The world of sex toys can be as overwhelming as it is enlightening. There's something for everyone, no matter your preference in experience, size, vibration, colour or style.
But with a large range of choice comes understandable confusion. How do you know what to try? It's even easier to feel a bit bewildered if you've never used one.
For these very reasons, we decided to partner with Ann Summers to create a straightforward guide to some of their best items - tried and tested first-hand by the PRETTY52 editorial team.
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Each toy is rated out of 10 and followed by a tip from an Ann Summers expert on how to make sure you're getting the most out of your choice in toy. Read on and decide which sounds like the right one for you.
MOREGASM+ BULLET
APPEARANCE
Appearance-wise the Moregasm+ Bullet is on trend - as much as a sex toy can be, at any rate! It's perfect for beginners or for someone who isn't fully confident using a sex toy as it has a simple rose gold and green design which doesn't instantly scream "I'm a sex toy!" and thus promptly has the potential to intimidate. Also, the simple design is great for cleaning as there aren't any nooks and crannies that might make things tricky. It's also waterproof, which is always a huge bonus in my books.
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TIME TO FULLY CHARGE/ LASTING POWER
It charges super quickly, meaning that if the battery does die in the middle of foreplay, then you only have to wait a few minutes for it to recharge, so you can carry on the fun relatively quickly.
NOISE
If you have thin walls then I suggest you use it under your duvet just to drown out those slightly louder noises from the more powerful settings, unless of course you're not too bothered about the possibility of people hearing you.
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PLEASURE RATING
9/10
The vibrating power can feel a little intense at first, but you soon get used to it and I have to say it is extremely pleasurable! The five alternating vibration settings are perfect for building you up and the full power vibes are great for giving you that little push over the edge into pure bliss.
I strongly believe that a sex toy doesn't have to be super complicated to work its magic and in the Bullet's case this was true. Yes, it may have 10 different settings, all of which are unique and great fun but it's also simple and effective.
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Overall, I would say this is one of the best sex toys I have ever tested. It's simple, highly pleasurable and a staple toy to have for when you are feeling those frisky vibes.
The Ann Summers expert says:
Bullets are great for beginners; they are also great as a couple's toy to introduce toys into the bedroom. The Moregasm+ Bullet is coated in super soft squidgy silicone which moulds to your body for amazing sensation. Share with your partner during foreplay or use during sex for added clitoral stimulation.
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RAMPANT RABBIT
APPEARANCE
The Rampant Rabbit is clean, smooth and reasonably sized. The eye-catching bright pink colour makes it easy to see in the dark, which is useful whether you're alone or using with a partner. There are lights on the buttons too, so you can see what you're pressing, which I found to be a thoughtful addition.
TIME TO FULLY CHARGE/ LASTING POWER
The Rabbit is fully charged in just one hour, and after half an hour of use, it still had some charge left. I didn't notice any dimness of power from when I first started using.
NOISE
There was an audible noise, but I didn't find it too distracting. Most of the noise comes from the rotating motor which isn't really heard when it's inserted, so it isn't an issue.
PLEASURE RATING
9/10
It created good variation with the rotating element internally and the vibration on the rabbit ears externally. This meant the pleasure areas were extended which created sudden intense moments of pleasure. It's waterproof so you can literally wash it under the tap or in the shower. Incredibly easy to clean.
The Ann Summers expert says:
An update of an old classic, the Rampant Rabbit is definitely a toy must-have, as many women struggle to experience climax from penetration alone. The dual stimulation from the ears and shaft allows you to achieve a powerful blended orgasm. A blended orgasm happens when both clitoral and vaginal orgasms occur simultaneously allowing you to reach an almighty climax.
THE ULTIMATE O
APPEARANCE
The Ultimate O might look slightly different from your usual clitoral stimulators, but if you don't let that put you off then you're in for a treat. Its smooth silicone base, pretty pink colour and petite size mean it is more than appealing on the eye and is perfect for popping in your handbag for when you need a little bit of self-love.
The Ultimate O consists of three prongs, which essentially look like three fingers - because what else would you want to imagine down there doing the good stuff? According to Ann Summers, the prongs 'fully surround the clitoral hood, while the middle 'finger' targets the exposed clitoris', and boy oh boy are we in for a treat.
TIME TO FULLY CHARGE/ LASTING POWER
The Ultimate O is quick to charge and super powerful with several different settings that each come with a different LED light so it's easy to remember which is your favourite vibe.
NOISE
It's worth mentioning that these powerful vibes do come with a fairly loud vibrating sound, so I would definitely opt to use this while my flatmate is out, and not just a thin bedroom wall away.
PLEASURE RATING
7/10
In the past I've always tended to play it safe when it comes to sex toys, sticking with the good old bullet to get me through the tough times. While I personally tend to avoid larger toys, for example dildos and rabbits, the Ultimate O Pink Clitoral Stimulator was the perfect way to branch out without getting intimidated.
In terms of pleasure, the Ultimate O hits the nail on the head for targeting your sweet spot and it's definitely something that you can get your partner involved in too.
The Ann Summers expert says:
Gynaecologically designed, this toy knows where to hit the spot. Don't be fooled by its looks, The Ultimate O's innovative shape surrounds the clitoral area in three places for incredible stimulation. Combining unique design and vibration patterns The Ultimate O will help you to achieve the third level of ogasm. The third level of orgasm produces an 'over the top' feeling of complete release and sexual abandonment that, once experienced, will always be craved.
MOREGASM+ PANTY VIBE
APPEARANCE
While some of the more intense settings of the Moregasm+ Panty Vibe aren't exactly quiet, both parts are still discreet enough in their shape to pleasure yourself literally whenever and wherever you fancy - my flatmate genuinely thought the remote controlled the air con. It's also made of soft silicone which makes it easy to clean, waterproof and super comfortable - win, win!
TIME TO FULLY CHARGE/ LASTING POWER
The Panty Vibe is rechargeable, and you can charge it up through a hidden port.
NOISE
It's not silent, so may arouse suspicions (among other things) if you're using outside of the house.
PLEASURE RATING
8/10
The Moregasm+ Panty Vibe is perfectly shaped to pop into your knickers and buzz away through 10 different settings with your controller - amazing if you want to try something different to penetration. Whether you'll be able to orgasm from the Panty Vibe alone depends totally on how much stimulation you need, but the toy will definitely give you one hell of a buzz.
The Ann Summers expert says:
The Moregasm+ Panty Vibe is the perfect couples toy. Try using with crotchless knickers with your partner during sex, the toy will give you added clitoral stimulation. This toy also features a manual mode button so it can be used even without the remote. Use for clitoral stimulation solo or with your partner.
FUSION REMOTE CONTROL COUPLES VIBRATOR
APPEARANCE
Appearance wise, the Fusion Remote Control Couples Vibrator is pretty low-key. With a sleek curved design and purple colour, it's discreet enough to keep in your drawer without looking suspect, but it's nowhere near boring to look at. The toy also comes with a silky sleeve to keep it hidden from prying eyes, so if you want to carry it around in your handbag, nobody will suspect a thing.
TIME TO FULLY CHARGE/ LASTING POWER
Reaching a full charge didn't take long, and its USB port made it easy to plug into my laptop while I was watching a spot of TV. During sex, the charge lasted a good 45 minutes - so it's perfect if you're after more than just a quickie.
NOISE
I was initially worried that noise could be a problem with this product. Though small, it's pretty powerful, and as a result I figured the noise could be distracting. Luckily it wasn't, and the moans it created far outweighed any noise coming from the vibrator itself.
PLEASURE RATING
7/10
This is maybe a longer review than I intended to write, but as I used it with a partner I definitely have more to say. When it comes to sex, I find that one of the most difficult things to navigate can be working out how to reach a climax together. That's where the Fusion Couples Vibe came in for me. I'm all about trying new and different things, and this toy was like nothing I'd seen before. As someone who's a fan of testing out new technologies, its wireless remote control feature was something which immediately got me excited. Add to that the promise of being able to climax with someone else, and I was sold.
Admittedly, it's a bit tricky to navigate at first, and if you're tighter down there or are lucky enough to have a well-endowed partner, it can take a while to get the position right. But once in place, the vibrator quickly set to work, and its five different pulse settings certainly didn't disappoint.
Instead of just going up in speed, the settings allowed me to explore different pulsations, which appealed to both the clit and G-spot. The variation kept things spicy for a while, and ultimately prolonged orgasm. One of my favourite features was the remote control, which made it easy to bring some power play into the bedroom. If it's something you're thinking of using on date night, there's definitely an element of fun you can bring in - I suggest having a bet over dinner, and the winner gets full use of the remote.
When things finally came to an end, the Fusion Couples vibe was ridiculously easy to clean. Due to its small curved design, it only needed a quick wipe.The Ann Summers expert says:
As a collaboration with We Vibe, we have developed the Fusion couples toy. With an iconic C shape that includes rabbit ears for added clitoral stimulation, this toy also shares the good vibes with your partner. A study carried out by We Vibe claims that using toys can help bring you and your partner closer together, improving communication, strengthening intimacy and ultimately improving overall sexual experience.
All of these items can be found on the Ann Summers website here, with plenty more product information and reviews available.
Enjoy!
Topics: Sex & Relationships