Over the two-plus years I've spent reviewing sex toys, a lot of the same ones keep coming up again and again. There's a good reason for that: The Satisfyer Pro 2, Eva, and We-Vibe Sync really do work (trust me, I've tried them). But other sex toys deserve just as much love but don't get it.
These products aren't just for fun (though they are fun). "Sex toys can actually be a unique, and pleasurable, way to learn more about your body via stimulation and experimentation," Alicia Sinclair, CEO of b-Vibe and Le Wand, tells Bustle. "My goal when designing sex toys is to optimize pleasure through the product design and the resulting user experience. That means, before I begin to develop a product, I spend months researching not only the targeted area of stimulation, but also what users (or potential users) might know about those areas of the body."
That's why it's worthwhile to learn what sex toys are out there that you don't normally hear about: Finding sex toys is self-discovery. A lot of work goes into testing and designing sex toys, so we'd might as well take advantage of it. So, if you've tried the most popular sex toys out there and are out of ideas, here are a few new ones to check out.
1
Rocks Off Limited Rock Chick
Rocks Off Limited Rock Chick, $39, Amazon
When you hear about female ejaculation, the most commonly cited toy is the Njoy Pure Wand. But I've had much more success with the Rock Chick. What's unique about it is that you can use it while sitting up by straddling it and rocking (hence the name). It's got a curved G-spot stimulator and head for clitoral stimulation, both of which vibrate. But if your goal is to explore the internal sensations, it's actually better without the vibration. I can usually squirt when I use this, and that is not something I normally do.
2
California Exotic Novelties Luxe Touch-Sensitive Vibrator
California Exotic Novelties Luxe Touch-Sensitive Vibrator, $50, Amazon
This one is mentioned far too infrequently in roundups of high-tech toys. While vibrators frequently advertise that the buttons on them or their remotes are easy to use, none rival this one, which doesn't even require you to press buttons (though there is one to turn it on and off and change the vibration and pulsation patterns). You just increase the vibration level by squeezing it or moving it in deeper. The size is a bit intimidating, but the cool thing about it is that you can press it against your vulva (it's also quite soft) and feel vibrations over the entire area. I sometimes use it over my underwear, it's that powerful. I don't even have to move it. I just hold it there. And because of the size, you can also straddle it. You can really use it in any position.
3
TROJAN 2-in-1 Vibrating Ring + Finger Massager
TROJAN 2-in-1 Vibrating Ring + Finger Massager, $11, Amazon
When you go sex toy shopping, you're probably not going to go to the drug store, which makes many people miss this one. But the concept is actually brilliant: It's both a cock ring and a finger vibe. Actually, it's really three in one, because you can just hold it and use it on yourself. The downside is that the motor only lasts 20 minutes, rendering it useless after a handful of sessions, but that's what you get for paying less than $20.
4
Bombex Temptation Rabbit Vibrator
Bombex Temptation Rabbit Vibrator, $20, Amazon
This seems to be the one exception to what I just said about paying less than 20 bucks. After using this, you'll have no idea it's so cheap. The head and "ears," which grasp your clit on each side, give you exactly what you need for simultaneous clitoral and G-spot stimulation, the pearls in the wand produce a unique sensation inside your vagina, and the head rotates to provide a feeling of fullness.
5
The Yarlap
You often hear about kegel exercisers like Elvie — and Elvie does have some cool features, like the ability to play a game on your phone with your vagina — but the Yarlap is the only one that's actually made a difference in my sex life. Through electrical pulses, it makes your vaginal muscles contract on its own, no effort (at least no conscious effort) necessary. After using it for a month, I started to experience more vaginal contractions — not just during orgasm but throughout each session. They feel like mini-orgasms. I didn't think that was even a thing that could happen. If you don't either, this toy just might enlighten you.
6
The A&E Sensual Touch Wand Massager
A&E Sensual Touch Wand Massager, $70, Adam and Eve
If you're a fan of the Hitachi Magic Wand, you'll love this. The big squishy head vibrates more powerfully than any other vibrator I've used, covering a huge surface area so you don't miss a spot. It's also perfect for quick through-the-underwear use when you don't even have enough time to undress.
7
Crave Vesper
Crave Vesper, $69-$149, Babeland
How was there not more buzz (no pun intended) about the fact that Crave actually made a vibrator into a necklace? The beautiful thing about it is that it's not just half-one, half the other: It really functions as both a vibrator and a necklace. Nobody will ask what's around your neck, but if you want to explain it to them, you get to make a sex-positive statement. And yes, despite the small size, don't worry: The motor does its job.
If you're looking to expand your sex toy collection or get someone a toy as a gift, consider looking into one of these lesser-known options.
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