Don't look a gift vibrator in the controls.

Intimate Basics Siena is a strong, C-battery-powered, traditional vibe. It's intended for external stimulation of the vulva and overall body massage as well as penetration. This toy is not recommended for anal use.

Siena is made from hard ABS plastic. The material is odorless and body-safe. The shaft of the vibrator is also covered with a silky Rubber-Cote (polyurethane) finish that makes it glide against skin and eliminates unpleasant drag. There's no texture, just inches and inches of perfectly smooth surface. The cap, however, has a glossy finish with groves on the control dial which make changing speeds easier.

The design of the toy is utilitarian - it's a staple traditional vibrator. The only thing that makes it different is size. Because Siena takes 2 C batteries, it is considerably larger than most. Its total length is 7.7", 6” of which are insertable. Siena has a diameter of 1 3/8" (4 1/4" in circumference). Larger diameter is a plus - it stimulates a wider area and also makes Siena more appealing as a penetrative toy. Since the vibrator has no curve, it can't be used to reach my g-spot.

Siena is easily recognizable as a vibrator, but I still marked it as travel friendly since, after removing the batteries, it's very light. It's a plus when you want a powerful vibrator, but your suitcase is already too heavy.

Siena is a very powerful for a battery-operated vibe. The 2 C cells pack a punch that is strongest at the tip. Lower levels of vibration are deliciously rumbly and low pitched. Because of that, I don't have to turn it up too much - I'm perfectly content with lower and very quiet levels. Siena turns a bit buzzier and a lot louder at the highest speeds. While I can climax with it and just the humming of a laptop would cover the noise, if I turn it to the highest level, it can be heard in the next room (mind that my door isn't soundproof to any degree). The noise comes mainly from the motor. Sometimes there is a bit of rattling of the battery compartment, but if I position the vibrator differently, it disappears.

Sadly, the controls are Siena's downfall. Twist dials are my favorite - I'm very finicky when it comes to picking the level of vibration and I change speeds frequently. However, Siena's twist dial leaves much to be desired, mainly reliability. When I twist it, the speed increases correctly to medium high, and then it disappears for a bit, only to return at maximum strength.

PU-coated plastic needs to be cleaned with soap or toy-cleaner and water. I've had some bad experiences with this kind of material staining from bodily fluids, but I have managed to remove them using either bleach or alcohol-based cleaners.

Since it's very easy for Siena to turn itself on, I'd recommend adhering to popular advice and storing it without batteries. Otherwise you might find a newly bought set drained without having the opportunity to enjoy the draining. If you don't want to remove the batteries, you can stop at unscrewing the cap.

Hard plastic can be easy to break if you drop Siena (especially with those heavy batteries in). In fact, breaking caps in this type of vibe is my method of killing sex toys. I must learn to watch out more and store them safely.

Siena's packaging is a simple and common as the toy itself - just the plastic blister and a sheet of paper. Because this vibe is a part of Brenman Institute collection, the designs on the paper insert aren't sexually provocative. Siena doesn't hide what it is, but it doesn't shove it in your face.

Siena is one of my two go-to vibes for period cramps. It feels wonderful on my abdomen, and when I decide to try for an orgasm, I can use it over clothing. I love that I can press it along my whole vulva - from the perineum to the mons pubis - and still have plenty of the shaft to grip it comfortably.