The Triple Ripple Royal is not ideal for use as a butt plug or extended wear, judging by its design. It is best used to stretch and train the anus in preparation for bigger and better things... although that doesn't mean it can't be any fun all by itself! Even at its smallest, it is undoubtedly more than most people think they'll be comfortable with, so it can provide hours of amazement as they witness their body begin to swallow it. At its largest, it's a truly enormous beast that can provide weeks, or perhaps months, of excitement and anal training before it's finally conquered.

Doc Johnson chose to make the Triple Ripple exterior layer out of PVC (TPR), which is a very porous material that is slick and flexible, and gives off a moderate rubbery odor. The interior is filled with a plug of Sil-a-Gel (anti-bacterial, latex-free, cadmium-free and phthalate-free), which is also porous but much softer and squishier, and gives off an artificially fruity odor. The dual layers give the toy a slight amount of give, but the gap between them can feel a bit odd (and cheap). The slick, glossy finish of the exterior is easy to clean, doesn't attract much dust, and successfully reduces friction for when the going gets tight.

The first of the triple ripples is a relative breeze at 1 3/4", especially if you've been familiarizing your butt with medium-sized plugs. It is more tapered than the others, and can certainly be used alone for some fun and warmups before the real stretching begins. The feeling of each passing ripple is quite satisfying, which I'm sure can be partly contributed to the anus simply being allowed to relax!

For most people, I think the second ripple is the true beginning of the Triple Ripple Royal experience: It measures in at a gigantic 2 1/4", with a quick, unforgiving taper. Relax your muscles, bear down a bit, and slowly take it in. Somewhere around this point, the anus begins to get a proper stretching, which feels exactly like the burn of any other muscle being stretched. The longer you hold it at this point, the quicker it will stretch to accommodate the increasing size, but I can't stress enough that you err on the side of caution to avoid injury. I found sitting on the Triple Ripple to be most comfortable at this point, as the anus fights back and your arms and wrists grow tired.

So far, the third and final (boss?!) ripple, measuring in at an almost unimaginable 2 3/8", has been refused entry by my butt. However, with enough patience and determination, I think anyone can eventually fit something of this diameter and length (a mere 5") in their ass, and I'm confident that my body will prove this true in the near future. I can't wait.

The Triple Ripple Royal performs exceptionally as a tool to train and stretch the anus. It will prepare you for larger plugs and toys, and provide a great sense of satisfaction and accomplishment when finally conquered. It is stable and weighty, with a wide base and low center of gravity that almost negates the need for any type of suction base.

This toy is not designed as a butt plug: It has a short, unaccommodating stem that leaves little for the sphincter to hold on and keep it in place. Nor is it the most pleasurable toy you can buy for your butt, graduating in size very quickly and lacking a design to stimulate the prostate (although it still may do so mildly due to it's size). However, all things considered (especially its intended use and price), I would still recommend it.

The Triple Ripple is safe with water-based and silicone-based lubricants. Avoid oils and oil-based lubes, as they can erode these types of materials. I recommend plenty of (almost too much!) thick, water-based lube for any and all anal adventures. The slick exterior finish is easy to clean with soap and water, and does not attract much dust. Condoms are usually recommended with this type of porous material to prevent the transmitting of viruses or bacteria, especially if the toy is being used anally and vaginally.

The toy is packaged in very simple, clam-shell plastic packaging with a semi-informative, glossed paper insert typical of Doc Johnson. Personally, I don't re-use this type of packaging for storage, but it can be used to do so. I recommend purchasing some cotton drawstring bags for toy storage (perhaps 6×9" or larger), which are relatively inexpensive and have worked well to keep my toys separated, clean and lint free.