National Masturbation Month: The history of the vibrator
Stimulating your clitoris is a gateway to mind-blowing orgasms, but there is no one method that fits all, and that’s crucial to remember before you invest in a vibrator. Necessity being the mother of invention, physicians began experimenting with mechanical substitutes for their hands. They tried a number of genital massage contraptions, among them water-driven gadgets (the forerunners of today’s shower massage devices), and pumping, steam-driven dildos. But the machines were cumbersome, messy, often unreliable, and sometimes dangerous. By the early 19th century, physician-assisted paroxysm was firmly entrenched in Europe and the U.S., and proved a financial godsend for many doctors.
While I would definitely opt for the Curvy 2+ as my number one draft pick, this one is gentle and the least aggressively vibrator-y looking vibrator I’ve ever owned. Also available in a Curvy 3+ generation, Curvy 2+ was easily my favorite of the three I tried out. It’s a pressure wave toy that also has a vibrating function — offering stimulation that ranges from buzzy and sweet to OMG WTF-intense. Size and shape are also important considerations, according to Epiphora, a sex toy reviewer who’s tried hundreds of toys in her more than fourteen years in the business. “Do your best to estimate the size and length of the shaft for your body, considering the full shaft must be inserted to achieve clitoral stimulation,” she says. A toy won’t be able to make contact with your clitoris if its shaft is too long for you to insert comfortably vibrators, so it may be best to err on the side of a shorter shaft, unless you know you love deep penetration.
The trade-off is that it’s $50 more expensive, and it lacks the quick on/off switch of the Magic Wand Rechargeable. Level 10 on the Le Wand Original does not offer significantly more intensity than level 4 on the Magic Wand Rechargeable, and this toy’s vibrations feel somewhat less rumbly. Although this model is an excellent wand vibrator, we don’t recommend it over our top pick unless color options are important to you. Like the Magic Wand Rechargeable, the Le Wand Original is covered by a one-year warranty. The Dame Com wand vibrator has an appealing ergonomic shape (it curves toward the body), as well as an easy-to-clean all-silicone body.
Spray-on toy cleanser can be useful for toys that you cannot submerge. The vibrations are intense and rumbly; we found the level 5 setting to be akin to level 2 on our top pick, the Magic Wand Rechargeable. The Purple Pleasure may not satisfy you if you’re accustomed to reaching orgasm at the Magic Wand’s highest levels, but it packs quite a punch for its small size, and our testers easily achieved orgasm while using it. This toy is an excellent option for those who are fans of the Magic Wand Original and wish to upgrade to a silicone head and more vibration settings but don’t mind keeping the cord. The Plus version typically costs only $10 more than the Original model.
The starfish-style shape and texture of this toy give you a lot of different angles and textures to experiment with. Queer- and trans-owned company Cute Little Fuckers makes a wide range of gender-inclusive products, all of which are adorable-looking, but this frilly little starfish might just be the standout. You want the toy to be a part of the experience, not the entire focus of the experience. Be sure to remind your partner how sexy they are and how much you love their penis/vulva/body. The last thing you want to bring home to a nervous partner is some scary, veiny, Rabbit vibrator with a million spinning beads and a realistic penis-head.
There’s no detail on the site how many intensities there are , but from use, it feels like four, from a hum to a roar. The pulsing mode goes from a slower start/stop to a rapid one the more you press the plus button. When you’re done with your session, you can sync the Lioness with its app (available for iOS and Android).
“With permission, you can allow your lover to connect to your toy from anywhere in the world,” she says. Jess O’Reilly, PhD, a Toronto-based sexologist, says remote control sex toys are some of the most versatile vibrators on the market for their ability to facilitate playfulness. “Not only does a remote control vibe allow you to weave eroticism throughout your day, but it often inspires you to flirt, tease, build anticipation, and be more creative,” she says.
Beyond the pre-set modes, the app allows you to create your own vibration patterns. This feature is particularly helpful if you have specific needs, such as targeting muscle pain or managing anxiety. You can determine the duration and intensity of each vibration and save your custom routines for easy access later. The app’s core function is to simulate a body massage through vibrations. You can adjust the intensity and power of each vibration mode, tailoring the experience to your preference.
