Silicone X-10 beads - beads discontinued by Cal Exotics - review by Alyxx

This a TPR silicone version of the X-10 Anal Beads. They are made for anal insertion and have a retrieval ring on one end to make them easy to pull out. I think this is an ideal toy for people who are new to anal beads and anal toys in general because the silicone material is fairly soft and pliable compared to plastic and jelly beads, and the size of the beads start off very small and get gradually larger, ending with a reasonable one-inch diameter ball. I like it best for use during PIV sex and pull it out as I orgasm. Remember, this is not a toy meant for thrusting, and the soft material makes it nearly impossible to even try thrusting it in and out. It is meant to be put into place and then pulled out.

I love the smooth, soft silicone of these beads. There are no visible seams, and the whole toy is velvety to the touch. However, it is a bit of a dust magnet. I have the jelly version of the X-10 Beads as well, and they feel hard and uncomfortable in comparison. The only downsides I have found to this softer, stretchier version of the X-10 Beads are that they are harder to insert initially and that the strength of the retrieval ring seems compromised. The thinness of the stalk attaching the ring coupled with the stretchy material makes the ring seem flimsy, and I was afraid it may break; so the first time I used it, I left the last bead uninserted so that I wouldn't strain the ring pulling it out. After this, I spent a while pulling at it and testing the strength of the material, and I found that it is much stronger than it looks; so no worries there!

Because this is not a 100% silicone toy, it is best cleaned with soap and water rather than boiling it or bleaching it, but it is still less porous and more sterile than the jelly version. It is also best not to share this toy with anyone else, just to be safe, because it can't be sterilized. Also, water-based lubricant must be used because silicone-based lubes will degrade your toy.

This toy is about a foot long, not counting the ring, and it is made up of 10 beads ranging from maybe a centimeter in diameter to about an inch in diameter, which are connected with a thin stalk. I think this is a good size for most people, especially those new to anal play, but I would have liked the beads to be a little bigger and the stalk to be a little wider for more strength. The retrieval ring is the same diameter as the stalk and seems a little too flimsy to be safe. As I said above, I found it to be very strong, but I would have more peace of mind if it were a little sturdier.

As for discretion . . . anyone who knows what anal beads look like will know what these are; anyone who doesn't will probably ask. I'd wrap these up or put them in a case for travel.

My favorite thing about this toy is how soft and smooth it is. They have some give, so they are not uncomfortable inside you; and they bend with your body better than the stiffer jelly beads do. They are not too long to be comfortable either, but I do think the beads could be a little larger.

For me, the best part of using these toys is pulling them out during orgasm. The feeling of the beads sliding out one after another makes my orgasm harder and longer. Another thing I love about them is how they give added sensation to my boyfriend during sex. The balls can be felt through the vaginal wall, and he loves how they feel.

While the name of this toy makes it seem as though it is 100% silicone, in reality it is not. It is TPR silicone, which is a mix of TPR rubber and silicone. This means that while they have the silky smooth feel of silicone, they are not as safe as a 100% silicone toy would be. They may not be as nonporous as silicone, so bleaching is not advised nor is sharing a TPR toy with partners.

Like all silicone toys, a water-based lubricant should be used instead of a silicone-based one. Silicone lubes degrade and damage silicone toys, as does prolonged contact with other silicone toys. Therefore, this toy should also be stored separately from other silicone toys or at least wrapped in some type of cloth.

This toy should be washed before and after each use with mild soap and water or a toy cleaner, and it should always be thoroughly dried after washing.

This toy comes in a clear plastic clamshell with "TPR Silicone X-10 Anal Beads" written in large letters on the paper insert but with no useful instructions. In fact, it says "not for insertion into the body" as part of a disclaimer, which I'm guessing is to cover legal bases in places where sex toys are illegal. So, it is not discreet or very suitable as gift packaging (well, maybe good packaging for a gag gift if you want to embarrass someone in public). Seeing as the clamshell can be popped open rather than needing scissors, it could be used for storage, but there are many better options for storing them rather than keeping a big, bulky plastic package.

I got these mainly to compare them with the original jelly X-10 beads, which I have had for a while. I like these much more because of their pliability and flexibility. Overall, I feel that they are much more comfortable and pleasurable. The better quality is worth the extra money.