3 Hits and A Miss

We’re back with a slew of new reviews.  The intrepid Dr Dick’s Review Crew tackles a mixed bag of treats.

Today we will hear from Review Crew Members: Jada, Ken & Denise, Kevin and Jack & Karen.  So without further ado…

We begin with a couple of new offerings from that gargantuan adult toy company, Doc Johnson.  Here’s Jada to tell us about the first one.

Doc Johnson i-Vibe Rabbit Vibrator —— $36.30

Jada
The very first vibe I ever owned was a rabbit vibrator.  I got off on it in record time, every time.  But it was such a wild looking contraption I never really warmed up to it.

Aesthetically speaking, there’s something about the “rabbit” doohickey that juts out from the vibe’s shaft that I find disturbing.  Don’t get me wrong; I understand the reason it is there.  For most women, clitoral stimulation is what gets us off.  I’m guessing that the 350__1_ivibe-rabbit-vibrator-grape.jpginsertable shaft, which is, strangely enough, usually penis shaped, is a way we tip our hat to the male member, even though most of our vibrator use is by ourselves.  Frankly, I’ve never really understood that.  I just don’t know too many women who need a penis reminder when we’re masturbating.

This suggests to me that these designs originate in the male mind.  I wish there was a way I could substantiate this.

Ok, so from the aesthetics point of view the i-Vibe Rabbit Vibrator doesn’t do a thing for me.  But I won’t detract points on that account either.  I review the toy on its merits.

Speaking of aesthetics; what I do like about this toy is its packaging.  It’s a plastic clamshell that slips inside a frosted oval plastic sheath.  It’s a very nice presentation that I find very attractive.

The i-Vibe Rabbit uses 4-AA batteries and they are not included in the package.  DISAPPOINTED!  The battery compartment is easy to use and it seals shut making the toy waterproof.  That’s a big plus in my book.

The keypad controls are pretty intuitive, although I think they should be in the reverse position.  Like I said, most women use a vibrator on themselves.  Looking down on the keypad, while using it on myself I see the controls upside down.

There are two main utilities — clitoral tickler (the rabbit) and shaft vibration (which doesn’t really vibrate, rather it rotates the beads in the shaft as well as the penis shaped head).  There are different speeds and three functions.  Frankly, I think all this is overkill.

It’s a bit noisier than I like, but with everything that’s going on with the i-Vibe Rabbit that’s not all that surprising.  Despite all the functions and speeds, this thing never really delivers the kind of vibration I want and need.  I was able to get off on it, but it wasn’t as effortless as I had hoped.

All the functions and speed variations run down the batteries very quickly, which seemed wasteful.  I would have preferred the toy do one thing really well and have the batteries last longer.  But, in the end, none of this mattered at all, because after installing the second set of batteries (brand new fresh ones, I might add) the unit simply stopped working.  That’s right, within a week of getting the blasted thing; it was in the trash.  DIASPPOINTED!  I would have been furious had I paid good money for this.

Come on, Doc Johnson, you should be able to do much better than this!

Next, Kevin introduces us to the other Doc Johnson product.

Doc Johnson Harmony Divine Yin —— $49.99

Kevin
I’m happy to report that I had better luck with my toy then Jada did.

This here is the  Harmony Divine Yin (black), which is exactly like the Yang (white), except for the color.  It is a multi-speed (3), waterproof vibe with a very stylish shape.  Despite having an interesting shape, there is nothing about it that suggests craftsmanship.  You can tell immediately that it is mass-produced.  There is also a disposable quality about it, which is too bad.  Because with a little more though behind this, the  Harmony Divine Yin could have been something quite remarkable.Sex_Toys_DJ091511

It is made of hard plastic.  I didn’t think I was going to take to the hardness, but I wound up liking it very much.  So I have no quarrel with the material used.

The batteries (2-AAA) are easy to install.  No batteries are included in the package, which sucks.  And the battery compartment is easily closed to create what they claim is a watertight fit.  I use it in the shower, but I won’t use it in the bath. I’d just as soon not ruin this by tempting the fates, if ya know what I mean.

Harmony Divine Yin is not very powerful, but I won’t kick it out of bed.  The nipple-like button turns it on and cycles through the three speeds. The hard plastic conducts the vibration better than say a jelly toy would; so there’s that.  It’s pretty quiet too.

The serious end of  Harmony Divine Yin is sort of plug-shaped and is nearly 2 inches in diameter at its widest part.  In terms of this being used as a butt plug or a prostate stimulator, it isn’t for the novice butt pirate.  However, it’s a nice external stimulator for your taint (perineum) and balls.  Because it’s hard plastic, you can sit on it with the pointy end on your rosebud while you whack off.  It gives you a nice little buzz.  If you’re gonna use it internally; lube is a necessity.  Again, because it’s hard plastic, you can use whatever kind of lube you want.  This will make the tapered end easier to insert.  Not that it’s particularly difficult for those of us who know what we’re doing.

I liked doing my kegel exercises on the  Harmony Divine Yin unyielding hardness.  If you’re up for it, the ridges in the middle of the toy will provide some extra stimulation during a thrusting motion. Once it’s inserted, it can be pretty much a hands-free toy.

Clean up is super easy with mild soap and warm water. You can also wipe it down with a lint-free towel moistened with peroxide, rubbing alcohol or a 10% bleach solution too.

One final thing, I think this is a bit pricey for a simple straightforward hard plastic vibe, especially since it’s not all that powerful.  If it were $10 less, I’d say go for it; what do you have to lose?  But for just about $10 more you’d be able get yourself a very nice, powerful silicone vibe that will probably last much longer than the Harmony Divine Yin will.

Jack & Karen tell us about a new Tristan Taormino video.

The Expert Guide to Anal Sex ——  $29.95

Jack & Karen
Jack:  “So ya’ll know I’m real new at the whole butt sex thing, right?  I’m still discovering the pleasures that lie within.”
Karen:  “I’ve been dying to strap on one and give this boy a pegging he will not forget.”
Jack:  “It’s talk like that that give me pause.”
Karen:  “Sorry, honey, I was just making a little joke.”DVDVIVID1277
Jack:  “What my foray into anal sex has done for me is give me a greater sensitivity toward women and the invasive sex they have all the time.  I mean, if someone were to fuck me in the ass like I have fucked some women in the pussy, without even so much as a warm-up, I’d fuckin kill them.”
Karen:  “That is an awakening that I wish all men would come to sooner rather than later.”
Jack:  “Anyhow, not to veer too far off topic; I was glad we got this DVD to review.  It really opened my eyes to the pleasures to be had in butt fucking.”
Karen:  “This is a terrific resource for the novice as well as the proficient alan sex practitioners.  International sex expert, Tristan Taormino, talks to a group of (straight) couples about anal anatomy, as well as delvers tips, and techniques of anal pleasure. Her co-hosts, Lorelei and Ariel, demonstrate various techniques as Tristan narrates what they are doing.  There’s even a Q&A period.”
Jack:  “It is both super arousing and very informative.  This is a co-production with one of porn’s biggest companies, Vivid.  So you know it’s gonna be hot.  Unfortunately, and this is a huge disappointment for me; it’s only about women receiving anal.  What, they couldn’t have included some men on the receiving end?  Bummer.”
Karen:  “That is so true!  But that doesn’t diminish the information imparted.  For example, Tristan talks about lubes and desensitizing agents; and that’s applicable to both women and men.”
Jack:  “You get comments from Tristan as well as pop-up tips about the action throughout the feature.  I also liked the way the performers talked about anal sex and why they like it.  This goes a long way in helping demystify what is often a taboo subject for most couples.”
Karen:  “I like how toys, particularly plugs were used as a warm-up to cock penetration.  I know from my own experiences with anal sex that foreplay is essential.”
Jack:  “I was also kind of surprised that there was little mention of the increased risks of sexually transmitted diseases with anal sex.  NO CONDOMS WERE USED IN THIS MOVIE!  What’s up with that?  Maybe they didn’t want to scare people who may be considering including anal in their monogamous couple sex.  There is a safer sex mini-feature included on the DVD, but I thought there could have been more in the feature itself.”
Karen:  “There’s also a featurette on anal hygiene, which I found informative.”
Jack:  “I really got off on the hot, hot, hot girl-on-girl bonus scene.  Finally a little strap-on action!”
Karen:  “We recommend this DVD as a good place to start for women considering anal sex.  Guys who are interested in exploring their bottom need to look elsewhere.”

Finally, let’s have a little fun with Ken & Denise and their parlor game.  (This is a Good Vibrations Brand Ambassador review.)

Truth or Dare: A Game of Passion ——  $16.95

Ken & Denise
Denise:  “I love games, all kinds of games.  I guess I’m just a party girl at heart.”
Ken:  “I, on the other hand, think most games, especially parlor games are boring.”
Denise:  “Yeah, but this one is different, because it’s like a sex game.”
Ken:  “So we had two of our favorite couples over for dinner last week.  We were all sufficiently socially lubricated, if ya catch my drift.  We plunked ourselves down in front of the fire for a little postprandial toke, when little Mary sunshine over here hauls out the Truth or Dare game!”
Denise:  “What a better time for a little fun?”NAUGHTY_MTL_Truth_Or_Dare2
Ken:  “I’m thinkin’ ‘oh god, do we have to?’  But our friends who are green with envy over our gig on Dr Dick’s Review Crew were like, ‘cool, let’s do this!’”
Denise:  “Luckily, considering the condition we were all in, the game is super simple.  There’s one die that you roll and two stacks of cards — one marked Truth, the other marked Dare.”
Ken:  “The die has Truth or Dare on six of the eight sides.  The other two sides have the word ‘Wild’ on it.  If you roll that, you get to choose either a Truth or Dare card.  Then you can either do the thing yourself or order your partner to perform the task, or you can pass.”
Denise:  “We all got increasingly silly as the game wore on.  If you choose a Truth card, it may read, ‘If you could watch an intimate moment from your partner’s life before you met, what would that be?’ ‘Would you ever buy a private lap dance for your partner?’  ‘What authority figure possesses the most erotic possibilities for you?’  ‘What sensual characteristic or ability do you envy in the opposite sex?’”
Ken:  “The Dare” cards are equally innocuous; however, they often involve props — computers, whipped cream, makeup, etc.  ‘You are the subject of an impromptu erotic photo shoot.  You partner will be the photographer…’  ‘Perform a seductive and enticing striptease to the music of your choice.’ ‘Create a bondage costume using nothing but plastic wrap!’  You get the idea.”
Denise:  “Some of the Dare cards involve calling other people on the phone to ask dumb questions.  This is never a good idea, especially when the person you’re calling isn’t as loaded as you are.  But we just disregarded those commands, and we had a ball.”
Ken:  “I think our friends were a bit intimidated by some of the tasks.  They’re not as big a freaks as us.  But it’s true; fun was had by all.”
Denise:  “Good point!  Before you consider playing this game with anyone other than your significant other, review the cards to see if it’s actually a good idea for the company you have in mind.

ENJOY

Moving Pictures

One of the more common questions I get at Dr Dick Sex Advice is about how to navigate opening a previously sexually exclusive relationship to include another or others.  It’s generally hard to offer advice to a couple that I don’t know.  So I often wind up suggesting some general guidelines — how the couple could begin the discussion, set some ground rules, find a compatible partner(s), enjoy the ride, and debrief afterward.

Unfortunately, this approach can make the idea of a threesome, group sex or swinging pretty mundane.  And believe you me; they are hardly ever that.  That’s why I’m grateful that my colleague, author, columnist, editor, and sex educator, Tristan Taormino, brings to life the joys of a ménage à trois.

Tristan Taormino’s Expert Guide to Threesomes $29.95

This video is a collaboration between Tristan and the mammoth porn production expert guidecompany, Vivid.  In fact, it’s hard to tell their educational programming from their porn productions.  There are very high production values, as one would expect.  There is none of the awkwardness one might find in an amateur production.  The performers are uniformly beautiful and the sex is hot.

There is a down side to this; however.  It all seems a little too slick and studied; the porn influence, I’d guess.  The performers don’t really discuss what they what to do with each other and everything appears effortless.  This isn’t an accurate representation of any three-way I’ve even known.  And for someone wanting to figure out how to approach this kind of coupling, there’s precious little nuts ‘n bolts kind of information.

But maybe that’s the point, after all.  Does educational and enrichment programming have to be clinical or pedantic?  I don’t think so.  And let’s face it; a whole lot more people fantasize about threesomes than will actually participate in one.  So this is the ideal material for that group.  It’s fun, it’s pretty, it’s full of sex and no one has a care in the world.  Fantasy material indeed!

Oh, and you should know that this presentation has a decidedly heterosexual bent.  There’s girl-on-girl action, no surprise there; but no guy-on-guy action.  Was a teachable moment missed?  I think so, but I wouldn’t have expected anything different from a Vivid production.

I have one major bone to pick with this project; no condoms were used during any of the sex scenes.  This is a HUGE no-no in my book, particularly since this is billed as an educational video.  Would it have killed them to tip their hat to the necessity of safe sex when multiple sex partners are involved?  I gotta tell you I was really disappointed by this.

Tristan opens the DVD with some basics. She talks about some of the reasons why people have a 3-way and the sexual opportunities they present.  She outlines the two kinds of threesomes — The Triangle:  in which everyone is sexual with everyone, and The V: in which two people have sex with a third person, but not each other.

The DVD has, appropriately enough, three scenes.

Scene 1:  We meet India Summer, Hailey James, and Jack Lawrence; they get together for a steamy ménage a trios. Both India and Haileey are hot for some girl-on-girl action, and now they can pig out.  So yeah for that!  There is also some nice toy use in this scene.

Scene 2:  Shows us an example of The “V” type of threesome.  Daisy Marie gets it on with both Derrick Pierce and his friend Christian.  The men do not interact sexually with one another, which was a bummer for me.  But everyone has a good gooey time anyway.

Scene 3: Here we have a wide-open threesome; everyone is into everyone.  Penny Flame and Justice Young make out while Harmony is jillin-off on the bed.  The gals get it on with each other as well as turn their attention to Justice.  A big old vibe is introduced and everyone gets off big time.

Here’s a tip: if you’re can buy materials like this, you can rent this DVD as a whole or by the scene in my How To Video Library.

I liked this DVD a lot.  It is not without it’s shortcoming, as I mentioned above, but I believe it serves its intended audience very well.  I’d recommend Tristan Taormino’s Expert Guide to Threesomes to any straight couple that might be considering a 3-way.  Viewing it together with your partner would be an excellent way to open a discussion with your partner about spicing things up with another to your lovemaking.

ENJOY!

Swingtime!

REVIEW #32

Hey sex fans!

I have two more outstanding DVD reviews for you.  My Three Way
and Amazing Sex For Women.

On several occasions I’ve called my audience’s attention to the fantastic video work my friend and colleague, Dr Michael Perry, is been doing over at AIM (Access Instructional Media).  And for good reason too, because Michael is a master of the sexual enrichment genre.  (See  REVIEW #7 below.)

As an aside, Michael was my guest for a couple of podcasts chats — #61 and #62.  During our conversation, Michael discusses his work and the astounding success he is having with his video line.  Be sure to check out these podcasts.

Just for the record, Michael’s DVDs knock me out.  In terms of sex education and sexual enrichment the AIM titles are unparalleled.

Let’s take a look at each of these DVDs each in turn.

We start with My Three Way — Approx 120 minutes $19.95

The promotional copy on the DVD box reads:  “How is it possible for couples to bring a third person into their intimate relationship? Many have thought about it. Lots of people fantasize about it. Some couples are actually practitioners in Open Relationship lifestyles.
• Find out why couples do it.
• See what they dare to do…to supercharge their relationship!
• Be tempted to arrange your own three way…at least in your fantasies!

The DVD begins with a quick overview of the entire Intimacy Guide Series.dvd_507

First off, we meet couple #1 in a cocktail lounge gettin all lovey-dovey.  Another woman, an acquaintance of the male partner winds up getting involved.  (Surprise!)  Before things get all hot and heavy though there is a brief spliced-in interview with the couple about why and how they do what they do.  Curiously enough, this is not a distraction from the action, but it actually adds to the story telling.  What follows is a beautiful 2-gal and 1-guy 3-way.  The sexual interaction in this piece is nicely shared between all the players, including gal-on-gal play.

There’s another interview snippet followed by a sweet gal-on-gal segment.

This is followed by yet another brief interview segment and a very sexy 2-guy and 1-gal 3-way.  All the sexual interaction in this piece is focused on the woman; the men do not interact sexually.  This may appeal to some, but it will be disappointing to others.

There is a bonus featurette on this DVD called My Birthday Surprise, which is another fine example of a 2-gal and 1-guy 3-way.

There is ample and diverse sexual expression in all the scenes.  And there is some nice use of sex toys too, which really adds to the production.

This is a wonderful primer on the ins and outs (no pun intended) of initiating and successfully executing a 3-way.  Like the promotional copy on the box suggests, if you are actually looking to open your relationship to include a 3rd or just think the 3-way idea is hot fantasy material, this is the DVD for you.

Here’s a tip:  for those of you who can’t, for whatever reason, buy this DVD you can rent it HERE for viewing online in Dr Dick’s How To Video Library.

Remember, this is not porn.  While the content is sexually explicit, the material is presented in a tasteful and romantic manner. Kudos to Michael Perry for producing this delightful and informative female oriented video.

Next we have — Amazing Sex For Women — 90 minutes $19.95

The promotional copy on the DVD box reads:  “The Bonk’er Spring is a truly revolutionary sex toy invented with the women’s pleasure in mind. This video shows you sex techniques not possible with any other sex gear. See our fun loving couples bounce weightlessly towards powerful orgasm after orgasm!”

What we have here is basically an infomercial for a rather amazing sex innovation from Bonkum, a company that develops sex furniture.  It’s part spring, part swing and part sling.  Try to say that three times fast!

dvd525With the help of a few adventuresome couples (and a 2-gal, one guy threesome) this video shows how easy and enjoyable it is to have a very athletic and versatile sex life.  The Bonkum swing is really interesting and amazingly adaptable.  Makes creative sex play not only enjoyable, but also effortless.

This video is full of wonderful eye candy of the heterosexual variety.  Too bad there’s not any man on man action to please the rest of us.  (Perhaps that will happen in another video.)  But there is a very nice light BDSM scene that will get your motor racing.

For those of you who can’t buy this DVD, for whatever reason, you can rent it HERE for viewing online in Dr Dick’s How To Video Library.

Again, I want to emphasize something about all the AIM titles.  Each is very sexy and sensual; most are sexually explicit; but none of them can rightly be called porn.  This is an important distinction, because the tone and focus of the AIM titles is completely different from the tone and focus of porn.  And even people who are put off by the notion of porn will have no objection to these videos.

ENJOY!

drdickvod.jpg

Room With A View

You’ve heard me talk about ’em. You’ve known me direct your attention to ’em. You’ve noticed that they sponsor some of my podcasts. Could there still be a doubt in your mind as to what I think of the AIM (Access Instructional Media) Video Catalog? If there is, you’re simply not paying attention.

OK, let’s eliminate any remaining doubt. These DVDs knock me out. In terms of sex education and sexual enrichment the AIM titles are unparalleled. Over the next few months I’ll be taking an in-depth look at each title in the catalogue. That’s a whole lotta video to review, but I think I’m UP for it…if ya catch my drift.

This week we have two great titles: COUPLES MASTURBATION — and — EVERY COUPLE CAN.

First up is one of the 10 titles from The Ultimate Sex Toy and Masturbation Series. COUPLESdvd517.jpg MASTURBATION ; Phone Sex, Internet Sex and More! — 70 minutes: $19.95

The DVD begins with a quick overview of the entire Toy and Masturbation series. We get a tantalizing taste of what each video has to offer. These explicit mini-trailers will surely get your motor running and prep you for the main event.

I think we can all agree that there’s nothing more fundamental to a happy and healthy sex life than masturbation. Dr. Michael Perry. Ph.D., ACS, the producer of these fine movies, introduces the concept of masturbating with and for your partner. He says this video is all about enticing and informing your partner with your self-pleasuring. If you stop to think about it, there is so much to learn about what gets our partner off; and so much to demonstrate about what gets us off by simply watching and showing our masturbation technique. Think of it as a sexy game of “Show and Tell!”

The sexually experienced couples we meet in this movie bring themselves and each other to shuddering waves of pleasure. First we are treated to a man and a woman masturbating separately. We get some tips on how to vary our self-pleasuring to maximize the joy. Ya know most people are curious about how their partner masturbates, and what may go through his/her mind as he/she diddles. Too bad we don’t often take the time to ask to watch, or even discuss the topic.

Next we visit with a woman who uses several different kinds of vibrators while masturbating with her male partner. Then there’s an example of a beautiful couple manually masturbating each another. Then two more couples pattern their shared masturbation with vibrators. It’s a beautifully filmed celebration of sex.

You can masturbate together despite being apart by using a private internet chat room. See how phone sex can spice up your sex life. Women can learn the joys of toy masturbation with each other. Even learn how to overcome any hesitation or reservation to masturbate with and for your partner in a few easy steps.

This is wonderful tutorial for every couple, but particularly those new to sex, or who want to spice things up a bit. I hasten to add that this video is geared to a heterosexual audience. There’s precious little here that will appeal to same sex couples.

Remember sex fans, this is not porn. While the DVD is sexually explicit, the material is presented in a tasteful, romantic and non-pornographic manner. Kudos to Michael Perry for producing this delightful, female oriented video. And here’s the best part; you get all of this for only $19.95. You simply can’t find a better sex-positive bargain anywhere.

Here’s a tip: for those of you who can’t, for whatever reason, buy this DVD you can rent it for viewing online in Dr Dick’s How To Video Library.

Next we have a selection from the 4-DVD Sex Surrogate Series. EVERY COUPLE CAN; New Sexual Secrets for Improved Intimacy and Overcoming Sexual Problems. — 90 Minutes $19.95

d306.jpgThe DVD begins with a quick overview of the entire Sex Surrogate Series. We get a tantalizing taste of what each video has to offer. These explicit teasers will turn you on and get you ready you for the feature presentation.

This R-rated video has much more of a story line than the previous one. First we meet Sam and Marie, a sexually frustrated couple. Sam turns to a sex surrogate to learn how to overcome his sexual problems in the hopes he’ll be able to save his marriage. Sam’s friend Trevor and his wife are having sexual difficulties too. What a surprise! 😉

This video introduces the viewer to a wealth of sex-positive information. It’s like getting the basics of sex therapy on a thoroughly enjoyable and non-threatening DVD. The viewer learns right along with Sam and Trevor. Some of the topics covered are — sensate focus, lasting longer, female and male genital anatomy, effective communication, overcoming erection problems and becoming more easily orgasmic.

Basically this video shows how easily and enjoyable it is for everyone to lean how to be a better lover. That’s right sex fans; great sex can be learned.

This is an exceptional tutorial for any person, coupled or not, who is interested in learning the fundamentals of human sexual interaction. While this video is geared to a heterosexual audience, there is plenty of sound information that transcends sexual orientation. I highly recommend this title to my straight, bi and gay audience.

I want to underscore what I said at the beginning of this review; this movie is R-rated. The sexual material is presented in a frank, up front manner, but the visuals are decidedly soft and non-confrontational. This is the ideal starting point for someone, or couple, who is unfamiliar, or perhaps uncomfortable, with sexually explicit material.

My hat is off to Michael Perry for producing this thoughtful, female oriented video. And here’s the kicker, you get thousands of dollars worth of sex therapy for only $19.95. How does he do it?

Here’s a tip: for those of you who can’t buy this DVD, for whatever reason, you can rent it for viewing online in Dr Dick’s How To Video Library.