I recently had a chance to check out another high-end vibe from Fun Factory, the Stranger. This silicone toy is one of the six sexy G2 toys and I was pretty excited to give it a try because I love my Heartbreaker, a vibrator from the same line.

The Stranger is almost 7 inches long, with 5.75 insertable inches and a 4.5 inch circumference. In my opinion, I’d say this is a pretty standard size and good for both beginners and toy enthusiasts. The tapered head, when combined with your favorite water-based lube, make for easy insertion and I really loved the way the ribbed body feels.

The toy is pretty simple to operate and works exactly like the Heartbreaker. Once the batteries are inserted, all you need to do is turn the dial base to turn it on and increase or decrease the vibration. Everyone hates the design of Fun Factory’s battery compartments because they are a little tricky to get into, but if you read the instructions you should be all right. I personally appreciate the fact that I’ve never had a single issue with water getting into the electronic parts of these waterproof toys because the compartment is totally secure. I’d rather take a few minutes to figure out the mechanics of this toy than have my toy ruined the first time I take it in the shower!

The motor is at the base of the shaft, so the vibrations are strongest there instead of the tip. Silicone, besides being phthalate-free, transfers vibration quite well so the entire toy has a pretty decent buzz, but if you’re looking for a toy for external stimulation only, your might be better off with something like the Baby Bug. All in all, I would give this toy a 3.5 out of 5 on the power scale. It’s no Hitachi Wand (the only toy that gets a 5 on my scale) but there is definitely enough power to make my toes curl up.

One thing I really love about the Stranger is that the silicone shaft can be sterilized. All you need to do is wipe it down with a ten percent bleach solution and you’re ready to share your toy with a friend!

We love Fun Factory toys and want the world to feel the same – don’t forget to enter for a chance to win FREE Fun Factory toys from Cupid’s Fun Factory!

I’m guessing I’m not the only one who’s already begun their holiday shopping. I’m all about getting things done early because I’d rather snap my own neck then fight some old lady over the last pair of cashmere gloves at Macy’s. If you’re looking for a gift that keeps on giving for that special someone, I can recommend the Kama Sutra Bedside Box from personal experience!

That’s right, one of the perks of my job is trying out stuff so I can better serve you, dear reader. Of course, I do waste my time with a few duds, but this is one I can suggest to anyone who’s looking to increase intimacy. Inside this elegant wooden box you’ll find plenty of goodies like Kama Sutra’s Honey Dust, Spicy Oil of Love, Lubricating Love Liquid and French Vanilla Body Creme. If that’s not enough to keep you busy in the bedroom, I don’t know what is!

My favorite is definitely the Honey Dust, which comes with a cute feather applicator. I took my time running the feather along my partner’s body before licking the sweet dust off. It’s a great reason to linger over a lover for a long time! I also really like the French Vanilla Body Creme. After taking turns giving sensual massages with it, we were both rewarded with sweet kisses for the rest of the night!

Also included is a small bottle of Kama Sutra’s insanely popular Oil of Love. It’s a flavored warming lube that’s more subtle than a lot of products like it. If you love the idea of a warming lube, but have experienced the fear that comes when dabbing one on as your most sensitive bits are suddenly on fire, you might really like this one because it’s not as extreme. I don’t super love the flavor, but there are other options that I hope to try out in the future.

My only issue came when I picked up the Lubricating Love Liquid to discover that it contains Glycerin. I don’t use lube with that ingredient because my body disagrees with it and I’m not a big fan of yeast infections. I passed it on to a male friend who’s used it for solo play and reports back that it stays slippery and cleans up easy – so that’s good news!

Besides being packed full of sexy fun, this gorgeous box is something that you can leave on your nightstand and fill with all sorts of goodies. I’ve added a couple of my favorite lubes and my chapstick to mine! Whether you’re looking to treat yourself or a loved one, this is a great gift!

What girl doesn’t love a bubble bath?  Of course, I know many men that do also, but I’m talking about me here!  When I had the chance to review Initimate Organics Sensual Foam Bath, I jumped on it.

I was immediately impressed when I picked up the bottle and began reading.  I try to make good decisions about what products I buy and was really excited to see that this bubble bath is vegan-friendly, certified organic and paraben-free.  Nothing will ruin a relaxing soak in the tub quicker than the realization that you’re sitting in a toxic stew!

Not one to waste an opportunity, I ran myself a bath, grabbed a book and settled in for a long soak.  My first impression was that this stuff smelled great!  I’m not super girly, so i hate getting out of the tub and smelling like a flower shop.  This product smells like  Cocoa Bean and Goji Berry – and while I have no clue what a Goji Berry even is – I have to say it was very relaxing and left my skin smelling great.

Speaking of my that, I have to say that this stuff left my skin feeling really great.  My girl couldn’t ge enough of me now that my skin was soft and lightly scented.  I loved the fact that the scent wasn’t overwhelming, just a little extra something for anyone I let get close!

To be honest, I’m not sure how much I can really say about bubble bath.  The bubbles stuck around, it smells great and the ingredient list doesn’t send me running for the hills.  I just can’t wait to get my hands on more Initimate Organic products!

Today’s reviewer is an actual beginner.  She wanted to try a dildo, but never worked up the courage to get one.  Her big hang-up was walking into a store to buy one (hint: we deliver in an inconspicuous package).  So we offered to let her try the Cyberskin Cock and Balls Slimline Dildo from Topco.  To maintain her anonymity, the Experts Team agreed to do a Question and Answer Review.  For the purposes of the review, we’ll call her Alice (her choice).

It’s a first for us, but we think you’ll enjoy it.  So here we go.

One Out of One Newbies Approve

Experts – What was your first impression of the toy?

Alice – I laughed.  Then I laughed some more.  I opened the package and held it for a minute.  It felt like a real penis.  That was a nice surprise.  I expected it to feel funny.

Experts – What did you think of Cyberskin?

Alice – It was clean. I liked that it was smooth and firm.  It was also flexible and not so stiff that it felt like plastic.  It was like the real thing.  I liked it right away.

Experts – What did you think about the size of the toy?

Alice – That was the part that really surprised me.  I thought it looked large in the package.  I was thinking that I wouldn’t be able to use it.  It is long and a little intimidating.  Let’s just say I was not disappointed in trying to use it.  It was a comfortable fit after a few minutes and I LOVED the way it felt.

Experts – What was the best aspect of the toy?

Alice – There were many good things about it.  I liked the look of it – that turned me on after I got over the initial shock.  I loved the way it felt.  It was very realistic and warmed up as I used it.  I liked the texture.  A lot of the dildos I looked at online had these big, ugly veins and ridges.  This one was more like the real thing.  It wasn’t gross.  And I liked how easy it was to clean.  After I read about Cyberskin I thought cleaning would be difficult.  It wasn’t.  And I used cornstarch on it after it dried before I stored it.  Now I can use it again and again.  I will be using it again

Experts – What could be improved?

Alice – I didn’t find many problems.  The only problem I had was controlling it when it got slippery.  Maybe if they put a handle on it or something.

Experts – Would you use another toy?

Alice – I already ordered a glass dildo.

It’s safe to say this one gets 5 stars.

A Big One

Jumbo, ginormous, huge, ominous, or massive – yes, all of those words would cover this dildo.  Adam’s 8 Inch Pleasure Skin Cock is a beast of a dildo, in and out of the box.  I asked for this one because I wanted to have a look for myself at a dildo of this size.  As always, for our purposes we’ll focus on the facts that stand out and what this monster can do.

The huge plus: Size matters, and this one has plenty of size.  Even in the package this is an intimidating monster.  Outside of it, it looks like Godzilla lost his winkie.  This is a very large dildo, so size queens will definitely score it higher for fun.

Texture: It does have a firm texture, and stands up well, given its weight and length.  There is a slight curve because of the weight, but not enough as to render it useless.  The veins along the shaft stand out just enough to be felt and to produce a sensation, even at the fingertips when you’re holding it.

Material: This is where we hit the only drawback.  I had to air this dildo out after washing, because the odor from the material was pretty strong.  Fortunately a good condom covers any issues with gasses, but the original smell was not so hot.  The material is a little tacky to the touch, but otherwise fine.

Suction: This was the most surprising element of all.  This dildo feels like it weighs too much for a suction cup to work.  Good thing we don’t work by feelings alone.  This monster’s suction cup held it firm on wood, metal and pressed board (don’t ask, I don’t have the time to explain).

Most interesting feature:  This is the strange part.  The nut sack on this dildo really does look like a nut sack.  So between the veins, the nut sack and the hulking size, this one is so lifelike that it looks like the real thing.  The real thing off a porn star, mind you, but the real thing.

So this one is definitely a dildo that will have it’s fans, but the size made it a bit impractical for me.  If you’re looking for a date with a porn star, though, you will really love this dildo.  Just bring lots of lube.  You’ll need it.

Hands down, this is the best lube that I have ever used.  I felt like I should get that on the record first, because it only gets better and I figured that those of you who are going to read on should be forewarned that you are about to get the scoop on the best.  Gun Oil H2O as a name conjures up a memory of the movie Full Metal Jacket, where Marine recruits are marching around singing “This is my rifle, this is my gun.”

But don’t let the name fool you, this is a seriously good product that has no faults that I can find.

My first, and most important, rule regarding lubricant is that it doesn’t matter how good it is, if it ruins the sheets, mattress, carpet, or whatever else, it isn’t a viable option.  I’ve had lubes absolutely wreck my sheets before, and that makes them worthless.  If one has to buy new sheets for each lube usage, the lube becomes cost prohibitive.  Gun Oil doesn’t leave a hideous mess on the sheets, and when it does come into contact with the sheets it cleans up easily.  So it passes the first test.

But it gets better.  This lube feels great on contact and is as effective as even silicone lube.  I’m not claiming that it lasts as long as silicone lubricant, but I will say that it lasted long enough not to require multiple applications.  I’ve never found another water based lube that doesn’t require multiple applications.

Being able to concentrate on the fun, without having to reach for the lube is a huge plus mark.  And going back to the feeling, imagine something silky smooth applied to your skin and getting smoother with friction.  That’s what Gun Oil does.

It is perfectly safe for use with a condom and any toy type.  That versatility adds another notch for this gun.  You can use the Gun Oil H2O on your favorite silicone toy and not worry about damage.  And knowing that your condom is safe is a pretty big deal too.  A bigger deal yet is knowing that you won’t find parabens or other unhealthy ingredients in your lube, and Gun Oil doesn’t contain the bad stuff.

It doesn’t present any strong smells either.  Some lubes have that aroma that can kill the moment.  Gun oil doesn’t.  And finally, application is a breeze.  It has enough consistency that you won’t waste much as you apply it.  If you pinch pennies, you’d be happy to know that Ebeneezer Scrooge would give Gun Oil two thumbs up.

As you may know, working in the sex toy business, I get to see many products that are on the market, and try more than a few.  I’ve tried many lubricants.  Like I said at the beginning, Gun Oil H2O is the best, hands down.

I have been reviewing restraints and bondage toys for the Dom or Domme on the go, or for people who like to take their kink on the road.  This gear is designed for beginners in bondage and portable use.  It is not the same as good dungeon gear.  It has different purposes – storage and portability.  Today I’m reviewing the Under the Bed Restraint System.

I’ll break this down into three parts: construction, effectiveness and usefulness.

The construction on this rig is above average to superior.  Its design allows pressure to be placed on the seams where the cuffs connect to the straps without tearing the durable and strong material.  Someone at SportSheets deserves an “A” for thinking through the cut of the material and stitching to prevent tears and ripping in the fabric.  Some may wonder how nylon as thick as this could tear.

When play becomes intense, it is easy to tear almost anything including layered leather.  Silk ties are the only thing I’ve never witnessed ripping, so that’s a big deal.  This rig is built to last.

For effectiveness I give it a “B”.  It does hold the subject in place, but only to a degree.  With tugging and pulling a submissive can wiggle into a favorable position and where is the fun in that?  The whole purpose of bondage is to create a tension and sense of discomfort.  But if you take the time to work with the straps, you can make this difficult to achieve.

It works well in sexual play, but not as well as a strictly bondage toy.  The best thing is to consider this a fantasy sex toy.

Its usefulness gets the lowest grade – a “B-”.  The trouble is that if you are on a smaller bed like you find in some hotels, you have to make many adjustments to achieve the right position.  Larger beds mean you’ll have a workout trying to get this worked into position at all.  So setup time can be extended.  The best bet is to preposition the rig before you get into the mood, so that when you are ready to play, you can concentrate on fun, not setup.

Overall, if you do the averages, this rig gets a “B”, which isn’t bad.  If you aren’t into dominance and submission or bondage at the moment, it can serve as a great positionary device for oral sex as well.  So it has versatility as a bonus.  I suggest this rig for those who want added flavor on there next road trip.  Be aware that there is metal in the connections, so airport security may have a few questions for you if you fly.

You can find all sex toy restraints here.

Today’s review is perfect for those of you who are just getting into sex toys. Tantus’ Buzz 1 is an amazing beginners dildo/vibe for many reasons. Of course, I’ve got a truckload of toys and I love it too, so don’t stop reading if you’re an old pro!

The first reason I’d recommend this to newbies is because it’s an affordable and body safe toy that’s pretty versatile. It’s crafted out of Tantus’ premium silicone, which is phthalates-free, non-porous and can easily be sterilized. Besides being safe, it’s soft and has just the right amount of give. If you’re new to the game, don’t spend you hard earned bucks on a gross jelly dong!

I also happen to think it’s a great size at 6 inches long. The circumference if four inches, which will satisfy without being too much! What’s even better is that it isn’t so small that you’ll be bored with it in a few months. Plus, since the vibrating bullet is can be removed, you’re really getting two toys for the price of one. Power it up when you’re looking for a little buzz or leave it in the drawer when you’re not in the mood. As you get more adventurous, you may even want to try combining this dong with a harness for a little strap on action!

Besides being in love with Tantus silicone toys in general, I loved this one for a couple of reasons. First up, the slight curve and bulbous head make it a good toy for g-spot stimulation. When you combine that with the smooth texture and size, it’s a really great toy for strap on play. It’s an everyday dong in my opinion – one that I reach for time and time again without thinking about it.

Since this review is directed towards those of you who don’t have a lot of experience with sex toys, I want to point out that you should never use silicone lube with a silicone toy like this. Oh, and you should always use lube. It’s awesome.

Overall, this is a quality toy that’s perfect for just about anyone. It’s versatile, safe and sexy as hell!

Since I’m all about daily foot rubs, I have a pretty decent collection of massage oil.  Somehow, I never picked up anything by Shunga, so I was really excited when I received a box full of toys and it contained a bottle of their Lavender scented Sensation Erotic Massage Oil.

Of course, massage oil is good for much more than a much needed foot rub at the end of a long day, so I saved this one for a more intimate massage!  In retrospect, that probably could have backfired on me if it turned out this stuff was crap, but fortunately that was not the case.  I’m officially a huge fan of Sensation and might even have to invest in other scents!

The first thing that struck me when i poured a bit into my hands and began to warm it up was the pleasant scent.  I am not a fan of really overwhelming or girly fragrances – but that’s wasn’t a problem.  The subtle scent is really appealing and something women and men can appreciate.

Of course, what you really want to know is how this stuff works.  Let me just tell you that it is fantastic.  After a good rub down, I was pleased to discover that it had left my girl’s skin feeling really soft and smelling fantastic.  Unfortunately, I’ve used lesser oils in the past and nothing sucks more than finding out you’re stuck to the sheets thanks to an inferior product.

There aren’t a lot of ingredients and I can pronounce them all, so I’m going to list them so you know what you’re getting if you decide to follow my advice and get your own bottle:

Cold Pressed Oils (Almond, Grape Seed, Sesame and Avocado), Vitamin E, Ylang-Ylang and fragrance.  That’s it!

Overall, I’m really pleased with this product and will be reaching for it often.  Don’t forget to check out all of the scents – you’re sure to find one that’s perfect for you!

This little guy is about as simple a sex toy as you could ask for, but for adding the extra oomph to play time, I have to rank it as a heavyweight.  The Tantus Beginner’s Cock Ring is an awesome addition to the collection.  And this is a great time to discuss how to properly use a cock ring as well.  So I’ll tell you how awesome this one is, but I’ll start with how to use it (you would be amazed at the number of people who ask us how to use a cock ring).

First, because this is a silicone cock ring, it does have some “give” to it, which makes it quite easy to use and unlike metal cock rings, adds a huge safety factor.  I have never had a metal ring crisis, but reading about one once made me realize that for beginners, silicone is the safest bet for cock ring use. 

To wear it, all you have to do is place one testicle inside, and then loop it over your other testicle.  Now the next point is up for personal preference.  I prefer to be semi-flaccid, not hard, but not flaccid either when I pull the cock ring over my penis.  This applies only to silicone rings.  No way can you get a metal ring over an erect penis, without doing some damage somewhere around your jewels.

There is a picture on Wikipedia that shows how a cock ring (albeit metal) fits on a man.

Once on, the erection can – and will – go full.  Nothing for me feels quite as sexy as a gift wrapped erection!  But aesthetics are only a small bit of the fun.  First, the cock ring serves to keep the erection powerful for longer by restricting blood flow.  Don’t get the image of a tourniquet, it isn’t like that!  It just helps to keep things solid.

But the real payoff is the ejaculation.  If you think you’ve had a volcanic experience without one, with this little gem, it can last for up to a minute, which in sex terms is like about ten thousand years.  This one actually had me shocked at how intense the orgasm and ejaculation went for me.

I wholeheartedly endorse this product and suggest that if you haven’t ever used a cock ring, this is an excellent one to start your experiment.  You’ll love the way it feels.

You can even add the Tantus Beginner’s Cock Ring to your wish list of up to $1,000 worth of toys for FREE in Ginger Leigh’s Fabulous Shopping Spree!

For 5/21/2008: Tell us why your boy deserves a toy in the comments to this post, and you could win this Prize! Comments must be entered before 4:30 PM EDT!