O2 Max - realistic dildo by Tantus - review by Incendiaire

The Max is a realistic dual-density dildo, made from two different types of Tantus’s 100% platinum silicone. The core of the dildo is made from a reasonably firm silicone, the same as that found in most Tantus products, and it replicates the two columns of erectile tissue inside the penis, known as the corpora cavernosum. This core gives the dildo its shape, but still allows for plenty of flex, and this in turn is covered by a very soft outer layer of silicone which replicates the skin and the glans. The outer layer is fairly thin over most of the shaft, but along the underside it’s thicker to mimic the corpus spongiosum - the soft tissue through which the urethra passes. The core extends only around halfway into the head of the dildo, leaving most of it made from the soft silicone alone, which has a wonderfully plush feeling to it. The head of the dildo has a shiny polished look, in to contrast to the matte shaft with its velvety skin-like finish.

The realism of the Max incorporates many of the characteristics of the human penis which have evolved over thousands of years to perform unique functions that contribute to sexual enjoyment, but which we frequently overlook. The glans of the penis is quite spongy in order to cushion the receiving partner from any vigorous thrusting, which could otherwise feel like a battering-ram pounding the insides, and the soft silicone head of the Max O2 replicates this perfectly. Unlike with harder dildos you can thrust deeply and energetically, without worrying about discomfort if you accidentally go too far. Another example of this is the foreskin detail on the dildo, which isn’t simply aesthetic. When the foreskin is retracted it bunches up behind the glans of the erect penis, and acts to smooth out the prominent ridge of the corona. This increases comfort for the receiving partner when the penis is withdrawn from an orifice. Again the dildo mimics this, and while the head doesn't have an especially pronounced coronal ridge to begin with, the foreskin detail softens it even further, leaving a streamlined design for smooth thrusting.

In terms of size the dildo is 8 1/8" long, with approximately 7" insertable, all depending on how you position the balls. The shape of the shaft is completely straight, with not even a hint of a curve, and around the middle it measures a circumference of 5 3/4". This thickness remains pretty uniform until you approach the base, where it broadens slightly to 6". The head of the dildo is a little wider than the shaft below it, at 5 7/8”, and is quite blunt. The design is fairly plain and doesn't include any finer details such as the urinary meatus, and the shape is more dome-like, rather than sloping or flaring out like a bell or army helmet. For the most part the shaft of the dildo isn't especially detailed either, with the exception of a few soft veins near to the base, and some creases around underside of the head to imitate the frenulum. The cross-section of the shaft is unusually circular, and the column of the corpus spongiosum is not pronounced or defined at all. The dildo has a very broad base at the bottom, which includes two testicle-shaped mounds. The design of the balls has them hanging freely in a relaxed state, like they might appear after a hot bath, rather than being drawn close to the shaft as they are in the moments preceding ejaculation. A thin strip of the soft silicone connects the base of the shaft to the balls, and this either folds or stretches depending on which direction you bend the dildo. While it does add an extra touch of realism to the appearance, my only worry is that with repeated stretching it may begin to fray or even tear.

Like all Tantus products the dildo is excellently made and free from mould lines. My one little disappointment was that I found two small holes in the surface of the balls, which appear to have been caused by air bubbles. They weren't significant enough to make me want to send it back, but imperfections are always a shame, and something I would hope to have been picked up by quality control. The other thing I spotted was that the underside of the base was slightly marbled, as though dye from another product had been mixed into the batch.

The dildo is harness compatible if desired, thanks to the large base. I would point out that if you hold the dildo horizontally it does droop slightly under its own weight, even with the firm core, so you may have to hold the end and guide it into your partner at first.

Using the Max is exceptionally comfortable, especially if you're using it anally. Ordinarily with a dildo of this size it would be prudent to warm up with a smaller more tapered toy or butt plug first, but in this case because the head is so soft it's possible to insert it right away, as all of the force being exerted is absorbed by the material as it eases its way in. Due to the streamlined design there's no real sense of a pop once the head of the dildo is inside, as the coronal ridge just isn't that noticeable. When thrusting with the dildo it glides seamlessly in and out of the body, with an almost frictionless action, and there's very little drag from either the matte or shiny areas of the silicone. The coating of squishy silicone along the shaft provides a delightfully soft cushion which really enhances the realistic feel of the dildo, and this is especially noticeable if you stop and squeeze it between your muscles. Because of the softness of the material all the raised veins along the shaft can't be felt while the dildo is inside you, as they just get squashed down. The wide base of the dildo creates a lot of stability, making it perfect if you intend to place it on a surface and lower yourself down onto it and ride it. It also acts quite well as a handle for manually thrusting with, though it feels slightly large for this. The thickness of the shaft does lead to some glancing prostate stimulation whilst using the dildo, but the lack of curvature minimises this. The silicone is excellent at absorbing body-heat during use, so the longer you play with it the more natural it begins to feel. The dildo can also comfortably be inserted quite deeply, as it bends and flexes around inside the body, and feels delightfully filling. Once you get as far as you can go, the soft tip alerts you with a gentle nudge, rather than a sharp poke.


The surface of the dildo has a slightly tacky feel to it, which makes it that much more prone to attract dust than a typical silicone dildo, so you'll probably want to rinse it off prior to use on each occasion. The upside of this, I found, was that it held onto lube exceedingly well. It was possible to get a nice even coverage with the lube without it forming streaks.

When it comes to cleaning the dildo you can either wash it normally with anti-bacterial soap and hot water, or as it's silicone it can also be sterilised either by boiling it for a couple of minutes in water, or by wiping it down with a 10% bleach solution.

The O2 Max is still probably my favourite dildo. I've been taking good care of it, so the soft material is still in perfect condition. The only thing I really have to comment on is that the base is no longer completely flat, it seems to have developed a slight curve to it, so it doesn't sit completely flush with whichever surface I set it down on. It doesn't bother me at all, it's just unexpected.