Compact vibe mini G - discreet massager discontinued by Cal Exotics - review by lexical

The Compact Vibe Mini G by California Exotics is a multi-function, travel-size vibrating toy. If you're seeking G-spot stimulation, look elsewhere for a toy with a more dramatically curved tip. I would recommend this toy as a clitoral stimulator only and *not* as an insertable G-spot toy. Despite it's unassuming, diminutive size and cheerful design and color scheme, I think this item may be best for intermediate to advanced users, who prefer fairly intense vibrations.

The Compact Mini G is made of hard plastic, with a ridged, textured shaft, and gently curved, Velvet Cote tip. It smells faintly of plastic, but has no discernible taste. The hard plastic is an excellent conductor of vibrations and the Velvet Cote material affords this toy a velvety feel and a nice amount of "grip", stimulating far better than slick, smooth plastic would. The Velvet Cote texture is appropriate for anyone, from beginner to advanced, but the hard plastic ridges on the shaft detract from the experience if you plan on inserting this toy.

Although the design is not the most discreet, this toy lives up to its name in that it is miniature and it is compact. The Mini G is 5" long, with (supposedly) 2" insertable length, and a 1" diameter, making it an ideal, easy-to-hide travel companion. However, I am completely and utterly baffled at this toy being marketed as a g-spot stimulator. Its recessed, scooped back curve is the opposite of what is typically necessary to access the G-spot. I was unable to even find my g-spot with this toy, let alone to stimulate it effectively, and the sharp ridges around the shaft made insertion uncomfortable for me. I find this toy to be much better suited to clitoral stimulation, where the ridges help to afford the user a nice, non-slip grip. The tapered curve of it is absolutely indispensable in cuddling up to your clit and finding all those sensitive nooks and crannies.

Accessing the battery compartment is very easy, as you just twist off the end and the cap will pop free. Inside is a separate, removable capsule which holds the required two AAA batteries. You simply slide it out, pop in your batteries, and slip it back inside, making sure to fit the notches into place and being sure that the end with screws on it is facing towards the battery cap. When replacing the cap, there may be some resistance and a soft clicking or scraping noise as you twist it back on. This is just the spring on the inside of the cap rubbing against the metal end of the battery capsule. That made me a little nervous, at first, but it doesn't seem to have done any damage thus far.

Despite using only two AAA batteries, the Mini G offers a fairly deep, powerful vibration that is definitely located at the tip of the toy. I prefer the three constant vibration settings, but the pulsing and escalating settings are also very enjoyable, especially since they function at a high level. They're both very stimulating and it's a pleasure to start on the lowest one and work your way up.

The single push-button controls are extremely easy to use, but I feel it may be more convenient to have the button located on the textured shaft, along the "back" of the toy, where your fingers rest when holding it, rather than having to shift your grip on the toy in order to press the button. Pressing the button will cause a muffled click and will cause the toy to switch to the next setting. Unfortunately, there is not easy on/off button, making this item very risky to use if you lack complete privacy. Sometimes, that's part of the fun, but other times it's downright annoying...I think it would be ideal to change the design of this toy some so that the button to cycle through the settings was on the shaft, with a power button on the end to shut it off quickly if need be.

Settings:

1 - Deep, low, steady vibration
2 - Slightly more powerful, medium, steady vibration
3 - Strong, high, steady vibration
4 - Strong, steady pulsing, at the level of the third setting
5 - Three repeating pulses, escalating low, medium, high.

The toy is fairly quiet and I feel comfortable using it without worrying about people hearing, as long as the door to my room is closed. It performs flawlessly in water and I have not noticed any signs of moisture inside the battery compartment. Be sure to screw the battery cap on tight to seal it completely.

This toy is extremely easy to care for. It's not sticky and is non-porous, which means that a simple wash with soap and water keeps it very clean. Unfortunately, the ridged shaft comes into play again in that it's extremely annoying to clean. Bodily fluids tend to find their way into the dips in between the ridges and are a downright pain to clean unless you have an old toothbrush lying around that will never see the inside of a mouth ever again. This toy would be much better off without the ridged shaft.

I store this toy in my underwear drawer, without a special bag or anything to protect it. The material is not sensitive or sticky and the toy's hard plastic build is very durable. You can use any lubricant with this toy, but I prefer to use water-based lubes with all my toys, just to be on the safe side.

The Mini G came in a clear plastic, easy-to-open, clam shell type package. The insert inside depicts a pasty white, naked couple laughing and having a gay ol' time in the background while the foreground states, in swirly red text..."5 Function Compact Vibe Mini G", a "travel-sized, water proof vibe with 5 powerful functions". It also bears the blue Cal Exotics "Waterproof" seal. It does not come with instructions, but I feel they're unnecessary for this straightforward, user-friendly little vibe.

This is now my go-to clitoral vibrator, replacing my very first toy and my old standby, the Mini Waterproof Vibe, also from California Exotics. I've had that toy for over four years and, although it's still goin' strong, it's grown a little noisier over the years. The Mini G has been a lovely step up with it's fairly quiet noise level and multiple functions.

Unfortunately, I've noticed, just over the last few days, that if I gently shake the Mini G there is a slight rattling going on inside the tip, which is also evident sometimes when the toy is turned on and vibrating...I'm hoping against hope that this isn't a sign that it's going to kick the bucket soon! :( I'll be heartbroken.