Checkmates the bishop - discreet massager discontinued by Evolved Novelties - review by ~LaUr3n~

Looking for a pawn to help step up your game?

The Bishop is a cute little travel vibrator from Evolved Novelties' new line - Checkmates. It's fun shape and size can be used to tantalize any sensual zone. The power isn't the strongest, but you really don't need a whole lot of power when you have a shape like this. It works as a vaginal and anal tool quite well, and even can be a kegel exerciser. It is easy to operate, use, and clean since it is waterproof. The Bishop can be used be anyone, male or female, beginner or experienced. It operates on a single AAA battery and comes with compact storage for hiding it away. Whisper quiet vibrations mean you can use it with confidence. I only wish it came in other colors, sizes, and silicone.

The Bishop comes in the the two signature Evolved colors: hot pink and purple. I got mine in the pink, but like the purple better. It is made of a PU (polyurethane) coated, ABS plastic. This material is very safe for the body by being phthalate and latex free. It's also flame resistant too. This plastic is non-porous, but cannot be sterilized so use a condom if you are sharing or changing between anal and vaginal play. There is a matte feeling to the toy, except for the white band which is smooth plastic. The surface works well with lubricant and natural juices. It has no smell or taste.

The Bishop is loosely shaped like a Bishop pawn piece from a game of chess. I looked to find a piece that looks a lot like the Bishop, but this was the closest I could find:



This is why I say it loosely resembles one. It has a rounded top and various bulges and curves to delight you. The size is also pawn like in that it is small. It is about 5 1/2" long. 4 1/2" of that can be inserted vaginally, while a short 3 1/4" can be inserted anally.

The first bulb is almost a full sphere. It is 4 1/8" in circumference, 1 1/4" in diameter. It is a nice bulb for shallow g-spots and anal play and a good surface for contact with the clit or other areas of the body. The neck below it is 2 1/16" around, 13/15" in diameter. It creates a nice resting spot for the anal sphincters. Then the body juts out for sharply and is 3 5/8" around. the next neck is a little thicker than the first at 2 1/4" and is another good resting spot for the anal muscles. Past this point, the toy is not insertable. It goes to another jut and then ends in a bulb like the first one. It is a very well balanced toy.

The the white portion is where the toy unscrews so a single AAA battery can be inserted. It's easy to put in and take out. The bulb at the end is what turns to power the toy on and off.

I think this toy is fairly discreet because of the shape and size. Seasoned users of toys, will probably figure it out quickly, though. But due to the size and less than 3 ounce weight, it's great for travel and hiding.

The Bishop has something called true multi-speed. There is no explanation of what this actually means, but I assume it to mean that there are not variable speeds like other toys that claim to have "infinite" power levels between the lowest and highest. I would say this is fairly true. Sometimes I don't feel any jumps when turning the toy up, other times I feel more distinguished levels. Either way, the dial on the base is very easy to use and doesn't move to freely. This isn't a toy that will likely get bumped and turned on.

The vibrations go from low to moderate - not strong at all. I really didn't have high hopes for this as a vibrating toy, but I was surprised when I actually used it.The vibrations are not buzzy, but are deep. The vibrations are strongest in the top, but travel through to the white band. This vibrator won't make your hands numb or wake the neighbors. I can barely hear the sound when I use it! It's completely silent when inserted.

The Bishop is also waterproof. It passed my shower and tub test.

The Bishop is easy to care for. The plastic can be wiped with a toy wipe of a wash cloth and mild soap. It doesn't retain smells, so no need to worry about odors. It can be used with any kind of lubricant, and doesn't require a lot. A drop or two did just fine for me. It can be stored anywhere, but I would keep it out of direct sunlight due to its bright coloring.

I am true fan of the packaging since it is simple, light weight, and doesn't use any extra materials. It remind me of the glass case that keeps Beauty's rose safe in Beauty and the Beast. The bottom pop off to release the toy. It's clear, so it's obviously not discreet, but since it is small it can be placed pretty much anywhere you could already fit the toy. It would make a cute stocking stuffer or gift for a divorce party or something like that. It has a lot of information about the toy, and doesn't take a long time to read. The package states that this toy has a one year warranty too!

Using the Bishop as a clitoral stimulator alone was uninspiring, especially if I was not worked up first. BUT, using it as an anal probe caused me to have to be able to finish myself with just the addition of a few finger flutters over my clit. I haven't had that happen from a toy in a long time!Popping the first bulb and then the second was easy for me and wasn't painful at all. Again, do not insert this past that point. Even though it has the bulb at the end, the white portion has a seam that could be painful and that part is thicker than the second neck. I liked to pop it in and out, but it was even better when I just left it in without hands, with the vibrations all the way up. For some reason, the vibration worked better for me anally. I found this odd since it is usually opposite.

Vaginally, the Bishop is a lot of fun too. I could not thrust the toy fast, though. If I did, the second ridge sometimes was painful. I was hoping it could provide g-spot stimulation, and while it does, the vibrations aren't strong enough to get me close that way. If I used vaginal, clitoral, and anal stimulation (use a condom if switching, or keep a toy wipe near by), I was able to achieve a really awesome orgasm, one that I REALLY felt myself have instead of being numbed by intense vibrations.

I also found that this toy can be used for anal sphincter and kegel muscle training!

Please don't be discouraged by the weak power, this toy has a lot of other things to offer.