My partner and I wanted to experiment with anal play, but didn't really know where to start, so we decided to get this "beginner" Anal 101 intro beads toy. I had never had an anal experience with a man or a woman before this experience, but I think this was a great place to start.

The beads are quite smooth and translucent, and come in a variety of colors. We have the purple ones, and the color is true to the picture.

The beads start out rather small and build up to the size of a large marble. The largest bead is only an inch in diameter. I know that some of the other reviewers didn't like how small the first beads in the string are, but I actually thought it was perfect. The beads are also on a semi-rigid connecting piece, which, though bendable and flexible, makes it easier to push in. (Our other toy that isn't semi-rigid is a little floppier and harder to maneuver.) There is also a nice ring at the end of the string, so that the beads definitely won't get lost.

If this is your first time using a toy like this- or even if it's not- I do recommend using a good amount of lube both on yourself and the toy, and making sure you're RELAXED! Even though it is small, it will feel a lot better if you are. :) We used both silicone and water based lubricant, and both worked equally well.

I think it is especially nice to move the beads in and out of myself (or have my partner do it, more often) during sex. It makes the experience even more intense.

I do think that this is definitely a first step into exploring anal play and you can move up to other toys, but it was a good first step for us.

One of the best orgasms I've ever had was actually the first time we used this toy. My partner pulled the beads out just as I started to climax, and it definitely intensified the experience.

Even though we have quite a few anal toys now (beads, plugs, anal dildos, etc.), this one is still an old favorite, and I will still sometimes reach for this very basic set of beads before some of our other fancier toys.