Buying your first vibrator can be a little like a first date; awkward, overwhelming and nerve wracking… yet exciting, intriguing and fun at the same time.
Similarly to a first date, buying a vibrator is all about ticking off preferences and making sure your key requirements are met. For your date it may be – is he/she nice? Do you share the same humour? Is there chemistry? Do they make you feel good?
Buying a vibrator you ask questions like, do I want clitoral stimulation? Do I want it to be insertable? Do I like G Spot stimulation? Will I want to use it with a partner? And of course, will it make me feel good?
There are a lot of products in the market which, depending on how you look at it, can be a good thing and a bad thing. On the one hand, you have variety, on the other hand there’s often too much to choose from (especially if you’re a novice). That being so, we’ve put together this handy guide to buying a vibrator.
What do you want from your vibrator?
Before you even begin to look at all the vibrators on offer, we suggest making a list of the things you absolutely want from a vibrator.
For example, if you know that you need clitoral stimulation to achieve orgasm, then you’ll need a vibrator that can offer this sensation – so an insertable vibrator without exterior wings wouldn’t work for you.
Similarly, if you know that G Spot stimulation is what really gets you going then you’ll need a vibrator with a curved tip to enhance the ability to reach your G Spot, which is located behind the vaginal wall. Crescendo, for example, was specifically made with body-adaptability in mind to offer each person different options every time they use it… for instance if it’s shaped into a U they can achieve simultaneous G Spot and clitoral stimulation.
Trying new shapes can help you find erogenous zones you didn’t know existed, and give you orgasms you never knew you could have!
It’s also important to look at what the toy can offer you, vibration wise. If you’d like to try different vibration patterns, you’ll need a vibrator with a lot of options. Additionally, whether you like soft or hard vibrations, your vibrator will need to have an intensity control (which is easy to use whilst getting down to business!).
What vibrator functionalities do you want?
Once you’ve decided what you want from a vibrator, you can then start to look at its functionalities.
Think about where and when you like to masturbate. In your bed? On the sofa? In the shower? In the toilet on your lunch break? Answering this question will help you decide the functionalities that really matter to you.
If you like to masturbate in the shower, or in the bath, you’ll need a waterproof vibrator. If you like to masturbate in a more public setting – or you live with friends – you’ll need to be discreet – so how noisy the vibrator is will be important for you.
So, what about materials? I’m always surprised by how little people think, or know about buying sex toys made with the highest quality materials. Yes, you may pay a little extra, but we all want the best for our genitals, right? It’s really important to ensure your vibrator is body-safe and easy to clean.
On that note I’d like to point out that just because you’re paying more for a vibrator that does not necessarily mean you’re getting the best quality… currently, there is no regulation in the production of sex toys which means that unfortunately, manufacturers can (and do) make vibrators with all sorts of materials.
That’s why researching the quality of your chosen vibrator is essential.
I recommend products which use a high quality silicone. Silicone vibrators are non-porous which means that no bodily fluid will soak into it during use. This makes it easier to clean and more hygienic, because it’s less likely that it will hold on to bacteria between usage.
Additionally, unlike some rubber sex toys, high quality silicone doesn’t contain phthalates, which can be toxic.
There are plenty of materials to choose from. For example, one of the most famous clitoral stimulators – the bullet – is made from plastic. Having a firm exterior makes these vibrations feel stronger, however you won’t get that ‘real skin’ feeling with plastic and they can often feel too rigid.
Glass products have been getting more love recently, due to the fact they can be heated up or cooled down for temperature play. However, inevitably they are very firm so are suitable for people who prefer a harder pressure.
One way to get a feel for what you might like is by going into a trusted specialist sex store. That way, you can ask someone with ample sex toy knowledge and experience about these things. Also, take some time to feel different textures and vibrations – this will give you a better understanding of what you like.
Do I want my vibrator to be smart?
The evolution of sextech has been hitting headlines recently, with more and more sextech companies launching products that are ‘smart’. But what makes a vibrator smart? Well, in Crescendo’s case, you are able to connect your vibrator to our MysteryApp, meaning you can control your playlist of vibrations – including creating your own personalised patterns – control the intensity and (in future) your partner could control your Crescendo long distance.
The great thing about smart vibrators is they can be continually updated and improved, which means that they will last longer than an average vibrator, and will always automatically augment.
Also have a think about how you’d like to charge your vibrator. If you’re fed up of batteries, a smart vibrator with wireless charging would be great for you.
What’s the best design for a vibrator?
Lots of people, quite rightly, like their vibrator to look nice. Our customers always tell us that they love the way opening Crescendo packaging makes them feel – because it’s so luxurious and beautifully designed.
If you want to invest in a vibrator that looks as good as it makes you feel, you’ll need to make a shortlist of the products that appeal to you personally.
As I’m sure you know, there are lots of different looking vibrators out there. Some are phallic shaped, some are small and dainty, some are pink and glittery, some don’t even look how you imagine a vibrator to look… so take some time to think about what kind of design you’d like your vibrator to have.
Your perfect package
Lastly, if you’re shopping online, find out how your chosen vibrator is delivered. We have a very intimate relationship with our vibrator, and it makes sense that we want that relationship to remain personal. Therefore, make sure it’s delivery packaging is discreet and isn’t labelled ‘DO NOT BEND: CONTAINS VIBRATOR’…although that wouldn’t really matter for Crescendo!
After ticking off all of the above, hopefully you’re in a position to make an informed decision. All you have to do now is wait for the postman, and let the fun begin…
