The Good Vibrations Guide to Sex (43 page)

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Smoothie:
Cylindrical, smooth, and made of hard plastic, Smoothies are usually about seven inches long and have the strongest vibrations of the cylindrical vibrators. They come in a mind-boggling array of colors, from pastel to metallic to pearlescent hues, as well in waterproof versions—which makes them the ideal choice for someone who wants a vibrator to match every outfit, every room, every car, not to mention a spare for the swimming pool!

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Softer Smoothie:
These versions of the Smoothie (made from rubber, cyberskin, or silicone) produce gentler vibrations. They too are available in assorted colors. Some jelly rubber models are also slightly rippled or textured, and are attached to a battery pack by a cord.

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Mini Smoothie:
Simply a smaller version of the Smoothie, usually about five inches long by one inch wide, also available in many different colors. A slight variation on the Mini, called the Twig, features a short branch at the base that can be used for clitoral stimulation when the dildo portion is inserted. This model can also be used safely for anal insertion.

HOW TO USE: We can’t reiterate enough that, despite the myth and marketing of cylindrical vibrators as “penis substitutes,” most women don’t orgasm from inserting them without accompanying clitoral stimulation. These can, however, be easily pressed into service as effective clitoral stimulators:

I come using a dildoesque battery-operated vibrator. It was only six dollars when I bought it, but it’s brought me tons of pleasure. I like to read erotica while I place it on my clit.

Since they offer fairly gentle vibrations, these vibrators can be ideal for men who find electric vibrators overwhelming and for women who prefer mild stimulation. But if power is what you seek, they may not do the trick. If you enjoy the feeling of fullness in your vagina combined with vibration, try placing one vibrator on your clitoris and another in your vagina. Or you can use this style to explore prostate or G-spot stimulation.

I like to steal my girlfriend’s jelly jewel while she’s on business trips and give my prostate a little buzz. I prefer the kind attached to a battery pack because I can easily reach and manipulate the speed control.

I like sex with a vibrator inside me while rubbing my clit on a pillow, which I’ve mounted. I love it while being held by my lover cooing in my ear and saying, “Oh yes, oh yes, uh-huh….”

I stuck my battery vibrator in the freezer once and got an intense thrill masturbating with a vibrating popsicle!

ATTACHMENTS: Most of the standard cylindrical vibrators (about one-and-a-half inches in diameter) will accommodate a variety of attachments, or “sleeves,” that allow you to change the shape and texture of the vibrator. Among the more functional is the “anal sleeve,” a four-inch-long, finger-width attachment. For the most part, these attachments feature a range of rubbery nubs or spikes, rather like French ticklers, that evoke little sensation when inserted vaginally, but might be worth experimenting with on the more sensitive clitoris.

G-Spot Vibrators

WHAT THEY LOOK LIKE: In reality, you can use any insertable toy to stimulate the G-spot, yet many women find that these modified cylindrical vibes get more to the point. They sport a curve or a strategically placed bump toward the end of the shaft, which is designed to vibrate against the front wall of the vagina. G-spot vibrators are made of plastic, soft vinyl, or jelly rubber. Some women prefer G-spot toys made from firmer materials (since the G-spot responds more to pressure than vibration), while others find those made from softer materials more comfortable for insertion.

VARIATIONS: We’ve seen a large (eight inches long by one-and-a-half inches in diameter) and a small (five-and-a-half by one-and-five-eighths) version of this vibrator, as well as a waterproof model and one shaped like a banana. Some sport external ridges or branches designed to simultaneously stimulate the clitoris.

HOW TO USE: Some women can orgasm through stimulation of the G-spot, though not all women respond to this type of stimulation. If you’re trying to locate your G-spot, you may want to explore it manually first and then experiment with G-spot vibrators. The most popular positions for G-spot stimulation are squatting or rear entry. Insert the vibrator and angle it so that the tip is pressing firmly against the front wall of the vagina. Sometimes arousal or orgasm triggered from G-spot stimulation will result in ejaculation of fluid through the urethra—this fluid is female ejaculate, not urine (see the Sexual Anatomy 101 chapter for more on the G-spot).

The curve on a G-spot vibrator also makes it a handy tool for stimulating a man’s prostate gland. Insert the vibrator about three inches into the rectum, angling the tip toward the front of your body. Experiment to find out what feels the most pleasurable—steady pressure or gentle movement.

Dual Vibrators

WHAT THEY LOOK LIKE: Another variation on the cylindrical model, these have a branch protruding from the shaft of the vibrator, intended to stimulate the clitoris while the swiveling dildo portion is inserted into the vagina. Each function has separate variable-speed controls; the swiveling motion of the dildo can be adjusted independently of the strength of the vibrating attachment. You decide whether you want to experience rotation, vibration, or both together.

This style originally hails from Japan, where it used to be against the law to make sex toys that resemble genitals. Consequently, manufacturers there launched a tradition of creative alternatives. The vibrating dildo portion of these toys often resembles a person or totem, while the vibrating clitoral branch resembles an animal—usually the animal’s tongue or nose flicks the clitoris. If you’ve ever fantasized about an animal’s tongue on your private parts, this is probably as close as you’ll get. The sheer versatility and novelty of these toys renders them slightly more expensive than your typical battery toy. As microchip technology has gained in popularity, more American novelty companies are producing these vibrators. Choosing a style can be somewhat daunting, but we’d caution you not to base your choice on price alone—for the cheaper the vibrator, the cheaper the parts. Japanese-made vibrators, particularly those distributed by Vibratex, tend to be of better quality.

My favorite vibrator is black rubber with two controls, one for the part that you insert and the other for the part that flicks at the clitoris, anus, or whatever’s handy. On mine, the flicking part is attached to this fetching little beaver. I really like masturbating with something that has a distinct personality.

VARIATIONS: The size of the dildo varies; a common size is about seven inches long by one-and-a-half inches in diameter (though the insertable portion is only about four inches long). The dildo portion on several models, such as the Rabbit Pearl, features rotating plastic balls in the center, adding yet another dimension to an already extraordinary experience! We’ve peddled a veritable menagerie of animals over the years—beavers, bears, cats, and kangaroos, many of which are available in a range of colors. On some versions, the vibrator is attached to a battery pack by a cord, while others have a self-contained battery pack in their base. Manufacturers are always coming up with new twists on this toy; we’ve seen models that sport a flashing light at the tip, some that are waterproof, and some that offer an illuminated LED control panel. Many of these features come and go, but the basic design remains a classic.

Some models have no clitoral attachment, which you may prefer if you like the size and vibration of the dildo, but prefer your own hand or another vibrator to the gentler clitoral vibrations offered by the animal tongue. Another variation is the dual vaginal/anal vibrator, which is outfitted with two insertable branches.

HOW TO USE: You’ve probably figured it out by now, but the beauty of this style is the explosive combination of internal and external vibrations. If you’re using the vibrator vaginally and need more external stimulation, apply pressure to the clitoral branch to increase the vibrations against the clitoris. Whether you’re using the vibrator vaginally or anally, try inserting the dildo portion while the vibrator is off and then turning the power up slowly. The swiveling dildo alone may offer just the right stimulation of the G-spot or prostate gland. You may have to hold on to the base of the dildo with one hand to prevent it from sliding out, or from swiveling only at the protruding end. Another way to enjoy this toy is by kneeling or squatting and moving up and down on the dildo.

The Rabbit Pearl vibrator is my favorite because I can fuck it to death and no one is there to see what a slut a nice lady can turn into.

Vibrating Eggs or Bullets

WHAT THEY LOOK LIKE: Vibrating eggs are slightly smaller than a real egg and come attached to a battery pack by a cord; they are made of hard plastic or plastic covered in soft vinyl, jelly rubber, or cyberskin. Eggs are designed to be inserted vaginally, but they can certainly be pressed against the clitoris. If the egg is less robust in the middle, it is often referred to as a “pearl” or a “bullet.” You can find these in almost any adult store, but one Japanese model stands above the rest. It’s often called the Pink Pearl (as it’s pink and shaped like a bullet), and while it’s a little more expensive than other bullets it’s much better quality.

Variations:
The dimensions and girth of the egg/bullet vary as do the color choices. Thanks to technological innovations, you can now find remote-controlled eggs, cordless bullet vibes the size of peanuts, or models with settings that include “vibrate,” “pulsate,” “escalate,” and “surge!”

HOW TO USE: Grasp the egg between your fingers and insert it into the vagina as you would a tampon. The cord keeps the egg attached to the battery pack outside the body. Because the egg will nestle securely inside the vagina, you can literally wear this vibrator underneath your clothing and turn it on and off as you please! Just tuck the battery pack under your belt. When you’re ready to remove the egg from your vagina, do not pull on the cord. Reach up inside your vagina and pull on the bottom of the egg. If you concentrate on relaxing your vaginal muscles and bear down a little, the egg will slide right out. Use your cordless egg externally unless you are comfortable reaching into the vagina and retrieving it.

A vibrating egg is a great clitoral stimulator as well, as you can nestle it comfortably against the clitoris or folds of the labia, focusing the vibrations right where you want them. This type of vibrator lends itself well to erotic combinations with other toys.

I recently had great orgasms with a nubby silicone dildo and an “egg” clit vibrator, working simultaneously. Wow! The only thing I would like when using these two toys is a third hand!

The first time I ever had what I call my Whole Body Orgasm, I was eight months pregnant, on my knees with a dildo up my butt and a pillow behind me to keep it there, another dildo in my vagina and a bullet vibe on my clit. It started in my toes and went clear up my whole body. I lay there shaking, thinking “What the hell was that?”

I bought a remote vibrating egg for a friend of mine and she wore it in her panties at several meetings. I had the control and sat at another table. She’s very sensitive, and we both enjoyed the game of my “buzzing” her almost to the point of orgasm and then backing off over and over during the meetings. The looks on her face as she attempted to not have orgasms were wonderful, and she thoroughly enjoyed the titillation.

Women have different reactions to vibrating eggs when used vaginally. Some find the sensation of vaginal vibrations riveting, others find it downright annoying, while still others can barely feel anything. You might want to try combining vibrating eggs with a clitoral vibrator to achieve sensations similar to those offered by the dual vibrators described above.

Many toys are designed to accommodate vibrating eggs. You can wear them in panties—offering endless possibilities for no-hands clitoral stimulation (see the next description). Or you can insert them into a hollowed-out dildo or anal plug to create a vibrating toy. Their compact size also makes them a convenient masturbatory device for men; you can easily place a vibrating egg between your palm and your penis or rest your penis on top of it:

My favorite masturbation method involves placing a vibrating egg underneath the tip of my penis and fantasizing. Although this tends to take longer to be successful, the orgasms are usually more powerful than with other methods.

Many customers have inquired about using these vibrators anally. We discourage folks from this practice because the cord can become detached from the egg once it’s inside the anus, thus making it difficult to remove.

No-Hands Vibrators

WHAT THEY LOOK LIKE: Leg and waist straps attach to a vibrator (powered by a battery pack) and strategically position the vibrator over the clitoris. This model is often requested by women who desire a vibrator that can offer clitoral stimulation during intercourse, yet doesn’t require a hand to hold it in place. While the concept is ingenious, many models suffer certain shortcomings: flimsy elastic straps fail to hold the vibrator in place, the vibrations are weak, or the clitoral stimulator is poorly designed.

It was disappointing that the harness straps for the Venus Butterfly are designed for someone with far tinier thighs than mine. To use it, I had to figure out some way to hook the straps together to make them longer. It was fun to use, but it is easier just to hold it in place than to try to put it on, and part of the fun was that it was a hands-free toy.