feels good to the touch.  And that’s always a good thing in a toy!

Remember to catch the final 2 parts of our interview with Metis Black tomorrow!

On March 1st, Sextoys.com interviews Dr. Susan Block:

“Susan Marilyn Block, Ph.D is the founder and director of the Dr. Susan Block Institute. A magna cum laude graduate with distinction from Yale University who received her doctorate in philosophy with a major in psychology from Pacific Western, Dr. Block is also a world-renowned sexologist, best-selling author, award-winning filmmaker, radio and TV talk show host, columnist, lecturer, commentator, and director of Block Studios , a 17,000 square-foot facility in LA that houses radio, television and Internet broadcast and recording studios, as well as the Block Institute, Dr. Suzy’s Speakeasy and the Speakeasy Gallery of Erotic Art. Dr. Block is also a professional member of the American Association of Sexuality Educators, Counselors and Therapists (AASECT).

A familiar face on HBO’s late-night programming through her #1 Nielsen-rated specials, Radio Sex TV with Dr. Susan Block as well as her episodes on Real Sex, she is “one of the nation’s leading sexologists, and a very bright and funny woman to boot,” according to Robert Scheer in The LA Times. She also hosts The Dr. Susan Block Show, called the “‘Best of LA’ Phone-In Shows” by The LA Weekly, airing nightly on drsusanblock.com Internet radio, and weekly on cable TV stations around the globe, from Hollywood to the Holy Land, where her shows are translated into Hebrew, Arabic and Russian.”

Sextoys – One of the most impressive aspects about Tantus is the commitment the company makes to providing information to consumers.  Tantus employs an almost unprecedented transparency in the industry.  Does this transparency aid in the retention of customers, and do you find higher loyalty is a result of it?

Metis Black –Probably the transparency stems from my being so outspoken that I can’t keep my mouth shut (LOL).  I believe in making products that are safe for everyone and I believe we make the best toys available anywhere. I also am interested in the ethics and business practices of this industry. I’m a big blogger both on Facebook, as Metis Black, and on Myspace as Tantus.  Mainly I write what everyone is thinking but no one wants the potential liability over. We’ve openly discussed materials, copycat designs, trends, sexuality studies, medical theories and a lot more. I hope I’m even with my praise and my critiques and of course it is all open discussions. I am the one who reads and writes in these public forums (no ghosts in our company) so if you want to ask an industry question I’m always available.

And yes our customers are amazingly loyal. I think we empower them by explaining why we manufacture silicone and aluminum toys here in the USA and don’t go the China route (I’d guess that 95-97% of sexual toys are made in China). We have great retention because our products work. If you try one Tantus toy, you’ll be back for more. We like to think that we make customers for life.

Sextoys – One of the first things that drew our attention to you and Tantus, was an article you wrote about health and sex toys for XBiz Magazine.  In it, you discussed how sex toys should be viewed as a part of a whole concept of sexual health and well being.  Was this concept of the whole sexual health as a context for toys that developed organically for Tantus through experience, or has it been in your mission from day one?

Metis Black – We’ve always thought of ourselves as sexual health products. Our Small and Medium Silk’s have been used as dilators and we’ve been contacted by doctors about making more products for medical applications. Furthermore, with all the pre-orgasmic women in the world, vibrators can be seen in that context too.The reality is that many people think “Adult Novelties” are what you buy in sticky floor stores with peep shows and some creep behind the counter, but no one is against “Sexual Health”. Products that aid in sexual health are even legal in Alabama (though you need a doctor’s prescription). Adult products will never be main stream. Sexual health products, on the other hand, can change people’s perspectives on these same devices.

Sextoys – You also have mentioned that the toy industry should police itself and build healthier products.  We’ve seen several manufacturers make significant changes with regard to design and materials, eliminating Phthalates and other chemicals from their toys.  Do you see this trend continuing and growing, or do you think the economic climate will lead people to lesser cost and lower quality alternatives?

SHEE Love LA Show

Metis Black – I don’t see it as a trend, I see it as evolution. And higher quality toy sales are growing even in this economic climate; that isn’t the case with low cost imports. I think the Mattel lead incidents have rightfully made a lot of people wonder what they are putting in their bodies (if they find lead in a child’s toy in a regulated industry- what’s in my dildo?). The Dutch EPA did a study in 2006 where they randomly chose 16 toys from a store and analyzed them. The results were staggering. Phthalates (plasticizers that make PVC soft) has almost become the least of our worries now that we see the lead, arsenic, toluene, cyanide and cadmium contents that are there.
 
In order to self regulate and be responsible businesses the industry is in the midst of putting a trade organization together: Sexual Health Education and Entertainment (SHEE). SHEE will have a business code of conduct as well as a safety certification process for samples where manufacturers pay to have their products tested by a non affiliated lab. Planned Parenthood and AASECT (American Association of Sexuality Educators, Counselors and Therapists) will be on our board helping us craft this. I’m thinking we’ll see more around March and by July it will be in full swing. I can’t wait to see the SHEE section of toys on Sextoys.com.

Read Part 1 – Read Part 3 – Read Part 4

Cocksling by Tantus

Many of our readers will recognize Tantus Inc. products because of their appearances on the blog.  We’re big fans of Tantus, because of their safety, but we’d also like to point out that the quality of Tantus products is excellent.  I write everyday about toys, using research and reviews as a guide for what I need to pass along.  Once in a while, I even give a personal endorsement.

This is one of those times.

The Tantus Cocksling is one of the best erection enhancers I’ve ever used.  And that’s high praise given the competition.  Here’s how it’s described:

“This 100% silicone teardrop style cock-ring taps the taint giving you an external prostate massage while constricting your balls and cock. The silicone is firm yet has elasticity and if lockup occurs (penis engorged and yet you can’t ejaculate) you can easily sacrifice the silicone instead of calling on paramedics and the jaws of life.

Great for using during partner sex. Great for using as a solo toy for masturbation. Made by Tantus the first name in silicone manufacturers.”

The prostate massage item wasn’t on my agenda, but it does work.  The total comfort of this toy is what makes it unique.  The ability to wear it, without worry about it slipping here and there (the base holds it firm) and without worrying about how it may stretch or not do what it is supposed to, makes this a pleasure to use.

It works well for masturbation or for intercourse, though I think better for intercourse.  Maybe that’s the fun of another person playing along, though.  Whatever the case, the Cocksling is one of the best erection enhancers on the market, and it is durable enough to use repeatedly.  And, the Tantus design uses silicone, making cleanup a breeze and reuse worry free.

Check around and you’ll see that Tantus products constantly receive high marks for quality, durability and, most importantly, safety.  We’re proud to carry Tantus products and hope that you add them to your collection.

1. I wish I had the 02 Revolution Twilight by Tantus.  Apparently, it feels more like the real thing, than the real thing!

2. I wish I had a new pair of Swarovski crystal rhinestone pasties.

3. I wish I hadn’t ripped a hole in my vintage Cuban heeled stockings at that hole-in-the-wall bar.  It was not even close to being worth it.

4. I wish I had The Cone.  It has an orgasm button.  Um, hello?

5. I am still wishing for the Fantasy Swing. I could totally hang out in it while I play Mario Kart on the Wii.

6. Wait, now I wish I had an ice cream cone.

7. I wish I had the Beginner Ball Gag by Tantus.  Yes, I want to use it with my boyfriend.  Most importantly, there are a few people I would like to shut up.

G-Force Wine by Tantus

8. I wish the guy next to me would stop clipping his toe nails at his desk.  Buck is a great guy.  He is actually an overachiever.  However, he is completely void of any common sense.

9. Ahh, the G-Force Wine by Tantus; I wish I had that G-spot wonder paired with a glass of red wine.

10. I wish everyday was Sunday.

Metis Black

Metis Black is the president of Tantus Inc.  Tantus has an earned reputation as a company that produces high quality and affordable products, with an emphasis on safety and health as well as fun.  She has agreed to spend some time discussing Tantus and her ideas about sex toys with us.  We appreciate her time and think that you’ll appreciate her expertise and knowledge about sexual health and well being, as well as great toys.

Sextoys – Tantus is an industry leader in the innovation of sex toy designs.  It seems as though with each twist and curve of a Tantus dildo, vibrator or anal plug, there is intent to maximize stimulation with minimal changes in angles, sizes or textures.  What elements, such as research or customer feedback, drive these designs, and how do you eliminate designs from consideration?

Metis Black –We actually have a really simple system of designing dildos, plugs, vibrators and cockrings. We use our products- I know it sounds simple but very few other manufacturers do that. We’ll design a product and create a prototype on a 4 axis C & C machine (just like you’ve seen on Monster Garage or American Chopper). Then we’ll play with the prototype and find out if the angles work, if the neck is long enough, if the base is comfortable or fits into a strap-on. If it doesn’t play perfectly we redesign and make another prototype until it plays like we think it should. We also take customer suggestions. Design eliminations are easy- we eliminate any product not selling. There’s no need to have thousands of SKU’s with no regard to customers wants and needs.

Sextoys – Tantus uses the highest quality materials in these designs, yet the prices are highly affordable.  With the commitment to quality, safety and health that Tantus demonstrates, is it difficult to strike a balance between quality and cost?

Metis Black – Tantus Inc is the largest purchaser of platinum grade silicone in North America (we’ve heard this from several raw silicone sources). We buy more silicone than Fisher Price or Fleetwood RV. Because we purchase so much, we have our own unique blend which meets our specifications, and are able to negotiate good prices so that we can make products cost effective. The other thing we take pride in is that we make all of our products here in the USA. While our labor costs are more, we have total quality control and a lot less freight expense.  This is important as we strive to make the most safe sexual health products available.

Read Part 2  – Read Part 3 – Read Part 4

The team at Sextoys.com is happy to present our newest feature, The Sunday Sex Toy Review.  Our goal is to bring you a weekly look at the sex toy industry, information and education about sex toys, plus – we think you’ll agree – a little entertainment courtesy of Ginger Leigh and her fun sense of humor.

We will be presenting the review each week, and getting you information from experts and industry insiders that will help you to better understand how toys are built, what toys can do for you, what companies are thinking when they put new toys on the market, and expert information designed to improve your sexual health.

Thanks for taking the time to read.  We hope you’ll check us out each Sunday.