Sexy spades large - butt plug by Doc Johnson - review by Suisei

The Doc Johnson Sexy Spades Large is a tempered glass beauty of a butt plug. It is specifically aimed at more advanced anal toy users, given its size and rigidity. While I cannot personally vouch for this, it is likely possible to use this for vaginal stimulation as well.

Before even purchasing this toy, be sure that you are able to accommodate something of its girth. Being able to use a plug close to its size is important. It is also crucial to bear in mind that this anal plug is made of a rigid material, unlike the many soft material plugs on the market. It is also recommended that you warm up very gradually to this beautiful beast with other toys. You may want to use dildos or probes of increasing size, use increasing numbers of fingers, or use a series of smaller butt plugs first.

After warming up and ensuring you are properly lubricated, you have several choices. Will you insert it at room temperature? Will you cool it down or warm it up? I've found that heating this toy in comfortably warm water facilitates insertion and enhances pleasure. If you do choose to heat or cool it, be sure that you can tolerate the temperature of the toy on the underside of your arm.

Apply ample lubricant to the bulb of the toy with one hand, keeping the other free for holding the base. Glass becomes very, very slippery when lubricated, so bear this in mind. Any variety of lubricant is compatible with this toy's material, so choose your favourite. I like to use silicone lubricant with glass, but you may use water-based or oil-based if you so desire, as long as it is a body-safe lubricant.

The next step is to relax, preferably on a soft surface like a bed, especially if you end up dropping the toy. Borosilicate glass is tough, but caution goes a long way in preserving the lifespan of toys that do not bounce. Introduce the tip of the plug to your anus, and try to... How shall I say it? "Relax yourself around it." Do not force entry, just apply gentle pressure from the base. You will feel quite a strong stretching sensation, so stop if it becomes uncomfortable. Once you pass the largest point, it slips in fairly quickly.

Finally, enjoy. Just do what you would normally do with an anal plug inserted. The round base is smooth, so it is fairly comfortable for wearing around and walking about. Although, it may begin to feel uncomfortable for a while. If you used a water-based lubricant, it is advisable to reapply every hour or two, if you're going for longer-term wear. Due to its rigid nature and large size, I do not recommend wearing it for extended periods of time. Especially when you are asleep, because injury to sensitive anal and rectal tissue may occur, and it is difficult for the body to expel gas with such a large plug in place. It may feel nice when inserted, and it might be quite a feat for someone if it's their largest plug, but listen to your body. Remove it as soon as possible once you feel discomfort. Speaking of removal, I would advise that you grip the base and bear down gently, to slowly and gradually remove it.

Clean-up is quite easy, as it is a slick material that can be cleaned with any non-abrasive gentle soap or toy cleaner and water.

As part of Doc Johnson's "Glass Dreams" line, the Sexy Spades Large is crafted of tempered borosilicate glass. It is more durable than typical glass used in windows and drinking glasses. This is good, because it is meant to be inserted into the body. In the case of breakage, this type of glass does not shatter, but breaks more cleanly, cracking or chipping instead of splintering. As with any sex toy, you should inspect it before use for any disruptions of integrity. Never use a glass toy that has been broken in any way, shape or form!

That being said, it will take a lot to break such a solid chunk of tempered glass. The Sexy Spades Large is well crafted and very smooth, not to mention completely unyielding. A mild texture can be felt around the swirls of colour, but only if you are feeling it with your hands. I have not noticed this during use. Its smoothness facilitates insertion and makes cleaning very easy. It is nonporous and retains no odours or colours, which makes it perfect for anal use. Of course, it is also odourless and tasteless by nature.

The Sexy Spades Large is similar in design to the well-known "standard cone-shaped butt plug". That is to say, it starts at a small peak, tapers gradually outward to a largest point, tapers abruptly inward, and is followed by a stem/neck and a base.



This plug is really quite large, and most certainly not for beginners or even intermediate users. It is roughly 4.75" tall, 4" insertable, and its widest point is nearly 2.4" in diameter! After this large bump, it settles into a comfortable 1.25" diameter at the neck, which is quite a relief after the largest point. The base is actually slightly smaller than the largest point of the plug, but don't worry, it is still quite safe. The neck very abruptly flares out into the base, so there's no risk of losing this goliath inside of you with normal use.

I would like to say that, while this plug is similar to the typical cone-shape, it is much more stout. This is beneficial for me, as longer, pointier plugs tend to cause me a great deal of discomfort from "internal poking", for lack of a better description. The rounded shape makes for an excellent presence inside of the body, and it is very stimulating.

Furthermore, I have left this toy on my bookshelf in my bedroom. This is in part due to the lack of storage container provided by the manufacturer, and partially because it is pretty nice looking. It is almost like a curiosity, which one would buy from a home decoration store. Granted, I would not leave it in my living room. As far as sex toys go, it is on the more discreet side of things.

As for travel, I recommend buying or making a padded pouch for your Sexy Spades plug. It may be tough glass, but it is still glass. I would also keep it in the very middle of my luggage, between layers of clothes. It will not, at the very least, set off a metal detector.

Personally, I really like this toy. It is not my favourite anal plug, but it is still a frequently-used one.
What I like:
- The shape is user-friendly and ergonomic. It is tapered for easy insertion without being long and prodding.
- The neck is the perfect diameter. It is a perfect resting point after the large bulge of the plug's body.
- The material is sleek, smooth and heavy. It is inserted more easily than silicone and is compatible with any lubricant.
- While big, it is still comfortable for moderate-term wear for me.

What I dislike:
- The base is circular. While not immediately uncomfortable, I found it just a little irritating after a while of sitting. It is not huge, however, so it is still manageable. A T-shaped base would be excellent.

Glass really is wonderful when it comes to care and cleaning. It seems to repel debris and it does not attract dust and lint like silicone. Cleaning is easy and hassle-free. The Sexy Spades Large is no exception to these rules.

I simply clean mine with warm water and gentle liquid soap. That seems to do the trick, but you may also use a 10% bleach solution or boil it, just like with silicone. Do be careful handling it after you bleach it, and be sure to take it out of the water with soft-tipped tongs. A good idea would be to boil it in a shallow pot with a dishcloth on the bottom, to prevent chipping or damage. Wrap it in a thick cloth afterwards and let it cool gradually.

Storage of this toy is a little trickier. Being made of glass, you will want to keep it away from hazards such as falling or hitting other hard toys. Doc Johnson does not include a storage container or pouch with the toy, so you either have to make your own or improvise. You could just keep it on a shelf if you are bold. I am planning to sew a storage pouch in the next little while, but for now it is on display on the shelf above my cloth-bound classic novels. I am not sure how Mr. Darcy feels about it, but it will have to do for now.

Finally, being made of glass allows this toy to withstand any lubricant; water-, silicone- or oil-based.

This anal plug is packaged in a partially transparent plastic clamshell container. It does not make for good storage, so I no longer have it. However, there is a photograph of the packaging on the product's main page.
I do not recall seeing any instructions with the toy.

As for gifting, be sure you are giving it in private. Honestly? I think it would be best to make or purchase a nice storage pouch, put the plug inside, and affix a bow to the pouch. It is more tasteful and is useful to boot!

I really do enjoy this plug in spite of its imposing size and rigidity. Perhaps that is part of the reason I like it. It is not what I would consider an "everyday" plug, but I really enjoy it when I have the time and the desire for something of its caliber.