Tano - butt plug by PicoBong - review by CafeSabroso

The Tano is the butt plug variant of the new PicoBong lineup of affordable vibrators. The toys are of a modular design, where the vibrating unit is the same in four of the six PicoBong models. In the case of the Tano, the base is a tapered neck which flares out for secure anal play. In other models, such as the Koa, the base is an open-ended loop which allows it to function as a clip-on cockring. In all the variants the vibrating module is matte-finish firm silicone, while the base is glossy plastic.

Unboxing the Tano from the shipping box, I was greeted by a small paperboard package with a clear plastic front. The toy inside is prominently displayed, with the model name printed just below the window, and a brief summary of the features on the window to the side of the plug. The box itself is matte black, with glossy embossed silhouettes of the PicoBong lineup on the front, sides, and top. The reverse of the box is printed with a short description of the Tano in English, Spanish, German, and French. In addition, the text also states that the Tano has a one-year warranty, and that it requires 1 AAA battery, not included. Maybe I've been spoiled by some manufacturers of small bullets, cockrings, etc, where the watch batteries the toys require are generally included. I was planning on using a rechargeable AAA I had, but the product manual recommends against using rechargeables, apparently due to the lower voltage (1.2V vs 1.5V for alkaline cells) which would make the vibrations weaker.

Upon procuring the requisite alkaline AAA cells (a 4-pk, though the Tano needs only one at a time), I was able to try it out. The base easily unscrews from the vibration module revealing a cavity into which the battery slides. The manual does not specify the orientation, but the Tano will only turn on with the positive end (the end with the raised bump) pointing out (toward the base when it's screwed on). I was pleasantly surprised when attaching the base; the vibe pulsed a single time to let me know that the orientation of the battery was correct.

Once the base is securely attached (turned clockwise until resistance is felt), the vibe is operated by pressing the plus (+) symbol, which is hidden in the "b" of the PicoBong logo on the toy. Pressing and holding for about a second turns it on to the lowest setting. Repeatedly pressing, or pressing and holding plus will increase the intensity. Note that you must push on the button for a little bit longer that you would expect to trigger it; quick presses are not registered. Once on the the maximum setting, pressing plus for about 2 seconds will advance the vibe into the first pattern mode. Note that your timing must be excellent; if you press for too short of a time, or too long of a time, the vibe will not advance into pattern mode. If you succeed, you enter the first of eleven available vibration patters. You can cycle through the patterns by pressing plus again. Pressing minus (-), located in the "p", will return you to the maximum setting of the constant intensity mode. Pressing minus repeatedly will decrease the intensity and eventually turn the vibe off.

Due to it's relatively small diameter and smooth silicone, the lubed-up Tano is easily inserted. Thanks to the narrowly-tapered neck of the base, it also stays in place well, even during orgasm. The bottom of the base rests between the the butt cheeks and is fairly comfortable for being made of hard plastic. The base is of a good size and feels very secure. Additionally, the outermost portion is long enough that it can be manipulated while inserted.

Being made of silicone and hard plastic, the Tano has no discernible smell. Silicone lubricants should not be used on the Tano, and the manual recommends that oil-based lubes should also be avoided, possibly due the potential for damaging the plastic base. Because the toy's internals are built in, the Tano cannot be sterilized by boiling. The manual recommends cleaning only with antibacterial soap and warm water. Due to the potential for damaging the plastic, cleaning solutions containing alcohol, petrol, or acetone are advised against. As the packaging isn't sturdy enough for repeated storage, I just keep the Tano in my toy cabinet with my other silicone toys. While the Tano does look like a butt plug, if you were to disassemble it and pack the pieces separately, discrete travel would be possible.

The design of the Tano is a mixed bag. On the style and technical side it has a lot going for it. The Tano is a classy-looking plug (as one would expect, being that it's a LELO product) with a great-looking integration of the controls into the logo. Unfortunately, said logo is on the insertable part of the toy, which make adjusting the vibration an bothersome and slippery affair. The interface was a bit annoying since cycling though the settings required extended presses of the buttons, rather than just quick taps. Additionally, it seemed like eleven vibration modes is excessive; in comparison, my Tor cockring, also made by LELO, has only five vibration patterns. If you miss a pattern that you liked, you'll have to cycle though 10 more settings to get back to it. Despite the interface, however, the internals of the vibe are quite refined. On the lowest setting, the vibe is barely audible; on the highest setting it's no louder than a cell phone, and can barely be heard underneath the covers. The vibrations are also well distributed throughout the plug and can be felt even at the base. Overall, for providing even, moderate-intensity vibrations, the Tano is refreshingly quiet.

Given the manufacturer's reputation for producing quality toys, I was surprised to find some fit and finish issues with the Tano. When I first inserted the plug, I noticed a seam along the length of the plastic base that had a point just where the base met the silicone vibrating module. Not to be so easily discouraged, I smoothed down the seam with a series of very fine files, until the seam had been flattened out and the gloss of the plastic nearly restored. Eager to get back to trying out the vibration intensities and patterns, I reinserted the Tano. Unfortunately, this is when I noticed a worse seam. The plastic base of the Tano is slightly wider than the fitting on the vibe onto which it attaches. The result is that when the Tano is inserted, the sharp edge of the plastic rubs against the inside of your ass. Think unclipped fingernails. Though initially I did not notice it due to the more obvious seams on the base, this ring of sharp quickly got my attention. Every time I moved the Tano around or clenched my ass around it, I could feel the circumference of seam cutting into me. I did end up finishing with the Tano in place to see how it would stay in, but I've honestly had no desire to play with it again due to that seam. Incidentally, the ill-fitting base made clean-up somewhat more demanding. Though the seal managed to keep all the lube out of the battery compartment, the gap between the two pieces let lube into the outermost hollow space in the base.