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The Diva's Vibrator Buyer's Guide

An in-depth look at the ins and outs of selecting the purrrrfect vibrator
 
Diva's Vibrator Buyer's Guide

Diva's Vibrator Buyer’s Guide


Darlings, are you in the dark when it comes to vibrators?  Is the array of products on the market causing your head to spin and your blood sugar to drop?  I wrote this article for those of you who are either new to these must-have sex toys for women, or for those who are baffled by the myriad of available products out there.  But first, I want to share the following points with you about the use of vibrators:
  • There is nothing wrong with using a vibrator, period.
  • Using a vibrator doesn't make you a lesbian, so relax
  • A vibrator is not a replacement for “the real thing”
  • Vibrators can stimulate in ways the tongue or fingers cannot, no matter how good your lover or spouse is.
  • Getting off with a vibrator just before going to sleep is a great alternative to pharmaceutical sleep aids
  • The amount of choice you have with today’s vibrators is astounding
Now ladies, what should you consider when purchasing a vibrator?  Unless this is just an impulse buy (I do a lot of those), some thought should go into your purchase to ensure you get a toy you’ll be happy with.  Below are some things to think about before going to the store or shopping online:
iVibe Vibrator - Click to read the review...
Where will you use it?

On vacation.  Think small, light, and possibly waterproof depending on whether you might use it in the hot tub or on the beach

In the Bedroom.  For this location you have a lot of flexibility.  Consider larger, more durable units, battery-operated or plug-in, and multi-function varieties.  The vibe you choose for your bedroom will be your main one, so spend some money and get a good one.

Shower / Bathtub / Spa.  Definitely a waterproof vibe is in order, but you might also want to look at ones that feature flashing lights or glow in the dark,  for example.

In the car.  Go with something small and portable.  For the car it should be small enough to fit in the glove box without getting crushed.

How long will you use it for?

For Years.  Get a good one if you are the type of person who takes care of your toys and if you plan to keep your vibe for a long time.  Spend some money; you'll be glad you did.  You may even want to consider a high-end, platinum or other exotic type of vibrator if you intend to hold onto it for many years.

Temporarily.  If you will only use the vibrator a few times or less, go with an ultra cheap, Chinese-made model without a lot of bells and whistles.


Pocket Rocket Jr - Click to read the review...
Battery Considerations

  • A more powerful toy generally requires bigger batteries and this equals a bigger/heavier toy
  • C and D battery-powered toys are heavier and bulkier
  • Quantity of batteries.  A vibe that takes fewer batteries will be lighter and cost less to operate
  • Consider rechargeable batteries, particularly those with a rapid recharge time of 15-20 minutes.  Large warehouse stores are a good place to find them.  With rechargeable batteries you'll save money in the long run, particularly if you are an avid toy user.






Noise

Less power does not always equal less noise. Less noise is beneficial to avoid detection, that is, unless you prefer the thrill of getting caught! Noise is a consideration when you wish to avoid bothering a sleeping spouse, lover, or roommate.  A toy that is too noisy may turn you off of using it or may ruin the mood
Velvet Touch Vibe - Click to read review...Mighty Mini Brute Vibe - Click to read the review...
Materials

Rubber – This material is widely available and gives vibrators that use it a softer feel.  There are different kinds of rubber available, with some softer and nicer than others.  Some vibrators are solid rubber all the way through, while others are made of hard plastic with a thin rubber sleeve covering the inner core.  Rubber vibrators may also feature ribbing, grooves, or nubs for increased stimulation.  These properties make rubber a good choice for toys that you intend to use for deeper penetration.

Silicone – Is very sanitary in that it lends itself to easy cleanup and is not porous like other materials may be.  Silicone has a nice feel to the skin.  Silicone toys are less common than plastic or rubber toys, although widely available

Plastic (hard) – The cheaper vibes are made of hard plastic.  These vibrators tend to be entry-level types that work well as “starter” units for those just getting into toy play or those looking for inexpensive travel or disposable toys.  Plastic vibrators tend not to be good for deep penetration as there is no “give”, preventing them from conforming comfortably to your body.  They are best for clitoral stimulation with minimal penetration.

Rubber Sleeve over Plastic – Some manufacturers soften an otherwise hard plastic vibrator through the use of a rubber sleeve that fits over the vibrator.  The rubber reduces but does not eliminate the hardness of a plastic vibrator.
Vibrator - Click to read the review...
Glass (hard) – As you can imagine, glass vibrators are hard and do not flex or bend at all.  However, they are ultra-cool looking, functional, and come in many exciting shapes and designs.  Some are almost too pretty to use, tempting you to put them on display in a case rather than actually using them.  

Titanium (The Diva's choice) – You won’t find too many vibrators made of this material due to its expense.  Titanium vibrators can easily run several hundred dollars – but hey, you’re worth it, right?  As with the glass and plastic vibes, titanium vibrators don’t flex or conform to your body.  Some titanium vibrators are made from medical-grade titanium and can be boiled for sanitation, are waterproof, and dishwasher safe.  If you’re a clean freak or simply like to spoil yourself with luxury, this material might be right for you.

Functions and Options

Multi-speed – cheaper vibes will either turn off or on – that’s it.  The better models feature multi-speed operation with a control mechanism allowing the user to select different rates of vibration.

Remote Controlled – there are both wired and wireless remote controls available for some models.  There is a special thrill that comes from having your lover remotely adjust the level of sensation you receive from a particular toy.
 
Internet Enabled – Some vibrators on the market allow the toy to be controlled via the Internet.  Your special friend can instant message you while at the same time interacting remotely with your vibrator to send chills of pleasure down your spine.

Cell phone Enabled – There are products available to turn your cell phone into a vibrator.  When your lover sends a text message or calls you, the vibrator attachment connected to the phone starts to buzz.  I find these types of toys to be somewhat gimmicky, but if you can’t get enough use out of your cell phone talking into it all day, you may want to check out one of these toys.

Waterproof – Not every vibrator is waterproof.  You specifically need to look for this feature on the package.  A waterproof vibrator is a sensible choice for the pool/hot tub or the bathtub/shower.  

Anatomically Correct – Decide whether you want a penis-shaped vibe or one with different contours.  Personally, my lover provides me with all the cock I need (grin), so in my vibrators I tend to look for smooth, sensuous shapes or ribbing for a more intense climax.  
G-Spot Stimulator - Click to read the review...
G-spot Stimulation – Does your lover have difficulty hitting your joy button?  Don’t despair ladies, as certain vibes are designed specifically for G-spot stimulation.  They have a shape that lends itself to easier G-spot interaction than with standard vibes.

Combined anal and vaginal stimulation - This feature is typically found on “rabbit” type vibrators, although not exclusively so.  Generally these types of products feature a standard-looking vibrator with a secondary, smaller tickler or protrusion for the anus.  There are some very advanced vibrators on the market with combined anal and vaginal stimulation, some of which have been reviewed on this site.

Jack Rabbit Vibe - Click to read the review...










Colors


Get a vibe in a color that fits your style and who you are.  Have fun with it.  You might pick a Diva-ish pink or choose a color that matches your sheets, for example.  Widely available colors include:

  • Clear
  • Fleshtones
  • Pink
  • Purple
  • Chrome
  • Many others

Price

  • From around $5 to $550+ (medical-grade titanium and 24K gold plating at the high end)
  • Don't too cheap or you sacrifice quality, unless you plan on throwing it away.
  • Consider a kit that includes a vibrator and other products you want or need as it may offer more value than buying each product individually
  • Shop around and compare, both online and traditional retail
iVibe Booster Rocket - Click to read the review...
Adult Film Star Endorsement

The quality and functionality of a vibrator is not dependent on celebrity porn star endorsement.  While you will see a lot of packaging featuring major adult film stars associated with a vibrator, it is not necessary to buy one of these products in order to get a quality toy.  In my experience non-celebrity endorsed sex toys are just as good.  What is more important is who the manufacturer is and their reputation.  If buying a vibrator endorsed by some hot film star makes you feel like a star yourself, then by all means go for it.

Warranty

  • 90 Days is typical, but are you really going to return a vibrator that you used once and didn’t like?  Manufacturers count on you being too embarrassed to return the toy in order to keep their warranty returns low.
  • Purchase with a credit card with a buyer's assurance program to give yourself additional protection, particularly when buying from vendors you are not familiar with.
  • Check store refund policy before purchasing.  




Ease of Cleaning

Be careful buying vibes with the following properties as they are more challenging to keep clean:

  • Nubs, ridges, spirals, and grooves
  • Porous materials

For convenience, when purchasing a vibrator, you may want to pick up some antibacterial toy cleaner at the same time.  Hygiene is an important part of long term sex toy enjoyment.
Military Issue Love Gun - Click to read the review...
Other Considerations and Advice

  • Lubrication compatibility.  Check before buying to make sure the vibrator you choose will be compatible with your favorite lube.  Some lubricants may be recommended for not use with some of the materials found on certain vibes
  • Appearance
  • Manufacturer.  Go with a name brand, well-known adult toy manufacturer.  There are many reputable firms out there; be sure to do a little research on the company so your satisfaction will be assured.  In general terms, the manufacturers who have been in business for many years have built solid businesses based on quality products.
  • Texture (ribbed, spiraled, raised nodules and similar)
  • Don't share.  A vibrator should be a very personal thing.  I don't recommend sharing with anyone.
  • Scented?  You won’t find too many of these on the market, but there are some scented adult toys out there.  The ones I’ve seen have been silicone-based with a chemical additive to the silicone to produce a lasting scent.  Most people seem to prefer unscented sex toys, but the choice is up to you.
  • Buying online vs. Traditional retail.  Online is discrete and safe; just be sure to use a secure, reputable site.  Look for the small lock symbol at the bottom of your browser bar.  Pay with a credit card.
  • Own several vibrators for different occasions
  • Vibrators don’t make great gifts, except unless the gift is for yourself or perhaps as a gag gift for a bachlorette party.

So there you have it, darlings.  Now that you know what to look for in a vibrator, it’s time to shop!  I suggest you start by perusing some of our product reviews – click here.  Enjoy!
The Diva says...
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