The matador - vibrating penis ring by Cal Exotics - review by Alan & Michele

The Matador is a large thick cock ring that features a corded bullet/egg vibrator that can be used with or without the ring. Due to the fact that the super thick design creates space between you and your lover, Matador is not ideal for deep-thrusting maneuvers but does give the ladies plenty to grind against. It would be great for women who prefer moderate vibrations from a cock ring, but will leave the rest wanting more.

The controller is made of frosted clear plastic in a 4.5" long flattened teardrop shape, with a slide-off cover in the back to slip 2 AA batteries in (not included). Mounted in the narrow end is a toothed spinner dial, resembling a thin cog, that sticks out on either side of the control pack to turn the bullet on and gradually increase the vibrations. Turning it the opposite direction decreases them and shuts the bullet off. We like this design, because no matter if the controller is backwards, upside down, in the right or left hand, or not readily visible due to your position, you can't miss the dial. It's also seated firmly enough that just brushing against the dial doesn't change the toy's speed.

Permanently attached by a 30" cord, the bullet vibrator measures 1" x 2" so it's rather large compared to what's usually found in cock rings. We suspect that it's metal plated because it feels cool and weighty and slides across the skin very nicely without lube. There aren't any reinforcement grommets at either end of the cord, but it does appear to be knotted inside of the controller and we assume the same is true of the bullet end. Unfortunately, this leaves a notable gap around the cord at both points, so you have to be really careful when cleaning both pieces to not get water inside them.

Like the bullet, the ring is bigger than most, thick and chunky, and measuring a full 3" long and 2" high at the bull's nose. It's made of latex-free synthetic rubber, known as TPR, and is about as firm as a jumbo gummy bear candy. It doesn't really smell like anything, but it's a bit sticky and feels like it's leaving residue on your hands, when in reality it isn't. The inner part of the ring measures 1.25" across so if you're looking for a very tight-fitting ring to wear only at the base of the penis, or are smaller-endowed in the penile area, this is not a good choice. On the other hand, the ring stretches to over 2" across, so it's suitable for men who like to wear them wrapped around the cock and balls together.

When it's all put together, the TPR material mutes the vibrations down to a moderate level, which should still be strong enough to please the average user. For some reason, the vibrations feel stronger around the ring than they do in the bull's head, particularly if you apply any pressure to its nose.
Used alone, the bullet is a bit above average as far as power goes, and its buzzy/tingly vibrations WILL numb your fingers after just a short time of use. As for noise, you can hear a medium-pitched hum through a blanket and just faintly from across the room, but not through a closed door.

You can use either water-based or silicone-based lubes with this toy, so the TPR ring is safe to wear over lubricated condoms, and it can be cleaned with soap and water. Like we said before though, the gaps around the cord where it connects at both ends can be problematic when cleaning, so we don't suggest using running water on either the bullet or the controller. It's best to use a toy cleaner or to wipe them with a soapy cloth, followed by a water-dampened one. You could also wipe them with a bit of isopropyl alcohol if need be.

Overall it's a good toy that seems like it might last awhile (provided you don't get any water in it), but it's not one of our personal favorites.

Alan says:
I like the controller and how the vibrations travel all the way around the ring, but the size of this toy alone takes away points in my book. I prefer rings that don't feel so bulky on, and I don't like how the bull sticks up enough to get in the way of deep thrusting. If someone asked, I'd recommend California Exotic's other bull-headed cock ring, the Elite 7X, over this one.

Michele says:
I can usually get off just as easily with firm pressure and movement on my clit as I can with the right frequency and strength of vibrations, so the Matador works out well for me in that way. The vibrations aren't strong enough to be a thrill once the bullet's in the bull, but the toy is thick enough to get a really good grind going on without hitting the bullet. We got in the habit of taking it off midway through sex though, because neither of us having that much material between us.