Athena - double ended dildo by Luxotiq - review by charletnarouh

This beautiful glass toy is suitable for vaginal or anal use, for masturbation or hand-held by a partner. Though it doesn't have a base, it's length, shape and curve should prevent any concerns in its use as an anal toy. It is glass and, as such, completely rigid, so it should not be thrusted too enthusiastically as it could easily cause bruising. Glass retains temperatures well, making it excellent for temperature play. Absence of motor or moving parts make this toy safe in water, though caution should be exercised over hard floors and surfaces. It is quite heavy, which could make it a successful kegel exerciser as well.

This toy is comprised of boroscilicate glass. This is the same glass used to make Pyrex kitchenware. It is extremely safe and able to be sterilized. It is non-porous. Contrary to popular fear, this type of glass offers little to no risk to the user. It will not break during use, though it may bruise the user if thrusted too hard. If it does break, chip or crack, which is possible on firm impact (being dropped or hit against a firm surface), it will break into large chunks, not slivers. The glass is fully solid, not hollow like a drinking glass or tube. It has absolutely no taste or smell. It is perfectly smooth. Though some glass toys have a sculpted texture, this toy is merely curved and tapered with none of the common swirls or bumps found on other glass items.

As mentioned, the glass is totally rigid with no give at all. This makes it unsuitable for thrusting since this could bruise the cervix or injure the user. It also means that this toy will feel larger, especially in girth, in use than a similarly sized toy of soft materials. There are subtle whirls in the surface of the toy, but these can't be felt by hand or in use. The larger end of the toy has the Luxotiq "L" logo etched in white. This cannot be scraped off as far as I can tell. The design on mine is unaffected by lube, bodily fluids and washing. I can feel the letter when running my fingers over the surface but just barely. It is unnoticeable in use.

This toy is curved, offering two insertable ends, both nicely angled for g-spotting or p-spotting.



The ends are bulbed and rounded, tapering to the waist of the toy. One end is slightly larger than the other. One is 1 1/2" diameter, while the other is 1 1/4 which allows for some variety and for users of different sizes, though both are about average. Athena is 9 1/2" long in total, offering 6" insertable from either end. Whichever end you are using, the remaining end serves as a comfortable and ergonomic handle. Although this toy is double ended, it's not quite long enough to be usable by two partners at once.

Athena's shape is beautiful and curvy. It doesn't look realistic, but it is, necessarily, somewhat phallic in shape (long, cylindrical, rounded on the end). I'm not sure everyone would see it and immediately assume it was a sex toy, but I can't think of any other conclusions they might come to. If you are the adventurous sort, you might be able to leave it out and try explaining it away as an art piece and see how successful you are. Because it's glass, although it's the type of glass that is somewhat difficult to break, I probably won't be traveling with this one unless I'm able to fit the box in my luggage or have a very well padded pouch. It would probably be fine wrapped in some padding and packed in the center of the luggage, but I personally wouldn't risk it.

The shape of this toy is brilliant and performs perfectly. It applies firm, consistent pressure against the g-spot. Presumably, p-spotting would work about the same. An easy rocking motion or a very shallow, gentle thrust works perfectly. It's aesthetically beautiful, slightly see-through, with an even color. It holds temperatures very well for temperature play. It's easy to hold either during masturbation or partner play. The only complaint I have is the weight, which is generally true of all glass toys. If not held in place with a hand, the weight will cause the toy to shift, turn, slip or fall out completely.

In addition to the aesthetic beauty, the deliciously smooth texture, and the versatility, boroscilicate glass has the additional benefit of being one of the easiest materials to care for, albeit requiring slight caution to avoid impact. Glass is non-porous and can be sanitized. Cleaning methods can include: Hot water and soap, toy cleaners, dishwasher, boiling, rubbing alcohol, and bleach

It's safe to share between orifices or partners as long as it is sterilized in between. It can be used with any type of lube, including silicone, water, oil. It is very resilient but should not be dropped or experience any impact with hard surfaces. It should be examined following any impact and as a periodic routine to check for chips, nicks or cracks. Care should be exercised in storing this toy, making sure that it is well padded and won't knock into things in a drawer or box, or be in some container that might get dropped.

Being a fan of luxury sex toys, I'm no stranger to fancy packaging but this is the prettiest I've ever seen. Unlike other luxury companies, there is no outer cardboard throwaway box. This arrived with clear plastic wrapped around a rectangular durable white cardboard box in a similar style to Lelo and JeJoue's boxes.



The Luxotiq box is white on the top, back and bottom. "Luxotiq" is stamped on the lid in black script. There are no pictures, no disclaimers or other writing of any kind on the box. From the box, unless you were familiar with the brand, there is no way to tell what is inside. The front and both ends are pale pink. A white ribbon secures the box closed. The hinged lid opens to reveal Athena on a satin bed. The bed seems to be made of styrofoam, cut to accommodate the toy and covered with a white satin cloth, but it looks like a plushy pillow.



I can't seem to remove the bed or satin covering without possibly damaging the box. The box is eminently suitable for gifting or storage. The only instructions were a card suggesting to wash the toy with soap and water and dry with the included cloth. The cloth is pale pink on one side, darker pink on the other and bears the "Luxotiq" script on one corner of the darker side.

Both my girlfriend and I loved this toy. The toy is beautiful, easy to care for, and the packaging is awesome.

It's shape is wonderful and it's easy to manipulate whether solo or partnered. My girlfriend prefers a rocking motion while I prefer a shallow angled thrust. Both ends are comfortable to use, but we both prefer the smaller end. I'm personally not a fan of lots of texture, which is what led me to choose this perfectly smooth, tapered toy and I couldn't be happier. As mentioned above, the only complaint is weight. Though this may be a benefit to many, it doesn't allow me to insert the toy and leave it there while using a clitoral vibe or my hands elsewhere because it will turn to the side or slip out. I have weak wrists which get tired using it for a long period of time, especially during masturbation.