Q & A with Kara_Sutra,

How to Choose a Sex Toy

 

Question:

I recently went shopping for a "toy" and was completely overwhelmed by the amount that were available. Some of them seemed huge and others were kind of weird looking, I really didn't know what to think. I finally gave up and settled on a Pocket Rocket (based on your suggestion) and although I think it's an AMAZING toy (got my first orgasm from it) I would like to add to my collection. What suggestions do you have for the next time I'm venturing out?

Thanks for all that you do,

An Overwhelmed Fan

 

Answer

Dear Overhelmed,

Picking your first toy can be extremely frustrating, overwhelming and scary. As someone who worked in a sex shop...trust me I know, I've heard it 1000 times.

That said, if you follow these few suggestions when it comes to choosing, you can not only make the experience fun, but one that's quite gratifying as well.

Steps for Buying Sex Toys

1.) Intended Use

The first thing you want to figure out is the products intended use: what do you want to use it for and who will be using it?

By determining whether you want a toy that stimulates the Anus, Nipples, Clitoris, G-Spot (or both) you can narrow down your search in very big ways.

Once you've answered the first questions you want to look at who will be using it. If its a toy that only you will be using the options are pretty much based on what you like.

However, if it's a gift for someone else please keep in mind that buying sex toys for another person is a very personal thing. Some questions you might want to ask yourself before shopping; are they comfortable with toys, open to experimentation, have used them before and whether or not they have any specific likes in terms of color, shape or design. Any little personal details you can add will more often then not make a world of difference for the receiver.

2.)Function

The next thing you want to look at is the function; what do you want the product to do for you?

When making this decision you want to think about the type of stimulation you want, light/indirect or moderate/direct stimulation?

A tried and true vibrator can be a good stimulator, helping you achieve orgasm by yourself or with a partner, or simply to massage aching muscles.

If you like the feeling of vibrations on your clitoris you might want to look at a bullet. They are smaller in design, usually come in a variety of vibrations and specifically meant to stimulate this area.

If you enjoy deep, hard pressure, penetration or the feeling of having something inside you a non vibrating dildo might be a good choice.

Perhaps you would like a combination of the two, if so a dual vibrator with multiple functions might be something to think about.

3.) Style

If you've ever been in a toy store, online shop or novelty store you'd know that the market is flooded with products in various shapes, sizes, colors and styles. Since there are so many the next question you should ask yourself is; what you want your toy to look like?

Do you want your vibrator or dildo to look real? If so, there are several available in the "ultra-realistic" category that look exactly like a real penis. They are often formed from a cast, which was taken of a real penis. They are colored to look like a penis, and include all the veins and ridges a real penis would have. They are usually made from silicone, UR3 or Cyberskin, which are the most realistic looking and feeling materials available.

On the other side of the spectrum, there are vibrators and dildos that look nothing like a real penis, instead resembling dragons, gnomes, worms and astrological symbols to name a few. They may have a phallic shape, but can be brightly colored in all kinds of different shades. Instead of ridges and bumps, they have smooth shafts.

Think about what would turn you on the most. Some people prefer the realistic adult toys, and some do not. It's just a matter of preference.

Mens Toys

Unfortunately, Men have traditionally been "left out" when it comes to sex toys, but this seems to be changing. Of course, erection pumps have been available for quite some time, but that was about it. Thankfully with an increase in demand, a curiosity of their own and amazing toys like the Fleshlight being made, Men can now enjoy sleeves (which are designed to enhance masturbation), cock rings (which help control erection by slipping tightly over the penis), ticklers (which slip over the penis to heighten pleasure for the user and their partner), and extenders (which extend the length of the penis).

 

4.) Materials

Unfortunately the adult novelty industry doesn't have a "quality control board" to approve or deny the manufacture of products, leading to some that are made containing very harmful chemicals like phthalates that can reek havoc on your body and the environment. That said, if there is one suggestion that I advise you take into great consideration, its the material your toy is made out of.

Fortunately, with the rise in consumer awareness more and more companies are opting to make toys out of materials like silicone and TPR, that are not only environmentally friendly, but also safe for use in regard to your body.

Aside from the basic health concerns, it is also important to know that different materials perform differently. Some may be chilled (or warm up with use) for the enjoyment of the user, others may allow a harder/softer surface area for stimulation, while others may not be good for use with certain types of lubricants.

Generally speaking, sex toys are made out of plastic, silicone, glass, jelly, latex, metal, Cyberskin, acrylic, etc. and each material has different characteristics and different cleaning requirements, something that may require the unexpected purchase of other items like antibacterial toy cleaner or corn starch.

As I said, when making a decision about a toy the material is a very important factor.

5.) Price

The last thing you want to think about is how much you want to spend.

I realize that for most people spending over $50.00 on a toy may seem a little unreasonable but keep in mind that as it is in most industries, some companies focus on manufacturing high volume, lower priced products. Unfortunately very often these types of products are of poor quality and break down very quickly, not to mention can end up doing more harm then good to both your body and the environment. That said, with a rise in standards more and more companies like Tantus are beginning to produce higher quality, environmentally friendly, longer lasting products.

With the amount of products that I am personally exposed to, I believe it is in your best interest to buy the highest quality adult toys you can afford. However, if you are unsure of a particular type of toy, you many want to experiment with a lower price model to see if you like it. Just bear in mind you might end up buying it again in a higher quality if you do like it.

 

Hopefully by following this list of suggestions you'll not only be able to find a toy thats right for you, but one that will last for years to come offering many hours of enjoyment!


hope that helped

Kara_Sutra