The Body Vibes Dildo Guide

How to Choose a Dildo

Dildos can add fun and excitement to your sex life. They can also help you develop an understanding about your partner and the type of stimulation that arouses him or her. A dildo can also help your partner learn more about you. The end result is a more rewarding sexual experience for the both of you. As you probably already know, dildos come in a wide variety of sizes, shapes and colors. However, not every dildo is right for every person in every situation. Choosing a dildo is more fun when you're armed with the information you need to make the best choice given your unique needs and desires. Maybe a small, colorful dildo would work best for you or your partner. Or perhaps the power of a large, realistic vibrating dildo would better satisfy your desires. Whichever the case, the Body Vibes Dildo Guide is designed to give you the information you need to choose the right dildo for your situation. If you have questions after reading through this section please feel free to send us your question via email.

Dildo Varieties and Their Uses

It's no accident that dildos come in such a wide variety of shapes, sizes, colors and materials. There are about as many uses for dildos as there are people who use them, and with a large and varied market comes a large and varied selection. Some people use dildos for vaginal play, while others prefer anal play. Some share their dildo with a partner, while others will be the sole user. Certain materials are better suited for sharing with a partner and certain shapes are more appropriate for anal play. Each material gives a dildo a certain look and feel, and may have specific cleaning requirements. You can find out all of the specifics by reading further, but for now its good that you know that there are different materials, shapes, sizes and colors available, and that these differences may impact the usability of your dildo. Choosing a dildo, however, does not have to be confusing or overwhelming.

The first thing to determine is how you will be using the dildo. Do you plan on using it for vaginal penetration only, or is there a chance you might use it for anal play? Do you plan on sharing your dildo with a partner, or do you anticipate being the only user? Do you think you would like a soft, pliable material or does the idea of a hard, stiff material excite you? Does the appearance of a realistic sex toy turn you on, or would you rather stick with a smaller, smooth dildo that doesn't resemble a penis? Are you willing to spend a little extra time cleaning your dildo with warm water and mild soap or adult toy cleaner, or would you prefer to just scrub it down with dish soap and toss it in the drawer?

Once you've addressed these issues and answered these questions you'll have the framework you need to choose the right dildo. Your options will be narrowed down, which will make your search for a dildo much easier.

Dildo Styles and Types

If you have even a rough idea of what you want a dildo to do for you, or how you would likely use a dildo, then the next step is to apply that knowledge. This section will help you do that. Each of the categories below outlines typical uses for those dildos that fall within it. Please keep in mind that there are likely more uses for each type of dildo - we simply couldn't mention them all. So use the information as a guide, and feel free to use your imagination and creativity.

Traditional Dildos
Traditional dildos are very popular. They're usually shaped like a penis, although each can vary with regards to how realistic it appears. On one end of the spectrum you have ultra-realistic dildos, which are shaped and colored to look as close to a real penis as possible. In fact, some dildos are actually made from a mold of a real penis. Adult film actors have been lending their names (and their penises) for sex toy molding in recent years. On the other end of the spectrum you'll find brightly colored dildos that don't look anything like a penis. Traditional dildos fall into a range of about 5-inches up to as much as 18-inches for some of the larger models.

Popular Traditional Dildos: 12-Inch Veined Gel Double, 7-½ Inch Gel Single, 8-½ Inch Veined Translucent Chubby, Classic

Balls
Balls fall into the category of dildos if they are not attached to a motor. Unlike vibrating balls, the non-motorized versions do not require batteries and are not attached to an electric cord. One of the choices in this category is Ben Wa Balls. A set of Ben Wa Balls consists of two large, smooth ball bearings and are intended to be used by inserting them into the vagina. They work by stimulating internal areas when they rub or knock up against each other. The sensations from Ben Wa Balls are often very subtle and some women do not find them pleasurable. If you're considering a set of Ben Wa Balls, you should consider whether you would find these subtle sensations pleasurable. Another type of ball is the Duotone Ball. Duotone Balls, like Ben Wa Balls, are ball bearings that are encased inside a larger plastic sphere, which is usually made of silicone. The two spheres are connected by a cord, which is used for easy retrieval. Duotone Balls work much the same way as Ben Wa Balls, but the sensations are much more intense because the inner ball bearings of the Duotone Balls have room to move, so they knock against the outer casing, or each other with more force. Duotone Balls can be used by either placing both balls inside the vagina, or by placing one inside and letting the other ball hang out.

Popular Balls: Ben Wa Balls

Beads
Beads appeal to a wide variety of people and are a popular choice for anal play. Beads consist of a series of silicone, jelly or plastic spheres attached together by a cord. They are inserted one by one into the vagina or anus, and then slowly removed creating pleasurable sensations.

Popular Beads: Mondo Balls, Power Balls

Anal Dildos
Anal Dildos are specifically designed for anal use. They are distinguished from all other dildos because they have a flared base or cord so they don't get lost in the anus - an amusing but common occurrence. If you plan on using a dildo anally, we would recommend getting one that's designed specifically for that purpose.

Popular Anal Dildos: Anal Exciter, Anal Retriever

Double-Sided Dildos
Double-sided dildos are dildos that can be used from both ends. This is a common choice for people who want to use a dildo on themselves and with a partner simultaneously. Double ended dildos can either be two standard dildos joined at the base, or one that is molded with two working ends. These dildos, like most other dildos, are available in a wide variety of shapes, sizes and colors.

Popular Double-Sided Dildos: 12-Inch Smooth Translucent Double, 12-Inch Veined Translucent Double, 18-Inch Veined Translucent Double

Realistic Dildos
Realistic dildos are designed to look like he real thing. Most are flesh-tone in color and several models are available in "light", "medium" and "dark" to suit individual tastes. They can, depending on the material that they're made of, also feel very realistic. There are several materials that are designed to mimic the feel of skin. Among them, Cyberskin, UR3 and New Skin seem to be the favorites.

Popular Realistic Dildos: Cyber Cock, Cyberskin Dream, Cyberskin Fantasy, Emperor 6-Inch Dildo - White, Emperor 8-Inch Dildo - Brown, Raging Realistic, Soft Touch, Ultraskin 6-Inch, Vac-U-Lock 6-Inch Dildo

Strap-On Dildos
Strap-on Dildos are dildos that can be attached, if desired, to a harness. Harnesses usually require that the dildo have a flat or flared base to stay attached during use. The dildo is inserted through a hole in the harness, and the harness is then strapped to the user. The exception to this rule is the Vac-U-Lock Harness. This harness comes with a "plug" which accepts specially designed dildos that have a hole at the base. The vacuum created when the plug is inserted into the hole is enough to keep the dildo in place.

Popular Strap-On Dildos: Cyberskin Strap-on Light, Vac-U-Lock 6-Inch Realistic Dildo, Vac-U-Lock 8-Inch Classic


Dildo Guide Part 2: Dildo Materials / Care & Cleaning / Lubrication >>