Icicles No. 12 - dildo sex toy by Pipedream - review by Mwar

If you love glass or are just getting into it, the Icicles line is sure to have something to suit your fancy. This particular Icicle, No. 12 is in the shape of a rose. It is artfully designed and the stem has graduating bumps to add texture to the experience. The head of the glass, or the bud, is not the easiest to insert. Because of this and the overal shape of No. 12, I do not recommend this for beginners. Intermediate to advanced glass and texture users may like this one.

No. 12 can be used for a variety of purposes. Because it is glass, it can be sterilized. This allows it to be used between partners and shared for potential group situations. It can be used vaginally and anally (though, there are better options for that) since it has a flared base. When using glass (especially when new to it), always be gentle and acquaint yourself to the toy. Glass is unyielding, which makes it a great choice for those who need firm pressure for stimulation. However, this means the glass can bruise you if you are too rough with use. Always inspect your glass toys before each use for possible imperfections.

Glass is also one of the best materials for temperature play, so get ready to heat it up or cool it down. No. 12 can make for a great temperature teaser. Because it makes no noise, it is discreet in use. It can also be used in the shower. Because it is glass, it is more cumbersome to travel with. For noise purposes it can be an option for dorm living. No. 12 can off you something no matter your gender or orientation.

No. 12 is made out of hand blown Borosilicate glass. This type of glass is the same that Pyrex makes. Borosilicate glass is different in the gases used to make the glass. This makes the glass more durable to temperature changes. Also, if it breaks, it is less likely to shatter and will instead break in chunks. Glass in non porous and can be sterilized. It ranks a 10 out of 10 on the Eden safety scale. It is hypoallergenic and made of food grade materials.

There is some definiete texture to this rose. The rose bud has textures at the top that are triangular in fashion showing the petal tips. Then the rest of the texture comes from a series of graduating bulges on the stem of the glass. This texture is not recommended for beginners. Intermediate texture lovers may enjoy this one. Regardless, because the tip is not easy to insert it is best to use lubricant to aid in penetration. Again, the glass is hard and unyielding. It will stay where you put it.



There is no overt odor or taste to this toy.

The shape of the toy is a creative take on a rose. The head is a pink bud that goes to the stem. The stem has three bumps that increase in size. It's not the easiest to insert, but the changes in width can be stimulating for the entrance to the vagina. This is a sizable toy. It's almost 8 inches long with an insertable length of 7.5 inches. Again, if this is used as a teaser, the length is negligible. If you prefer more petite toys this rose is not for you.



The girth of this toy runs around average with a maximum circumference of 4.75 inches. At its thinnest, it is around 2 inches in circumference. While the toy is pretty, it could be intimidating for some. This toy is far from realistic and is a sexy take on a rose. If traveling with No. 12, you can place it in its protective packaging or put it in a padded pouch. Also store it so it does not bear any weight form other luggage items. Even though this rose is pretty, I think many people will still realize it is a sex toy. I think the bulges give it away. It's best to store this away from nosy eyes.

No. 12 is a great toy for temperature play. If you want to warm up the toy, you can hold it in your hands or run it under warm water. If you like it cooler, you can place the rose in the refrigerator. Note that, while the glass is very durable and high quality, you should not expose glass toys to quick, extreme changes in temperature. Whatever you do, make sure it reaches its normal temperature in as gradual of a way as possible.

Because it is glass, this toy can perform for anyone. It can be shared and used in group situations without an issue so long as it is sterilized. No. 12 does have a small, circular base, but it is not suited or intended for harness play. It can stand on its own, but be careful not to knock it over.

Vaginally, you'll need to like the initial texture of the toy and lube up. It's best for a mini thrusting with the first bulge or so. It's not as great for deeper stimulation. You can angle it to attempt G-spot stimulation, but there are better (angled) toys for that. For anal play, use PLENTY of lubricant. I think this would be painful to insert anally since No. 12 does not have a gently tapered point. Instead, the head is blunt and textured. Regardless, it is possible.

Overall, No. 12 does not have as much versatility of its counterparts. Artistry came at the price as function.

Care for No. 12 is simple. You can use toy cleaner, soap and water, a bleach solution, or boil it. Boiling is one of the easiest ways to sanitize it. Once it is clean and dry you can store it in its original packaging or in a padded location to protect it from breaking.

This toy is compatible with both silicone and water based lubricants.

The packaging is the typical Icicles packaging. It comes in a card-stock box that has a little door panel. Open the panel, and you'll see the toy through a clear plastic window. The box is tastefully done but not discreet. The box opens at the top and the toy is nestled securely in a hefty piece of styrofoam. If storage space is not an issue, the box can be used for long term storage. If storage is an issue, a pouch or placing the toys in multiple long socks may work.



This could make a wonderful gift for select users. There are better sexy gifts out there, though. There is some helpful information on the box discussing the qualities of the toy.

I love how this toy looks, but I can't really use it. It takes too much time, care and energy to insert. Maybe I have a cranky vagina that only likes more phallic and easier-to-insert items. If the tip was more tapered, this toy could be an option for beginners because the bumps do start small and graduate in size. The largest bulge isn't even that large compared to other toys.

So where does that leave me? This is the second Icicle I have owned, and I have yet to find one I'm in love with. I won't give up on the line. I'm willing to try a couple more and there is so much variety within the line that I am bound to find a winner. For now, my rose rests in its package.