Ethan Imboden is the Founder and Chief Creative Officer of Jimmyjane.com, a design-centric brand founded on the belief that life is better with a sexy twist. He started the company in 2003, seeing an unprecedented opportunity to transform consumer experience in an area of universal interest—sexuality.
With such a dizzying array of sex accessories available on the market today, how’s a woman supposed to choose?
Every day at Jimmyjane we hear from women (and men) seeking guidance on how to find the right vibrator for their particular desires. To help them choose appropriately, we developed a very popular, ever-growing Vibrator Guide that’s available to all. Along the way, we’ve found that there are three questions that are particularly helpful for narrowing the choices. Let us know how they work for you.
1. What’s your comfort level?
What’s positively delightful for one person can be overwhelming to the next. There’s no one-size-fits-all solution when it comes to sex, so trust your intuitions and focus on what’s right for you.
If you’re new to vibrators:
- Start simple. If vibration is a new sensation for you, you’ll likely find that there’s quite a bit of adventure available in that alone. Consider simple, understandable products focused on external stimulation—the majority of women require clitoral stimulation to have an orgasm—so that’s a good place to start.
- Start approachable. Trying a vibrator for the first time (particularly if you’re going to involve your partner) is an exciting but potentially daunting prospect. Consider designs that are unintimidating: smaller sizes, cleaner design and good packaging, and presentation can all help make it easier integrate into your love life.
- Start informed. Before making a choice, educate yourself on what works for you. If it’s internal stimulation, choose an insertable vibrator, and consider whether you’d like a bit of curvature to help reach your g-spot. External vibrators come in many shapes and sizes. Choose a larger one for a larger contact area and stronger vibrations, or a smaller one for more concentrated stimulation, akin to a fingertip. To combine both, consider trying a “Twice as Nice” such as the Iconic Rabbit.
If you already know your way around vibrators, you might be looking to upgrade in a variety of ways:
- Go powerful. If you’ve learned that you like strong vibrations, consider upgrading to a rechargeable vibrator and/or one with dual motors like Form 6. They rate high on the Richter Scale.
- Go versatile. If you’ve started with a basic model, consider trying a product with additional functionalities that are of interest to you. Designs with a variety of diameters and contours, g-spot curvature, waterproof capability, etc. can offer new realms of sensation.
- Go durable. Once you know what you like, it makes sense to have products that are built to last—it will save you money, and it will reduce landfill. Buy from a brand that you trust, and one that offers clear warranty and customer service policies.
2. How should the vibrator fit your lifestyle?
Vibrators aren’t just for singles, and they aren’t just for the bedroom. If you’re looking for additional possibilities from your new friend, here are a few you might want to keep in mind.
- In close quarters. Roommates, house guests, kids, airport security … there are a lot of reasons to look for a discreet vibrator. Both sound level and design should be considered. We design our vibrators to be attractive and discreet, and engineer them to be exceptionally quiet (though we can’t be responsible for the racket that you’ll make).
- In the water. A vibrator can add a twist to your “me-time” in the bath, or “we-time” in the hot tub. Several battery powered vibrators are now truly waterproof, and
- With my partner. Some designs are great for partner use. Small, low-profile vibrators like Little Chroma can easily be held between your bodies and contact the clitoris during intercourse. For hand’s-free fun, slip a vibrating ring such as the iconic ring onto his penis and you can share the sensations.
3. What materials do you prefer?
Material choice can make a big difference in the sensations offered by a vibrator. Hard materials transfer vibration very efficiently, while soft materials can be gentler and tend to feel more like skin. There are important health considerations to take into account as well, be sure to choose a vibrator made of body-safe materials that are free of phthalates and other toxins. Our favorite materials include:
- Silicone. An extremely durable, body-safe, non-porous rubber-like material that is often used in medical applications … it can have a soft, silky feel that is reminiscent of skin and many people like its natural warmth.
- Metal. We use a variety of metals in our designs, including 24K gold, platinum, and stainless steel. These materials are selected not only for their beautiful appearance, but also because of their durability, safety, and hygienic properties. Because of the thermal properties of the material, metal vibrators can also be warmed up or cooled down for different sensations.
- ABS. A common plastic that is used in a multitude of consumer products. It’s non-porous, durable, body-safe, and is even used in some tattoo inks to provide vivid and lasting color.
- TPE. A soft, stretchy compound that is body-safe and used in a wide range of products including medical devices. While TPE is not as durable as silicone, it is a good, inexpensive alternative.
Generally, after our customers have answered these questions, what was once a dizzying array of options has been narrowed down to a manageable (and fun) decision … and if we’ve done our job well, there’s no wrong choice among the final candidates—only different provocative possibilities.
Choose wisely, and enjoy.
Originally published on JimmyJane
