Or, more specifically, vibrators that are not designed for insertion.

The general shape of most vibrators are long and cylindrical. They average about 5 inches long, and about 1 1/2 inches wide, and though they may be pink or purple or blue with sparkles, the general look is phallic.

The most sensitive (read: able to feel vibrations) inside area of our bodies is just a couple of inches in. So then, why are these toys designed to look so much like a penis? As more female toy designers take to the field, and start their own businesses, we start to see more and more vibrators that explore new shapes.

Let me first put it out there that vibrators are unisex in ability, and will feel good for any body. What some people will call a “clitoral” vibrator (one meant to be placed over the clit and not meant for insertion), I will call a “surface” vibrator. Vibrations jiggle the nerve endings and will feel good on any erotic zone.

To talk about phallic and pseudo-phallic vibes, there are dildo-shaped kinds that are the general dimensions of an average to large (and sometimes much larger) penis and are made of somewhat soft materials. There are the “Twice-as-Nice” shapes, which are popularly called “rabbits”; these have the dildo shape to them, with an additional pronged section that also vibrates and is largely marketed to women (hence Sex and the City) however the extra vibration can appeal to other body parts besides the clit. Many say the shaft and the external vibe work well for them, although that particular combination of stimulation might not work for everyone. Vibrators can be shaped for anal play, if they have a flared base and a lengthy handle so that the toy does not slip too far into the user. And the Pocket Rocket is still cylindrical, though it’s meant for the clit or nipples and not for insertion. And G-Spot vibes have a very strong curve, allowing for firm pressure to the G-spot or P-Spot.

Then there are the “egg” and “bullet” shaped vibes that can be held and used much like the pocket rocket (anywhere on the body) or also inserted into the vaginal opening. Bullet vibes are frequently used with cockrings to add vibration. Another version of this is the butterfly, or remote or hands-free vibes, which are clipped, strapped, or otherwise kept tight to the wearers’ body to allow for hands-free and sometimes remote-operated vibration.

Now for the new stuff… external vibes.

There are super strong surface vibes, you’ll know these well because they’re often sold as “back massagers”. Favorites are the Hitachi Magic Wand (and the cordless versions the Ideal and the Acuvibe). There are some models that I refer to as the “tooth brush” variety, because the base resembles an electric toothbrush and the vibes come with several attachments. The Synergy and the Eroscillator, and the Essential Coil, are examples of this. Emotional Bliss created a line of ergonomically inspired vibes, easily held in the hand. Smaller vibes carry this same idea, such as the Nea and Lily and the very popular Laya (Reviewed on Live Girl Review and probably one of the first toys to be reviewed on Yelp. Also see over a dozen GV’s customer reviews for Laya.).

And then there are some new contenders to the surface vibrators… The Cone made its captivating and curious appearance not long ago, and the newest vibe to hit the market with a shape even more extraterrestrial appearance than the cone is the spherical Tuyo.


sex toy gifts from good vibes

Prolific sex author/educator/entertainer Violet Blue posted a video blog about some products she tested from Good Vibes. Okay, she posted it a while ago, but I simply had to repost it here because it’s so amusing. If you want other impressions and reviews of the cone, see GV’s customer reviews on The Cone and read up on Wildchyld’s blog “Does the Cone Hit the Zone?”

Internal, external, a little of both? A new design? What toy do you enjoy?

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