A pair of jeans that makes your ass look like a dream. A lover who doesn’t leave you on 'read.' An endless supply of lube. Body wash that doesn’t give you recurrent yeast infections. These are some things we all deserve.
Another to add to the list? A luxury vibrator.
Typically defined as a vibe that costs one hundred buckaroos or more, luxury vibrators are one of the fastest growing sex toy categories according to Market Watch’s recent Sex Toys Market Global Industry Analysis.
But are ultra fancy vibrators really worth the price tag investment?
As a user of luxury vibrators, I say YES. However, I was curious to learn what sex educators thought, so I took my question Candice Smith, M.Ed, the resident sex expert for My First Blush and clinical sexologist Dr. Megan Stubbs, Ed.D. Turns out they agree! Scroll down to learn why.
Before we talk specifically about luxury vibrators, let's talk about vibrators, in general. They’re good for your health. Or, more specifically, using them is good for your health.
Sex educator Sarah Sloane (who's been coaching sex toy classes at Good Vibrations and Pleasure Chest since 2001) explains:
“Some folks need a vibrator to orgasm or orgasm more quickly with a vibrator, while others simply prefer orgasming with a vibrator.”
And orgasming, whether during solo, partnered, or multi-partnered sex, has been linked to reduced stress, improved sleep quality, increased pain tolerance, and boosted mood, she says.
So, basically, an investment in a vibrator is an investment in your health!
Truth be told, there’s no reason to spend a ton of money on your first vibrator E-V-ER, says Stubbs. “There’s a learning curve with vibrators,” she says. “Until you’ve used one or two you probably won’t know what vibration intensity you like, whether you want something external and/or internal, or made of silky-smooth silicone or temp-shifting stainless steel.”
Your plan of action? “Invest in a body-safe starter toy, and then use that to inform a second, more luxe purchase,” she says. Makes sense!
Sloane offers one caveat here: “The best first vibrator is the vibrator you’ll actually enjoy using,” she says. So, if a luxury vibe is the only toy you’re excited to use, get that!
Once you know what you like, it's time for an upgrade.
If you like the G-spot stimulation, for instance, you might check out ZALO's Queen G-Spot PulseWave Vibrator, while if you like buzzy external stimulation, check out the Baby Star Bullet Vibrator.
[The Queen doesn't just look luxurious, it feels like it too. The Queen has a pre-heating feature that stimulates human body-temperature!]
“You’ll be able to tell the difference in the feel of the material used and in the technology in luxury sex toys compared to the cheaper ones,” says Smith. “A $200 vibe is likely to have more bells and whistles than a less expensive vibrator,” she says.
Some features to expect from luxury vibrators:
Seriously! In the long run, $200.00 vibrators are actually... less expensive.
To understand how this is possible, let’s draw on the “cost per wear” framework. Commonly used to compare lower and higher priced clothes, the “cost per wear” formula breaks down how much you’ll spend per wear on a piece of clothing, based on how long you’ll have and be able to wear it. Usually, the higher-priced clothing wins out and is far cheaper in the long run. (As someone who went through Forever 21 jeans like tissues before discovering J Brand, I can vouch that this checks out).
Babes, you know where I’m going with this. Introducing: cost per use.
Created by yours truly, this equation breaks down how much you’ll spend per use (or per orgasm) on a vibrator in relation to how long you’ll have and get pleasure from it.
According to Stubbs, there’s reason to believe the cost per use on a luxury vibe is less than that on a moderately priced buzzer. “Most luxury vibrators have a longer lifespan than other sex toys—some lasting five, ten, maybe even fifteen years,” she says. Plus many come with a warranty which means if they do go on the fritz, you can replace them for free.
Basically, one luxury vibrator is cheaper in the long run than a bunch of cheapo vibes that need to be replaced on the regular.
Another reason to purchase a $200.00 vibe? They’re a great way to show your partner you love them, and care about their pleasure and health!
This is a particularly good idea if one of your partner’s love languages is 'Receiving Gifts', says Stubbs. “If receiving a high-end vibrator would make your partner feel cared for, it’s a great gift,” she says.
Plus, assuming your partner adheres to the sharing is caring principal, it’s really a gift for you both. “It's an experiential gift because unlike a fancy coat or sweater, you can use and enjoy it together,” Stubbs says.
[ZALO's FanFan Remote-Controlled Couples Massager is the perfect gift for your partner as it's specifically designed to maximize mutual pleasure!]
Trust, luxury vibes are the gift that keeps on giving, and giving...
It pays to prioritize your pleasure. So if you’ve had a luxury babe sitting in your shopping cart, go ahead and press “order”.
[Whisper quiet with an ultra powerful insertable and tickler, ZALO's Rosalie is the nobility of rabbit vibrators.]
And if you’re looking for a few recommendations, might I suggest luxury vibes I recently dropped a wad on: The Rosalie Rabbit Vibrator and The Desire Pre-Heating Thruster.
[Gone are the days of frigid sex toys. ZALO's Desire Pre-Heating Thruster pre-heats to the perfect body temperature so you can get straight down to luxurious business.]
PRESENTED BY
Gabrielle Kassel is sex writer for brands such as Cosmo, Health, Well & Good, Shape, Women’s Health, Greatist, and more. She can be found on Twitter and Instagram at @gabriellekassel.
