Vibrator Basics

First let’s discuss a few vibrator basics. When you’re shopping for a new pair of shoes, you usually have a few ideas outlined before you head to the mall or to your favorite shoe shopping website: What will I be doing in these shoes? Running? Dancing? Working? Are they for a big night out, or just for lazing around the house? Do they need to be leather, or are synthetic materials okay? What size are you looking for?

You’ve shopped for shoes so many times before that you may barely think about all the elements that make your perfect pair. You’ve learned what you like over time and with experience. That’s exactly how shopping for a vibrator will become, once you know what you’re looking for.

These are the basic criteria you’ll be using while you shop for a vibrator:

Materials

There are three basic sex toy materials: silicone, hard plastic and jelly. Then you get fancy, with more specialized materials like glass, steel and gold (really!).

I’m going to go ahead and make this easy for you. For your first vibrator, go for hard plastic or silicone. Why? Both are extremely easy to sterilize, hypoallergenic, conduct vibrations well and have no noxious odor (jelly vibes can smell interesting, to say the least). Silicone and hard plastic vibes ensure that you will feel all your vibrator has to offer, through the entire length rather than just in one spot. Silicone is softer and more flexible than hard plastic–just go with whatever sounds sexier to you.

Take a look at a silicone vibrator: The Romance

And a hard plastic: The Classic Chic

If you find a jelly vibrator that you just have to have, go ahead and buy it. Just know that some jelly vibrators contain latex, which many ladies out there are allergic to. Jelly vibrators tend to be cheaper (a plus), and generally putz out on you within a few months (a major minus).

Best bet: Hard plastic or silicone

External or Internal?

Another question to ask yourself: Do you want to focus on your clitoris or on penetration? I hate to ask you to pick just one … and you don’t have to. Many vibrators are versatile and can be used for either clitoral or G-spot stimulation. While some women prefer clitoral pressure and vibrations, others can’t orgasm without the feeling of fullness that penetration imparts.

If you’re still experimenting with what feels best to you, get a traditional vibrator that can go both ways. Traditional vibrators, like the My First Vibrator and the Premium Red Silicone Vibrator, are phallic shaped and usually six to seven inches in length. Though they are penis-like in length and girth, they don’t have realistic detailing. Traditional vibrators are perfect for exploration. You can press them against your clitoris and labia to see how you feel about external stimulation, or use them for penetration.

Best Bet: A traditional, phallic-shaped vibrator

Strength

Vibrator strength might be something you have to experience in order to learn exactly what you want. I personally prefer a light vibration, whereas many women can’t live without the Hitachi Magic Wand, which is touted as the strongest vibrator/massager on the market.

My suggestion is to think about what has brought you pleasure in the past. Are you turned on by light, soft caresses? Or do you like strong, uninterrupted pressure?

For your first vibrator, try something that vibrates at multiple speeds. This way you can experiment with soft, moderate and high vibrations.

If you know you’re looking for heavier vibrations, look for a massager that’s rechargeable or that plugs into the wall, like the Ideal or the Hitachi Magic Wand. Both these toys are made solely for external stimulation, but attachments like the G-spotter turn them into penetration-ready powerhouses.

Best Bet: A multi-speed vibrator

Conclusion

When shopping, keep in mind that you’re looking for a traditionally shaped, multi-speed silicone or hard plastic vibrator. This will make your shopping and experimenting a hundred times easier.