The Good Vibrations Guide to Sex (42 page)

These attachments are also ideal for anal insertion, since the insertable portion has no chance of slipping off and getting lost in the rectum.

The third attachment, called the Magic Connection, fits over the head of a wand vibrator like the other two. It has a small black protrusion, which is used to adapt attachments from coil vibrators to a wand. The Magic Connection is used most commonly to adapt the Come Cup, a tulip-shaped attachment designed to stimulate the head of the penis (see the discussion of attachments in the following section).

Coil-Operated Vibrators

WHAT THEY LOOK LIKE: These vibrators resemble small hand-held mixers or hair brushes. They’re usually about six or seven inches long with a handle; the attachments fit over a small round metal nub (about one-half inch) that sticks out at a right angle from the body. The term “coil-operated” refers to the electromagnetic coil inside the body that creates the vibration (and is also responsible for the relative heaviness of this type of vibrator). These vibrators are practically silent, making them very appealing to folks who don’t want to hear a motor running while they masturbate. They are always packaged with a variety of attachments (see below). Most models have a high and a low speed, but never an adjustable speed. This type of vibrator has been on the market the longest, which is why you may recognize one that looks like your grandmother’s! Wahl is the most famous name brand—but there are plenty of other good-quality models as well.

I own a Wahl Coil. I have nicknamed it “Wally,” and haven’t had a dull night (or day) with it.

VARIATIONS: The shape of the handle, color, attachments, weight, and speed vary only slightly between models. Most are packaged with numerous attachments, whose shape and size may vary by manufacturer.

HOW TO USE: Place the desired attachment over the metal nub on the body. When you turn it on, it should be practically inaudible (without an attachment, the vibrator may make a loud rattling noise). Grasp the handle and place the vibrating tip on your genitals.

Because the attachment is relatively small, the vibrations are quite focused when placed against the skin, creating a very intense, localized vibration. It is a markedly different sensation than that produced by the larger-headed wand vibrators, and the reason why some people remain true to one type or the other for their entire lives. Remember that you can experiment—stop and start the motor, switch the speeds, or place a towel between you and the vibrator.

Masturbating with coil vibrator

I’ve had the coil massager for four years. I enjoy the stimulation through cotton or something like a sheet or underwear.

ATTACHMENTS: Coil-operated vibrators are usually packaged with multiple attachments. For clitoral stimulation, most women prefer the small, rounded attachment we call a Clitickler (sometimes referred to on the box as the “spot massager”). Some models come with a modified version of this that resembles three concentric rings in the shape of a small pyramid. Try different attachments; one woman told us her favorite attachment was the spiky one advertised as the “scalp massager.” Another intrepid customer discovered that the concave attachment will form a tight seal when pressed against the base of a silicone dildo or plug, thus creating a powerful vibrating dildo.

I love my plug-in Wahl vibrator with clit attachment. I use it as much on myself as I do on my partner (on his butt, or during intercourse so that it hits the base of his penis and also my clit).

I’ve gotten off from holding the vibrator with the scalp massager attachment gently against the underside of my testicles. Also lightly running the clit attachment along either side of my penis.

Other attachments designed specifically for sexual purposes can be purchased separately. These are long, insertable attachments, but, as in the case of the wand attachments, they’re usually only available in one size (about four inches long by about one-half inch in diameter). You can choose between a straight or curved attachment—the straight one will maneuver more comfortably inside your vagina if you’re using the vibrator in different positions, while the curved one is designed to stimulate the G-spot. These are
not
safe for anal use.

An attachment we call the Twig with two, finger-width branches set at a forty-five degree angle provides both clitoral and vaginal vibrations. If the angle isn’t perfect for you, try pressing down on the clitoral branch with your free hand. Vixen Creations has designed a silicone G-spot attachment similar to the Twig called the Wally, which sports a clitoral branch. Both these attachments are safe to use anally, because the branch prevents them from disappearing into the rectum, should they pop off the short shaft of the vibrator.

The Come Cup, an attachment just for men, is designed to vibrate the head of the penis. The attachment is tulip-shaped (about one and a half inches deep) and is expandable, though we do recommend placing ample lube inside the attachment to prevent pinching.

I have to be in the right mood for it because the vibration on the head of the penis is pretty intense, but when I am, that Come Cup attachment feels great. I alternate stroking my penis and vibrating the tip.

Double-Headed

WHAT THEY LOOK LIKE: These powerful vibrators boast two tennis-ball-sized heads that protrude several inches apart at an angle from the vibrator body. They are motor-driven, usually have a high and a low speed, and are fairly loud and quite heavy.

VARIATIONS: Not too many of these are on the market, but the couple we’ve seen vary in size—of both the body and the two heads—and subsequently in weight. The speed of the vibrations can vary noticeably between models.

HOW TO USE: The heads on these personal massagers are placed just far enough apart so that you can enjoy simultaneous vibrations on the genitals and the anus. The Hitachi heads will accommodate the wand attachments described above, enabling you to experiment with multiple vibration and penetration. A penis will fit nicely between the two vibrating heads—but hold on to your hat, for this is one powerful vibration. The angle of two heads makes this perfect for two people who want simultaneous vibrations. You may have to argue over which of you has to hold it in place, as some models are heavy and cumbersome. Don’t forget to use this for massage—moving the double heads slowly down the spine has turned scores of our customers into jelly.

Eroscillator

This vibrator resembles an electric toothbrush and creates a sensation somewhat like a subdued coil vibrator. Why then, at a retail price of over one hundred dollars, does it cost more than three times as much as a coil vibrator? According to the product packaging, seven years of research and state-of-the-art Swiss engineering have gone into the design of the “oscillating” Eroscillator head, which moves side to side “thirty-six hundred times per minute” with “pinpoint intensity” that “provides easier, faster, better orgasms.” It’s great that a decent quality toy is finally being openly promoted for sexual use, but it’s depressing to us that the toy comes with an inflated price tag and irresponsible hype.

Battery Vibrators

If we conducted a poll asking people to name the portable toys that give them the most pleasure, we know battery vibrators would rate right up there with cell phones and digital cameras.

Battery vibrators come in a mind-boggling variety of shapes, sizes, and colors. Most run on the common C or AA batteries, though some run on other kinds. You insert the batteries either into the body of the vibrator or into a battery pack that is attached to the body by a cord.

Overall, battery vibrators emit gentler vibrations than electric vibrators. However, the intensity of any battery vibrator can vary based on the type and number of batteries required. In other words, a vibrator that runs on one AA battery will be significantly weaker than one that runs on three C batteries. Many of the battery vibrators have a variable speed control at the base and, depending on the quality of the construction, the difference between the “high” and the “low” speeds can be minimal or substantial. New microchip technology has resulted in control panels on some vibes that will let you program your desired speed and rotation. While this may appeal to techno-lovers, we find we expend more energy programming the machine than enjoying the ride!

Battery-operated vibrators are my only deities!

This survey respondent is not alone; battery vibrators boast a large and faithful following. Their charm lies primarily in their portability, versatility, and low cost. Because it does not rely on an electric outlet, your battery vibrator can accompany you anywhere—on a trek through the woods, across international borders, or to a play party. In general, battery vibrators are usually fairly lightweight and compact, making them ideal for tucking into an overnight bag or a purse.

I like my tiny battery vibrator, which I use in traffic (only in still traffic). Because I have so much time, it usually does really get me going and I have come occasionally on the road.

I like to be prepared for any sexual encounter, and along with condoms, battery vibrators are a key item in my portable bag of tricks.

The adult industry has flooded the market with a million variations on a couple of themes. A typical cylindrical vibrator can be used externally to stimulate the clitoris, or internally for vaginal or anal vibrations. There are vibrating sleeves for the penis, gadgets to simultaneously vibrate the penis and the clitoris during intercourse, vibrators you can sit on, strap on, clip on, and so on.

While battery vibrators are generally fairly inexpensive, expect the price to go up for every new and unusual feature. It bears repeating that it’s worth shopping around; prices can fluctuate as much as twenty dollars for similar models sold by different companies.

Of course, the flip side of their relatively low price (and you knew there was one) is that quality is not usually a consideration in the manufacturing of these toys. If there is a warranty at all, it’s for one month, tops. Many battery vibrators are poorly made; they can break easily or poop out for no apparent reason. We’ll give you some tips on how to take the best care of your battery toy, but even with proper care and a supply of fresh batteries, history has proven their life span to be as unpredictable as the timing of the next earthquake:

My battery-operated vibrator broke at the screw-on part and every time I use it, it loses its contact with the battery and dies. I end up having to whack it to get it to work. Sometimes it stops tragically right before I come.

That said, it’s worth noting that toy quality has improved greatly over the years. Yes, there are still plenty of shoddy vibrators out there, but as consumer expectations have risen, so too has the number of better-made sex toys. Periodically, appliance makers like Hitachi will release a battery vibe, and more recently entrepreneurs like Candida Royalle (see sidebar) have come out with high-quality models like the Natural Contours. You can expect to pay more, but in the long run it’s worth it if you get more bang for your buck.

Finally, keep in mind that many of the vibrators we’re about to describe are packaged and sold under a variety of different names. We’re using the names we’re familiar with, but in general, you’re usually better off trying to hunt down a battery vibrator by description (size, shape, color, and any special features) rather than by name.

Cylindrical Vibrators

WHAT THEY LOOK LIKE: These are the toys that come to most people’s minds when you say the word “vibrator.” There are two basic versions: one designed to resemble a penis, the other smooth and usually straight. They are ordinarily made of hard plastic, pliable vinyl, or jelly rubber, with a few made of silicone or cyberskin. In general, vibrations from vinyl, rubber, and cyberskin models are not as strong as their hard plastic counterparts, primarily because the thicker material absorbs a lot of the vibration. At the other end of the spectrum is silicone, which transmits vibrations very well.

They range in size from about four to eight inches, an average size being about seven inches long by one-and-a-quarter inches wide. Most of them have a variable speed control at the base, though some are attached to a battery pack by a cord. These vibrators are available individually or can be found packaged as kits, with an assortment of attachments (see below).

VARIATIONS: Design, size, color, texture, and type of battery vary. Here are four common versions of this type of vibrator.

•
Realistic:
Designed to look and feel like a real penis. While the mold attempts to capture the look of an actual penis (veins and all), no one has ever mistaken the color or texture for actual flesh. Usually about seven inches long and available in multiple colors, the most common being peach—the color the adult industry thinks resembles Caucasian skin tone.