Splurge Vs. Steal: Just Buzzing Along

Here I am with another installment of Splurge vs. Steal -- where I delve into which sex toys really give you the most bang for your buck. Today I was vibin' up a storm, pitting the little Buzzing Blossom against the Smart Wand by Lelo. I got off with both (I always make sure of that), but I prefer taking a direct route to Climaxville. Scenic trails, be gone with you -- get me to my destination. Which chariot sailed smoothest?

I'll start with the Buzzing Blossom. It's cute enough: petite, fun, floral-like, and super flexible at the head. It takes two AAA batteries, and as such, is basically just medium powerful. The interface is pretty standard -- one button for on/off, and another to scroll through the modes. Being that it's not the strongest gal on the block, the modes were just all right, although there was a quivering type one that was enjoyable if not enough to carry me all-the-way away.

But I felt that the petals of the "blossom" were almost a hindrance, getting in the way of its (diminutive) full power. They're nice for a light, fluttery tickle, but they also sort of block the main hub of the toy, whence the vibrations emanate. I actually modified mine a bit by snipping off two of the petals, which resulted in an awesome, dual-action sensation. Or, sort of, because it's still not that powerful. Also, the supreme flexibility of the neck I found somewhat thwarting, because as you're maneuvering and fappity-fapping, it kind of deflects maximum pressure/contact against the clit with its wiggly ways.

One pro, though, is that it's small -- about the size of, well, a hot dog, and being battery-operated, is pretty darn portable. Since my dog ate my beloved Pocket Toyfriend the Buzzing Blossom is another option, but since it's larger and less effective I may just have to invest in a new Toyfriend. But if you're interested in buzzing on the go, totally viable!

Now onto Lelo's Smart Wand. This is a cordless version of the legendary Hitachi Magic Wands we all love so much. A two-hour charge gives two hours of "massage" power, and, it's decently strong -- a good deal stronger than the Blossom. It's elegant and pretty like all Lelo things. The interface has a + button to turn it on and increase vibration speed, a central button to scroll through modes, and a - (volume down) button to decrease speed in any mode. And... modes, schmodes. That's all I have to say.

However, at its direct vibrating height, the Smart Wand is pretty potent, and I appreciate its simple straightforwardness -- no blossoms or bendy heads, just pure vibrator-to-clit power that gets the job done. Its silicone is pleasantly soft to the touch, fits nicely in the hand, and the toy generally feels nice all around while in use.

But let's get down to the brass tacks. I honestly wouldn't spend $40 on the Buzzing Blossom unless you're looking for a mobile, novelty vibrator. It just wasn't powerful enough. And the Smart Wand? Well, it's nice, but it's actually three times more expensive than the good, old-fashioned Hitachi.

So, unless cordlessness and an elegant look is really that important to you, I'd just go with that powerhouse and be done with it. I suppose each of these toys fulfills a different sort of niche need, but when it comes to buzzing towards happiness, looks and portability just aren't as important to me as getting off, all powerful-like. We're all free to vibe our own way, of course, but I prefer a toy that can buzz me into oblivion.

· Buy the Buzzing Blossom (goodvibes.com)
· Buy the Smart Wand by Lelo (goodvibes.com)
· Buy the Hitachi Magic Wand (goodvibes.com)

· Previously: Fleshbot's Marital Aid Test Kitchen