The true essence of a vibrator is, well, vibration. (I hope you were sitting down for that revelation!) No matter what size, shape or texture you choose, it’s the vibration that will determine whether it works for you. This is the main challenge in choosing your first vibrator because, in the most literal way, it takes using a vibrator to know what you like in a vibrator; and of course, in-store testing only goes so far. This is why I always suggest that the first vibrator be the cheapest vibrator (so long as it isn’t rattly and loose, or uses the battery cover as an on switch). Assume that your first will be replaced fairly quickly—even if, or especially if, you like it.
Vibration itself can be evaluated on two different qualities: the strength and the type of vibration. Vibration strength is what you turn up and down when you change the settings, and is also referred to as speed. This is the controllable part. The important thing here is choosing something that is multi speed and has a fairly wide range. I have tested many new vibes where I was struggling to figure out if I had changed the speed because the difference was very…subtle. You need those differences in speed to get the most out of your first vibe and to really figure out what your body likes in terms of vibration.
Vibration type is a bit harder to explain but is the part of the vibration that is not changed by different settings. There is the high frequency whiny type of vibration like a power toothbrush and the low frequency more growly kind of vibration like a motorcycle, and everything in between. In talking with my customers over the years I have found that many people with a clitoris prefer the growl to the whine, but not consistently enough to be a deciding factor. But it is true that the numbness that some experience from overstimulation tends to be worse with whiners as opposed to growlers. Which is better? Well, it’s entirely subjective! That’s why, in the stores I worked in, we usually suggested that people try the vibrations on their faces—being that faces contain the highest concentrations of nerve endings that you can play with in public. Touching a vibrator to your nose is a decent approximation of the more sensitive bits of the genitalia and the ears can stand in for the more fleshy parts. It’s not a perfect system, but it helps.
Figuring all this out as you are trying to purchase a first vibe is tough! Next up is the easier (if admittedly less fascinating) topic of how your vibrator is powered.
