This product is marketed as a butt plug. However, this toy lacks a large enough bulge before the flare in order to stay in the rectum; which butt plugs are supposed to be made for. It has a tendency to slip out whether one is standing or sitting down. It was originally ordered as a toy to upgrade from the Crystal Jellies anal delight which was previously used for preparation to anal sex.

It is better used as a probe rather than a plug. So far it hasn't been used as a probe to prepare for anal sex because, compared to the jelly probe, it doesn't stay in. It can make one insecure if sex tends to involve a lot of bouncing around on the bed (not literally though but if that's your thing then awesome).

The Encore is made of silicone from the happy valley company. It is a well constructed toy. It retains no smells and is absolutely gorgeous to look at the deep purple sparkly swirls within the silicone. It has a matte finish and is sort of grabby on the skin if it is dragged along the arm. It's soft and doesn't taste like anything in particular.

Since it is made of silicone, it is important to remember that only water based lubes should be used with this. If you desire to use a silicone based lube, a patch test somewhere on the base should be done in order to see if it will degrade the material. If it doesn't have a reaction you're pretty safe to use your lube just make sure the toy is cleaned properly afterward.

It is a firm kind of silicone but not extremely firm, it has a bit of a squishiness to it. It isn't very floppy due to the firmness so insertion isn't too much of a problem.

The design of this product is great in terms of the shape and dimensions. The insertable length is 5 1/2 inches and the smallest bulge is a little below an inch and the largest bulge near the base is about 1 1/4 inches. The three bumps are so delicious, they create a rippling sensation when stretching the sphincter muscles. It created really wonderful sensations when used for thrusting.

It could be easily used for beginners and intermediate users looking for something that creates new sensations. I think it would be geared towards beginners more than intermediate, for the graduated bulge design can really help the beginner adapt to the feeling of being slightly stretched out. However, it would be practical for preparing for anal sex.

The base is well made in one sense but not well made in another sense. It would be perfect for long term because it is sort of oval shaped which allows it to stay between the cheeks rather comfortably. On the other hand the edges of the base are sort of sharp and cut into the skin if worn for a long time.

As a plug it is "meh" at best. I have tried using it as a plug but it wouldn't stay in. I put on some underwear to help it stay in and it helped a bit, but it wasn't what I was looking for. It works really well as a probe. If used for solely for thrusting it is great for that. The base is great to grip for thrusting and the rigidity of the toy makes it easy to slip it in and out of the anus when all is excessively lubricated.

For long term wear with under wear on it is not so good. Actually, I wore it for maybe 30 minutes with my underwear on as I tended to chores in my apartment and noticed something really weird after a while. The toy tends to tilt in my rectum to the right, and sort of painfully pushes on a nerve on the inside of the hip bone. I tried to move it around but it always went back to the same position.

I don't have a harness but I am pretty sure it is harness compatible and would make a good anal probe to be used in this way.

Since it is made of silicone it can be boiled for 3-4 minutes, washed with a 10% bleach solution or washed in a dishwasher, top rack, no soap. Personally, I use toy cleaner and boil occasionally. Since the product is non porous it can be shared and used in different orifices (with sterilization between partners / FWB / orifices).

I store it in a plastic zip lock bag within my toy chest. I let the toy air dry before putting it in the bag to make sure no mold forms on the toy or in the bag. Also, this toy tends to collect dust and hairs while it air dries, so it is always a good idea to give it a good rinse the next time it is taken out to play.

What I love about Happy Valley packaging is that it's really low profile packaging and it's recyclable. It's packed into a plastic bag with a cardboard piece that is stapled on the top with the company name and the name of the product.

I had really high hopes for this product, it really seemed to have the potential a butt plug like this would of had if it stayed put. The search continues...

I know things that go in through the back door can come out with fecal residue. I try to limit my partner from seeing that sort of matter so having a toy that can often fall out and make a shitty mess on the bed during sex is not really my thing, it doesn't turn me on. So I haven't used this toy with my partner.

I have used it mainly when I want a quick orgasm. I put lube on it and my anus and push it in and grab a vibe for my clit and start thrusting away. I find it too uncomfortable as a plug so I don't use it that often. I have used it in the shower along with a water proof vibe, and that was really great. Actually, I might use it in the shower with my partner next time. It may become a new favorite for shower time.

My partner has never used it on me or seen me use it on myself. In fact, I'm pretty sure if I show it to him he will think I just got a new toy although its been in my toy chest for a few months. If I use it in the shower I will let you know how the adventure went!