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6 Signs That Fancy-Ass Vibrator Is Worth the Price

Published: JUNE 19, 2017 | Updated: APRIL 24, 2020
Seeking a spa-like experience for your genitals? It'll cost you. But, if you choose the right toy, it'll pay off in orgasms.

A quick look around the internet makes it clear that sex toys have definitely gone mainstream. These days they are way more abundant and accessible than they were even a decade ago. As sex toy popularity has risen so has quality and image-consciousness, with more brands than ever aiming to create a spa-like experience for your genitals. But with such a huge range of toys at different price points, how do you know what’s worthwhile and what’s the emperor’s new vibrator? In short, how do you know that fancy-ass vibrator you have your eye on is worth what it costs? Deluxe and swanky are great, but when it comes to sex toys, substance rules. Here are some things any high-end vibrator should deliver.

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It’s Made Of Good Stuff

If a toy is carrying an investment-level price tag it should be made to last, easy take care of, and (I wish this went without saying but it doesn’t so here we go) safe for your body. In terms of body safety, there are six materials you can never go wrong with: Glass, Wood, Steel, ABS Plastic, Ceramic, or Silicone. Believe it or not, vibrators are actually available in all of those materials but the most common are silicone and ABS plastic, either separately or together. Now, because the sex toy industry is unregulated, it is still common for products to be labeled silicone when they are, in fact, some other material entirely; look for opaque materials with no smell. You can also check out the manufacturer's reputation for clues here.

O-Wand Luxury Vibrator

The O-Wand is coated in body-safe silicone from end to end.

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It Does What It’s Supposed to Do WELL

Cardinal “not worth it” toy sin? Having one speed/setting. What is up with that?! A proper luxury toy will offer multiple speeds (I prefer a sliding scale of steady vibration speeds myself) and usually different settings and patterns. The new O Wand features seven adjustable stimulation modes and four vibration intensity settings. That’s the kind of variety you want to see in a luxury toy!

Additionally it will have POWER. Now, I understand not everyone wants their toy to be a jackhammer but a powerful motor is a hallmark of a worthwhile vibrator. You may not use that strongest setting but you want a motor that has the power to deliver. If vibrate is what your toy is designed to do, make sure it does it well.

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Read: 7 Things to Think About When Choosing a Wand MassagerIt Does Other Cool Stuff Too

Over the last couple of years, the list of cool toy features has grown exponentially. From the practical: submersible toys that allow for use under water, travel locks that ensure your suitcase won’t come buzzing around the baggage carousel; to the luxurious: undulating motions mimicking the famed “come hither” motion for G-spot stimulation, warming elements to heat up your experience in more ways than one, to the delightfully freaky: lay an alien egg inside you, anyone? The upshot is that part of what makes a toy worth the investment is its ability to keep you happy and amused. Look for features that you find convenient and fun.Someone Clearly Put Some Thought Into It

From the design of the toy- Does it feel good to hold? Does it makes sense anatomically? - to the experience of unwrapping the product - Is the presentation attractive? Is the packaging sturdy? - a toy that's worth its price tag should feel like someone put thought into it.

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Look at the design of the toy. Does it look good? Awesome. Hold it - like, actually hold it in your hand. Does it feel good? For example, the O Wand has an ergonomic handle designed with comfort in mind. Now, does everything line up? When you hold it in a way that feels comfortable, do the vibrating parts hit where you want them to? Fabulous! Simple questions like that can give you some insight into how well thought-out a toy is.

o-Wand is ergonomic

When it comes to packaging, a luxe feel and stylish look can enhance the user experience, especially when it includes quality educational materials and bonus items like a carrying case for the toy.

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You Don’t Have To Buy Batteries

For maximum power and minimum upkeep, many of the best toys are rechargeable. Many current toys come with USB chargers or are packaged with multiple adapters, allowing for charging all over the world. You wouldn’t settle for a phone you had to change the batteries on, right? Why not expect the same recharge-ability from your pleasure products?The Manufacturer Stands Behind it

A high-quality product should come with a warranty. It just should. When you hand over your hard-earned money to buy a toy, you are putting your faith in that toy. The least the manufacturer can do is also have faith in the product by backing it up with a warranty. Sex toys are a way to take care of ourselves and you deserve the peace of mind that comes from knowing the manufacturer is willing to take care of you should anything go wrong.Fancy Is as Fancy Does

As I said before, more and more companies are aiming to create a high-end sex toy experience these days. When shopping, consider all of these elements because the higher cost of a luxury toy should be about more than a sleek look or a popular name, it should be about getting a toy you are confident you will enjoy for a long time. If sex toys have gone mainstream, our expectations for them should too. You should expect a high-end vibrator to deliver the same way you expect a nice laptop or fancy smartphone to deliver.

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When looking for a luxury toy, know what you want, what you can expect, and what you should look for. Remember, though, that it takes more than a big price tag to make a good toy, so keep your eyes out and make sure the fancy toy you have your eyes on is both worth the price and right for you.

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JoEllen Notte

JoEllen is a writer, speaker, researcher and mental health advocate whose work explores the impact of depression on sex and relationships. Since 2012 she has written about sex, mental health, and how none of us are broken on her award-winning site The Redhead Bedhead. JoEllen has led workshops nationwide on sexual communication, navigating consent, having casual sex kindly, and dating as an introvert. She has toured sex shops, spoken at length on dildos, and even started a sex school but she is happiest and most effective when writing and speaking on behalf of quiet people who have sex. Check out her video series on attending conferences as an introvert and her extensive writing on sex and depression. JoEllen has spoken at Clark College, University of Chicago, Woodhull's Sexual Freedom Summit, and the Playground ConferenceJoEllen's book The Monster Under the Bed: Sex, Depression & The Conversation We Aren’t Having is now available in paperback, ebook, and audiobook.

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