Marital Aid Test Kitchen: Lelo’s Isla Vibrator

With its super-sleek, engineered design ("It looks like a car!" says my boyfriend) the ISLA Insignia is indeed a beauty. But beauty means nothing without a little something to back it up. So, does the Isla perform?

This is the third of Lelo's Insignia line — we've previously reviewed the handheld Alia ringlet and the clit-loving Soraya. This one basically falls in the middle of the previous two, and conveniently uses the same charger.

The Isla is a slightly curved vibe with six different modes and a wide spectrum of vibration strength. In this Insignia iteration I have come to love, LOVE the ring handle. Here it's like the Alia pumped up on steroids, and even with this sizable toy (8.5 inches in length), makes for incredibly easy wielding. You really don't know what you're missing til you've tried it! In hand the Isla's controls are conveniently within reach atop the ring, so switching modes and/or vibration intensity is a breeze with a simple flick of the thumb (although there is the one-button mode-scroll which can be a pain if you accidentally switch off your favorite).

The unique handgrip makes for deft maneuvering when inserted, and allows even more dexterity for external use. I found that I preferred the latter with the Isla. This is no surprise though, as I've previously made it known I'm all about the clit — straight intra-vaginal vibration doesn't do much for me. But the joy of the ring-handled shaft here lends itself to plenty of fabulous external thrills, either one-on-one or when used in concert with a partner in a variety of positions.

If you're looking for the best bang for your buck, I'd probably just go for the slightly pricier, has-it-all Soraya. But if you're fine with the basic shaft and are willing to take external stimulation into your own hands, the Isla could be just what you're looking for.

· Buy Lelo's Isla (goodvibes.com)
Photo via Lelo