The groove - contoured probe discontinued by Doc Johnson - review by Cookie Monster Mike

The Groove almost seems like an understatement as to how versatile and groovy it really is. There are very few things you cannot do with this probe and you can take it just about anywhere. While primarily advertised as a probe, Doc Johnson has created a multi-purpose toy that almost anyone can and will enjoy. The beaded design allows the user to experience similarities with anal beads, the last two bulges near the base are the most pronounced at just shy of 1 1/4” and 1 1/2”.

The base is large and safe enough to allow the toy to be used as a plug for prolonged use and wear; however with 6” of insertable length, some users may not be able to use it as a plug. It is great for solo, partner or group adventures; thrusting or slow penetration, used in conjunction with another silicone toy for double penetration. It is great for beginners and advanced users or even to take into the shower with you. Because of the silicone material, it warms up quickly to temperature that it is exposed to, such as hot water or your own body heat for temperature play.

It is truly splendid to have a toy made out of “100% Premium Platinum Silicone” such as The Groove. It makes it the perfect material for anal use and is incredibly durable, flexible, safe and long lasting. While the surface is smoothe, it does have a slight drag to it when pulled over the skin. Unfortunately the material does make it somewhat a dust/lint magnet so I do recommend at least rinsing it off before use each time. Its surface texture does allow lube to cling to it, rather than being repelled off. Please remember to use water based lubes and do not use silicone lubes for silicone toys.

From opening it the first time from the packaging, to washing and using it multiple times, I have not noticed any odors from The Groove yet. Regardless of how safe and non-porous silicone is, it is always recommended to use condoms when sharing toys, especially when shared anally. It also helps to store silicone toys away from other toys that are not of the same material. I have personally had different materials interact with each other in the past, which in turn destroyed two toys.

The Groove's overall design is more suited for beginners and intermediate users; advanced users should be careful if trying to use this as a plug because the base is just slightly larger than the bulge just above the base. The first three smallest bulges of the toy are great for beginners, the first only being 5/8” and third 7/8” with 2 3/4” insertable length at that point. The fourth and fifth bulges quickly increase to just shy of 11/4” and 1 1/2” making this part more for intermediate users, also allowing beginners to use the one toy to advance in their anal adventures. Overall 6” of insertable length can be a challenge for some people who have trouble with deep anal penetration.

I think my favorite part of the design is the three toys in one: anal beads, a plug and a good thrusting toy/probe. The Groove is not really discreet in any way and most people will know exactly what it is when they see it. The coloring is very elegant; a sparkly silvery blue with a pearl-like gloss, swirls can be seen throughout, some with more hints of blue and some with silver. It also reminds me of seeing NASA images of planet Neptune’s upper atmosphere storm clouds. One unfortunate feature though is the tip, because it is so flexible, it can be difficult to insert because it wants to bend. However, when you get the tip in, it’s easy from there on to work your way to the base.

As mentioned before, my favorite feature of this toy is the fact it can be used for multiple things by multiple users. Looking at the whole picture, I think it out performs what it was advertised to do. While it does not actually have a true suction cup, I found that the base would slightly suction and stick to a smooth surface. This made it easier for hands free play; however you can expect it to eventually move, or slip depending on what you’re doing. I was amazed at how well lube stayed on the toy when using it, however in wet environments the lube will quickly wash off.

The not so great thing about The Groove is the flexible tip that can be difficult to get in at times. More so with beginners, they might find that the tip wants to bend rather than insert anally. As a more advanced user, I found that overall the flexible tip didn't hinder on the performance for me. Every now and then I would have minor troubles getting it to penetrate, more so when it’s the first toy I use to warm up with. Using The Groove in conjunction with another silicone dildo for double penetration, I found it fairly difficult to get the tip inside. On a positive note, the flexibility allows The Groove to move with your body’s anatomy making it more comfortable.

If you are worried about whether a toy like this is easy or hard to care for then worry no more. Silicone is an easy material to maintain and can take a beating. You can boil it for 3 minutes to fully disinfect it, throw it in the dishwasher on the top rack, hand wash in warm to hot water and a mild anti-bacterial soap and even use toy wipes or sprays. As far as lubricants go you should only use a water based lube, no silicone lubes at all. To be on the safe side you can always do a test spot on the toy with some lube to see how it will react.

The material is somewhat a lint and dust magnet, you may need to rinse the toy off before each use depending on how you store it. As far as storing The Groove, you could use the packaging it came with, a toy box, zip lock baggy or even leave it out. Storing it separate form non silicone material toys is always recommended due to material interaction.

Simple clam shell plastic packaging that can be used to store the toy, but not very effective. On the backside of the packaging there is information on the silicone material; also with Doc Johnson website, Facebook and Twitter info. Six languages including English, state “Premium platinum silicone toy. Hypo-allergenic. Phthalate free.” The packing is 13 1/2” long and 4 7/8” wide and is number 3 recyclable (PVC). No detailed or raunchy images are displayed on the packaging; however on the front they proudly show the “Made In USA” logo.

The Groove by Doc Johnson is yet another toy I am happy I bought. Because of its wide variety of uses it has provided me with more fun in the adventures of anal play. This is one toy I can say I’m glad to add to my collection and it is my first anal probe I have used.