Chilly reception for No. 24
I applaud Pipedream for their presentation, creativity and quality, but I do not like the actual toy. For use as a massager it is lacking in features. For internal use, it's too hard and too inflexible for my enjoyment.Published: July 22, 2011
Pros:
Beautiful craftsmanship
Unique
Unique
Cons:
Center indentation is hard to clean
More flat than cylindrical
Hard and relatively heavy
More flat than cylindrical
Hard and relatively heavy
Yada! Yamero! If you have ever watched a mere three minutes of hentai (a.k.a. Japanese animated porn), you've heard this phrase uttered by some poor maid or schoolgirl — over 18 of course — who has encountered a tentacle of unearthly origin. A rough translation is "No way! Stop!" and it unfortunately epitomizes my attitude towards Pipedream's Icicles No. 24.
That's not the way the tale began though. When n° 24 arrived, I was deeply impressed by the classy presentation. The graphic designer deserves praise for the sexy black & white box that is as "elegant and upscale" as the toy within. The gorgeous multi-angle photography of the petite pink form offers plenty of detail about the toy, though you can swing the front 'door' open to reveal the contents nestled safely inside. It would make an ideal bridal shower gift if not for the toy's shortcoming, but again, let's focus on the positive for now.
A thousand thank-yous to Pipedream for having the good sense to package No. 24 in Styrofoam. It's not as nice as say, a padded toy bag, but it is definitely the next best thing. Even if you toss the box, you can keep the foam as a 'drawer bed' for the dildo.
The nubby feeler is beautifully crafted. Pipedream says each is "hand-blown" which may account for the slight deviation from the official measurements. My No. 24 is 6" long (4" insertable) and 1¾" across, whereas EF lists it as 6¼" x 1½" with a 4½" insertable length. We also disagree on weight. Officially it is 10 oz. but the one I received is closer to 10½ oz (about 295g). There are much heavier toys for sale, but relative to its size, it is weighty.
Icicles No. 24 is made in China from hypoallergenic glass that is non-porous, latex free, phthalates free and all-around body safe. It is essentially the same stuff your Pyrex kitchenware is made from, though the word 'Pyrex' does not appear anywhere on the box.
Pipedream's entire Icicles line places an emphasis on texture, but of the pieces released through July 2011, No. 24 is the crown winner. Along (what I think of as) the topside of the dildo and curling around to the end is a double row of ¼" high nubs separated by an indentation. I counted thirty nubs on this alien tongue. Aesthetic and practical, the curved end makes a great handle. I can hook any of my fingers and my husband can hook most of his (except his thumbs) through it.
On the underside is a pronounced set of veins which decorate the insertable portion. Based on feedback here on EF, the color of No. 24 varies slightly, but mine is a rose parfait, perfect pink. Since it's glass it is compatible with any lubricant and easily sterilized by boiling, a 10% bleach solution or a cycle in the top rack of the dishwasher. You can also experiment with hot and cold, just avoid extremes to prevent the toy from cracking or possibly burning yourself. Treat it right and the toy should "last a lifetime" according to the packaging.
Pipedream sells this as "a novelty only" but you can use it just about any way you please: vaginally, anally, as a massager... The only limits are your imagination and the laws of physics.
That's not the way the tale began though. When n° 24 arrived, I was deeply impressed by the classy presentation. The graphic designer deserves praise for the sexy black & white box that is as "elegant and upscale" as the toy within. The gorgeous multi-angle photography of the petite pink form offers plenty of detail about the toy, though you can swing the front 'door' open to reveal the contents nestled safely inside. It would make an ideal bridal shower gift if not for the toy's shortcoming, but again, let's focus on the positive for now.
A thousand thank-yous to Pipedream for having the good sense to package No. 24 in Styrofoam. It's not as nice as say, a padded toy bag, but it is definitely the next best thing. Even if you toss the box, you can keep the foam as a 'drawer bed' for the dildo.
The nubby feeler is beautifully crafted. Pipedream says each is "hand-blown" which may account for the slight deviation from the official measurements. My No. 24 is 6" long (4" insertable) and 1¾" across, whereas EF lists it as 6¼" x 1½" with a 4½" insertable length. We also disagree on weight. Officially it is 10 oz. but the one I received is closer to 10½ oz (about 295g). There are much heavier toys for sale, but relative to its size, it is weighty.
Icicles No. 24 is made in China from hypoallergenic glass that is non-porous, latex free, phthalates free and all-around body safe. It is essentially the same stuff your Pyrex kitchenware is made from, though the word 'Pyrex' does not appear anywhere on the box.
Pipedream's entire Icicles line places an emphasis on texture, but of the pieces released through July 2011, No. 24 is the crown winner. Along (what I think of as) the topside of the dildo and curling around to the end is a double row of ¼" high nubs separated by an indentation. I counted thirty nubs on this alien tongue. Aesthetic and practical, the curved end makes a great handle. I can hook any of my fingers and my husband can hook most of his (except his thumbs) through it.
On the underside is a pronounced set of veins which decorate the insertable portion. Based on feedback here on EF, the color of No. 24 varies slightly, but mine is a rose parfait, perfect pink. Since it's glass it is compatible with any lubricant and easily sterilized by boiling, a 10% bleach solution or a cycle in the top rack of the dishwasher. You can also experiment with hot and cold, just avoid extremes to prevent the toy from cracking or possibly burning yourself. Treat it right and the toy should "last a lifetime" according to the packaging.
Pipedream sells this as "a novelty only" but you can use it just about any way you please: vaginally, anally, as a massager... The only limits are your imagination and the laws of physics.
Experience
Why Icicles No. 24? Blame Whipspider Rubberworks. I am so in love with their Tentacle that adding another to my collection seemed a no-brainer. I had high hopes that No. 24 would be its equal and redeem glass for me.
If all I had to do was look at No. 24, the mission would have been accomplished. It's very pretty. However, I bought it to use vaginally and that is where things took a turn for the worse.
Something to remember about glass is that it feels bigger than it looks. Unlike silicone, jelly and other soft toys, glass is unyielding. In my experience, add another ¼" mentally to a glass toy's diameter. Also, No. 24 is more oblong — like a tongue — than cylindrical and features pronounced texture. Furthermore, mine measures 1¾". Mix this information together and you realize that while it looks deceptively petite, in use it feels pretty sizable and I am no size queen.
However, surrender was not an option and with some prep work (i.e. arousal), I was able to insert it. The feeling was interesting. There was no question that the texture was noticeable and initially I liked it. Unfortunately, thrusting was hazardous thanks to the toy's width and complete lack of flexibility. I experimented with a few gentle strokes, but two problems arose: discomfort and the center indentation's juicer like function. Having my natural lubrication removed from where it's needed does not appeal to me. AT ALL. (Please read JR's review of SSA's Blue spiral for more 'juicer' info.)
I thought rotating the dildo 180° might stop the pillaging of my much needed lubrication, however that was also uncomfortable. The position of the curve does not mesh well with my anatomy when the veins are on top. So, no thrusting and no twisting. The only option was to lay back and enjoy it. Surprisingly, I did. Coupled with manual stimulation, this toy got me off. But once my orgasm was over, I felt a distinct ache internally. Despite giving the toy and my insides a kid-glove treatment, I felt bruised. Irritation followed when the center indentation proved a major pain in the ass to clean.
The T-word gets thrown around a lot with No. 24, but it's not remotely close to Whipspider Rubberworks' silicone beauty. One is squishy soft, the other hard. One widens gradually, the other has a uniform diameter. One has a unique twisting curve, the other has an slight S-shape (more like a "J" actually). About the only thing they have in common is that they are both intended to be handheld.
I thought having both toys would be a sort of yin-yang in my toy collection, but I have a hands down favorite and it's not the glass. No. 24 is significantly less expensive, but unless you are a glass aficionado, hold out for the Tentacle. If glass gets you to places that silicone just can't, be advised this toy is best suited to advanced users.
If all I had to do was look at No. 24, the mission would have been accomplished. It's very pretty. However, I bought it to use vaginally and that is where things took a turn for the worse.
Something to remember about glass is that it feels bigger than it looks. Unlike silicone, jelly and other soft toys, glass is unyielding. In my experience, add another ¼" mentally to a glass toy's diameter. Also, No. 24 is more oblong — like a tongue — than cylindrical and features pronounced texture. Furthermore, mine measures 1¾". Mix this information together and you realize that while it looks deceptively petite, in use it feels pretty sizable and I am no size queen.
However, surrender was not an option and with some prep work (i.e. arousal), I was able to insert it. The feeling was interesting. There was no question that the texture was noticeable and initially I liked it. Unfortunately, thrusting was hazardous thanks to the toy's width and complete lack of flexibility. I experimented with a few gentle strokes, but two problems arose: discomfort and the center indentation's juicer like function. Having my natural lubrication removed from where it's needed does not appeal to me. AT ALL. (Please read JR's review of SSA's Blue spiral for more 'juicer' info.)
I thought rotating the dildo 180° might stop the pillaging of my much needed lubrication, however that was also uncomfortable. The position of the curve does not mesh well with my anatomy when the veins are on top. So, no thrusting and no twisting. The only option was to lay back and enjoy it. Surprisingly, I did. Coupled with manual stimulation, this toy got me off. But once my orgasm was over, I felt a distinct ache internally. Despite giving the toy and my insides a kid-glove treatment, I felt bruised. Irritation followed when the center indentation proved a major pain in the ass to clean.
The T-word gets thrown around a lot with No. 24, but it's not remotely close to Whipspider Rubberworks' silicone beauty. One is squishy soft, the other hard. One widens gradually, the other has a uniform diameter. One has a unique twisting curve, the other has an slight S-shape (more like a "J" actually). About the only thing they have in common is that they are both intended to be handheld.
I thought having both toys would be a sort of yin-yang in my toy collection, but I have a hands down favorite and it's not the glass. No. 24 is significantly less expensive, but unless you are a glass aficionado, hold out for the Tentacle. If glass gets you to places that silicone just can't, be advised this toy is best suited to advanced users.
Follow-up commentary
10 months after original review
I feel like the hearts really don't capture my feelings about this toy. For actual use I've disliked it from the start, but it was a toy of such high quality and clear creativity, and so beautifully presented that I couldn't bring myself to give it less than three stars.
Now, after a few months I've learned that No. 24 retains its beautiful gleam over time and is also very sturdy, having miraculously survived a few falls in the bathtub with no damage. I would like to say, "I've started to like it more," but the issue of discomfort remains. The odd shape and hardness make this toy, literally, a poor fit for me.
I bought this Icicle hoping it would add some spice to sex play, but sadly it doesn't work for me. Instead, I have a fun and funky paperweight.
Now, after a few months I've learned that No. 24 retains its beautiful gleam over time and is also very sturdy, having miraculously survived a few falls in the bathtub with no damage. I would like to say, "I've started to like it more," but the issue of discomfort remains. The odd shape and hardness make this toy, literally, a poor fit for me.
I bought this Icicle hoping it would add some spice to sex play, but sadly it doesn't work for me. Instead, I have a fun and funky paperweight.
This product was provided at a discounted price in exchange for an unbiased review. This review is in compliance with the
FTC guidelines.
About author
Reviewed by
Petite Valentine
(Eden Advanced reviewer) Femme à lunettes, femme à quéquettes (^_~)
wrote 27 reviews
This review was edited by
-
Shellz31
- Edited reviews: 386
- Graduated students: 17
Forum
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Icicles No. 24 – dildo
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judysluvThis is very cute! Do you think it'd make a fantasy come true? How does the glass compare? -
Quote: This is very cute! Do you think it'd make a fantasy come true? How does the glass compare?I think it would be brilliant if toy like a bit of texture. I fell in love with glass last summer and I'm still head over the heels.
This one has a comfy handle - just like mine - which is important for thrusting. I'd try it if it was available in my country.
If you decide you don't like the sensations it can serve as a very pretty paperweight ;) -
Quote: This is very cute! Do you think it'd make a fantasy come true? How does the glass compare?just finished my review! i think it will tell you plenty!
14 posts Read all -
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Icicles No. 24 – dildo
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OK, so I don't know about you guys, but this Icicles, looks like the most interesting one of all to me, at least so far that is. I also like the jr. version.
Tentacles, I mean that's sweet!!
Carrie Ann's review says this is for more advanced users. I'm not that familiar with glass dildos. In fact, I just ordered my first, and it will be here tomorrow. Woot :)
Anyone care to share their feeling on the glass dildos with me??
Appreciation in advance!!
~SiNSaNiTy~ -
Quote: OK, so I don't know about you guys, but this Icicles, looks like the most interesting one of all to me, at least so far that is. I also like the jr. version.I know, I love it too. I want to buy it because its so pretty alone, then try it out. I love the bent graduate glass toy and I now love the feeling of glass. It looks very textured which Im not sure if Id love, but Im really curious about this one.
Tentacles, I mean that's sweet!!
Carrie Ann's review says this is for more advanced users. I'm not that familiar with glass dildos. In fact, I just ordered my first, and it will be here tomorrow. Woot :)
Anyone care to share their feeling on the glass dildos with me??
Appreciation in advance!!
~SiNSaNiTy~ -
Quote: OK, so I don't know about you guys, but this Icicles, looks like the most interesting one of all to me, at least so far that is. I also like the jr. version.What did you end up getting????
Tentacles, I mean that's sweet!!
Carrie Ann's review says this is for more advanced users. I'm not that familiar with glass dildos. In fact, I just ordered my first, and it will be here tomorrow. Woot :)
Anyone care to share their feeling on the glass dildos with me??
Appreciation in advance!!
~SiNSaNiTy~
I ordered the squid penis this morning and should be here soon.... And to be honest... all the pimples on the tongue have me intrigued and cannot wait to try it out!!!!
17 posts Read all -
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Are there different kinds of glass?
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this one is pyrex glass. are there differnt types of glass for dildos? or is pyrex glass the only kind? i thought glass, was just glass, but i guess not?
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Quote: this one is pyrex glass. are there differnt types of glass for dildos? or is pyrex glass the only kind? i thought glass, was just glass, but i guess not?Different kinds of glass have different densities, and therefore different strengths. Pyrex is quite strong, and is therefore the choice for sex toys, for safety.
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Quote: this one is pyrex glass. are there differnt types of glass for dildos? or is pyrex glass the only kind? i thought glass, was just glass, but i guess not?There is Pyrex glass, which is a borosilicate glass. Probably the strongest around. There is regular, plain old glass. Such as the kind you find cheap dishes made out of. There is also fake glass, which is horrible for you. If you want to know a little more about glass, please check out my latest review on Icicles No.24. It gives a brief overview of Pyrex
4 posts Read all -
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WoW is all that comes to mind.
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WOWZA is my second thought. Im not sure if i wanna use it on a women or set it as the center piece at the table on thanksgiving. Its shinier then then the paint on my new cadillac. I do know from experience the glass style dildos are a womens best friend. used a few on partners in the past and they took them before the tv when we split up. Aint that something.
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Quote: WOWZA is my second thought. Im not sure if i wanna use it on a women or set it as the center piece at the table on thanksgiving. Its shinier then then the paint on my new cadillac. I do know from experience the glass style dildos are a womens best friend. used a few on partners in the past and they took them before the tv when we split up. Aint that something.I saw this yesterday and had a similar reaction.
Thing looks rad! -
I'm always tempted to leave glass dildos around for decoration and see what visitors say...This is definitely a nice one :)
33 posts Read all -
Thank you for viewing Icicles No. 24 – sex toy review page!
Thanks for the review, considering getting this while it is on sale.
I really REALLY want to get this because it looks awesome, but there's no way I could stand all that texture.
Fabulous pictures, thanks! This thing looks creepy, but still looks cool.
Wow. These are some of the best photos I've seen in a review. If you don't mind me asking, what type of camera do you own?
@ sktb0007
Thank you for your kind words. I own several cameras, but the pictures for this review were taken with a Canon 450D with an EF-S 18-55mm IS f/3.5-5.6 lens.
Thanks for the review!
Thanks!
This is such an unusual and beautiful toy, though I don't think my anatomy would work well with it. It's good to know that the glass is able to withstand clumsy people like me, if it survived a bath tub fall I should be okay should I ever buy this toy for its looks! Nice collectors item, but unless I plan to reenact a hentai scene, I'm not sure I'd ever take it off my glass toy shelf!