iTap vibe - traditional vibrator discontinued by Cal Exotics - review by Carrie Ann

The iTap traditional vibrator is exactly what it sounds like; a simple, traditional plastic vibe with a new twist. Ideal for internal or external vaginal stimulation it's strong and effective but possibly a bit on the bland side for those with multiple toys. It would make an excellent first vibrator as it's non intimidating or an excellent addition to the toybox of anyone who enjoys a smooth, traditional vibe without a lot of frills or texture.

The iTap vibe is firm, hard plastic with a velvety coating that gives it a bit more friction than an uncoated vibrator. The velvet-cote allows the toy to gently tug and rub your skin with movement instead of gliding over it with no friction.

Other than the coating, however, the iTap is completely smooth and texture free; no curve, no bulbous head, no ridges -- just a long, smooth shaft with a slightly pointed tip to make penetration easy.

The velvet-cote has no smell or taste and feels almost powdery when you touch it.

The design of this toy is very traditional; seven inches long with a one inch diameter, a slightly pointed tip, a smooth shaft. Traditional vibrators tend to be simple, without a lot of bells and whistles, yet effective and non threatening.

It's not overly large yet is also not necessarily easy to tuck away like a bullet. Anyone who comes across it is going to know it's a vibrator but it's lack of realistic texture does keep it at least slightly discreet.

The iTap takes two AA batteries that slip down into the shaft via the twist off battery compartment, stacked one on top the other. The battery cover then twists back on with arrows to make sure your alignment is correct and an o-ring to keep it water resistant.

Because of the touch pad controls on this toy, traveling with it (and even basic storage) require that you remove the batteries lest a slightest touch sets it off and has your bag or drawer rumbling.

And speaking of rumbling...

This is a loud toy and is definitely not going to be discreet should you attempt to use it in a dorm room or with friends or family close by. It can be heard under covers and thru a closed door.

The twist to this traditional vibe comes from it's touch pad control. Rather than a dial or button, one simply taps the top of the toy to turn it on or change vibrational intensities and speeds.

A single tap turns the iTap on and starts it vibrating at a medium speed. Tap number two has it wildly shaking in your hand on a very intense high setting. Tap three starts the patterns with a short, short, long pulsation. The fourth tap begins a throbbing pattern that is fast, short pulsations. Tap five alternates short/long at a fast speed with a lower intensity than the other patterns, which are quite high.

I'm amazed by how strong this vibrator is; on the high setting it actually makes my hand go numb and scares my clit into hiding. The vibrational patterns are useful and feel good, though they don't stand out amongst patterns on any of my other toys.

The toy does appear to be water resistant due to the o-ring but does not claim to be water proof so I did not test it's ability.

Now let's get to the twist, eh? The touch pad / tap controls.

An excellent idea that works less well in practice than in theory. The tap control is easy to use but it's ease of use also makes it very, very easy to change settings -- or even turn the toy off -- at very inconvenient times. Having to scroll thru the various patterns to get to the one you were enjoying becomes slightly frustrating.

Who would have thought we'd some day be complaining about things being TOO easy to use, eh?

Because the iTap is hard plastic, it can be cleaned quite easily. Water or silicone based lubes can be used (thought the packaging says no oil based or non latex compatible lubes) and it can be washed with soap and water, toy cleaner, toy wipes, wiped with a ten percent bleach solution or even rubbing alcohol.

If you intend to share, however, I'd suggest a condom just to be totally safe. Anal use is not recommended as the base doesn't have much of a flare.