Vibrators 101

How to Choose a Vibrator

There's nothing quite like the simple pleasure of a good vibrator. However, choosing the right vibrator can be anything but simple. With the multitude of sizes, shapes, colors, functions and materials available it's no surprise some women feel overwhelmed by the thought of having to select just one. Which vibrator will bring me the most pleasure? Which one is right for my lifestyle? Which one can I share with my partner? Finding the right vibrator can be a stressful process, but it doesn't have to be. With just a basic understanding of your needs and an understanding of how certain vibrators can satisfy those needs you can find one that will make you happy long into the future. If you have a question about how to choose a vibrator after reading this section feel free to send us your question via email.

Decide on a Power Source

The first and most basic issue to consider when choosing a vibrator is the power source. It might not seem like a big deal on the surface, but the difference in performance between electric vibrators and battery-powered vibrators can be significant. The question you want to answer is: Would I prefer a portable vibrator that I can use where and when I like, or am I willing to sacrifice portability for a bit more power and the convenience of not having to replace batteries? Electric vibrators are typically more powerful than battery-powered vibrators, but you need to have access to a wall socket to use them. It's worth mentioning that battery-powered vibrators are not considered weak by any means, but it's difficult for a few batteries to compete with the power supplied by a 110 volt wall socket.

NOTE: If you would like more in depth information on the differences between electric and battery-powered vibrators, please read our article titled electric muscle massagers vs. battery powered vibrators.

Electric Vibrators:

Electric vibrators have a reputation for being among the most powerful and reliable sex toys on the market. Extended warranties from the manufacturer are not uncommon. Hitachi, for example, warranties the Hitachi Magic Wand for one year. They also tend to operate on the low end of the vibrator volume scale, which makes them a good option for people who are concerned about noise level. While the benefits of electric vibrators include solid construction, quiet operation and reliability, the downside is that most electric vibrators aren't as portable as battery-powered vibrators. You can use an electric vibrator in any location where you have access to an electrical outlet, but if you're looking for a vibrator to use outdoors or in any other location without access to a wall socket then a battery powered vibrator would be a better choice.

Popular Electric Vibrators: Hitachi Magic Wand, Rechargeable Jack Rabbit

Battery Powered Vibrators:

If you've ever used a vibrator, chances are it was powered by batteries. The vast majority of vibrators use batteries as their power source, and their popularity is warranted. Portability and price have combined to make battery power the most popular choice since the 1930's. Battery powered vibrators come in all shapes, sizes and colors, and can be used almost anywhere. Certain models are even designed to be waterproof and can be used in the bath, pool, hot tub or any other body of water.

Popular Battery Powered Vibrators:Cosmic Invader, Dazzle, I-Vibe Pocket Rocket, Impulse Jack Rabbit, Jack Rabbit, Micro Pleasure Egg, Pearl Butterfly, Pocket Rocket, Rabbit Pearl, Rockin' Rabbit, Seductive Pleasure, Ultimate Pleasure

Rechargeable Vibrators:

These toys combine the best aspects of both electric and battery-powered vibrators. More often than not, rechargeable vibrators are more powerful than comparable battery powered vibrators. Once fully charged they can be used for hours without having to recharge, which makes them convenient, and in the long run they can actually be less expensive to operate due to the savings realized from not having to buy replacement batteries.

Popular Rechargeable Vibrators:Rechargeable Jack Rabbit, Supercharge Vibe

Choose the Right Material

Vibrators are available in a wide variety of materials. Each material has unique characteristics that add functionality and a certain look and feel to the vibrator. On one end of the spectrum you have jelly, which is generally soft and flexible. On the other end of the spectrum you have plastic, metal and glass, which are typically hard and inflexible. All of the other materials fall somewhere in-between, and your job is to consider what you want your vibrator to feel like. Do you think you'd like the feel of softness and flexibility, or does the idea of something harder turn you on? Each material functions differently, and knowing what kind of stimulation you like along with which material will best provide that stimulation will help you choose the vibrator that will keep you happy for years to come.

Plastic:

Plastic is the most traditional vibrator material. Available in a variety of colors, plastic vibrators offer the advantage of powerful vibrations because the hard plastic material transfers vibrations effectively from the motor to the user. Traditional, slimline and egg vibrators are most commonly made out of plastic, which is a durable and relatively inexpensive material.

Popular Plastic Vibrators:Amber Pulse, Anal Explorer Probe, Crystal Clear Power Vibe, Hitachi Magic Wand, I-Vibe Pocket Rocket, Pocket Rocket, Rocket, Torpedo, Translucent Waterproof Vibrators

Jelly:

Vibrators made from jelly are most often soft, flexible and colorful. Jelly has an advantage over other materials in that it is very easy to mold, color and shape into whatever the sex toy designer can imagine. As a result, there are a wide variety of colorful, beautifully crafted jelly vibrators to choose from. Jelly is also a very pliable material, which contributes to a soft, smooth and supple feel that is unique to jelly vibrators. For many people the term "jelly" brings up images of strawberry preserves or a bowl of Jell-O. Jelly sex toys, however, are not as squishy as either of the two. Depending on the model, the "softness" of jelly toys ranges anywhere from the consistency of a hard-boiled egg to the consistency of a cold stick of butter (without the grease of course). Jelly is a porous material that cannot be disinfected, so it's not an ideal choice if you plan on sharing with a partner. We recommend using a condom with jelly toys.

Popular Jelly Vibrators:Cosmic Invader, Dazzle, Dolphin Erection Arouser, I-Vibe Rabbit, Impulse Jack Rabbit, Jack Rabbit, Jelly Gumdrop, Kiwi Gumdrop, Little Bunny, Micro Butterfly, Rabbit Pearl, Rockin' Rabbit, Seductive Pleasure

Cyberskin:

Cyberskin falls within the realistic materials category because it was designed to imitate the look and feel of human skin. Cyberskin is soft like skin, warms up to body temperature quickly, and provides an experience that is quite different from materials like metal and plastic. Cyberskin and other realistic vibrators do have special cleaning requirements -- basically no harsh soaps or detergents -- and they usually come equipped with a supply of cleaning solution and Cyberskin Renew, which is basically talc. Cyberskin was the first realistic material designed for sex toys, and in recent years new materials like UR3, NewSkin and UltraSkin have hit the sex toy market. All of these quality materials behave similarly to Cyberskin.

Popular Cyberskin Vibrators:Vibrating Cyber Cock, Virtual Lover Kit

Glass:

Yes, that's right, glass vibrators. Most people don't know that glass vibrators exist because they're relatively new. Usually made of Pyrex, an extraordinarily tough and damage-resistant type of glass, glass vibrators are quickly becoming popular. They typically consist of an outer glass shell that houses a standard vibrator inside. These toys are easy to clean, last a very long time, are often quite beautiful and are usually more expensive than standard vibrators.

Popular Glass Vibrators:Liquid Wave Glass Vibrator, Mini Chrome Glass Vibrator, Ann Marie Signature Mini Vibe

Latex:

If you're looking for a vibrator that is less expensive than Cyberskin and a little firmer than jelly, you might want to consider a vibrator made from latex. Latex is soft but still firm, with a feel that is somewhere between plastic and jelly. Latex lends itself well to skin-tone colors, so many latex vibrators also fall within our realistic sex toys category. The downside to latex is that some people have a fairly serious allergic reaction when they come in contact with it. You may want to read our Q&A article titled "Do I have allergies to sex toys?" before considering a latex vibrator.

Popular Latex Vibrators:Emperor 8" Vibrating Dildo - White, Emperor 8" Vibrating Dildo - Brown

Silicone:

Silicone is a popular material for vibrators as well as other sex toys, and for good reasons: It's extraordinarily durable, hypoallergenic, non-pourous, retains body heat and is available in a wide variety of colors. Silicone retains its soft, supple feel over time better than most other materials, and it can even be boiled for five to ten minutes, run through the dishwasher or disinfected with antibacterial soap without showing signs of wear. Silicone's texture can vary from vibrator to vibrator because the manufacturer has complete control over the final product, but they generally choose a firmness level that is soft to the touch yet still somewhat firm. This is a higher quality material than most, and silicone vibrators are typically more expensive than vibrators made from other materials.

Popular Silicone Vibrators:Gigolo II, Galan II, Patchy Paul II, Starlight

Consider a Vibrator's Care and Cleaning Requirements

Since it's generally a good idea to clean sex toys after each use, it's also a good idea to consider the care and cleaning requirements of each type of vibrator before making a final choice. It's relatively easy for water to come in contact with the internal mechanical parts, so cleaning a vibrator requires care and caution. The best way to clean a vibrator is with a specially designed sex toy cleaner like Before & After Adult Toy Cleaner. Not only does Before & After sanitize the surface, but so little liquid is required that the chances of moisture coming in contact with the vibrator's motor or other moving parts is reduced significantly compared with washing it with soap and water.

The following is a list of solutions that are OK for each type of material.

Plastic - soap and water, rubbing alcohol, sex toy cleaner

Silicone - soap and water, boiling water, sex toy cleaner

Jelly - mild soap and water, sex toy cleaner

Latex- mild soap and water, sex toy cleaner

Cyberskin - mild soap and water, Cyberskin cleansing solution, sex toy cleaner.

UR3 - mild soap and water, Cyberskin cleansing solution, sex toy cleaner.

Assess Vibrator Volume Levels

Does noise level matter to you? There are some vibrators that are very quiet, and some that are a bit louder. Most models are adjustable, which means that the more you turn it up the louder it gets, and most fall within a standard noise level range. In general, electric vibrators tend to be relatively quiet, producing a soft electric hum. Battery-powered vibrators are usually a bit louder, but that will vary from style to style and brand to brand. Battery-powered vibrators that are made of hard plastic tend to be a bit louder than ones made of silicone, latex or jelly, although this is not always the case. There is certainly no shortage of "very quiet" plastic vibrators, and the ultimate noise level depends on the model and how it's constructed. To help you choose the best vibrator for your particular situation we've tested and reported the relative noise level of each of the vibrators in our store so you have an idea of what to expect.

Popular by Vibrator Volume Level:

Very Quiet: Amber Pulse, Cosmic Invader, Dazzle, Gigolo II, I-Vibe Pocket Rocket, Impulse Jack Rabbit, I-Vibe Rabbit, Kiwi Gumdrop, LAYAspot Massager, Micro Pleasure Egg, Remote Butterfly, Torpedo, Rockin' Rabbit, Ultimate Pleasure, 7-Inch Flex

Medium Range:  Crystal Clear Power Vibe, Hitachi Magic Wand, Pocket Rocket, Seductive Pleasure, Sensual Caress

Take Lubrication Into Account

It may be good to know before you buy a vibrator which types of lubrication will work best. Generally, water-based lubes are the preferred choice for vibrators and other adult toys. Water-based lubes won't damage any of the previously mentioned sex toy materials and they work extremely well. The following is a list of the different types of lubrication and which sex toys they're compatible with.

Water-Based Lubrication:

This is the most common form of lubrication used today. Containing mostly water, water-based lubes will not stain your clothes or sheets, are safe with all sex toys, and are often pleasant tasting. Available in both flavored and non-flavored varieties, they are long lasting and easy to clean.

Silicone-Based Lubrication:

Silicone-based lubes are a high-tech version of water-based lube. All of the ingredients are the same, except that silicone lubes do not contain any water and are completely waterproof. They also don't dry out like water-based lubes do so they tend to last longer. Silicone lubricant is safe to use with all sex toys except those made of silicone or Cyberskin. You will likely ruin a silicone or Cyberskin toy if it comes in contact with silicone-based lubricant.

Oil-Based Lubrication:

Oil-based lubes consist of common oils such as vegetable oil and is not recommended for use with sex toys. Oil-based lubes are OK for masturbation and generally considered safe for consumption, but they often leave an oily residue, can be difficult to wash off your body parts, may stain clothing and have been known to cause infection if allowed to stay in the vagina. Oil-based lubes are not compatible with latex based sex toys, condoms and some latex-based birth control devices.

Petroleum-Based Lubrication:

Petroleum-based lubes are made with mineral oil or petroleum jelly. As their name implies, petroleum-based lubes contain primarily petroleum products. While they are commonly used for masturbation and anal play, petroleum-based lubes tend to stain sheets and clothing and are not easy to wash off hands and other body parts. Petroleum-based lubes include Vaseline, baby oil and K-Y Jelly. It is important to know that Petroleum will dissolve latex, and should not be used with latex toys.

Vibrators 101 Part 2: Vibrator Styles and Types >>