Reversible Sleeve - review by ScottA

The California Exotics Reversible Sleeve is a toy that you can use in many ways. So many ways, in fact, that I was unsure of exactly where to start. The packaging wasn't very helpful, either, merely noting that it had "ridges and pleasure nodules" and could be used "on penis or vibrator." Not one to be cowed by the challenge of how to use a toy, I started thinking of and trying various ways of using the sleeve.

The combination of the texturing on both sides and the suggestion that the sleeve could be used on the penis naturally suggested putting it on for partner intercourse. With a bit of lube and a firm erection the Reversible Sleeve slid onto the penis, and while it was a little short for me it stayed on OK (we tried it first with the ribbed side inside). Unfortunately, the sleeve was a bit disappointing used for partner intercourse. The ribbed side delivered a strong and pleasant stimulation, and the nubbed side delivered a less intense, but still pleasing, sensation. The difficulty was that the nubbed side slid much easier than the ridged side, so the stimulation was a bit one-sided (which could be good if you're trying to last longer), a bit frustrating for me. Eventually it started to bunch up a bit and had to be pulled back down. When used with the nubby side in the sleeve had us worried that it would come off inside.

I found that the Reversible Sleeve works much better as either a male masturbator or as a dildo enhancer. As a masturbator, the Reversible Sleeve added to the stimulation noticeably, and the thin material made it easy to vary the pressure with a hand. I preferred using the ridged side inside, but when masturbating the unridged portion at the top of the Reversible Sleeve became even more noticeable. While having a portion of the sleeve untextured makes insertion easier both vaginally and anally, having another 1/2" of ridges would have made the experience much more satisfying as they would have always been stimulating my cockhead rather than leaving it all alone when I was fully inserted into the sleeve.

The Reversible Sleeve was also fun used on a dildo (check first to make sure your toy is compatible with TPR, though). The reversible sleeve stayed in place pretty well on a dildo, and both sides were comfortable. While the sleeve adds somewhere between 1/8"-1/4" of diameter to a toy, the TPR material is very soft, so even taking the ridged side anally was comfortable. The Reversible Sleeve would be a good way to try out a textured dildo without having to buy a whole new dildo.

There are other fun ways that the sleeve can be used. It fits nicely on fingers, and can be rubbed on the clit and between the labia for increased sensation.

While the move to TPR from jelly is good (no phthalates!) it still presents some health concerns. TPR cannot be sterilized, and condom use is a bit difficult if you're using it with a partner for intercourse (you'd need a condom inside and a condom outside). For partner intercourse this is probably best as a single-couple-single-orifice toy. It's also good to note that this is not a condom - the material is not designed to prevent contact with bodily fluids and it isn't long enough to keep you safe. The lack of an area for semen to collect also means that it can go somewhere unexpected. I also wouldn't count on this toy to be a long-term companion, as the TPR material will probably start to degrade. To help it last as long as possible remember to use only water-based or silicone lubes with it.

The Reversible Sleeve is more of a "fun toy for a while" rather than a serious sex tool, but there's a place for fun toys, too. It has its limitations, but it's cheap enough to grab in order to have a bit of fun for a couple months. I just wish it stayed on better for partner use, and was a bit longer.

This was pulled out a few times, but then the novelty wore off but the difficulties remained. It's hard to keep it in position and get good stimulation for both partners, especially when the opening gets inside the vulva/vagina. Haven't thrown it out yet, but it's definitely in mothballs.