So, you want to treat yourself to a vibrator… but which one? With so many options to choose from, it can seem hard to know where to start and what the differences are.
In this post, we’ll provide you with a quick guide to help you get started, and hopefully make things seem a little less overwhelming.
To start off, it’s best to know what kind of toy you’re looking for…this depends on what kind of stimulation you like. According to studies found that over half of women orgasm from clitoral stimulation over penetrative, if this is you, then a clitoral vibrator is the way to go. If you prefer your stimulation from inside you, then you may prefer a g-spot vibrator, or a toy with a phallic shaft.
If on the other hand, you have no idea what you like, or indeed, have never had either of these kinds of orgasm, then that’s okay too! Choose a versatile toy that can be used both externally and internally, with variable speeds – this will give you the freedom to experiment and learn about your body and your preferences.
Things You Need To Know
Before you start choosing your toy, there are a few key factors you should bear in mind to help you decide…
Innies vs. Outies
There are a huge variety of style and functions available, but for the most part, vibrators can be divided up into two categories, internal and external. Internal (‘innie’) vibrators are usually larger, have a phallic or cylindrical shape, and can be used both vaginally and to stimulate externally. External (‘outie’) vibrators are usually designed for clitoral stimulation…they are smaller, and are not designed for penetrative use.
Materials
There are hundreds of different materials used in toy manufacture, including silicone, plastic, glass, wood, rubber and metal, and each one gives a different sensation, so it’s good to think about what you’ll enjoy. Hard materials like plastic and glass are very good for conducting vibrations and ensure firm pressure, however their rigidity means they are inflexible – not good if you like a softer touch, but perfect if you want something a little more to the point. These materials are also non-porous which means they are easy to clean and keep sterile.
Rubber and jelly-like materials provide a softer feel, although they can still pack a punch when it comes to vibrations. They are also flexible, which makes them easier to manipulate, and great if you like to wriggle around a lot. A lot of these materials are porous meaning they can deteriorate and trap dirt and bacteria over time unless washed and stored very carefully. Silicone is one of our favourite materials – it’s non-porous, durable and is great for transmitting vibration. It has a firm feel with a very slight give, making it perfect for light stimulation or strong, powerful sensations. It’s super easy to wash, and can even be boiled to keep it sterile. You might read from other sources that silicone lubricant cannot be used with silicone toys and the combination will cause the silicone surface to degrade. This is only true if the toy isn’t cleaned properly after, but using washing up liquid (for example) on the silicone will remove the silicone lubricant residue.
Avoid any toy containing phthalates (‘tha-lates’), a chemical used to soften plastic. These are non-safe toxic chemicals that can be absorbed through the skin, causing health complications. Also, anyone with a latex allergy should check the materials list on the packaging to be sure their toy is safe to use (confusingly the word rubber in the US is used for any pliable material, doesn’t always mean latex).
Intensities/Speeds
Vibrator speeds, functions and intensities vary hugely, from tickly feather-light touch to oh-my-god-my-head-will-explode powerful motions. Everybody is different; some will find the lowest setting on a toy to be too much, some too little, some just right. If you’re buying your first toy, we recommend that you go with a product with variable settings so you can experiment to see what gets you off.
Shape/Colour/Design
As mentioned before, the shape of the toy will help you decide whether it’s for you or not. External clitoral toys tend to be smaller, and shaped to suit the contours of your body and/or hand for easy control. Internal vibrators are usually phallic, and range from the anatomical to the less obvious. G-spot toys will be ergonomically curved, sometimes with a bulb shape at one end to allow for easy location and stimulation of your special spot.
Just like looks aren’t everything in a partner, they’re not essential in a toy. But they help. When you’re using a vibrator, it’s important to be aroused and feel sexy – a toy you don’t find aesthetically pleasing won’t help.
Controls
There are many different ways to control a vibrator. Some have buttons for different functions and varying speeds, others have dials that turn like volume knobs, some just simply switch on and off. Bear this mind when you’re looking – The more buttons and switches you have to fiddle with to get what you want, the less focus you’ll have on enjoying yourself!
Volume
If you have kids, or share a house, or have parents in the next room, 
you’re definitely going to want to consider what kind of volume your vibrator runs at. Most modern toys are practically silent, but some older styles can be a little noisier, so remember to check!
Power
A large percentage of vibrators use batteries, some run on mains power, some are rechargeable and some are even solar-powered. Of course, this is not the most important factor when choosing your pleasure object, but bear in mind your preferences power-wise.
3 Little Essentials
When you’re buying your toy, there are 3 essential items you’re going to need in addition… Lube, toy cleaner and batteries. Lust! has a wide-range of lubricants to choose from (ask which ones are compatible with your toy), and we also stock anti-bacterial toy cleaning spray, which keeps your toy sterile and prevents bacteria collecting on its surface. Toy cleaner is used on the toy just before you use the toy. To make things even simpler for you, we have a lube/cleaner/batteries deal – all 3 for £9.95 so you have everything you need to get started.
Going for it…
You’re armed with all the information you’re going to need… now it’s time to choose your toy! Whether you’re in-store or online, buying your first vibrator should be a fun, enjoyable experience. If you’re feeling a little apprehensive, bring a partner or a friend along for support. At Lust! we really care about helping our customers, and are very happy to give advice or answer questions you might have – after all, this is what we do! If you have a concern or are just looking for some tips, don’t be shy – just ask! If you’re shopping online, be sure to compare your options, and read reviews from other customers if they’re available – this will give you a clue about a toy’s performance. But remember everyone is different, and everybody responds differently.
Stay tuned for more blog posts on out top 3 clitoral, anal and g-spot toys recommendations!