Sex toy designers work tirelessly to provide customers with ever-greater levels of eye-popping pleasure. This often involves coming up with creative ways to mimic the experience of the real thing as closely as possible.
In light of this noble pursuit, sex-lovers now have a full range of technological wonders at our disposal, both for solo and partnered play. This includes toys like cunnilingus simulators, sex machines, and Fleshlights modeled after the vulvas of actual porn stars.
Included on this long and marvelous menu of gems is the thrusting vibrator, a fine choice for fans of penetrative play. If you’re not familiar with this type of toy, you’ve probably got some questions:
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- What is a thruster and how does it work?
- How much does one typically cost?
- What should I have in mind as I shop?
- Does it really feel like the real thing?
We’re here to give you the full scoop, including tips to help choose the best product for you.
What Is a Thrusting Vibrator?
When you first try to picture a toy that thrusts, you might imagine a full-on sex machine, but thrusting vibrators aren’t nearly so involved. They tend to come in the same general size and shape as other vibrating dildos, making them compact and easy to travel with.
Thrusting dildos commonly come in a few different styles. First, you have dildo thrusting vibrators modeled in the shape of a penis. Then, there are rabbit thrusting vibrators built to simultaneously provide clitoral stimulation. There are also ‘butterfly’ versions, which provide clit stimulation but with a lighter touch than rabbit-ear designs.
Finally, you’ll find newer models that don’t actually thrust at all, in the sense that the shaft of the toy doesn’t physically expand. These thrusters are made with a hollow tube inside the shaft with a solid, heavy ball that’s thrown around the chamber when the motor is activated. This creates a thumping sensation with a powerful, jackhammer-type feel.
Most thrusters aim to provide vaginal and G-spot stimulation, with the option of added clitoral pleasure if that’s what you’re looking for. You can also find thrusters designed for anal play, which come in a more bulbous, butt-pluggish shape. Before you shop, think about what kind of experience you’d like to have.
What Features Do Thrusting Vibrators Offer?
Aside from the focal trait of these vibrators—the thrusting mechanism that mimics penetrative sex—you’ll find a combination of features that are different depending on the model you buy. Keep these points in mind as you shop to find what works best for you.
Material
Thrusting vibrators come in a variety of materials, but silicone and hard and soft plastic tend to be the most common. Silicone toys are less porous than plastic and easier to sanitize between sessions, but they also tend to be pricier.
In addition, some materials are more body-friendly than others. You’ll want to avoid models made with toxic chemicals like phthalates. You may also wish to avoid models containing latex if you or your partner has an allergy.
Design
Thrusters come in a variety of shapes and sizes. Some are longer, shorter, girthier, curved, or even flexible for easy bending. Models with shafts that physically expand when activated do so at different lengths, with some delving deeper than others. There are those with flared bases for safe and easy anal play, as well as those with suction-cup bases for hands-free fun.
You’ll also find a variety of colors, textures, and decorations. People who prefer realism can opt for thrusters designed to look like actual penises, veins and all. You can also find ones with smooth or ribbed surfaces. And if you’re feeling sparkly, you might go for a bright pink model decked out in glitter. The possibilities are endless.
Water-friendliness
You might assume a toy with an internal motor would be incompatible with liquid. Luckily for squirt-lovers, that simply isn’t so! Many thrusters are 100% waterproof and some are even fully submersible. These models work well for fun in the shower or tub.
Settings
Many thrusters are programmed with several thrusting speeds, intensities, and vibration patterns. This means you can switch between sensations within a single session, enjoying anything from a pleasant pounding to a full-on, nearly violent fuckfest. Some models actually rotate as well, providing stimulation to every angle of your inner walls.
Modes of Control
Each thruster is made with its own mode of powering the toy on and off and controlling its settings during use. Most have buttons located at the base, while others come with a controller connected by a wire. You might also come across rare models with wireless remote-control capabilities.
For models with clit-stim technology, like rabbit thrusters, you may be able to control the clitoral stimulation and thrusting sensations separately for a more customized experience.
Rechargeability
Some thrusters are battery-operated, which involves more financial investment over time. For a more practical and eco-friendly option, go for models that come with a USB port for easy recharging.
Also be aware that when it comes to power, the charge of some toys will last longer than others, or take longer to recharge when the toy dies. Keep this in mind if you’re a marathon masturbator seeking longer sessions.
Locking Mechanisms
Thrusters commonly come with a locking mechanism for safe and discreet portability. You don’t want your thruster accidentally clicking into full gear in your purse during a job interview, do ya? (Nooooo, I’m guessing ya don’t.)
Packaging and Storage
If you’ve got housemates, kiddos, or other folks at home who you’d rather not have knowing about your purchase, rest easy. Many thrusting vibrators are delivered in discreet packaging to keep your secret safe. Some also come in fancy bags or boxes for sterile and aesthetically pleasing storage between sessions.
Remember, it’s not advisable to leave sex toys sitting out in the open where they can be easily contaminated. You also don’t want silicone toys touching each other during storage, as this can weaken, melt, or degrade the material.
Any Drawbacks to Thrusting Vibrators?
Depends on what you’re looking for! Most users who review thrusters are generally satisfied, but complaints aren’t unheard of either. Ponder these points before you buy to avoid disappointment.
Noise
Like most vibrators, thrusters can be noisy. This won’t be a problem if your living situation affords you privacy, but can be exceedingly embarrassing if that’s not the case. If you’re seeking a thruster that’s entirely silent, you might have a hard time finding a toy that fits the bill.
User-Friendliness
“It’s just too complicated to use!!” If you’re not big on toys with lots of buttons and settings, you may find the design of certain thrusters frustrating or distracting. If you prefer simplicity, avoid toys with too many settings and doodads.
Thrusting Depth
All bodies are different and as such, some people simply won’t be satisfied with the thrusting depth of these vibrators. The head of the toy may not reach your G-spot or prostate, or may feel too deep for your liking. For this reason, size is a consideration not to be taken lightly.
Power
For some users, certain thrusting vibrators will feel too rough, while others will be left unimpressed and wanting more. Check out product reviews while shopping around to get a sense of which models will work to your liking.
Desensitization
Some users experience nerve desensitization after regular use of sex toys like vibrators. If you find yourself having trouble reaching orgasm with a partner and this bothers you, it might be better to back off and give your body a break from your thruster to re-sensitize.
What's the Cost?
Most models run anywhere between $50 to $250 depending on the quality of the materials and capabilities of the technology. Generally with sex toys, you get what you pay for, so it may be more viable in the long run to splurge.
However, there are rare gems out there that provide ample satisfaction at lower prices. Again, product reviews are your friend. Depending on the site or store you buy from, your purchase may come with a warranty, making it less risky to spend on the toy your heart desires most.
Which Brands Make Thrusting Vibrators?
Shopping for sex toys can be overwhelming thanks to the vast range of products on offer. If you’re in the market for a thrusting vibrator and aren’t sure where to start, take a look at these brands and see if their products appeal to you.
Fifty Shades of Grey
It may sound cheesy, but the 50 Shades of Grey brand has developed an official line of high-end sex toys endorsed by author E.L. James herself. Check out the Greedy Girl Thrusting Rabbit Vibrator for a top-of-the-line option.
Lovehoney
Lovehoney’s Happy Rabbit Thrusting Realistic was carefully developed based on years of customer feedback, making it a solid choice with an impressive range of consumer-focused features.
Blush
Blush is known for their body-safe, innovate and diverse sex toys, including their thrusters! The Lush Iris Warming and Thrusting Rabbit is a body-friendly tech-lover’s dream that’s definitely worth checking out.
ZALO
ZALO offers luxury sex toys with a glitsy, royal style and gorgeous storage options to match. The King Vibrating Thruster is a hotlist thruster with an elegant, straightforward design and considerable power. Don’t underestimate this bad boy.
CalExotics
This brand’s Shameless Seducer Thrusting Massager is advertised as “unapologetically powerful.” At $249, it lies at the pricier end of the spectrum, but may indeed end up being exactly what you need.
How Close Are Thruster Vibrators to Sex?
While sex-tech has come a long way and thrusters are indeed a modern marvel, nothing presently on the market can flawlessly mimic actual sex with a partner. The main appeal, at the end of the day, is that thrusters are consistent in the stimulation they provide, which is exactly what gets a good percentage of people off.
Others, however, may find these toys feel too robotic and monotonous. If you keep your expectations realistic, you’ll likely find thrusters to be enjoyable on the whole.
Your Satisfaction is What's Most Important!
It’s always worth taking your pleasure seriously. That’s the whole point after all, is it not? I wish you well on your quest to find a thrusting vibrator that suits your needs.
Do a deep dive, click around, and have courage as you explore. Once you find your dream toy, the thrust will be with you, always!
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