I received the Tantus Ace Small in the mail about four months prior to writing this review. Since then it has spent a lot of time in my ass. At the time that I received the Ace Small, I had little experience with anal play. After some trial and error (mostly error) with several other plugs, the Ace Small was the first plug I was able to use for long term wear.

Keeping this plug in place long term stretched my butt, which has enabled me to advance from beginner sized toys to the more interesting, wider variety of intermediate sized toys. Still, I use the Ace Small on a regular basis and it remains my favorite for long term wear.

The Ace Small is made of smooth, pliable silicone which adds to it's beginner friendly nature. A couple of drops of lubricant easily covers the slick surface. The silicone is soft enough to be comfortable, yet firm enough to support penetration. After you've put it in place, the silicone has the flexibility to fit the internal curves and the give to allow a nice tight hug from the sphincter muscles. Outside, the silicone forms a soft base which is as comfortable for long term wear as any other plug I have used. The Ace Small has no seams, manufacturing defects, or sharp edges. It is very body safe, both in terms of the high quality silicone and the flawless workmanship.

The design of the Ace Small is directed to those beginning to explore anal play. For my first use, I was able to accomplish insertion quickly and easily. The Ace Small has a simple and straightforward shape. It is sized to be accommodated by an anal beginner, without extensive stretching. The top expands from it's pointed tip to a maximum diameter of 1 1/4 inches, which provided my anal opening with a moderate, yet noticeable stretch. It is enough to begin to provide a pleasant sensation and develop the flexibility of my sphincter muscles, but not enough to cause a tearing or burning sensation.

After passing the widest part of the bulb, the Ace Small provides a feeling of gratification as it tapers into a long stem which is about 7/8 of an inch. The length of the stem is enough to keep the bulb firmly seated in the rectum while giving the sphincter plenty of uniformly wide stem to tighten and relax against the plush silicone. Along with developing the muscles, this provides a subtle yet pleasurable sensation as the bulb is moved back and forth in the rectum.

Finally, the hour glass shaped base provides a gentle twisting motion as it moves with the cheeks. It is wide enough that the wearer can be absolutely assured that it does not get lost inside, yet is small enough to rest discretely between the cheeks. While I don't have the smallest butt, it is by no means large. I could easily wear the Ace Small totally nude without anyone seeing it until I bent over.

For me, an anal plug must meet three basic requirements: stay in for extended wear, intensify orgasm, and help develop the anal muscles. The Ace Small performs each of these functions well. It is versatile and can be worn for many activities. I have worn the Ace Small out and about, to the gym, running, bike riding, driving in the car, to the beach, during sex, during masturbation and swimming. (Note: If you decide to wear an anal plug swimming, be sure to sit on the toilet to take it out to avoid a possible watery mess. And, yes, I did learn this from experience.)

For swimming, the beach, and the gym, the Ace Small stays in place, is small enough to be discrete, and flexible enough not to interfere with your movement. It also stays securely in place while running, yet did not become uncomfortable even after 3 and 4 mile runs. It feels great to wear while driving or bike riding. The only problem with these activities is that I always seem to end up with a pre-cum moistened crotch. During sex and masturbation, the Ace Small does its job and provides fantastic orgasms while staying in place.

Finally, the Ace Small stretches the anal muscles. This is important to anyone using the plug as warm up for anal sex. I think this is due more to the fact that it can be worn for extended periods of time on a frequent basis, rather than because of its size.

The Ace Small, being made of high quality silicone, is easy to clean with anti-bacterial soap and hot water. To sterilize, use a solution of 10% bleach and water, place in the top rack of the dish washer without dish detergent, or place in boiling water.

As the Ace Small is made of silicone, it should never be used with silicone lubricant. I have always used water-based lube which is recommended and works very well.

The Ace Small is small enough to be easily and discretely stored in the back of a drawer. I've heard mixed opinions on this, but I use a plastic sandwich bag to keep it from being damaged by other silicone toys and from collecting dirt or lint. I have yet to experience any problem from having a plastic sandwich bag stick to any of my toys.