Choosing a Vibrator

Jan 6, 2014

Helpful Hints for Choosing a Vibrator

Adrian, the Sales Manager at Aphrodite’s Pleasure, was recently asked at one of Aphrodite’s Products Events about the different types of vibrators. He suggested this as the topic of this month’s column.

Before we begin looking at the different types of vibrators, I thought it would be good to discuss the difference between a vibrator and a dildo.

Difference between a vibrator and a dildo

A dildo can be considered a penis-like substitute; an adult toy which is used for penetration of a vagina or anus. A dildo is often penis-shaped, yet not always. A vibrator may be used for penetration or maybe simply used for stimulation through vibration (or pulsation, or both). The focus of this column is on adult toys which vibrate and/or pulse. For Aphrodite’s selection of dildo’s browse here.

Where do you want your vibrator to stimulate? External vs. Internal use

One of the first aspects in choosing a vibrator is which area of the body you wish to stimulate: the body, nipples, clitoris, vagina, perineum, anus or prostate. Different vibrators are made for stimulating different areas, or even multiple areas. For example, a body massager or body wand can be used for general body stimulation and/or body massage, whereas for clitoral stimulation you might choose a vibrator which is designed for clitoral stimulation or even a mini-vibe. If you were looking for an adult toy to stimulate the clitoris and vagina then you would look to one of the rabbit vibrators. I outline the different types of vibrators and recommend from the Aphrodite’s Pleasure range below.

What is the Vibrator made from? Texture and Feel

The material used in the manufacture of the adult toy is another consideration. The feel of a toy such as a vibrator is very much part of the experience: the feel in the hand and also on the body. All the toys at Aphrodite’s Pleasure are phthalate-free and body safe. The team also stocks metal and glass vibrators which can be warmed and cooled for added effect and stimulation.

Vibrations or Pulsations: Gentle, Strong or Variable

An adult toy which vibrates produces a different sensation to an adult toy which pulsates. Vibrations are small, intense, side-to-side movements. An adult product which uses pulsations will provide a stronger, backwards and forwards movement, which replicates the act of penetration. The sensations are quite different, and some people have a strong preference, while others not so much.

Aside from vibrations or pulsations, in choosing a vibrator, the speed of the sensation and the intensity of the sensation need to be taken into account. Some vibrators provide only one speed, while others provide pre-set speeds and others have variable speeds/settings allowing for greater control of the delivery of the sensation.

When considering the speed of sensation, also keep in mind the noise-factor. If you have thin walls, or worry about people hearing the noise a gentler, products with noise considerations as part of their design feature may be more appropriate, such as the Nalone Range. Though high quality vibrators manufacturers consider the noise output by their toys and make attempts to keep this at a minimum.

Other Aspects to Consider: Colour, Price, User/s, and Travel

Vibrator Colour & Price

The colour and price are two other aspects which you might want to consider. Colour is generally a personal choice, and does not really have an affect on the functionality of a vibrator. So select a colour which you like and are comfortable with. Price however will have a huge impact on the lifetime, relability, features and ultimately pleasure of what your purchase. Price is generally a fairly good indicator of quality in vibrators, or any adult toys for that matter, but it is recommended to stay with a well known brand and think if your purchase as an investment. Also who is going to use the adult toy: just you; you and your partner; either? The more that use it and the more often it gets used the better the quality should be.

Vibrators and Travel

Another facet to think about is where you wish to travel with the toy. Some toys are made for travel and have a travel-safe lock which stops the product starting off mid-flight or while on the luggage conveyor meaning no embarrassing moments when someone sees or hears the vibrating bag.

Vibrator Chargers

How the adult product is charged is also a consideration. Many adult toys now come with a USB charger allowing you to charge the toy with your phone charger (or computer). Yet there are still toys on the market which require batteries or plug directly into the mains power for charging.

Have fun selecting your vibrator and remember a healthy life includes a healthy sex life, and a healthy sex life is sane, sensible and sensual.

Enjoy! Dr Christopher

Dr Christopher Fox is a Psychosexual and Relationship Therapist at Sex Life Therapy in Melbourne. He has clinics in East Melbourne and Frankston.

Vibrators @ Aphrodite’s Pleasure

Standard Vibrators

Standard vibrators come in various sizes and shapes. These vibrators are insertable and can be used for internal or external use. Some also have beads or “pearls” for further stimulation. The standard vibrator is the adult product most people think of when discussing vibrators. These vibrators have varying speeds and/or vibration patterns.

Body or Wand Massagers

These adult products have multiple purposes. As well as being a body massager they can also be used for external stimulation of the genitals and other erogenous zones. Body massagers produce a strong vibration and are larger than traditional genital massagers.

Recommended Products: Lelo Smart Wand, Nalone Roma, Swan Palmpower Massager

Clitoral Vibrators

Clitoral vibrators are designed to maximise clitoral stimulation. Clitoral vibrators are designed to be held in the palm of the hand so the user can decide on the power of touch. The focus of these adult toys is on stimulating the clitoris and the area immediately around the clitoris. Each of these products have multiple vibration patterns. Some clitoral vibrators are remote-controlled.

Recommended Products:Lelo Alia, Lelo Lyla, Lelo Ora, We-Vibe Touch

Mini-Vibrators

Mini-vibes are small, compact, travel-size standard vibrators. These vibrators can be used for external or internal use. Mini-vibes can also be used for nipple play. Most mini-vibes have variable settings, often three different speeds or vibration patterns

Recommended Products:Power Bullets 2″ Mini, Lelo Mia Mini Vibe, We-Vibe Tango Mini Vibe, Nalone Mini

Standard Pulsators

Standard pulsators are the same as the standard vibrator yet they use pulsations rather than vibrations. As a rule of thumb the pulsating vibrators are larger and stronger pieces that may not suit everyone.

Recommended Products:Stronic Eins Pulsator, Stronic Zwei Pulsator

Metal and Glass Standard Vibrators

These standard vibrators are made from either metal or glass therefore allowing you to warm or cool them for a desired effect. In all other ways they are the same as standard vibrators.

Recommended Products – Metal:Nalone Amore, Pipedream Metal Worx Vibrator

Recommended Products – Glass:Pipedream Icicles #35 Curved Vibrator. Pipedream Icicles #4 Glass G-Spot Vibrator

Rabbit Vibrators

Rabbit Vibrators are standard vibrators with a clitoral stimulator. Some rabbit vibrators have independent moving parts (i.e., the rabbit, or clitoral stimulator moves independently of the main vibrator). Rabbit Vibrators, like standard vibrators, also have varying vibration levels and speeds.

Couples’ Vibrators

Couple’s vibrators are designed for stimulation of both partners. A couple’s vibrator is designed for use during intercourse/penetration. These are great toys for both parties to enjoy during their love—making. These adult toys may come with a remote control to allow stimulation changes during sex.

Vibrating Kegels and Eggs

Kegel Balls are good for strengthening the pelvic floor muscles. Vibrating kegel balls and eggs add extra sensation to the exercise. These are an interesting alternative to a standard vibrator and can usually be inserted and worn internally with the vibration function on. All good vibrating balls/eggs will have a string attached to the base to assist with removal.

Vibrating Butt Plugs

Vibrating plugs are for men or women and provide vibration stimulation through the anus. On men, a vibrating butt plug will also provide stimulation to the prostate but not necessarily directly. The vibrations from a butt plug can be felt in other genital areas.

Vibrating Prostate Massagers

Vibrating prostate massagers are designed for men to stimulate the prostate through vibrations. The prostate or p-spot is a key part of men’s arousal and orgasm. Some men report intense orgasms from stimulation of their prostate during sex play.

Vibrating Cock-Rings

Vibrating cock-rings, or penis-rings, can be used by the man while masturbating or during intercourse. When used during intercourse the vibrations from the cock-ring also provides vibration to the vagina, clitoris or anus.

Recommended Products:Lelo Tor Cock Ring, Ovo B11 Cock Ring

Disclaimer: The information contained in this document should be read as general in nature and is only to provide an overview of the subject matter covered. Please read product packaging carefully and follow all instructions.