Salsa - discreet vibrator by We-vibe - review by Sweet-n-Playful

The We-Vibe Salsa vibrator will be a fabulous find for someone looking for a toy that's both small and powerful. It has 8 different intense functions, is about the size of a finger, and it is completely waterproof. On top of that, it's rechargeable and comes with its own travel bag. Made for external stimulation, use the Salsa on the breasts/nipples, inside the thighs, on the labia and clitoris, on the testicles and penis, around the vaginal opening, and around the anus. It is not fit to be used inside the body, so do not insert it in the vagina or anus. Due to the Salsa's non-intimidating appearance and high quality, it would also make a good gift for a loved one.

The Salsa is made of hard plastic. This rates an 8/10 on the safety scale. Plastic is a non-porous material which is highly sanitary and may be shared if you so desire. The texture of the toy is smooth and rigid. The plastic portion of the toy is compatible with all types of lubricant. However, at the base of the toy, there is a silicone shield through which the vibrator recharges. This silicone portion should never come into contact with a silicone lube. Therefore, unless the user chooses to be very careful where the lube is at on the toy, a water-based lube is the best bet. There is no smell or taste to the plastic whatsoever, even when right out of the box.

The We-Vibe Salsa is a compact toy. This toy is very discreet and can be easily hidden. Slip it into its travel bag, a small handbag, or a pocket. By itself, it measures 3.25 x 0.75". When the base is attached, it adds an additional inch to the length. It has a circumference of 2.25" and a weight of just 1.4 oz. The tip is tapered for spot on stimulation, or the side of the toy may be used for a more general sensation. I tend to hold this toy as I would a large pen or marker. It fits comfortably in my fingers and does not cause some of the numbing issues that accompany similar products.

The Salsa is controlled by a single button at its base. Adjustments are easy while in use, as the silicone material will keep your finger from slipping and the button itself is nicely raised. As I stated earlier, there are 8 functions in total, which I will describe momentarily. In order to turn the Salsa on, simply press the button once. Once it is on, each additional press of the button will switch to the next function. Once you have cycled through all the functions, pressing the button again will turn the vibrator off. You may also hold down on the button at any time during use to turn the vibrator off immediately. If the vibrator is turned off while it is performing a specific pattern, it will resume that pattern upon being turned on again.

Here are all of the functions:
1-4: Steady vibrations, each increasing in strength. By the time you get to function 4, even the most difficult to please will be happy.
5: Several slow pulses then several fast pulses
6: Roller coaster
7: Steady fast pulsing
8: The Salsa- two slow pulses followed by three fast pulses. This is just like dancing the salsa, in which you take two slow steps followed by three fast ones.

I would characterize the strength of this vibrator as ranging from 3 to 5 vrooms, based on function. Function 4 is the strongest. My personal favorites are function 3 and the roller coaster. In terms of sound, I would say the Salsa is about 2 bees. I can't imagine a vibrator this strong being any quieter than this. It is barely above a vibrating cell phone when at its strongest. I also have had an opportunity to experiment with this toy in the bath and it performed equally well in the water.

The care and maintenance of this toy is very easy. To clean it, just use an antibacterial hand soap or toy cleaner with hot water. To store it, I just use the satin bag provided. It is large enough to fit the Salsa, the base, and the charging cord altogether.

I would now like to take a moment to discuss the charging of this vibrator. This was really the only issue I had with it. In order to charge it, you align the magnets on the base with the magnets at the end at the vibrator. It will make a clicking sound as you do this. You then plug the cord into the base, allowing the charge to travel through the magnets into the vibrator. It is clever, I admit. There is a small light on the base (see below) that will light up when the Salsa is charging. So, you ask, what is the problem? Well, when you attempt to charge, the vibrator must be lined up and laying in just the right way. Otherwise, you come back to find that it has charged at all. You have to play with it a bit and lay it down very gently. Then, make sure the base is still lit up with it sitting on the table before walking away.

The We-Vibe Salsa arrives in an elegant white cardboard box sealed in a plastic bag. The front of the box features the name of the item and a picture. Underneath, it is titled a "personal massager". The sides of the box are embossed with a female form. The back of the box briefly mentions some of the product features. The entire packaging was simplistic and discreet.

When you go to open the box, you will find that it is sealed with sticker tabs on either side. Once you break these, flip it over so that the back of the box is facing up. The back of the box will lift up and back to expose the contents. The Salsa vibrator will be sealed in a small plastic bag, with the charging base sitting next to it. Above that, you will find a small instruction manual, with the charging cord lying underneath. The manual has brief directions (see below) along with the warranty information.

I was very pleased with this toy. I used it for clitoral stimulation both alone and with a dildo, both in and out of water. I love its strength. I love its multiple speeds and functions. It’s like having a toy that changes to match my mood. It’s great with partner play (or non-vibrating toys) because it's small and doesn't get in the way, yet it's also strong enough to stand on its own. I also love how portable it is. It fits in a purse or in a pocket. Sometimes, I just like to leave it right on my nightstand for easy access; it barely takes up any room at all. I look forward to taking it with me next time I travel, which was the original reason I bought it, but what can I say? I just couldn't wait to use it...and neither should you. If you are considering buying the Salsa, go for it.