Tag: Pipedream

Metal Worx Luv Plug

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This week it’s time for my second review for the folks over at ThatPosition, who generously sent me the Metal Worx Luv Plug along with the Lelo Bob which I reviewed at the start of the month. The two products are similar in that they’re both small, manual, prostate massagers, so it should be interesting to compare and contrast.
I’m quite a fan of the Metal Worx toys, and am steadily building up quite the collection, with this being number 4 now, so I have high expectations for it.

I always find myself starting a review for a Metal Worx toy by talking about the packaging, which ordinarily would be something left to a footnote, but it is a little bit special. The Luv Plug comes in a heavy duty case, the style of which you might expect to see a professional photographer storing expensive lenses inside. The corners are all constructed from a lightweight metal, while the side panels are made from a textured black plastic which resembles carbon fibre. The lid is hinged on the back and has a firm clasp on the front. Inside the case is foam padding, with a groove cut out into which the plug snugly fits. Not only does the case help give the Luv Plug the appearance of being precious and expensive, but it’s also a great place to securely store it when not in use. The only downside is that the case is a little bulky if you’re short on space, measuring 7 1/2″ x 3 1/8″ x 3 1/8″.
Despite its name, the Luv Plug, the toy should really be considered more of a prostate massager than a butt plug, though clearly there’s no reason why it shouldn’t be used as both. The design is immediately recognisable if you’re familiar with the njoy Pfun, as the two do bear some unquestionable similarities. The shaft of the toy has two main bulged sections which curve upwards, reminding me of the sight of someone doing abdominal crunches. At the end of the shaft is a small handle which takes the form of a slightly-squashed ellipsoid loop, allowing a finger or two to be slipped through it during use, similar to with my njoy Pure Plug 2.0. Uniquely for this Metal Worx product the back of the handle is adorned with a slight embellishment, in the form of a plastic faux-diamond which is embedded into it. As far as I’m concerned it doesn’t really add anything to the overall appearance, and I might go so far as using the word “tacky” in reference to how it looks, but its presence there certainly isn’t going to make or break the toy. The Luv Plug is made from polished steel to a generally high standard, and the surface is completely smooth. Unfortunately if you look closely there are a couple of minor blemishes and imperfections on the piece, but they’re not significant enough to be felt, are so are only bothersome in relation to how much of a perfectionist one is. The toy has a total length of 4 1/2″, with 3 1/2″ of that being insertable, and a 3 3/4″ circumference, making it a relatively small toy. The one area where the Luv Plug does feel big though is in terms of weight; given the high density of metal it’s one of the heavier toys in my collection.
When it comes to using the Luv Plug its much less of a beginner’s toy than the Lelo Bob  and this is down to a couple of factors: firstly the head of the plug is that much larger than on the Bob and it has a rapid taper, and secondly metal is a hard and unforgiving material, so you’re really going to feel its presence without any cushioning for the sphincter. For those reasons I’d say it’s a step or two up from the Bob  though a very patient novice could probably still manage it if they were determined enough. Provided you’re sufficiently prepared and relaxed the smooth surface of the Luv Plug allows it to glide comfortably inside the body, and the advantage of metal here is that you can pick any type of lube you like; I always opt for silicone with a metal toy because of how slick and long-lasting it is. As the toy goes in you feel a couple of bumps, or “pops”, as the sphincter passes over each bulge, and this can be a pleasant sensation, then it finally comes to rest with the handle sitting securely against the outside of the body and preventing accidental over-insertion.
As with the Bob the intended way to use the Luv Plug is to grip the handle by slipping a finger or two through the loop, and by slowly making short rhythmic thrusts back and forth. The obvious difference here is with the complete rigidity of the material, compared to that flexibility that the Bob has just above the handle. Before I’d tried either toy I was convinced that I was going to prefer the metal, because of the ability to really angle the toy into the prostate and apply a firm pressure, but it turns out not to be the case at all. No matter how I use the Luv Plug, somehow it always seems to miss my prostate, and I actually find it disappointingly unstimulating. Whether I thrust normally with it, or if I really go prodding around in search of the prostate, nothing seems to deliver a satisfying result. Something about the length or shape of it just has it skirting around the very target that it’s designed to hit, whereas the Bob  with its flex, has this natural ability to move itself into the right position. I have to say it was quite an odd experience for me, and it goes to show that even after all this time of reviewing toys you can’t always accurately predict how something’s going to work for you until you’ve tried it. Setting aside its failures on the prostate front, one thing I did like about the design of the Luv Plug was how those distinct bulges felt when you pop them in and out of the sphincter, so that should appeal to anyone who enjoys textured anal play. The other thing you can do with the Luv Plug is just to wear it like a butt plug, but it’s not best suited to that; the handle makes it awkward to sit on, the weight and shape makes it prone to slippage, and there’s no significant stimulation to be gained from doing this either.
One of the best features of the Luv Plug is how well metal conducts heat, which naturally makes it perfect for temperature play. In this regard it is many times better than glass, which is another popular material for this. Just picking the toy up at room temperature will give the impression that it’s already cold, which is fantastic if you’re into low temperatures as it reduces the need to wait while it chills in the fridge. If cold isn’t your thing then simply holding the plug in your hands for a few seconds will be enough to bring it up to a more comfortable temperature. Personally I love the feeling of a cold toy as it slides into the body, and find the sensations nothing short of amazing. The only downside is that the cold feeling doesn’t last long, as the metal quickly sucks the heat out of the body and becomes quite hot to the touch. To deal with this it’s handy to have a bucket of ice water nearby, as a quick dunk in there will have the toy back down to frigid temperatures in no time. Similarly if you like your temperature play at the other end of the spectrum, a dip in a basin of hot water will also do the trick.
The Luv Plug is very easy to clean as metal is a highly durable and non-porous material which is able to be sterilised. You can wash it with antibacterial soap and hot water, wipe it down with a 10% bleach solution, or boil it in water for a couple of minutes. Just be sure to dry it thoroughly when you’re done, as the packaging only specifies that it’s steel, and not stainless steel, so there is the potential for rusting if you’re not careful. One other thing is that metal does show up fingerprints, so depending on how fussy you are you may find yourself polishing your Luv Plug before putting it away.
I’m going to be brief in my conclusion today and simply say that you should buy the Lelo Bob instead. It was interesting for me to have two seemingly-similar, yet vastly different toys to compare, and there was a clear cut winner. The Lelo Bob feels better in every regard, and is also more affordable, so there is no doubt in my mind which I would recommend. The Luv Plug is well made, has a nice case, and is good for temperature play, but it misses its primary mandate and therefore defeats the whole purpose of itself. 
The Metal Worx Luv Plug is available from ThatPosition. 

Metal Worx Mr Smooth

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I entered a competition recently to win £50 from Innocent Sex Toys, and when I was lucky enough to indeed win I decided to spend it on the Mr Smooth dildo from Pipedream’s Metal Worx range.
The Mr Smooth is my third Metal Worx toy after the Teazer and Curve. I enjoyed those two so much that I was really keen to try out the shape of the Mr Smooth as well, especially given how attractive it looks. Check out the review after the jump!

You can’t review a Metal Worx toy without talking about the packaging. The Mr Smooth comes in a heavy duty case, the style of which you might expect to find expensive camera equipment inside. The corners are all constructed from a lightweight metal, while the side panels are made from a textured black plastic which resembles carbon fibre. The lid is hinged on the back and has a firm clasp on the front. Inside the case is foam padding, with a groove cut out into which the dildo snugly fits. Not only does the case help give the Mr Smooth the appearance of being precious and expensive, but it’s also a great place to securely store it when not in use. The only downside is that the case is a little bulky if you’re short on space, measuring 7 1/2″ x 3 1/8″ x 3 1/8″. My particular case came with an unfortunate dent in one of the edges, but so far it’s the only one to display any damage, so I will assume that it’s not common.
The Mr Smooth is more of a dildo than it is a butt plug, but it’s a fairly unusual design for a dildo. It really is quite an exquisite product to behold, and with its sleek appearance it doesn’t even look like a sex toy. Depending on how you hold the dildo it bears resemblance to several things; horizontally it’s like a long slender fish, vertically it’s like a bowling pin, and from some angles it even looks like an airship. The dildo is made from polished steel to a high standard, and the surface is completely smooth. Unfortunately there are blemishes and imperfections on this particular piece, in the form of three scratches on one end which can be both seen and felt by a finger. The scratches are only short but they do detract from the appearance of any otherwise lovely item. The dildo has a total length of 6 1/8″, with 4 3/4″ of that being insertable, and a 4″ circumference, making it a relatively small toy. The one area where the Mr Smooth does feel big though is in terms of weight. Given the high density of metal it’s one of the heavier toys in my collection, and actually very similar to the Teazer despite their different sizes.
When it comes to using the Mr Smooth it really is quite a mixed bag. To start with it’s a lovely dildo to insert, and if you’re unfamiliar with metal toys you may understandably assume the reverse to be true. The widest part of the toy is actually at the front of it, so it doesn’t have much taper, but the end is nicely rounded and this aids in pushing it through the sphincter. So long as you have experience with keeping your sphincter completely relaxed then you shouldn’t encounter much difficulty here, especially as the toy isn’t overly thick. I wouldn’t recommend it as a toy for a complete beginner, but if you are more in the realm of a novice then a warm up toy with a softer and more tapered tip will help. The smooth surface of the dildo glides ever so seamlessly into the body, especially if you pair it with a silicone-based lube, and it doesn’t require a great deal of pressure to push it past the muscle. Despite the material being so hard it’s not at all uncomfortable as it passes through the sphincter, but you are going to want to refrain from suddenly clenching down firmly on it due to the lack of cushioning in the metal. Because of the shape of the dildo you very quickly pass over the widest part, and then inserting the remainder is no trouble at all. Similarly there’s no difficulty in removing the dildo as this time the taper works to your advantage, gently expanding the sphincter as you pull the dildo from the body until finally it pops out.

Once you have the Mr Smooth inside the body you have the option of using it the way in which one typically might with a dildo, or alternatively leaving it in place like a butt plug. As a butt plug it does fulfil this mandate to a certain degree, but it’s not best suited to it, and not designed with that in mind. The sphincter comes to rest around the narrow neck-like portion of the dildo, just prior to the ball on the end which functions as both a handle and an anal-safe base, but because of the overall length of the dildo the neck and the ball extend out of the body more than would be considered ideal. It’s perhaps not an issue for just use in the bedroom, but you certainly couldn’t sit down with the ball there, and it will create a visible lump in the back of any underwear or tight trousers worn over it. The shape also isn’t best suited to walking around while wearing it, as it will gradually work its way out under its own weight, due to the direction of the taper. It’s not going to suddenly drop out unexpectedly, because the whole length of it has to pass out of the body before the widest point can exit, and that acts almost as an anchor giving you plenty of time to make adjustments. Constantly adjusting something worn anally, however, is less than ideal. Really, in terms of a plug, I’d suggest the Teazer far more.

The problem I have with the toy is that it does nothing, or rather the shape does nothing for me. It’s possibly one of the least stimulating toys I’ve ever used. The first point to make is that it’s not at all filling. It’s a slender toy so that’s to be expected, and a beginner might appreciate it, but there’s no sense of a stretch in the muscle, nor of a substantial presence inside the body. The second point is in its name. It’s called Mr Smooth, but it’s too smooth; it practically ninjas its way in and out of the body without you feeling a thing, and I like to get some sort of sensation from my toys. The third point really comes down to its shape. It’s hopeless for prostate stimulation; the end isn’t bulbous enough to properly hit the prostate, the shaft has no curve so you have to manually attempt to angle it yourself, and when it’s fully inserted the end completely misses the prostate anyway due to the length of the toy. I really can’t figure out what to do with it; thrusting gets me nowhere, wearing it like a plug isn’t especially exciting, and so I’m left with something rather bland that simply bores me. As strange as it may sound, I wish that I could like it more, simply because its such a lovely sculptural piece. It looks good in its case, it feels nice in my hand, but functionally it’s a disappointment.
One of the best features of the dildo is how well metal conducts heat, which naturally makes it perfect for temperature play. In this regard it is many times better than glass, which is another popular material for this. Just picking the dildo up at room temperature will give the impression that it’s already cold, which is fantastic if you’re into low temperatures as it reduces the need to wait while it chills in the fridge. If cold isn’t your thing then simply holding the plug in your hands for a few seconds will be enough to bring it up to a more comfortable temperature. Personally I love the feeling of a cold toy as it slides into the body, and find the sensations nothing short of amazing. The only downside is that the cold feeling doesn’t last long, as the metal quickly sucks the heat out of the body and becomes quite hot to the touch. To deal with this it’s handy to have a bucket of ice water nearby, as a quick dunk in there will have the dildo back down to frigid temperatures in no time. Similarly if you like your temperature play at the other end of the spectrum, a dip in a basin of hot water will also do the trick.
The dildo is very easy to clean as metal is a highly durable and non-porous material which is able to be sterilised. You can wash it with antibacterial soap and hot water, wipe it down with a 10% bleach solution, or boil it in water for a couple of minutes. Just be sure to dry it thoroughly when you’re done, as the packaging only specifies that it’s steel, and not stainless steel, so there is the potential for rusting if you’re not careful. One other thing is that metal does show up fingerprints, so depending on how fussy you are you may find yourself polishing your butt plug before putting it away.
The Mr Smooth is a really lovely toy to look at, but unfortunately for me I just found that the design felt quite boring. I look for a toy that’s going to really stimulate me and keep me coming back again and again, but sadly this doesn’t seem to be the one for that. In terms of quality I could definitely recommend it, but if you want a good metal plug then I’d suggest the Teazer, if you want prostate stimulation then go for the Curve, and if you want something interesting to thrust with then I’d look into the Slim Fave. I can only really conclude that as an anal toy the Mr Smooth has quite limited potential, though if anyone does get enjoyment from it this way then I’d love to hear about it.
The Metal Worx Mr Smooth is available from these fine retailers:

UK & Europe: SexToys.co.uk, Lovehoney UK, and SexShop365.

North America: Lovehoney USA and NiteTimeToys.

Metal Worx Curve

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Ever since I reviewed the Metal Worx Teazer this summer I’ve been dying to try out some more pieces from this range, and my new friends over at Simply Pleasure were generous enough to send me a Metal Worx Curve to test out. Find out how I got on with it after the jump!

The Metal Worx Curve is one of those toys which I really enjoy writing the review for, simply because it surprised me. I’ll be honest when I say that despite how much I like the design of it, initially I was sceptical about how effective it would be during use, and without spoiling the review let’s just say that it  does the job.

The Curve is a toy which fits into the category of a “wand”, much like the Pure Wand or Fun Wand by njoy, as it doesn’t quite fit the parameters of a traditional dildo. It’s very much a toy of two halves, fused together in an “S” shape, with each performing very different functions. The first end is not dissimilar to anal beads, comprised of 4 bulges gradually increasing in size, and curling up like the segmented tail of a scorpion. The second end, which following on I will designate as the “head” is much more simplistic, and features a strongly curved shaft with a large sphere on the end.

In total the Curve measures around 11 1/4″ from end to end when you factor in the curvature. The ball at the head end has a circumference of 4 1/8″, and at the tail they increase from 2 5/8″, to 3 1/8″, then 3 3/8″, and finally 3 5/8″. The shaft of the Curve is quite slender, and while it does vary in thickness slightly it has an average circumference of 2″.

The Curve is made entirely from highly polished steel which gives it a rather stunning appearance, as well as making it quite a heavy and sturdy toy. Unlike some products, such as my njoy Pure Plug 2.0, it’s not made from a stainless steel, and you can actually tell this from a slight difference in the colour. This doesn’t alter its properties in any significant way, except perhaps when it comes to caring for the toy, and I’ll mention that briefly later. One of the best features about metal is how well it conducts heat, which naturally makes it perfect for temperature play. In this regard it is many times better than glass, which is another popular material for this. When you pick the Curve up at room temperature you get the impression that it’s already cold, which is handy if you enjoy low temperatures as it reduces the need to wait while it chills in the fridge. If cold isn’t your thing then simply holding the Curve in your hands for a few seconds will be enough to bring it up to a more comfortable temperature. Personally I don’t consider the Curve to the the type of toy you’d want to use for temperate play as it’s more of an interactive toy, and therefore different to how you might slip a cold plug into your body and leave it there, but this might just be an individual preference so it’s great that you have the option. Because the Curve has quite a slender design it does change temperature more quickly, so it will suck heat out of the body and warm up rapidly during use. If you really want to keep it cold then it’s handy to have a bucket of ice water nearby, as a quick dunk in there will have it back down to frigid temperatures in no time. Similarly if you like your temperature play at the other end of the spectrum, a dip in a basin of hot water will also do the trick.

When it comes to using the Curve the two different ends serve quite separate purposes, at least as far as I’m concerned. The tail end is what I think of as the warm up end. It has a narrow tapered tip which slips very easily into the body, and the individual bulges act like anal beads as you gently pop them in and out of the sphincter and enjoy that sensation. The first three are very easy to insert, but I found the fourth to be a little more tricky, due to the combination of the curve in the shaft and the rigidity of the material. If and when you do put the fourth inside I’d suggest exercising a little caution, as when the muscle slips over the widest point you will feel the Curve being sucked into the body, and if you don’t have it positioned quite right then that sucking action can pull the hard metal tip into your soft delicate insides quite forcefully and cause discomfort. The tail is definitely more the foreplay side of the Curve, as using it largely just teases the anus and helps it to relax and loosen up, but it doesn’t really provide and stimulation deeper inside the rectum. Once you’re done and you decide to flip the toy around you’ll soon discover that the head side is the main event. The ball on the end slides into the body very easily, especially if you’ve already warmed up with the other side. Despite it being a hard and rigid toy it still feels very comfortable during insertion, but it’s also important to know how to relax. With the ball inside it seems to almost immediately find the prostate, and because the prostate is situated in quite a shallow location adjacent to the rectum you won’t need to insert much of the shaft in order to stimulate it. The shape of the toy causes it to curve upwards between the legs into a very accessible position, so you can grip onto the tail section like a handle without having to reach that far to grab anything. As soon as you begin even the slightest of thrusting with the Curve you’ll notice immediate and unmistakable prostate stimulation, and it really took me by surprise. As you thrust the curve of the shaft directs the steel ball on the end firmly into the prostate, and it gently rubs back and forth across the surface of it, mimicking the motion you might use when trying to stimulate the prostate with fingers, only it’s more effective because of the large surface area of the ball. I really wasn’t expecting it to be so effective; most toys seem to only produce incidental prostate stimulation, or at least they require a fair amount of experimentation to get the knack of using them in that way, but with the Curve it was instant. Because of the position of the prostate you really only need shallow thrusts to target it, and this allows you to move from a slow motion to quite a fast one, depending on which suits you best. If you want to feel a firmer pressure on the prostate then it couldn’t be simpler than just pulling the Curve upwards and towards you while thrusting. One sure fire way to tell that the Curve is doing its job is from the spontaneous erection which suddenly pops up after a couple of strokes back and forth across the sweet spot. I’m really not exaggerating when I say quite unequivocally that the Curve is the single most effective non-powered toy that I’ve ever used for prostate stimulation. It’s almost impossible to go wrong when using it as it hits the right spot every time, and avoids frustrating time wasted as you try to figure out where it is and how to stimulate it with other toys, so it’s especially worthwhile for the less experienced in this field. Using the Curve has to be the closest I’ve come to achieving a prostate orgasm yet, and that’s really saying something as my prostate is pretty stubborn. I’m fairly certain that with perseverance I’m going to be able to achieve it with this toy.

You can’t review a Metal Worx toy without talking about the packaging. The Curve comes in a heavy duty case, the style of which you might expect to see bands taking their expensive electronic equipment on tour inside. The corners are all constructed from a lightweight metal, while the side panels are made from a textured black plastic which almost resembles carbon fibre. The lid is hinged on the back and has a firm clasp on the front. Inside the case is foam padding, with a groove cut out into which the Curve fits. I have to say that the Curve doesn’t stay in place quite as snugly as my Teazer does, and I can hear it fall out of place when I turn the case upside, but it’s not a huge concern for me. The case definitely does help to give the Curve the appearance of being precious and expensive, as well as being a great place to securely store it when not in use. The only downside is that the case is a little bulky if you’re short on space, measuring 11 1/4″ x 4″ x 3 1/4″.
The Curve is very easy to clean as metal is a highly durable and non-porous material which is able to be sterilised. You can wash it with antibacterial soap and hot water, wipe it down with a 10% bleach solution, or boil it in water for a couple of minutes. Just be sure to dry it thoroughly when you’re done as it’s not stainless steel, so there is the potential for rusting if you’re not careful. One other thing is that metal does show up fingerprints, so depending on how fussy you are you may find yourself polishing it before putting it away.
Overall I would highly recommend the Curve to anyone looking for a great prostate toy. Don’t be fooled by the unorthodox design, when it comes to anal stimulation the Curve really couldn’t do a better job, and is truly worthy of the investment.
You can buy the Metal Worx Curve from the fine folks at Simply Pleasure.
Simply Pleasure

Icicles No. 05

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This month the lovely people over at Simply Pleasure got in touch with me and asked if I’d like to review a couple of items for them, and of course I said that I’d be more than happy to.
The first product they sent me is the Icicles No. 05 by Pipedream. I’m a definite fan of glass toys, and since I reviewed the Icicles No. 37 last month I’ve been eager to try some more products from this range You can see what I thought after the jump!

The Icicles No. 05 is a glass dildo from Pipedream. It’s a vaguely phallic toy in design, with a bulbous tip and gently curved shaft, but it also includes some wide ridges down the length for added stimulation.
In total the toy measures 7″ in length, with 6 1/2″ insertable, which I consider to be a good size for a dildo; it’s almost the Goldilocks of lengths, not too big, not too small. The tip of the No. 05 is shaped to resemble the head of a penis, and its rounded end gently tapers out to a maximum circumference of 4 1/2″. Below the head the shaft of the dildo is narrower, measuring only 3 3/4″ around. The shaft itself has a gentle upward curve, and its surface is smooth, with the exception of a single raised band which wraps around it like a helter skelter and increases the circumference to 4 1/4″. This band forms 4 distinct ridges along the surface, which are positioned slightly differently on each side due to the spiral. At the bottom of the shaft is a 1 7/8″ wide circular base, which is flared enough to guarantee that the toy is anal safe. It has a flat bottom which makes it perfect for standing the toy up on a surface, and offers enough stability to prevent it from toppling over. All in all I think it’s a really lovely design, almost attractive enough to make you want to leave out on a shelf as an ornament, but it’s not quite discreet enough for that.
The No. 05 is handcrafted in China from borosilicate glass (Pyrex) and is really well made. You won’t find any bubbles or imperfections within the material, nor unsightly scratches on the surface. It’s actually surprisingly uniform for a handmade toy, and doesn’t feature any of those little quirks or oddities which you occasionally see cropping up in similar products. It’s made largely from a completely transparent glass, but the raised spiral which snakes its way around the shaft is tinted a stunning cobalt blue. Borosilicate glass is a great material for a sex toy because it’s toughened, so there’s no chance of it accidentally shattering, and it can take a fair amount of abuse. The glass can also be subjected to wide changes in temperature without suffering any damage, which makes it great for temperature play. Whether you want to heat in up in hot water, or cool it down in the freezer, the material will respond and stay at that level. The packaging even suggests it can be warmed in the microwave, though I haven’t attempted this.
The Icicles No. 05 comes in very tasteful packaging, and I honestly couldn’t find anything to complain about. It’s packed into a thick piece of foam to protect it from impact, and then put inside a simple cardboard box. The box has a straightforward monochrome colour scheme, and features several attractive photos of the No. 05 on the faces, so you know exactly what you’re getting. If the photos aren’t enough then the front of the box also swings open like a door, allowing you a peek of what’s inside through a small plastic viewing window. Usefully the box does have some information printed on it, giving advice on how to clean the toy and heat or cool it.

The No. 05 is a really nice toy to use, and thanks to its size it should be suitable for most people, bar only complete novices. It is a little on the slim side, but when you combine that with the firmness and rigidity of the glass, and the textured surface, it acts to make the dildo feel that much bigger, so size lovers don’t be discouraged. The tip of the dildo slips easily into the body, with only the slightest amount of lube being necessary due to the frictionless nature of the smooth surface. Even though glass is a hard material there’s absolutely no discomfort to speak of as it passes through the muscle, thanks to the gently-rounded tip. Once you get past the tip you can feel a slight pop as it gives way to the narrower shaft following behind. Almost immediately as the shaft begins to slip inside you can feel the ridges from the raised area which corkscrews around it, and if you’re a fan of texture then this should really appeal to you. The ridges are pronounced enough that you can clearly feel them, almost enough to make out each individual bump, but they are rounded on the surface to prevent the feeling from being too intense. The result is that the sensation is nothing but pleasurable. You really want to go slowly at first when inserting the dildo, just to allow it to find its own path, as clearly the material can’t adjust its shape in response to your body. Due to the length of the shaft and the rigidity of the glass it’s probably not going to be a toy which you can insert all the way down to the base. Once it’s in a certain amount you can feel the tip pressing firmly against the top of the rectum and you know that that’s a good indicator not to push it any further. Despite this it still fells very comfortable inside the body, you just need to be reasonably careful with what you’re doing. The design of the ridges prevents thrusting from happening too rapidly, and thus avoids accidentally ramming the hard glass into your delicate insides, so you just want to avoid trying to sit on the toy as that’s a sure fire way to impale yourself. The base of the toy offers a convenient way to manipulate it, and it fits nicely into the grasp of your hand while using it. I found that the best way to use it was simply to gently thrust by hand and enjoy the sensation of the muscle rippling over the ridges, though if you’re careful you can stand it upright and ride it, and this is also pleasurable. Whether you’re enjoying the slow popping sensation of each ridge, or building up a little bit of speed, it’s a fun toy to thrust away with. The curve in the shaft offers some prostate stimulation, but it isn’t that forthcoming. If you’re not too certain on how to stimulate your prostate then you might struggle a little with the No. 05, but if you’re already a dab hand at it then you need only direct the tip into the right position and thrust away, and it can work quite effectively. Personally it’s not my favourite prostate toy and I like it more for its texture, but it clearly has versatility and that’s always a good feature. Surprisingly twisting the toy actually does very little; you’d assume from the design that rotating it like an Archimedes screw would produce some pleasant effects, but that isn’t so much the case, even if you twist and thrust simultaneously.

As a brief side note, visually it’s rather an interesting toy to look at during use, whilst it’s inside the body, as you can see straight down the transparent core. Obviously as it’s dark inside the body you can’t see too much, but it does produce an effect which you won’t find with many toys.
When you’re done playing with the No. 05 you’ll want to wash it, and thankfully that couldn’t be easier. Glass is a non-porous material so you can toss it in the dishwasher, boil it for a couple of minutes, or wipe it down with a 10% bleach solution, and all will leave it completely sterile. You can also just wash it with plain old anti-bacterial soap and hot water, or use a toy wipe. One area of the dildo which can be a little tricky to clean is the underside of the head. It features a moderately deep and very narrow groove, intended to mimic a feature of the glans, and here lube and dirt can gather, so you need to pay a little extra attention to it during cleaning to make sure nothing has been missed.
Overall I’d say that if you’re a fan of rigid toys, and toys with texture, then I’d happily recommend the Icicles No. 05 as a good glass anal toy. It’s really nice to look it, it’s well constructed, and those bumps on the shaft will give you a fun ride. If firm isn’t your thing, but you still want texture, check out my review of the Tantus Echo.
You can buy the Icicles No. 05 at a great price from the folks at Simply Pleasure.

Simply Pleasure

Icicles No. 37

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It’s been a while since I last tried a glass toy, so when I laid my eyes on the new Icicles No. 37 I knew that I had to have it. Find out what I thought of it after the jump!

The Icicles No. 37 is a glass anal toy from Pipedream. It’s one of those toys which straddles the line between butt plug and dildo, just by the nature of its design. I’ve heard people refer to toys in this middle ground as “probes” but I just can’t use the phrase “anal probe” without thinking about people who claim to have been abducted by aliens.
In total the toy measures 6″ in length, with 3 7/8″ insertable, making it a nice, yet modest, size. The tip of the No. 37 is conical and gently tapers out to a maximum circumference of  4 3/8″, before narrowing in slightly to meet the straight shaft. The shaft itself is is covered by 15 raised nubs, arranged in 3 rings of 5. These nubs protrude by about 3/16″, and are rounded off like small hemispheres. At the bottom of the shaft is a wide 2 1/4″ circular base, which is flared enough to guarantee that the toy is anal safe, and attached to the underside of this is big loop through which a finger can be inserted whilst using the toy. All in all it produces a rather attractive design, and it somewhat reminds me of those big candy dummies  (pacifiers for my American readers) which you can buy a fairgrounds.
The 37 is hand crafted in China from borosilicate glass (Pyrex) and is extremely well made. There are no bubbles or imperfections within the material, nor unsightly scratches on the surface, but there is slight touch of asymmetry to it in places, which confirms its handmade credentials and has its own charm to it. It’s made from two different colours of glass, the main body is formed from an opaque black, while the loop at the base is clear, though if you hold the toy up to a light you’ll notice that the nubs are also transparent. Borosilicate glass is a great material for a sex toy because it’s toughened, so there’s no chance of it accidentally shattering, and it can take a fair amount of abuse. The glass can also be subjected to wide changes in temperature without suffering any damage, which makes it great for temperature play. Whether you want to heat in up in hot water, or cool it down in the freezer, the material will respond and stay at that level. The packaging even suggests it can be warmed in the microwave, though I haven’t attempted this.
The Icicles No. 37 comes in some very tasteful packaging, and apart from a typo on the front referring to it as a “massger”[sic] there’s nothing to complain about. It’s packed into a thick piece of foam to protect it from impact, and then put inside a simple cardboard box. The box has a monochrome colour scheme to match the toy, and features several attractive photos of the 37 so you know what you’re getting. If the photos aren’t enough then the front of the box also swings open like a door, allowing you a peek of what’s inside through a small plastic viewing window. Usefully the box does have some information printed on it, giving advice on how to clean the toy and heat or cool it.
The No. 37 is a lovely toy to use, and thanks to the contours of the tip it slides gently and easily into the body. Even though glass is a firm material there’s absolutely no discomfort to speak of as is passes through the muscle, and the modest width of it should suit even a relative novice. Once you get past the tip you can feel the slight narrowing as it meets the shaft, but it’s not significant enough to produce a pop. As the shaft slowly slips in you’ll begin to feel all the firm nubs along it, and if you’re a fan of texture then you’ll love these. Each little lump and bump adds a new point of interest to stimulate the sphincter and draw your attention. Under ordinary circumstances the amount that you can feel the nubs is at just the right level, but if for any reason you’re feeling even the slightest bit tender then I’d avoid using this toy at that point, as the firmness will feel slightly too intense. With the toy all the way in the flared section prevents it from going any further, but I found that because the last ring of nubs is quite close to the base that you didn’t always feel them. Due to the relatively short length of the insertable portion, the rigid body of the toy still fells very comfortable inside the body, and you needn’t worry about any unwanted poking or prodding going on. The loop at the bottom of the toy it great for manipulating it with, and you can slip a finger through it and use it to move it in and out of your body, or indeed someone else’s. One good trick I found is just to slowly rotate the toy while it’s in the body, as you really feel the impact of the nubs then. I mentioned earlier that the toy is a cross between a dildo and a plug, and it’s much more suited to being used as a dildo. Thrusting back and forth with the 37 is undoubtedly the best way to make use of the texture and enjoy feeling it, rather than just keeping it stationary. Using it as a plug is possible, but does come with a couple of issues. The first is that there’s no real neck area to speak of. When the toy’s inserted the sphincter rests along the nubs on the shaft, and this doesn’t help to hold it inside the body that well, so there’s a significant likelihood of slippage over a prolonged period. The other issue is the loop itself. While it’s definitely handy for thrusting it also protrudes quite a way, so you definitely can’t sit down while wearing it, and it would probably be noticeable through the back of any underwear. In my opinion it’s definitely one of those anal toys that’s better suited to playing around with.
When you’re done playing with the No. 37 you’ll want to wash it, and thankfully that couldn’t be easier. Glass is a non-porous material so you can toss it in the dishwasher, boil it for a couple of minutes, or wipe it down with a 10% bleach solution, and all will leave it completely sterile. You can also just wash it with plain old anti-bacterial soap and hot water, or use a toy wipe.
Overall I’d happily recommend the Icicles No. 37 to anyone looking for a new glass anal toy. It’s well made, looks great, and has a fun texture to play with.
The Icicles No. 37 is available from SimplyPleasure in the UK, and EdenFantasys in the U.S.
Anal probe with nubbed texture made from borosilicate glass.

Metal Worx Teazer

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The Metal Worx Teazer is my first metal toy, and I’ll just come right out and say that I’m in love with it. Being a long time user of anal toys made from soft silicone, I’ll admit that I was a little apprehensive about trying a hard metal, but I’m so glad that I did.

You can’t review a Metal Worx toy without talking about the packaging. The Teazer comes in a heavy duty case, the style of which you might expect to see bands taking their expensive electronic equipment on tour inside. The corners are all constructed from a lightweight metal, while the side panels are made from a textured black plastic which resembles carbon fibre. The lid is hinged on the back and has a firm clasp on the front. Inside the case is foam padding, with a groove cut out into which the plug snugly fits. Not only does the case help give the Teazer the appearance of being precious and expensive, but it’s also a great place to securely store it when not in use. The only downside is that the case is a little bulky if you’re short on space, measuring 7 1/2″ x 3 1/8″ x 3 1/8″.
The plug itself is an exquisite product. With its sleek appearance it doesn’t even look like a sex toy, instead bearing closer resemblance to the stopper for a fine crystal liquor decanter. The plug is made from polished steel to a very high standard. The surface is completely smooth and there are no blemishes or imperfections. The plug has a total length of 5 1/2″, with 4″ of that being insertable, and a 1 1/4″ diameter, making it a relatively small toy. The one area where the Teazer does feel big though is in terms of weight. Given the high density of metal it’s easily the heaviest toy in my collection, even at its small size.
The Teazer is wonderful to use; it has a long gentle gradient and a smooth surface which is compatible with any type of lube, that altogether helps it to slip inside the body like a charm. One of my favourite discoveries is using gravity alone to insert the plug. If you point your bum straight up at the sky, apply plenty of lube, and completely relax your anus, then you can hold the plug over it and it will gradually work its way in under its own weight, with no need to push. I find this quite an enjoyable alternative way to play with it on occasion. I was almost surprised by how comfortable the Teazer was to insert. Being a big fan of the cushioning nature of silicone, I was hesitant about how the hard metal would feel, but there wasn’t a problem nor a hint of pain at any point. Once inside the plug feels similarly good, with no sense of discomfort and just a pleasant feeling of pressure on the prostate from the firm tip. Naturally due to the size of the plug it doesn’t feel especially filling, but the weight of it does give it a unique presence inside the body. The Teazer has quite a narrow neck on it, allowing the sphincter to relax and close around it, instead of being kept permanently stretched open by any significant degree. The base of the plug is in fact a metal ball, which feels very comfortable between the buttocks due to the lack of any pointed edges that’s inherent with a sphere. The size of the ball is enough that it can be seen; you can’t simply squeeze your cheeks together and hide it like you can with the base of some plugs, but there is something almost attractive about seeing this shiny object shimmering back there. The downside is that you certainly can’t sit while wearing the plug, unless you have a very padded chair, or are on a mattress.
When walking around wearing the plug you can really feel the weight of it. There’s a strong pull against the sphincter as it tries to work its way out, constantly reminding you that it’s there. It’s actually quite an erotic sensation on the whole. In my experience it isn’t necessary to actively clench to hold it inside, just so long as you don’t mistakenly relax the muscle. I’d be wary about wearing it out in public just in case of accidental slippage, as this is more prone to happen than with other plugs. One thing you needn’t worry about though is removing the plug, as it comes out again just as easily as it went it, thanks to the design. A potential use for the Teazer could be to perform anal kegel exercises, by repeatedly allowing the plug to start to slip, and then strongly squeezing to hold it in place.
One of the best features about metal is how well it conducts heat, which naturally makes it perfect for temperature play. In this regard it is many times better than glass, which is another popular material for this. Just picking the plug up at room temperature will give the impression that it’s already cold, which is fantastic if you’re into low temperatures as it reduces the need to wait while it chills in the fridge. If cold isn’t your thing then simply holding the plug in your hands for a few seconds will be enough to bring it up to a more comfortable temperature. Personally I love the feeling of the cold plug as it slides into the body, and find the sensations nothing short of amazing. The only downside is that the cold feeling doesn’t last long, as the plug quickly sucks the heat out of the body and becomes quite hot to the touch. To deal with this it’s handy to have a bucket of ice water nearby, as a quick dunk in there will have the plug back down to frigid temperatures in no time. Similarly if you like your temperature play at the other end of the spectrum, a dip in a basin of hot water will also do the trick.
The plug is very easy to clean as metal is a highly durable and non-porous material which is able to be sterilised. You can wash it with antibacterial soap and hot water, wipe it down with a 10% bleach solution, or boil it in water for a couple of minutes. Just be sure to dry it thoroughly when you’re done, as the packaging only specifies that it’s steel, and not stainless steel, so there is the potential for rusting if you’re not careful. One other thing is that metal does show up fingerprints, so depending on how fussy you are you may find yourself polishing your butt plug before putting it away.
I really enjoy my Metal Worx Teazer and can fully recommend it; it may have been my first metal toy, but I know it won’t be my last. Edit: now check out my reviews of the Metal Worx Curve and Mr Smooth as well!
The Metal Worx Teazer is available from these fine retailers:

UK & Europe: SexToys.co.uk, Lovehoney UK, SexShop365, and Simply Pleasure,

North America: Lovehoney USA.