I’m slightly embarrassed to admit that until recently, I was a vibrator virgin. It wasn’t until a few months ago that in the name of journalistic research and with all you readers in mind, I set about investigating my vibrator options, hoping that I could gain some experience on behalf of EmpowHER.
I knew that before I could invest in a toy I needed to do extensive research on the available market. Luckily for me, in Madison, Wisconsin there is a fantastic store/education center called A Woman’s Touch. It specializes in the tasteful sale of sex toys and other sexual enhancement tools/materials, as well as in providing a host of information for people interested in learning more about their bodies, general sexual wellbeing and being intimate. I began my research on their website: www.awomanstoruchonline.com.
While perusing the online store, for the first time in my young adult life I felt woefully uninformed about an entire world of sex and sensuality. I was surprised by the many shapes and sizes of vibrators available, not to mention the products used specifically to target the G-spot and T-zones, stimulate nipples and enhance kink play, among other things. Starting with the basics, I headed for the section specifically for battery-operated vibrators, promising I would do further investigation of the rest of the website in the future. (I will keep you updated!)
My own trek through the world of vibrator possibilities was entertaining, but in retrospect, would have been much easier with additional guidance. Thus, below are a few things to consider when deciding what options will best fit your pleasure needs. Hopefully, this can put you on the right track to additional and more specific research of your own.
1. Camouflage-ability: While many vibrators made popular by the media are large, phallic and hard to disguise, there are plenty of less ostentatious options that blend more easily into your everyday surroundings. If you aren’t ready to show the world that you are taking your sexual pleasure to the mechanical level, investigate toys that are small, slim and easily fit into a sock.
2. Internal vs. External Priority: Are you looking for a vibrator that will best stimulate your G-spot or that will easily target your clitoris? Or both? The simplest vibrators are generally good for clitoral arousal, while bigger/thicker toys with curved shapes are better at reaching internal hotspots. However, creativity allows most vibes to be very versatile.
3. Intensities: Some toys have only one setting, while others can run at as many as 14 different speeds or strengths. Simpler toys simply buzz while others pulse or jerk, and some increase intensity on their own. A subset of this consideration pertains to noise-level: the higher the speed, the louder the vibrator can sound. If secrecy is important to your experience, having lower intensity options is important.
4. Cost: Most vibrators cost anywhere between $14 and $140, depending on their size, the materials they are made from, their popularity, and their functions. The basic slim, 3-speed, non-waterproof vibrator I purchased cost about $16.00.
If you have more questions (and you should!) I highly recommend visiting the website by A Woman’s Touch, no matter where in the country you are located. On their site you can find more extensive guides to picking a toy, as well as reviews and descriptions of your options. And of course, I would be happy to help as well!