Okay to set the scene a little, my girlfriend would like a vibrator, and I would like to buy her one. But neither of us have any prior experience in purchasing such an item. Since this seems the sort of thing the teeming millions could help us with, could any dopers give us advice on what sort of thing we should be looking for (the array is bewildering), and where we should get one from (the 'net? a shop?)?
Thanks in advance for your help. I’ll be back in about 12 hours, after I have slept.
Shops are better than purchasing over the net, if you arent shy. This of course is due to being able to see and hold in your hands what you are considering purchasing. And most places will test the vibe on your forearm to see if the vibe is strong enough before you purchase.
But seeing as you are on the other side of the world, I recommend Good Vibrations at www.goodvibes.com.
Nice and friendly service, prices are good, and they have an excellent rating system for intensity of vibrations and noise level. I dont know about your girl, but I find a high noise level intimidating/embarassing.
Both my husband and myself have bought vibes over the 'net, from Good Vibes and Inimate Synergy with no complaints at all. Both of those outfits are based in the US and ship internationally, but you would probably be better off looking for a place in the UK. I’ve found that products online tend to be cheaper than those in the shops, probably because the overhead is lower when you don’t have to have actual retail space. However, in a shop you can actually see what you’re getting, though that’s no guarantee of quality or performance.
As for what kind to get, every girl is different, but I can tell you my favorites: I’m fond of the egg ones, like this with some type of soft jelly or cyberskin covering, good for clit stimulation without being too rough, and can be used either solo or during intercourse. Many women like the Rabbit Pearl, which does provide some very interesting sensations, though I find it doesn’t give enough clitoral stimulation for me. Finally, my current favorite is the vibrating cock ring, which has the advantage of doing some good for both parties (assuming you are male, of course), and, for me it is YOWZA good.
I vote for the egg types as well. My vibe is the usual penile shaped, solid plastic, ( zebra striped) type and if I am using it alone I ummm tend to drop it when the going gets really good! Also with the nerve damage in my hand the vibration sometimes hurts to much to use for any length of time.
I always heard the proper way to test if the vibration was too strong/too weak was to hold it against the skin under the nose…
Rock on, Shroom! In my experience most men are not too receptive to the toy idea. Usually I can talk them into using it, but I have to buy it alone. Once they realize the awesome, god-like power and beauty that is the vibrating sex toy, however, it’s their new best friend.
A bullet is probably your best bet, especially if you guys haven’t experimented with vibes before. My best friend works in a sex shop and I often hang out there with her, and the bullet is by far the best-selling item. Of course, it really depends on whether or not your girlfriend wants penetration or clitoral stimulation or both, because bullets are too small to mimic a penis, though the vibrations of the bullet inside are pretty nice regardless of size. I personally don’t find inserting plastic in my hooha very satisfying, and it’s not enough alone to get me off, so I stick with bullets.
Also, the bullet can be used for anal purposes as well because it’s small, just buy some Anal-Eez first.
If you guys are looking for a toy to use together, I highly recommend what is sometimes called “the Wand.” (I wish I could give you the real name but I’ve forgotten it, I can tell you Doc Johnson made mine). It’s got a vibrating tip roughly the size of a fingertip, attached to a flexible wand eight inches long, with the controls at the bottom. You can bend it to fit the curve of your thigh, turn it on, and not worry about it during all the bumpin’ and grindin’. It’s especially hands-off if you’re doing the missionary thang.
I have plenty of experience with sex toys so let me add that in my opinion, the simpler the better. A lot of the new toys are just too damn complicated, do too many things at once, and then you get so caught up in working them that you kill the mood.
Also, the kind with the thumb dial that you use to adjust intensity tends to last longer than the ones with remote-control buttons.
One more thing: those Rabbit-style vibes with the tip that is supposed to stimulate your clitoris while the dildo part is inside can be painful. I have used several but they never seem to fit right, if that makes sense, so it makes me hurt, which is not fun at all.
Thanks for the tip, Geobabe. My new toy is definitely going to be a vibrating cock ring.
Your girlfriend should host a sex-toy party. It’s just like a Tupperware party, except you buy a different type of plastic. They’re lots of fun, and you get to pass all the stuff around and check it out, feel samples of all the creams and stuff, and all that sort of thing. The women who do these parties are generally very well-informed about their products and can give her a lot of advice.
Ultimately, you should buy whatever seems arousing to her. If it seems uncomfortable or intimidating to her, she’s not going to enjoy it, and it’ll be money down the drain. I’d suggest starting small and inexpensive, then working your way up as you both get more comfortable with using this stuff.
Egg/bullet vibes are great, especially the ones with adjustable controls. One thing to keep in mind about these things, though: you CANNOT put them on full-blast and leave them that way, especially if you’re right against the clit, and most especially right after an orgasm. Women tend to get more sensitive as they get more turned on, and leaving it full-blast gets painful. Turn it down for a bit, then you can slowly crank it up. The other great thing about bullet vibes is that there are all kinds of accessories they can be used with; sleeves, cock rings, you name it. They’re a really great starting point.
If she’s looking for something for penetration, I’d recommend something with a jelly sleeve. The hard plastic ones are just uncomfortable for me.
Is she willing to go inside the store with you? That’s the best advice… let her pick one. The porn store I worked for had display toys set out to let customers see how they worked (NOT that way, pervs!). There are a lot out there and I suggest something with a flesh-like feel, not one of those hard plastic vibes that comes in the strangest, brightest colors imaginable.
Let your girlfriend have a say when it comes to picking out an item which will be used on her… in her… well, you get the picture!
Nothing gigantic at first (scary to some females). There are always new toys coming out so the shopping should be fun for you both. I loved when couples came into my shop, it restored some of my faith in love.
I used to sell sex toys at those parties. Our best seller was one called the blue dolphin. It was very similar to the Rabbit, just a lot cheaper.
Please, please buy her some safe suds or something similar to clean it with, it will not deteriorate the material the vibe is made from and will not irritate her delicates.
I am by no means some kind of vibe expert, but I can give you more advice if you can be more specific about it’s use.
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[li]Is it just for her, or do you intend to share?[/li][li]It is mainly for clitoral or vaginal, or both?[/li][li]How often does she hope to use it?[/li][/list=1]
Another good “first vibe” is the fukuoko. It’s a one speed, but it goes on your finger so many women find it just peachy. Also, if it’s ever “found” you can claim it relieve a headache through temple massage 
How about the Sybian?
Goodvibes dot com is a great place to shop.
As for what kind. Hatachi magic wand. You can’t go wrong with it. Hell, even I can get off with it.
Wow, thanks for all the advice, guys. We’ll give those websites a look, and bear in mind what you all said. Also, I’ll get answers toPoysyn’s questions, and then be back later.
I’ve heard great things about theHitachi Magic Wand.
GrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrEAT things.
And I personally like the idea of one that you can plug in to an electrical outlet, because those battery powered numbers can die on you in the crucial stages. :eek::mad:
And I second (or third, or fourth, or whatever) the Good Vibrations votes.
However, I know several people who just went to Target or Wal-Mart and picked up a regular old massager for cheap.
Good Luck!
Slow down there, chief. She’s just his girlfriend. The Sybian is more like a 10-year anniversary thing.
counting down the years only 7 more to go!
And yes, I’m a guy…but that things gives me chills.
and needless to say, my lovely lady would rather have a cheap vibrator and 1300 dollars worth of jewelry.
I have to highly recommend the Pocket Rocket by Doc Johnson. It’s small, and it packs a lot of power for just one AA battery. Please note, though, that it’s the one from Doc Johnson, not any other company (there are a lot of look-a-likes.) There seems to be a big difference between the motors used by other companies, and in my opinion Doc has the most powerful motor. The Pocket Rocket should run about $30 or so.
*disclaimer: I’m not an employee of Doc Johnson, but I am the toy buyer for a chain of adult stores.
The RABBIT!!!
MmmmmmmmmmmmmmtheRabbitmmmmmmmmmmmmmmm Therabbittherabbittherabbittherabbittherabbit!
Also anything made with cyber-skin. Can’t go wrong with cyber-skin.
Absolutely wonderful advice. And yes, the Hitachi Magic Wand is wwooonnnderful. I also recommend the Vibratron, which is a very nice little bullet vibe with seven different speeds and pulses.
This thread makes me feel all funny.
I don’t care much for cyber-skin. I don’t know why, its just not right.
All this talk has me thinking about buying some new equipment.
Another vote for the bullet. The first time I went shopping for a vibe, I bought a basic penile-shaped one…I guess it’s just what a vibrator was in my mind. When I went shopping for something extra, I did some more reading and polling and came up with a winner (the bullet from goodvibes.com).
Hope you and your friend have oodes of fun, Shroom!