Dildos

What with all the shapes, sizes, and colors, choosing your first dildo can be confusing. But don't worry — we have some tips that will simplify your shopping experience and help you hook up with your dream dick. Click on one of the links below to delve into an area of interest, or just scroll down for the full scoop on dildo selection. Important: Don't forget the lube!

• Size
• Shape
• Material
• Harnessing Compatibility
• Double Dildos
• Vibrating Dildos

Size

Despite what you may have heard, size does matter. In dildo land, if one is too narrow, you may still use it (though crave more); if it's too large, it will sit in a drawer, unused. Here's how to play Goldilocks and choose one that's just right.

The right width is more important than the right length, primarily because you can control the depth of penetration by holding a hand at the base of the dildo. If it's going to be inside you, think about the number of fingers that feel good, a penis you liked, or experiment with cucumbers (use a condom and some lube) to determine a width that feels good.

If you're choosing a dildo for your special someone (whether it's for vaginal or anal play), try the following:

• Get them turned on — you'll get a better sense of the right fit when your partner is aroused.
• With some sexy build up, insert as many fingers as feels good to them vaginally or anally. Remember how many you inserted as you finish off your "in the name of science" encounter.
• Hold up the number of fingers you used in the position your hand was in (two fingers bent close together? Hand balled into a fist?).
• Take your other hand and wrap your thumb and forefinger around the thickest point of the part of your hand that went inside your lover.
• Move the penetration hand away. Now you just have the fingers of your non-dominant hand describing an O shape. Measure the distance across. That is the diameter of the dildo you will want to find.
• If you have a sensitive cervix, avoid straight, pointy dildos and stick with those that are curved and blunt-ended.
• If a dildo feels too long during partner sex, the harness wearer can control the depth of penetration by wrapping a fist around the base or controlling the thrusts. Also, the recipient can get on top to control the depth of penetration.
• Remember that if you're planning to use a dildo in a harness, you'll lose about 1/2" of length because of the ring and harness.

Shape

Dildos come in an amazing array of choices: straight, curved, penis-looking, flaccid, semi-realistic, or smooth non-realistic designs. Most are harness-compatible, but some are designed to be hand-held. You can go with a "representational" dil like the Goodfella, popular semi-realistics like the Mistress and Mr. Bendy, or smooth, sensuous non-realistics such as the Silks.

If you're interested in packing your dildo (wearing it under clothes), look for softer materials to avoid the tent-pole phenomenon, like the Mr. Bendy. The Soft Packs create a realistic soft package for wearing in the streets that's not effective for penetration in the sheets. A sturdy jock strap over a harness with a firmer dildo such as the Bandit can help keep it down until it's time to come out and play. We also have the Mr. Right Packing Strap and Deluxe Packing Pouch, which are less bulky than a harness and work with boxers.

Many dildos have at least the hint of a penis shape. One advantage to the penis-shaped dildos is the stimulation you can get from the "head." The most sensitive part of the vagina is the outer third, and the added thickness at the bulbous end of a dildo can make it more stimulating when moved in and out. Plus, some people enjoy the aesthetics of a realistic-looking dildo. Other folks don't want a phallic looking sex toy, so we carry both options.

Specially curved dildos, called G-spotters, are made to stimulate the G-spot, the sensitive spongy area a couple of inches inside the vagina toward the belly behind the pubic bone. The G-Curve (which is non-realistic) is a firm, well-designed G-spot dildo, as are the Pure Wand and Ella (both hand-held).
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Material

Silicone

Silicone is the material of choice at Babeland. It's often more expensive than other materials because the high-quality ingredients cost more; also, many silicone toys come from small manufacturers with craftsman settings rather than large sex toy plants. You will find the higher price worthwhile because of the longer lifespan of silicone, and its ability to be disinfected for use with more than one partner. View our entire selection of silicone dildos.

• Silicone toys are non-porous and can be disinfected.
  
• To disinfect, first remove any vibrating elements (motors are not boilable); boil the dildo for 5-10 minutes, or pop it in your dishwasher.
  
• If you disinfect silicone toys between uses, you can share them with a partner; otherwise, use condoms.
  
• Silicone dildos can break at the base if they are forced into too-small rings. Be sure you have the right size harness ring for your dildo.
  
• Silicone toys last a long time.
  
• Silicone holds body heat and warms up quickly to body temperature.
  
• Do not use silicone lube with silicone toys, as the chemical reaction will melt the silicone toy. Be sure to use a condom over the toy if you want to use silicone lube.

Vinyl

• Some vinyl materials contain no phthalates.
• Vinyl is a porous material.
• Use condoms if you're going to share a vinyl toy with a partner.
• Vinyl may be firmer than other toy materials, such as rubber.

Ultra-Realistics

Vixskin dildos are popular for both playing and packing because of their uniquely realistic look and feel. Vixskin is a kind of silicone, so these toys are fully disinfectable.

• Use corn starch to powder Vixskin toys after washing to keep them from getting sticky and tacky.
• Use condoms to keep them clean between boilings.
• Do not use silicone lube with Vixskin toys, as the chemical reaction will melt the toy. Be sure to use a condom over the toy if you want to use silicone lube.

Hard Materials: Pyrex, acrylic, glass, metal

These rock-hard dildos are hand-held (Pure Wand, Rose G-spotter, Candy Colored Glass Dildo are some of our favorites). They are among the safest and most hygienic materials; because of their heft and firmness, we do not recommend using these dildos in a harness.

• These toys are phthalate-free and non-porous.
• To clean these toys, use anti-bacterial soap and water.
• Use condoms if sharing with a partner.
• Do not boil plastic, Lucite or acrylic toys. Stainless Steel and Pyrex toys can be boiled.

Glass retains temperature extremely well and requires only a little lube for a super-slippery effect.

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Harness-ability

Most, but not all, dildos are made to be usable in a harness. Look for the telltale flare at the base. Some cheaper dildos have bases that are very floppy and may slip through the ring. If you want to use dildos of varying widths, choose a harness with changeable O-rings, such as the Commando or Terra Firma.

The Buzz Me Tender Harness allows you to use a bullet vibe for an extra buzz.

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Double Headers

Lots of people like the idea of both partners getting penetration as they rock back and forth. The Nexus and Share are designed to be used with or without a harness (though the harness adds great stability), while the Feeldoe offers added clit vibration for the wearer.

Vibrating Dildos

Not only will the receiver feel a nice buzz, but many a harness wearers report added stimulation when they switch one of these vibrating dildos on.

Silicone dildos with removable battery vibes (allowing you to remove the vibe and still boil the dildo) include Vibrating Mistress and Leo Vibe Kit.
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