(Sorry in advance for how lengthy this post is.)
Just wanted to throw in my two cents for those of you that are still contemplating purchasing the Insignia Soraya.
To date, the Soraya is the most expensive toy that I own. I don't generally splurge on toys. But, the Soraya definitely checked off all the requirements I was looking for in a dual-action vibrator -- rechargeable, waterproof, ergonomic shape, strong vibration strength, quietness. So, I figured it was well worth the investment. A year later, the Soraya is still arguably my favorite toy that I own. I want to emphasize that. However, there are certain flaws that have appeared over the course of a year that I wanted to share with you.
(The following are listed in sequential order in which they occurred.)
Gapping between metallic inlay and silicone.
---
From the pictures, this gap is really hard to notice. However, it became more apparent even after the toy was used once. The toy's materials (ABS plastic and silicone) are very hygienic and easy as ever to clean. Yet, the tiny crevice created where these materials join together is an entirely different story. It is nearly impossible to clean this crevice. The only thing I've found that works slightly is a thin, folded piece of paper to force out some of the debris. But, don't expect any amount of soap and water to clean this crevice. This can be especially problematic if you intend on sharing your toy. I, personally, do not share my toys. But, even still, this became a little disgusting after a while.
Flaking of the metallic coating on the plastic.
---
After about 6 months, I noticed a small area where the metallic coating began to flake off of the plastic, revealing a not-so-shiny white plastic beneath. The area was very tiny and perhaps not so noticeable. But, given how much the toy costs, occasional use and a cleaning of warm water and soap should not be able to flake the coating off, in my opinion. It also concerned me that the toy could possibly continue to flake off when I was using the toy.
Hole formed over charging port.
---
Perhaps one of the most innovative things about the Soraya is that the toy is rechargeable and waterproof. There is a tiny pinhole in the silicone that you puncture the cable through in order to charge the toy. Yet, the pinhole is so tiny that water will not get inside the toy. Unfortunately, after about 12-15 charges, that pinhole was no longer a pinhole. Over time, tiny pieces of silicone began to fragment off where the cable had punctured. The hole, while arguably still very small, became large enough for water to get inside of the toy. It was from that point on that I didn't trust the toy as being waterproof anymore. I also had to be a lot more cautious washing the toy to make sure water didn't get inside.
Motor malfunction.
---
This happened about 8 months into owning the toy and I still have no explanation as to what happened. The toy reached a point where, as long as it had some charge to its battery, there was no way to turn the toy off. Even on its lowest setting, it was operating on some sort of sub-setting that was below anything the keypad could control. There was no way to turn the toy off. No minus of the arrow would turn it off. The keypad didn't even recognize the toy as being on at all. I could turn it up. But, I could never turn it off. My only option was to wait for the battery to die completely. Then, it would finally stop vibrating. As soon as I'd go to charge the toy, within a millisecond of connecting it, the motor was locked on again with no way to turn it off. It was an endless, annoying cycle. I eventually got fed up with this and took advantage of LELO's 1-year warranty.
From the minute I purchased the Soraya, it was like an investment for me. And once I received the toy, I always took excellent care of it. I always monitored the toy when it was charging to make sure it didn't overcharge and fry the battery. The toy was always thoroughly cleaned with soap and warm water. When not in use, it was stored in its original boxed packaging. All in all, the issues were mostly cosmetic. Yet, these issues led to problems with the overall function of the toy. Luckily, these issues happened sooner than later and I could take advantage of the warranty for the motor issue. I think I would have been a little more than irritated if I was only left to the 10-year warranty (which only gives you 50% off a new LELO toy).
Regardless of all of these issues, the Soraya was still the best toy I had ever purchased (when it was still functioning properly at least). All of my expectations were met and it was exactly what I was looking for. My point of writing this review is not to deter you from purchasing the Soraya. Chances are, it will be your dream toy. However, I wanted to inform you on the potential flaws of the toy. (This is to say that not everyone will have the same issues I have had.) Given the price and investment of the toy, I know many of you are going through the same intense decision-making process that I did. So, I just wanted to give you my two cents after owning the toy for a little over a year now.
Hopefully, you all will find at least some of this helpful. If you would like my feedback on anything else about the toy, I'd be more than happy to help.
Happy shopping!
Just wanted to throw in my two cents for those of you that are still contemplating purchasing the Insignia Soraya.
To date, the Soraya is the most expensive toy that I own. I don't generally splurge on toys. But, the Soraya definitely checked off all the requirements I was looking for in a dual-action vibrator -- rechargeable, waterproof, ergonomic shape, strong vibration strength, quietness. So, I figured it was well worth the investment. A year later, the Soraya is still arguably my favorite toy that I own. I want to emphasize that. However, there are certain flaws that have appeared over the course of a year that I wanted to share with you.
(The following are listed in sequential order in which they occurred.)
Gapping between metallic inlay and silicone.
---
From the pictures, this gap is really hard to notice. However, it became more apparent even after the toy was used once. The toy's materials (ABS plastic and silicone) are very hygienic and easy as ever to clean. Yet, the tiny crevice created where these materials join together is an entirely different story. It is nearly impossible to clean this crevice. The only thing I've found that works slightly is a thin, folded piece of paper to force out some of the debris. But, don't expect any amount of soap and water to clean this crevice. This can be especially problematic if you intend on sharing your toy. I, personally, do not share my toys. But, even still, this became a little disgusting after a while.
Flaking of the metallic coating on the plastic.
---
After about 6 months, I noticed a small area where the metallic coating began to flake off of the plastic, revealing a not-so-shiny white plastic beneath. The area was very tiny and perhaps not so noticeable. But, given how much the toy costs, occasional use and a cleaning of warm water and soap should not be able to flake the coating off, in my opinion. It also concerned me that the toy could possibly continue to flake off when I was using the toy.
Hole formed over charging port.
---
Perhaps one of the most innovative things about the Soraya is that the toy is rechargeable and waterproof. There is a tiny pinhole in the silicone that you puncture the cable through in order to charge the toy. Yet, the pinhole is so tiny that water will not get inside the toy. Unfortunately, after about 12-15 charges, that pinhole was no longer a pinhole. Over time, tiny pieces of silicone began to fragment off where the cable had punctured. The hole, while arguably still very small, became large enough for water to get inside of the toy. It was from that point on that I didn't trust the toy as being waterproof anymore. I also had to be a lot more cautious washing the toy to make sure water didn't get inside.
Motor malfunction.
---
This happened about 8 months into owning the toy and I still have no explanation as to what happened. The toy reached a point where, as long as it had some charge to its battery, there was no way to turn the toy off. Even on its lowest setting, it was operating on some sort of sub-setting that was below anything the keypad could control. There was no way to turn the toy off. No minus of the arrow would turn it off. The keypad didn't even recognize the toy as being on at all. I could turn it up. But, I could never turn it off. My only option was to wait for the battery to die completely. Then, it would finally stop vibrating. As soon as I'd go to charge the toy, within a millisecond of connecting it, the motor was locked on again with no way to turn it off. It was an endless, annoying cycle. I eventually got fed up with this and took advantage of LELO's 1-year warranty.
From the minute I purchased the Soraya, it was like an investment for me. And once I received the toy, I always took excellent care of it. I always monitored the toy when it was charging to make sure it didn't overcharge and fry the battery. The toy was always thoroughly cleaned with soap and warm water. When not in use, it was stored in its original boxed packaging. All in all, the issues were mostly cosmetic. Yet, these issues led to problems with the overall function of the toy. Luckily, these issues happened sooner than later and I could take advantage of the warranty for the motor issue. I think I would have been a little more than irritated if I was only left to the 10-year warranty (which only gives you 50% off a new LELO toy).
Regardless of all of these issues, the Soraya was still the best toy I had ever purchased (when it was still functioning properly at least). All of my expectations were met and it was exactly what I was looking for. My point of writing this review is not to deter you from purchasing the Soraya. Chances are, it will be your dream toy. However, I wanted to inform you on the potential flaws of the toy. (This is to say that not everyone will have the same issues I have had.) Given the price and investment of the toy, I know many of you are going through the same intense decision-making process that I did. So, I just wanted to give you my two cents after owning the toy for a little over a year now.
Hopefully, you all will find at least some of this helpful. If you would like my feedback on anything else about the toy, I'd be more than happy to help.
Happy shopping!
