Tag: tantus

Tantus Champion

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Last week I quietly celebrated the 7-year anniversary of starting this blog, and today we’re taking a look at a blast from the past, with the “newish” Tantus Champion.

Anyone who’s been reading my blog for a while might remember my review of the Max O2 from way back in April of 2012, and if you think that these toys look similar then don’t worry because your eyes aren’t deceiving you.

The Champion is one of the latest in Tantus’s ongoing project to tweak and re-release some of their popular toys from the past, and I thought it might be fun to do a little comparison seven years down the line.

Come see what I made of it.

 

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Tantus Capsule Plug

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Hello my lovelies! I apologise for the short hiatus here, but unfortunately sometimes life does manage to get in the way of blogging. It’s a beautiful day outside, and I thought I’d sit down and get my Carrie Bradshaw on, and try to hammer out a few reviews. 

First up is this gorgeous Capsule Plug from Tantus!

The Capsule is the second piece in Tantus’s new line of Steampunk-inspired toys, designed in collaboration with SheVibe. The first, of course, being the incredible Steam Hunk dildo, which I encourage you to check out the review for if you haven’t already. 
As with the Steam Hunk the Capsule comes in a choice of two colours: a standard black, and an absolutely drop-dead gorgeous shimmering copper. (Seriously, why would anyone not pick the copper!?)

This time around though we’re also offered a choice in sizes, with a standard model, and a “petite” capsule, for the less-explored final frontiers. As usual I will primarily be focusing on the larger plug, but just to give a quick idea of the size difference, the standard plug is 5″ tall, 3 7/8″ insertable, and 5 1/4″ circumference, while the Petite is 4″ tall, 3″ insertable, and 4 1/8″ circumference. 
Unusually for Tantus the plug is made from their SuperSoft silicone – something typically reserved for their realistic dildos – rather than their standard formula, but this is actually very smart because the plug has a lot of texture going on, and in my experience heavy texture + firm silicone is a recipe for discomfort. 
The design of the Capsule is supposed to like part of an antique spacecraft, almost akin to something from the Jules Verne novel “From the Earth to the Moon,” and everything from the tapered shape to the exquisite detailing all over the surface reflects this perfectly. I can’t help but find myself unconsciously humming along to Dinah Washington’s “Destination Moon” when I’m looking at it. 
The basic shape of the Capsule is more or less that of traditional buttplug; there’s a very nicely tapered body which comes to a point at one end, a slender neck just below it, and then a quite generous base at the bottom to ensure safety during use. The body of the plug is fashioned as the habitable part of the Capsule, and features a porthole on either side, with the rest of it made to look as though it’s built from panels of sheet metal, riveted and banded together in early-industrial style. The neck and base together form the rocket engine, looking like a Victorian twist on the throat and nozzle of the massive engines we see quivering beneath the modern-day Space Shuttle shortly prior to launch. This aspect of the design does help to explain the bulk of the base, because anything other than a circular shape wouldn’t have been in-keeping with the overall appearance. It’s a really delightful toy to look at, and you can tell that someone put a lot of effort into sculpting the original piece, just by the sheer level of detail.
In terms of use the Capsule inserts nice and easily thanks to its very tapered tip, but you’ll probably want to use a bit of extra lube to coat all of that texture, as it both adds to the surface area and creates a little extra friction / resistance. You can definitely feel the level of texture as the skin slides over it, and thanks to the softness of the silicone it’s not an uncomfortable sensation, but just feels like an added something of interest to be aware of. Inside the body you do get a little bit of fullness, but nothing too overwhelming as it is only a modestly-sized plug, so it’s great for someone just looking for something casual to play with on an every day basis. The bulky base nestles very comfortably between the buttocks, but realistically if you compare it to a more slimline base it’s going to feel a touch obtrusive, but what’s also nice about that SuperSoft silicone is that both the neck and base feel squishy, so you can squeeze all your muscles around it and it comfortably reacts, rather than feeling like some solid lump there. You can even quite easily sit down while wearing the plug, without any discomfort. 
In terms of long-term wearing, this is the one place where I feel that the Capsule doesn’t do so well. The more time you have the plug in, the more the water-based lubricant on it will dry up, any eventually even that subtle texture around the neck and base will start to tug and rub on the skin, making you aware of it. It’s a slight drawback, but it all depends how long you want to use a plug for. In terms of short-term wearing you’ll definitely notice a slight difference in sensation around the sphincter, compared to a completely smooth plug, but not any discomfort, so it’s well suited to that. 
When it comes to removing the plug, again it slides out just as easily as it went in. You’ll feel the texture, but because that lube that was on the plug doesn’t dry up internally, it’ll ease it on its way.
I will quickly mention about cleaning the plug. Because there’s such a high level of detail in the design, there are a lot of nooks and crannies for dirt to get trapped, so you’ll want to rinse it almost immediately, and pay extra attention when cleaning. Luckily there are lots of sterilisation options for silicone toys, so it’s not too much trouble to get it feeling fresh and new again. 
I have to thank Tantus for sending me the Capsule. It’s a great little plug, and I’d highly recommend it to anyone who loves quirky designs in their sex toys!
It’s available directly from their website. 

Tantus Steam Hunk

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Black Friday’s a-comin’ and I figured I’d better get a move on and post this review, because if there’s one toy you won’t want to miss out on when the sales roll around, it’s this one!
Head below to find out what all the fuss is about!

The Steam Hunk is the latest collaboration between one of my all-time favourite sex toy manufacturers, Tantus, and the awesome folks over at SheVibe. This is the very same dream team that gave us the Bound back in 2014, and I couldn’t be more happy to see them working together again on new original designs.
It takes a lot to impress me these days, but without exaggeration the Steam Hunk has to be one of the most incredible, unique, and gorgeous toys I’ve ever laid eyes on. It’s a bold statement, and you probably have to be a sex toy reviewer to get this excited over a dildo, or perhaps getting this excited over a dildo is what turns one into a sex toy reviewer to begin with, but either way it’s a stunning piece. 
The name of the Steam Hunk gives away the inspiration for its design through its clever play on words, because it’s steam-punk through and through. Like something resembling an old Victorian boiler, the dildo incorporates pipes, tubing, rivets, layers of sheet metal, and mysterious cannisters, all crafted in loving detail. As lovely as it looks in photos, it’s something else to actually hold in your hands and pour over every facet. I want to display it somewhere as much as I want to use it, because it’s a piece of art.
The shape of the dildo is vaguely phallic with its big flared tip, and two tanks tucked close to the base of the shaft like a pair of balls. It’s raw and industrial, like it’s just waiting for you to shovel hot coals into it so it can begin to chug and splutter, and drive a pneumatic piston that thrusts back and forth. It perfectly encapsulates what a clunky steam-driven vibrator might look like, and it does so quite beautifully. 
The Steam Hunk comes available in a choice of two colours, a wrought iron black, or a dazzling copper. Both fit the theme, but to my mind it’s the copper that does it the most justice, and I’m so happy to see Tantus introduce this new option as it’s truly exquisite. The way it gently shimmers in a metallic fashion completely elevates the whole design and makes it extra special.
In terms of size it is quite a hefty dildo, measuring in at 8″ tall and with a chunky 4″ x 2 3/4″ base, but a good portion of it is mostly decorative. There’s around 5 1/4″ that are actually insertable, and around the widest point it has a circumference of 6 1/8″, so if you’re more of a thickness over length person (like me) then it should be perfect. 
When it comes to using the dildo it’s definitely more of an intermediate toy, and even then I’d be inclined to recommend a warm-up first. It is possible to insert it straight off the mark, but it’s quite a rounded tip and a rapid taper, so you’ll want to go slow. Once you hit the widest point of the corona you get that traditional “pop” sensation as the head gets pulled into the body and you make your way further down the shaft. In contrast to the smooth head the shaft itself is pretty textured, thanks to all intricate detailing exhibited along it, but here’s where the material plays a big part. The Steam Hunk is made from Tantus’s SuperSoft silicone, which means that none of the texture feels harsh or rough against the body. This is a big contrast to the Bound which looked incredible, but was so firm that the texture felt like sandpaper on my sphincter. Thumbs up to Tantus for making this change, and for their recent trend of using the SuperSoft silicone more widely in general. 
Probably the best way to use the Steam Hunk is to straddle it and ride it, because the big broad base and low centre of gravity makes it stand securely upright on any surface. It’s a little bit more cumbersome to try to thrust with manually, though still possible if you prefer that. The fact that only around 65% of the dildo is useable means that this portion is essentially elevated up from the ground by the remainder, which makes it even more comfortable for riding as you don’t have to go down quite so low when balanced on your knees or haunches, and I always enjoy that. 
The thing that makes me happiest about the Steam Hunk is that it performs just as well as it looks, and it’s largely down to the shape of the head. The wide slightly-angular design creates a coronal ridge which juts out and carves a path through your prostate like a plough through a field. You don’t even need to figure out a special technique for using it, as a simple up and down thrust will have it easily hitting the sweet spot straight away, though you can up the intensity by changing the angle and pulling the flexible silicone even more firmly into the gland. Once you start riding it you really want to keep going and work up a good rhythm, because it does a fantastic job on the prostate. The other thing I like is the texture from the shaft, because it creates an interesting amount of additional sensation in the sphincter which complements what’s happening internally. You feel all these delightful subtle little bumps and ridges with every motion. It’s probably one of the more comfortable dildos I’ve used too, because of the limiting factor of how much you can insert. A thrust naturally comes to an end when you reach the tanks at the base of the shaft, and at that point there’s no risk of the tip of the dildo crashing into the top of the rectum. You can thrust around as much and as vigorously as you want, knowing that you’re protected from discomfort by the soft cushioning silicone and the fact that it can never go too deep. 
If I were to try to find any flaw with the Steam Hunk it would only be that it isn’t suction cup compatible. It’s not a big deal, but it’s always a nice option to have in a dildo, and considering the size of the base it could have incorporated a hole to plug one into.
I must say that I am a huge fan of the Steam Hunk, and Tantus have really done it again with this design. It’s just so incredibly amazing to look at, and it works like a charm too, so I couldn’t ask for anything more. It’s redefining what sex toys can be, and should be, with an unseen level of creativity that goes far beyond facsimiles of penises, and I can’t wait to see where they go next. I have to whole heartedly recommend this product, because it continues to beguile me even as it sits across from me on a table. I honestly can’t think of a better gift for that person in your life who enjoys dildos.
I have to thank Tantus for generously sending the Steam Hunk to me to review. You can pick one up straight from their website, where this Black Friday everything is 50% off!

Tantus Prostate Play

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A couple of years ago back in early 2015 an unexpected parcel arrived at my door from my lovely friends at Tantus, containing none other than what was then their brand-new Prostate Play, and I’ll admit that initially I was a little sceptical about it. You may be aware that in the past I haven’t had a great deal of luck with this type of toy, and naturally that has clouded my opinion of them.

When I did eventually get around to trying out the Prostate Play I was actually pleasantly surprised by what I felt, but I still didn’t quite know how to go about reviewing it, and so I set it aside waiting for the right time.

Today, while I’m still on a roll with reviewing, I’ve decided that I’m finally ready to tackle this one, so head below for more!

The Prostate Play is, as far as I can recall, Tantus’s first attempt at making a vibrating prostate massager, and as someone who loves this company I was really curious to see what twist they’d put on it. In my experience with Tantus they’re not an organisation that ever goes at things half-arsed, or is content to follow, so if they made this then it had to be because they were convinced they could do something better.

The shape and design of the Prostate Play is quite similar to what you’d typically associate with most prostate massagers on the market. It has that vague T-shape to it, with a lumpy shaft, and at the bottom it has Tantus’s anchor base, modified with the addition of a small nodule to apply pressure to the perineum. The only significant difference in the design is that the section at the very top of the shaft is more pronounced. It curls sharply forwards like the stinger on a scorpion’s tail, poised ready to strike. You can immediately sense that this is the portion of the toy that’s going to have the biggest impact during use.

The toy itself is made from possibly one of the firmest formulations of Tantus silicone that I’ve encountered, and that tells you something about how it will function. There’s not a whole lot of squish to it at all, and the only parts that remain significantly flexible are the wings of the base, so you know its going to retain its shape inside you. One other subtle feature to the design is the presence of three raised ribs around the neck of the toy, which presumably are intended to create a little more grip and prevent slippage whilst worn.
Inserting the Prostate Play is pretty simple and straight forward, and you don’t need to be an expert in anal play to do it either, as the thickest section measures only 4″ around. The exterior has a velvety-soft matte finish, which not only feels pleasant against the skin, but which clings onto lube nicely as it slides smoothly into the body. The toy pops into place easily, and immediately you do notice a firm pressure emanating from inside, undoubtedly from that hooked tip. At first it does almost border on discomfort due its unfamiliarity, but then as you become used to it this subsides. It’s hard to pinpoint exactly where the pressure is coming from, and at times I was wondering if the 4 1/2″ shaft was overshooting my prostate slightly and instead hitting the bottom of my bladder, but it didn’t particularly produce an urge to pee, leaving things inconclusive.

The Prostate Play comes packaged with an RO-80mm style vibrator, and the first thing you should probably do is throw that away. Ok, so I know that sounds a bit harsh, but I really don’t have a lot of time for these buzzy little battery-powered bullets any more. The real centrepiece of the Prostate Play is the silicone sleeve, and while it’s nice that Tantus includes the bullet, if you’re going to want it to vibrate then I recommend picking up a We-Vibe Tango. This is advice that really that goes for any toy with a bullet hole, because a Tango is going to be your number one investment.
Most of the work done by the Prostate Play is mechanical, and how the vibrations complement this depends on which bullet you use. The included vibe does admittedly perform better than anticipated, and you can feel its effects more readily than is typical for a toy with this set-up, but what it creates is very much a background sensation. There’s pleasant tingling going on in all the tissue in the vicinity of the toy, but it’s still just window dressing for the main event, which is that pressure created on the prostate. If you use a Tango then the vibrations become like a secondary feature of the toy in their own right. That extra rumbling strength takes the whole prostate play up to another level and pushes it into that territory where it starts to become something special.

The downside to the Prostate Play being powered by a removable bullet is that it limits how you can use the toy. Personally I quite like to sit down while I’m wearing a prostate massager, but when any bullet is inserted it sticks right out of the base and makes this impossible. It really would have benefited from a custom bullet that was recessed into the base, similar to what Nexus used in the G-rider, but I can understand why it would have been less practical for Tantus to go this route.

By itself the Prostate Play doesn’t do a whole lot, and what I mean by that is that it’s not a toy that you wear for the sake of wearing it. It’s not like a plug that you walk around wearing because you enjoy the fullness of it, or the feeling something rattling inside you, and it’s not the same as one of those Aneros devices which claim to be able to do almost magical things just from you flexing your pelvic floor. What it is is a practical toy; it’s a toy you’re going to want to put inside yourself when you intend to have an orgasm. It’s only once you begin to have sex or masturbate that you really notice the effect of the toy pushing so firmly on your prostate. It changes the sensation slightly, elevates it, makes it feel more intense. As that orgasm starts to build inside you it’s accentuated by that pressure on the prostate, all working in unison. If you couple it with a strong rumbling pulse pattern from an appropriate bullet, then it raises the bar again. It’s what I’d consider an orgasm enhancement tool, and it takes what your body’s already capable of, and just pushes it a little further. When you finally do hit that moment of release, it’s like one of those moments when a climax is unexpectedly greater than usual, and then you fall back feeling drained and content.

I think that it is ideal for use with a partner, because it’s something that you can set up and then just go about your business. You can focus all your attention on them, while the Prostate Play takes care of things on its end. There’s nothing to get it the way, distract, or require constant tinkering with, so it’s very convenient. If you are playing alone then you’ll find that it’s a toy that encourages you to use it with others in your collection. If you have a Pulse, a Cobra Libre, or a magic wand that gives you incredible sensations from your penis every time, then couple it with that action from the Prostate Play inside you and see where it takes you.

So what’s the verdict? If I’m honest, it’s still not 100% my type of toy, but that’s ok because that’s just me. What I do know though, is that it performs so much better than the likes of your Prostimulator, or Nexus, etc. That in itself is saying a lot. I definitely did enjoy my experience with the Prostate Play in the end, and while it’s never going to challenge something like the Lelo Hugo, it does make a pretty damn good budget alternative. On this basis I’d happily recommend the Tantus Prostate Play.

Thanks to Tantus for sending it over, and it’s available from their website!

It’s also available from the fine folks at SheVibe