Archiv für den Monat: Oktober 2018

Gripz Paddle

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Vendor: Ballistic Metal

The Ballistic Gripz Paddle

Construction

The Gripz Paddle is made out of 6mm thick brushed aluminum. The edges are well rounded so there are no sharp ridges. It comes in two sizes with the smaller one being about 300mm long and the larger one 450mm of which 160mm are for handle which tappers out of the body. It is covered in a vinyl sheath which you can either leave on the handle for a better grip or take it off to take advantage of the hole at the bottom for better storage or threading a leather loop through it. The paddle I have been sent for reviewing is kind of a hybrid version because it is a large one cut down to a two-patch version.

Detail of the Handle and the Vinyl Cover

The hitting surface is 87mm wide and depending on size 140mm resp. 290mm long. On both sides of the paddle’s head 66x66mm squares are milled and black rubber pads with a pyramid texture are glued into them. The small version has two patches, the larger three.

For a small fee Ballistic Metal offers personalization through engraving on all their aluminum toys. So you can add name your paddle like a sword or simply have your nickname added so you can identify your toys in a play party.

Detail of the Gripz Rubber Pads with a Pyramid Texture

Playing with the Gripz Paddle

Through the shape and size, the Gripz is a very traditional spanking paddle. The smaller one is perfect for targeting individual cheeks and still just nimble enough for bastinado while the larger one has the right size for hitting the entire ass, thighs or even belly spanking. Through the thickness the aluminum will not give in a bit so the entire kinetic energy of the impact is transformed into pain making the Gripz a stingy toy – like all aluminum paddles. But the rubber pads make it extra nasty. The rubber itself adds even more sting, taking away all of the little thud aluminum impact toys have due their weight. For extra meanness, shift the paddle a bit in the impact moment so it travels over the skin to add a burning abrasive sensation. Due to this the Gripz colors the sub more quickly than other aluminum paddles. Through the pyramids’ “spikey” imprint and abrasion the first color is a bright red which darkens quickly and eventually turns into bruises, depending on the impact force. The paddle is light enough not to pose a threat on well-padded body areas, but when hitting delicate areas like foot soles, caution is advisable in order not to break bones.

An E-Stim Lead attached to the Paddle

The small version is surprisingly well balanced. When I had the chance to try out the larger one from a friend it was like all aluminum paddles head heavy. But since this brute is not made for an hour-long scene, this does not really matter.

Beyond impact play, the rough texture of the pads make the Gripz a fun toys for sensation play. Let it lightly travel over the body for tickling and teasing the sub or rub it over forcefully for a burning sensation. This is especially agonizing at the nipples or the glans. For sensation play, I found the smaller version easier to use because it is more nimble.

Detail of a Custom Engravement

To add a sensation, you can take advantage of the material properties of aluminum. First, it easily takes on temperature. But since the rubber patches are glued to the aluminum, I would not recommend to put it into the freezer to cool it down or to heat the at all Gripz. For cooling down, use cooling pads for a gentle, controlled cooling and enjoy your sub squirming when cold aluminum hits the warm-spanked skin. Aluminum also conducts electricity so I tape a 4mm banana plug lead to the handle, attach the counter-electrode to the balls and choose a program with continuous output on the power box. For safety reasons, the counter electrodes and the impact area must be below the waist! Introducing the paddle to e-stim play is usually very surprising to the sub but since you have to deal with leads dangling between you, the sub and the power box, it is not for long, forceful scenes.

Conclusion: The meanest, fastest coloring aluminum paddle in my collection.
Pro Cons Where to get Price
Extra stingy and abrasive sensation Ballistic Metal Small $79.95

Large $89.95
Good for sensation play
Virtually indestructible and customizable
Optional hole for storage/ loop

SquarePeg Slink

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The Entire Slink Range From Left to Right: Slink, Slink Ripple, Slink Spike and Slink Vortex

I do not only like to play with toys and ultimately review them, but I am also a bit of a toy collector, trying to accumulate iconic or original sex tools. In this category falls the SquarePeg Slink.

Square Peg was one of the – if not THE – first company which made depth toys out of platinum silicone which trough its smooth surface and right degree of flexibility is perfect for depth play. They started out with their a bit crude look Slither and over 10 years ago added the more technically Depth Probes. In 2011 they combined the two toys, added a dash of butt plug and the Slink emerged. Since then the Slink has become one of the most iconic and widely used anal toys for going deep. Because I got so many reader questions which toys for depth play to get, I reviewed the Slink and the Depth Probe this June. However, while I own the Depth Probe, the Slink was just a loan from my dear friend Teck Pup and now I want one of my own.

A few years ago, this was an easy decision: You just had to choose between SuperSoft Bronze and Graphite (though for “iconic” reasons you obviously choose the Bronze ;)). In 2015 SquarePeg introduced the Ripples versions of the Slink. A year later the Slink Spike. And two years later the Vortex arrived at the party. Which one should I get?

This question brings me to why I started ToyTorture.com 6 years ago: When facing the question which Slink to get, I searched the web for reviews of the different versions. How do the different textures feel? How do they impact how easy the toy goes deeper? Makes the textures’ added grip them easier to control? Sadly, there was nothing and with prices between $69 and $369 they are on the more expensive side of anal toys. So despite the price being absolutely fair for the quality, buying an unsatisfying toy will be extra annoying. For questions like this and to minimize the risk of buying a wrong toy, I started ToyTorture.com to give at least some orientation when looking for a toy for a specific fantasy, describing how they feel, perform and what can be done with them.

So, where does this leave me? I fear, I have to get at least three textures and compare them in a review some time the future. So, for variety reasons, my Slink wish list would probably be:

– Small Smooth Slink SuperSoft Bronze

– Medium Rippled Slink SuperSoft Bronze

– Vortex Slink SuperSoft Graphite

If you are interested in testing out SquarePeg toys in general or the Slink in particular, you can get them at Mr S Leather in the USA or Regulation which has the largest selection in the EU.

 

 

 

XXXCalibur & Dragon

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Toy Properties

Form: Dildo
Material: Platinum Silicone.
Colors: Natural Tan, Deep Brown, Black & Custom
Firmness: Soft to Medium, custom degrees possible
Lube: Water, Oil
Cleaning: Soaking in hot water with dish-soap than use sanitizer.
Safer Sex: Clean and sanitize it thoroughly
Storage: Store in a well-ventilated place not touching other toys to prevent damage.

Vendor: Mr Hankey’s

About two years ago a new company manufacturing high quality silicone anal toys emerged: Mr Hankey. Quickly I got reader questions if I knew the company and what I thought about their products. So I got in touch with them and they were so kind to send me two of the designs I have been asked the most about: The XXXCalibur and the Dragon.

Construction

Like most top notch anal toys, all Mr Hankey toys are made out of platinum silicone. The “platinum” refers to the catalyst used to make the silicone. Being a noble metal is it hypoallergenic and doesn’t cause adverse effect inside the body like tin which is used as a catalyst for cheap silicone. Besides being body-safe, platinum silicone can withstand acid and heat. In addition to the super-smooth surface which makes it hard to bacteria to linger, platinum silicone toys can be cleaned easily and quickly: Either put them in hot water with an acid cleaner or even auto-clave them. Being sanitized so easily, these toys are ideal when playing with multiple partners in a safe way. As always with silicone toys, never use them with silicone lube because it can damage the toy.

The Mr Hankey Dragon and XXXCalibur

Off the rack Mr Hankey offers two firmnesses: Medium and 75% firm. The medium gives the texture presence without preventing them to give in while the 75% firm is squishy but still strong enough that even a larger and thinner toy like the XXXCalibur stands erect on its own. Though as always the rule applies: The thicker a toy, the harder it will feel. You can now ask for custom firmness degrees which might be useful for extreme long depth toys to get around all the bends or to make the texture on anthropomorphic toys extra intense.

As standard, Mr Hankey offers three classic colors: Natural Tan, Brown and classic black. For a surcharge you can get all kinds of extravagant colors like I got on my Dragon: A nice turquoise with ruby accents. Just follow their Twitter (with most straight NSFW content!) where once in a while they share pictures of their newest creations.

Detail of the Vac-U-Lock Hole on the Dragon

A nice additional feature is the Vac-U-Lock hole at the bottom. With this hole you can attach the dildo to fuck machines or strap-on-harnesses who feature a Vac-U-Lock plug. Mr Hankey also offers a Handle Attachment for $24.95 for easier manually guided penetration. When washing the toy, make sure that the Vac-U-Lock hole is completely dry before storing it! Otherwise mole might start to appear.

The shape of the XXXCalibur roughly resembles an uncut dick. The tip is modeled after a long-drawn glans which just slightly peaks out of the foreskin. It tappers a bit again before the oval shaft extends to its full diameter. The shaft is lightly texture with veins which tease a novice the sphincter just a little bit but are mostly not noticeable for real ass pigs. At the bottom there are two large balls which allow for a good grip for the top.

The Dragon on the other hand sets the mood for the toy right from the tip: While it also features a glans, it is anthropomorphically shaped with rugged ridges which almost look scale like. From the glans all the way to the base the runs a band of deep, ridged scales at the front and the back of the shaft. The sides between the scales is lightly textured with a snake skin pattern. The roughness of the Dragon is underlines by the fact that the shaft’s maximum diameter  comes just behind the glans so there is not much resting time after conquering the challenging glans.

Toy Size Overall Length Insertable Length Glans Rim Diameter Max Diameter
XXXCalibur Medium/Large 368mm 290mm 54mm 67mm
Large/Extra Large 394mm 318mm 59mm 75mm
 

Dragon

 Small 247mm 216mm 55mm 60mm
Medium/Large 305mm 273mm 70mm 77mm
Extra Large 349mm 305mm 80mm 89mm
XXXLarge 400mm 356mm 95mm 103mm

Detail of the Draon’s Texture

Playing with the XXXCalibur & Dragon

Through the anatomic shape and the light texture the XXXCalibur is a good curious-beginners’ and easy-play toy. For some of my testees it actually became their everyday dildo because in the 75% firmness it felt like a human dick to them.

Beyond smooth riding, the XXXCalibur  – especially in the larger site – is a good depth training toy. Even in 75% firmness it has enough stability to be easily controlled yet is flexible enough to go around bends. When training on your own, it is firm enough to stand up during careful fucking so you can focus on controlling the pressure applied to the second sphincter. The long-drawn glans is perfect for training the second sphincter to open up. Through the little tapper between the glans and the shaft it can actually close again once inserted so you can do the same “plug fucking” you do with the anus when training up for taking a fist.

The Dragon is almost the direct opposite of the XXXCalibur. Being so heavily textured right from the beginning, it is hard to take, even for more experience ass pigs. So especially when not riding it yourself but if a top pushes it in, be extra careful. But the rugged glans is great for teasing the ass lips and the sphincter without fully pushing in. Just messaging the sensitive tissue with the ridges is enough to drive some bottoms made.

Detail of the XXXCalibur’s Long-Drawn Glans and Light Texture

Once inserted the scale bands on the top and bottom of the shaft tease and torment the sensitive sphincter even when turned lightly. The deep textures gives the otherwise relatively circular shaft an oval shape. Because of that, every turn also induces a stretching sensation. What is really evil is cumming while riding the toy and then having to pull it out. The again tightened up sphincter will face a challenge with the deep ridge under the glans rim.

Where to buy?

Mr Hankey sells their toys directly through their website. This is the best way to get them when you want to customize them even further. They also run promotions on a regular basis so check their page regular to snatch a bargain. The XXXCalibur costs between $164.95 and $184.90 depending on the size and features; the Dragon is between $129.95 and $220.85. Custom colors costs $29.95, custom firmness $15.95.

First Look: E-Stim System Connect

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Today at EroFame in Hannover, E-Stim Systems introduced a new way to remotely control their top range 2B power box. After basically spending the morning trying the new system out, let me give you a short intro how it works.

First, what do you need? The bottom obviously needs an E-Stim Systems 2b, their Digital Link Interface (already included in their 2B Bonus Pack formally know as the „Pro Pack“ which I reviewed here) and a computer. Currently the software and drivers are available for Windows 10 and macOS. They also supply a Linux software which is currently not yet supported. The top only needs a device connected to the internet with a browser, in this case a Samsung Android tablet.

After installing the drivers and the software, the bottom must connect his computer with the 2b using the USB cable and switch on the box.

After lunching the software and clicking the “Connect” button, it takes a few moments to pair the computer and the power box. This will only work when the computer is connected to the internet. Otherwise the status will stay “Not connected” even though the box and the computer are connected correctly.

Once this is done a 16 digit alpha-numerical code is display. Clicking on the number will copy the connection link which has to be sent to the top.

When clicking to the link, a website with the code already filled in opens. After the top clicks “Connect” the computer client’s indicator switches to “Connected”.

The website on the top’s device now allows to control all basic functions of the 2b like selecting the program, setting the output levels of the two channels or switching from low to high power modus.

Every input given on the website will also be displayed on the 2b’s screen.

Clicking “Stop” sets the output level on both channels to zero. The same happens when changing the program, just like when doing it on the 2b. What I am missing compared to their cold Commander software is a pop-up when (the sub) disconnects the box.

I was impressed how well the software worked on the release date. It is easy and intuitive to use and very responsive. Controlling the box in the same wifi and over mobile internet in the same country almost had no lag. I had a few problems with the desktop client crashing but no major issues. However, E-Stim Systems just announced the new service in a tweet which was to date retweeted twice until now and wrote nothing about it on their website’s landing page. On the 2b product page they still write about their now outdated “Commander” software. So I guess there were not that many people using their server. It remains to be seen how reliable the system works intercontinental or when the server are busy. I will revisit this review in a few months to give you an update.

Until then, I am very impressed by what they have done and it has given the 2b a real advantage towards their competitors. I can already see kinky geeks working on Linux based SBCs with 3G connection to create a mobile remote-controlled e-stim box.

If you are interested in the E-Stim System 2b, you can buy the Bonus Pack which comes with everything needed to connect it to your computer directly from E-Stim Systems for £378 or upgrade your existing 2b power box with the Bonus Pack for £89 or just by the Digital Link Interface for £69. The 2b Power Box and the Accessory Pack are also available at Mr S Leather for $399.95 resp $119.95.