Let's Talk About Wands

Let's Talk About Wands

What Are Wands?

Good question! In popular culture, 'wands' hold a strong connotation with Harry Potter, or some other magical spell wielding fantasy character. While the wands I'm talking about definitely have some magical qualities, in function and purpose they differ quite dramatically from those we would regard as instruments for fighting off evil wizards.

A wand vibrator is a handheld device generally used as a massage instrument or sex toy. The top part of the wand tends to hold all of the vibrations, while the handle provides a grip so that you can wield your magic with maximum flexibility and none of the annoying vibration sensations in your hand that are sometimes experienced with bullet vibrators. Wands can provide stimulation to your erogenous zones; because of their large surface area and powerful vibrations, they serve as awesome clitoral stimulators, nipple stimulators, and total body massagers. Wands can be battery operated or rechargeable, made from silicone or PVC, feature varying vibration speeds and/or patterns, and come in a variety of shapes and sizes.

History of Wands

The most commonly known 'magic wand' vibrator, is the Hitachi Magic Wand. The Hitachi Magic Wand has been on the market since 1968 and was originally manufactured by the Japanese company Hitachi as a means of relieving tension and aching muscles. The Hitachi Magic Wand became popular as a means of achieving orgasm through the works of Sex Educator, Betty Dodson. Within the sex positive or (sexual revolution) period of the late 1960s, Betty Dodson rejected previous articulations of feminism that took an 'anti-pleasure' stance, arguing instead that women should "discover their sexual desires through masturbation".  Betty Dodson led many education sessions, known as 'Bodysex' workshops which taught women how to use the Hitachi Magic Wand for the purpose of self-pleasure. Her teachings became known as the 'Betty Dodson Method' and were popular amongst many women who had never previously experienced orgasm.

Interestingly, Hitachi tried to remain adamant that their product was in fact intended for relieving sore muscles, and was not actually a vibrator. They have issued various statements since Dodson's popularisation of their product as a means of achieving orgasm, reinforcing its intended purpose, however Dodson's sex positive movement and teachings led to it becoming a sex shop staple. The Hitachi Wand has remained a best selling product at the store Good Vibrations in San Francisco since 1977. In 2013, Hitachi decided to rebrand their product as the 'Original Magic Wand'. The prevalent appearance of the Hitachi Magic Wand within porn, various movies and TV shows (like Sex and the City),  as well as its recommendations by a number of sex educators has led to it retaining cult status. Many people today commonly associate all vibrating wands with the original Hitachi Wand, however presently there are hundreds of vibrating wands on the market that take inspiration from the original, whilst offering their own innovative and creative flair. 

Why Are Vibrating Wands So Fabulous?

There are a number of reasons. As someone who owns and has used a number of wands, bullets, and rabbits I tend to favor wands because of a few certain characteristics that can set them apart from other toys. The first is the handle. A simple, yet highly effective feature that allows you so much flexibility in how you want to direct your vibrations, the wand handle is SO much more comfortable for me to hold than the body of a bullet vibrator. This could just be something that I experience, although I imagine that others may find the same thing; that bullet vibrators, whilst fabulous for being discreet and powerful, can feel incredibly irritating against the skin whilst in the hand. I really dislike the feeling of vibrations rattling through my hand while holding a bullet vibrator; it can be distracting, uncomfortable, and a hindrance to achieving that perfect placement for orgasm. Wands on the other hand rarely have that issue; the handle is perfectly insulated against the vibrations as they are concentrated within the head, thus the handle is comfortable to hold and provides a nice grip with which you can successfully direct your desired vibrations.

Second, the surface area of the wand is incredibly pleasurable; I find that bullets rely on pinpoint stimulation, which can sometimes be far too intense or induce over sensitivity. The large surface area of the wand means that you can almost press yourself against the wand, creating a pressure that blended with the vibrations feels incredible. Third, wands have the ability to retain an INTENSE level of power. Some of the wands on the market are incredibly powerful; unlike anything i have previously witnessed with a bullet. Wands that are plug in are able to retain a LOT of power without burning the motor or running out of battery, and even those that are rechargeable still manage to deliver strong, rumbly vibrations as a result of their size.

Lastly, wands are awesome to use during penetrative sex. As many people struggle to orgasm from vaginal penetration alone, the wand is the perfect addition to any kinky penetration play; its flexibility, dynamic usage, power, and comfortable grip means that it can deliver amazing clitoral stimulation in conjunction with penetration. If you're someone who feels as though they need a little something extra to make penetrative sex more exciting, a wand is your newest best friend. Plus, your partner will most likely enjoy the sight of you getting yourself off during penetration. Wands are also great for foreplay or non-penetrative sex as well; try using one as a nipple stimulator, on the back or shoulders for a massage, or on the inner thighs - you'll thank me later! The rumbliness of the vibrations on yours or your partners body makes for a truly erotic experience. Plus, getting into the mood with a wand, a back massage, and some yummy smelling massage oil can create what could only be described as a magical night.

 Which Wand is Best For Me?

At Pleasure Chest, we carry a number of wands from leading industry brands. There are five I have chosen to discuss here in this post, however you can view our full collection here

1. Le Wand: $196-$265

Winner of a prestigious women's health award and known for its elegant and luxurious aesthetic, Le Wand products would have to be my favourite when it comes to both appearance & functionality. The sleek, gorgeous design of Le Wand's products makes for an exciting, sensual experience; Le Wand's body wands are available in black, rose gold, cream, sky blue, grey, violet, and dark blue, and each offers its own glamorous and tantalising allure. The quality of Le Wand products is also evident as soon as you unbox the toy; the wands have a nice weight to them and are visibly meticulously and carefully crafted. The vibrations of Le Wand body wands can vary; the 'Petite' versions of their products are not as intense as the larger ones ("Le Wand Originals"), however both still offer deep and rumbly vibration speeds and patterns (10 speeds, 6 patterns). Whether you select rechargeable or plug in, all Le Wand vibrating wands feature a body-safe silicone head, a flexible neck, and a nice lengthy handle. The button controls are easy to use, and each Le Wand purchase comes with a travel adapter, a cute travel case, and a comprehensive usage guide.

Shop Le Wand online or in-store at Pleasure Chest.

2. Lovense Domi 2: $249

The Lovense Domi 2 is an intensely powerful 'mini wand', made from gorgeous, smooth body-safe silicone, available in a sleek black colour, and able to be used in conjunction with Lovense's app. The Domi 2 features a flexible and unique head, enabling you to maneuvre the wand in a way that allows you to best hit those sweet spots. Domi has a wide power range; if you're someone who doesnt like something too intense but rather more gentle and light, Domi has you covered. Or, if you're a power seeker you can sit back and allow Domi to provide you with sensations of an earthquake proportion. Domi is also water resistant and incredibly long-lasting; unlike the Le Wand which features up to two hours of use, Domi boasts a 5-6hr run time before she needs another charge. Domi is the longest lasting wand vibrator I have come across on the market, making her perfect for those who are in it for both a good time AND a long time. Domi is also able to be controlled through Lovense's app at both close and long range, features unlimited vibration patterns, can be synced to music, or set to react to sounds. To read more on Lovense and how their app works.

3. Doxy Wand: $189-$355

Like the Hitachi Magic Wand, the Doxy Wand is another cult classic. Manufactured in the UK, the Doxy Wand is one of the "strongest and most powerful wands currently available on the market". Doxy offers both plug in and rechargeable wands which both boast intense levels of deep, rumbly vibrations, however the plug in wand (Doxy Wand Massager Original) is most notably known for its intensity, with a range of 3000rpm up to 9000rpm. The soft, silky head is made from PVC, while the handle is made from a strong, durable metal. The Doxy Wand Massager Original features a 3 meter long cable, ensuring that you do not have to be close to a power source in order to play. It is also compatible with various voltages around the world, so it can be used while traveling. The Doxy Die Cast range features the same level of intense vibrations, however they offer a new look, with a sleek black high-quality silicone head and a aluminium/titanium alloy handle. The gorgeous colours available in the Die Cast range also give them a luxurious aesthetic. 

4. Nalone Rock: $76

The Nalone Rock Wand was my first wand vibrator, and it is definitely responsible for giving rise to my unwavering love of wands. Whilst she is petite in size, the Nalone Rock offers strong vibrations that are rumbly rather than buzzy in nature. Whilst the Rock is not as strong as the Le Wand, the Domi, or the Doxy, if you are new to using wands or favour something with a little less intensity, the Rock is a perfect option for you. The Rock is made from a nice, smooth silicone, is USB rechargeable, lasts around 3-3/5hrs, features 3 speeds of vibration and 4 different vibration patterns. The handle offers a nice bumpy texture which feels pleasant to hold and offers a great grip. The Rock is also a LOT lighter than the Le Wand or Doxy Wands and far more compact at 19.2cm, making it fantastic to use in some more dynamic, flexible sex positions. Perfect for traveling due to its discreet size, the Rock is also waterproof making it a great toy to use to unwind at the end of a stressful day.

5. Colourful Camo Beja Rechargeable Vibrating Wand Massager: $49

Let me start by saying that the Beja Wand boasts an incredibly creative and colourful aesthetic; the camo decor will definitley appeal to those who like a little more flair than what the standard wand colours offer. Available in a pink/purple or green/yellow design, the Beja Wand is made from a smooth medical grade silicone. Offering 8 different vibration modes, the Beja is also waterproof, rechargeable, and is able to be used for 1.5hrs per charge. The curved handle of the Beja is a really innovative and effective design; Beja fits very comfortable in the hand and can be used to hit those spots that are sometimes harder to get, be that on the neck/back or on the clitoris. The Beja is incredibly light and compact at 21cm, making it comfortable to use and awesome for traveling. If you have never used a vibrating wand before, the Beja is a great high-quality wand available at a price that won't break the bank.

I hope that this information has been helpful to you; if you have any other questions in relation to vibrating wands you can email us at shop@pleasurechest.com.au, call us on (02) 9212 6440, or visit us at our Sydney Boutique at 705 George Street, Haymarket.

Have Fun & Stay Safe!

Sources:

• https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Betty_Dodson
• https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hitachi_Magic_Wand
• https://www.cosmopolitan.com/sex-love/a14105499/hitachi-magic-wand-history/