How long do you test toys before you review?

Contributor: Carrie Ann Carrie Ann
I forgot to put my actual averages in there. Heh. For an assigned review, generally 2 to 3 weeks.

An unassigned (something I bought) 2 weeks to 6 months.
11/14/2010
Contributor: Kim! Kim!
Quote:
Originally posted by P'Gell
Kim, I am looking forward to your review of the Wahl. Some tips for you. I find it works much better with some penetration stimulation. We usually pair it with his hand or a phallic vibe or dil. As there are no penetrative attachments, we use a ... more
Thanks! I have been playing around with it quite a bit so my experience has improved considerably since I initially bought it. I haven't actually tried it with anyone, everything has been on my own so far.
I definitely have gotten everything going at once.
Thanks again for the advice!
11/14/2010
Contributor: Porfiriato Porfiriato
I agree that multiple uses over perhaps about a week or so is the best way to do a review. A very positive first impression does not necissarily mean that you will be reaching for that toy on a regular basis. If you liked a toy but seem to be more regularly using another of the same type, this is helpful for the review as well. Yet there is no reason to wait too long, that's what the 2 month update is for.
11/30/2010
Contributor: Airekah Airekah
I think I agree with pretty much everyone here. There is no set time frame for when you review a toy. I do try to make sure my follow-up reviews are spaced somewhat far apart from the first initial review because that is what it is for, a follow-up for continued use of the toy or product. I always try to use anything more than once before making a decision on how my review will go. Some toys sit around for years after purchase, just because I completely forget about them. It just really is a one-by-one type of decision. Everything is different for different things. haha
11/30/2010
Contributor: BBW Talks Toys BBW Talks Toys
It's usually about a week. This gives me several opportunities to try the toy in different ways. The only time it ever takes longer than a week is usually if my TOM is here, as I'm not a huge fan of doing stuff when that is around. I try and give it my "first impressions" on different positions/methods of using the toy, then when I've had it long enough and tested it further, do the followup review.
11/30/2010
Contributor: P'Gell P'Gell
I've written reviews for products I've had for months or years! Sometimes, I forget the product was something I could review, or the product was either tossed into the "bleh" bin after a few trials, or used so frequently, that I almost forget "I can write a review about this!"

I did one of these this morning. I have had Silky Sheets Powder Mist for months, bought it myself, and it only occurred to me this morning, while lying in bed (kid and I both sick with sore tummies) that I could review it! It's a product we have used a lot, it's always there on the headboard, but it never occurred to me until staring at it, in my sickened stupor to write a review on it. (I hope I don't look back at that review later and think, "Jeez, was I running a fever or something?")
11/30/2010
Contributor: namelesschaos namelesschaos
It really depends on the toy but I try to use a toy at least three times before posting a review as minimum but it really depends. I definitely don't write a review after only one test; if I did that I would have never fallen in love with wand massagers.

I usually take longer to review a toy I bought myself often because I want to test something I may not have time to test before the review is due. For example I haven't reviewed my favorite butt plug on here yet because I usually test plugs for extended wear and/or in public scenarios at least once before posting and I haven't done so with this plug (a compliment to the plug the reason I haven't is that it so intense, to wear).

On a side note the opinion of toys changing over time is why I love that there are follow up reviews here.
12/27/2010
Contributor: Clitical Jenne Clitical Jenne
I like to wait a couple of weeks before I write a review and give the toy a chance because as others have said sometimes the first time is the best and sometimes not so much. I like testing the toys in various locations, positions and generally getting to know my new found friend or foe before making a final decision and writing the review.

I can be pretty anal when it comes to note taking as well, I make notes when I first open the toy, when I first play with it and most times after that because I found if I just sat down to write nothing would come to me LOL Having the notes to go back to is something that works for me, even if Hubby gets a bit mad sometimes when I'm testing a toy during partner play and I roll out of bed and get my pen and paper out afterward. He's learnt to live with it though!

Jenne
01/07/2011
Contributor: ToyGeek ToyGeek
It took me over a month to review the Gold Laced G -- which fortunately was not an assignment -- because I didn't like it the first time I used it, at all, and then the second time was only okay. Fortunately, I gave it one more try, and discovered how to use it to its best advantage. The review ended up very positive.

I think it's important to give toys every chance, so that all of their pros and cons can be thoroughly explored, and so that readers will know exactly what they're buying. A toy may perform poorly in two situations and really shine in the third. A review that explains that will help readers make informed decisions, and that's the whole point of reviews.
01/11/2011
Contributor: That Guy That Guy
I was wondering about this myself. I'm usually under a lot of pressure to get a quick turnaround for other types of products I review, so I sort of imagine that same pressure in this context. Still, I never want to write about anything until I've tested it out solo a few times and at least once with my girlfriend (depending on whether or not that calls for it). I do think that's a great thing about the follow-up reviews, however. I had the aneros MGX for at least 6 months before I wrote the review, and stupidly enough, I didn't have my first p-spot orgasm until the day after I wrote the review. Go figure.
01/12/2011
Contributor: P'Gell P'Gell
Quote:
Originally posted by ToyGeek
It took me over a month to review the Gold Laced G -- which fortunately was not an assignment -- because I didn't like it the first time I used it, at all, and then the second time was only okay. Fortunately, I gave it one more try, and ... more
I agree to give a toy a chance. Whether you like it the first time or not.

I've seen a few reviews where it was stated the toy was only used once, and I don't think one can really write a good review with only one or two uses of a toy or product. There are some exceptions, books, for instance. I will often review parts of books, before I review them, but I take notes when I read them and some books are not read more than once.

And of course some products, like say a one time use cock ring or a Tenga Egg. The reviewer may not have more than one chance to use the thing and have to write a review based on only one experience.
01/12/2011
Contributor: Redboxbaby Redboxbaby
We try to enjoy the item for at least three or four times (maybe more), without a review in mind, if it is more than a one time use only toy. Once we feel like we have really tried it for pleasure (sometimes it can be two or three weeks), then we look at starting the review process. However, there has been a one item that we tried twice and vowed to NEVER use again, due to both my husband and I feeling the toy was too dangerous to try again.

I have under the bed restraints that I need to write a review on (it's overdue by a week I think), but we have used them only twice (my husband put me in them), so I feel like I need to use them, on him, a few times before I can write the review. Besides, he is out of town and I can't comfortably write the review without his input since he REALLY enjoys them!
01/12/2011
Contributor: markeagleone markeagleone
It really depends on the toy or item. If its a toy I don't measure the time in days but more on how many times it has been used. That way I don't feel like their is a time restriction on them. I use most of the things with my wife so I it could be great the first time but four times later it could be just so-so. I would have more trust in products that had reviews based on times used over tried once one week and then a month later tried again.
01/18/2011
Contributor: Beaners Beaners
Usually I'll wait a few days, use something a few times in different ways before I'll write a review on it. It ends up being about a week or so, usually.

Although I have to admit, right now I'm frustrated because I just got two toys to review, a cock ring for a free review, and a Nexus G Play on buyout, and my boyfriend just left on a business trip until the 29th so I can't fully review them until then! /rage
01/20/2011
Contributor: zeebot zeebot
It depends. I usually try to use the toy at least 4 or 5 times to get a decent idea of how it works. Some toys I end up liking more after a while, and some less, first impressions are tricky things. Exceptions would be if it was just so terrible I couldn't stand to use it again, or if it was a more advanced toy I had to spend more time figuring out.
02/26/2011
Contributor: P'Gell P'Gell
I have found that I use the toy, on average, if it's an assignment, for at least 1 or 2 weeks or 5 to 10 uses or more, which ever seems appropriate for the toy. There are some toys we have owned and used for months or even a year or longer before I feel I know the toy well enough to review. (The Sports Sheets cuffs and tether set was one of those. I wanted to get everything out of the toy I knew we could before writing a review. Also, it's not an every day toy for us, so I wanted a number of uses before writing a review on the toy. It's a very versatile toy and has many ways to use, so I felt we needed to use it in as many ways as he and I could think of before talking about it to other people.)

I don't think for most things, you can't do a good review after only one or even two uses (again, unless it's a one times use item, then you have to go on that one time.) I have had some toys that I have waited literally months to review, because I didn't use it much or I didn't get full use of the toy after a few weeks.

Like Carrie Ann has said, sometimes our first impressions are false. "Wow, this is the best toy ever!" or "This toy sucks." Only to find out after a number of uses, we learned to use the toy properly and the learning curve kicked in so we can write a proper review.

I have a butt plug that I hated when we first got it, years ago. I am just starting to like it now, and I will refuse to write a review on it until I have gotten full usage out of it and learn the toy thoroughly.

Some toys I simply don't write reviews on. My Hitachi for example. Really, is there anything I can say that hasn't already been said? Maybe if I find some really imaginative use for it, but as it is, we use ours for muscle aches first and occasionally sex. Not much that anyone else hasn't already said.
02/26/2011
Contributor: Xavier7 Xavier7
A few days, so I don't forget that I need to review it.
02/28/2011
Contributor: markeagleone markeagleone
Quote:
Originally posted by kck
Hello, all!

I'm just wondering about how long reviewers test their toys before they sit down to write. I've seen a few reviews that have been published and, shortly afterward, have comments by the reviewer saying that the toy no longer ... more
A few days, if we use them more than 5 times.
03/02/2011
Contributor: lemony lemony
Quote:
Originally posted by Carrie Ann
I have huge issues with products being reviewed within a day or so of receiving them.

I firmly believe each product should be used at least 3 or 4 times and in a few different situations before being reviewed.

Obviously there are some ... more
I agree with Carrie Ann. Depending upon the product, I think it should be tested/used more than once or twice to get a good enough feel of the product to rate and review it.
03/06/2011
Contributor: Joie de Cherresse Joie de Cherresse
I agree with Carrie. I use the toy a few times and in a few different situations before I give my formal review on them. I do the same with the dvds. I view them a few times then once with my notebook and laptop with my head phones on then do my review. I wanna make sure I know what I'm talking about and can answer questions on things before I post a review saying that I know so much about a product.
03/06/2011
Contributor: Dawn (Lilac Distraction) Dawn (Lilac Distraction)
I make sure to give things a good test run unless my mind is super made up. If something is extremely horrible the first time around I usually give up then if there's no way I could be using it better.
05/23/2011
Contributor: Sex'и'Violence Sex'и'Violence
Depends on the toy and how much we like it. Long enough to pass judgement is the best answer I can give for this.
05/23/2011
Contributor: K101 K101
I don't feel like you can provide a very full, active review unless you've used the toy over a period of time to know for sure how it holds up. I've had many toys that are amazing the first time and after 20 minutes of use they're totally worn out and gone. I would like to wait about 2 weeks to make sure I add EVERYTHING that could be important or just to be sure I actually know the toy inside and out but I usually only wait a week as I get anxious. Lol. I never write a review until I've used the toy more than just a few times. I think a good 7-12 uses (at least) will make for a VERY accurate review. I'd sure hate to jump the gun only to later find out I'd totally missed things about it and with most toys, I'll use them a few times and develop my opinion and start thinking of what I'll write only to realize something totally new/different or opposite about it a few tries later. I would much prefer reading reviews where people actually put in the work/effort to get to know the toy.
06/19/2011
Contributor: P'Gell P'Gell
I used to think I needed to rush, particularly on Push Reviews. But, I now know that at least for me, spending more time with a product, might I even say common leisurely use, produces better reviews from my POV. I can tell (and I know lots of other people can, too) the reviews where someone got their product, took it out of the shipping container, used it once and then pounded out a review. These often lack more important insights and in depth points about the product that you can learn about the toy over a period of time.

I am even taking up to a month to write push reviews, as I don't use every toy every day, (with the exception of my Wahl) so using the toy as I would normally, while preparing for the review writing process produces the best outcomes for me.
06/19/2011
Contributor: lanky lanky
depends on the toy, sometimes a day, sometimes more
07/01/2011
Contributor: bayosgirl bayosgirl
It ends up being close to a month for me, because we simply have barely any time to have sex.
12/24/2011
Contributor: Love Perpetua Love Perpetua
It depends on the type of toy. Most toys I'll test over at least a week, making sure to use it multiple times in different ways. However, there are toys that I have used for months before writing a review on it. If it is waterproof I make sure to use it out of the water and in the water (usually the shower or bath), to make sure it holds up. If I can try it vaginally and anally (sterilizing between) I will do that. Some toys I can't, but if it's possible I'll try it. Some I can do faster, like body lotion I can test over a day or two and then do the review as long as I have time. If it's an assignment I try to use it as much as I can over a few days, since I want to make sure to get the review in ASAP.
12/24/2011
Contributor: Kendrir Kendrir
Definitely depends on the toy/item. Aside form the stuff we'd owned for a couple of years before I finally started the review program, most items I've tried to use at least 3 or 4 times over the course of a couple of weeks before I review them. The huge exception was the shower gel/bubbles I got - one time was enough for that particular review

Some of the stuff I'll be reviewing soon though, I haven't had all that long, but they're basically clothing/worn items that don't really require an extended play session to get a feel for them.
12/24/2011
Contributor: Silverdrop Silverdrop
It depends on the product. I can tell if a piece of lingerie is quality or not by examining the seams and fabric and how it's put together. All I need to do to write a lingerie review is examine the product, try it on, take measurements, and take photos. I don't need multiple wearings to review it. Unless there's something really unusual about a piece of clothing, there's not that much to say about it.

Some products - well, there was a Doc Johnson harness with a dildo that actually triggered a migraine for me the stench was so bad. I refused to use the dildo at all, but I did try on the harness and give all the measurements I could for it. There was no way I was giving that product a second chance.

On the other hand, the Tantus O2 Mark dildo is so versatile that I've been working on the review for weeks. I'm sure I've driven my mentor crazy with it, as I've sent it to her twice, both times saying "I'm not done yet!" If I don't finish that review before my bf gets here in January, then it's going to end up twice as long, because then I'll have to try everything all over again with him.
12/25/2011
Contributor: Zandrock Zandrock
As long as I need to get a good idea about it.
02/22/2013