Ako - contoured clitoral massager discontinued by PicoBong - review by jr2012

Ako is primarily a clitoral vibrator but could definitely be used on the body (don't forget all the other erogenous zones!), penis, or for shallow insertion. The only place I would say to skip is anally because this one does not have a flared end. his is a fabulous clitoral vibe, and you can find either pinpoint clitoral stimulation with the tip, or a lovely broad stroke by holding the vibe "upside-down" or on it's side.

It seems that Lelo is marketing this line towards a younger generation with it's cute colors, accessible shapes, and moderate price point. It would be great for beginners but will also be a fun addition to a collection for advanced users too. Ako would also be easy to introduce into couple play as it's small size will not get in the way of penetrative sex, and it's friendly design will not scare even the most toy-shy partners.

Ako is made of ABS plastic at the base where the battery cap is and body-safe silicone. The silicone is lovely and smooth and is tightly attached to the toy; there is no way one could move it even if you tried! The surface does have a good amount of drag. I am not a huge fan of drag, but by adding a touch of water-based lubricant, made it wonderful to use. The toy itself is rigid, so you can exact as much pressure as you need. You can see the seam in the silicone, but you cannot feel it even if you are trying (which I was for the sake of this review). The Picobong logo is imprinted into the side, which is possible to feel with fingers but not enough texture to feel elsewhere.

I bought the blue model which is a lovely medium turquoise. Ako has no smell that I could find and is very easy to clean (just soap and water, or a toy cleaner if you like). It does not attract dust or lint either.

Ako is a pleasant bean shape that is meant to ergonomically fit in your hand. I would also characterize it as "friendly", and it reminds me a little bit of an inchworm! It is a little less than 5 inches long, so this one is nice and discreet. I think if you left it out, a visitor would be able to guess what it is, but it is pretty cute and not an imposing or realistic sex toy in the least. The tip does taper to a bit of a wedge shape, perfect for accessing the clitoris between the labia.

The plastic battery cap is ridged, so you can get a good grip on it (extra nice if you're using lube), and though other reviews have complained about it being difficult to screw on, I didn't find it difficult. Just line it up, and you're good to go!

The vibrations of Ako are felt almost throughout the whole toy, but they seem a bit stronger at the tip and along the top edge. I must be honest, my hand does get a little numb when using this toy! Though, I don't know of a tiny clitoral vibe that doesn't!

The functions are really where the Ako shines in comparison to other toys. There is a very easy to use 3 button interface that is molded into the silicone: a "+", an "M", and a "-", that in my opinion is a very intuitive way to display such a large range of function. The + will initially turn on the toy, and then each subsequent push will increase the speed of the vibration, the - will decrease the speed (and pushing the - all the way will turn off the toy). The M stands for mode, and this toy boasts 12 patterns for you to enjoy. I pulled this image below off of the PicoBong website that depicts the patterns visually. This was my first toy that had vibe patterns, and I found them lots of fun! I will admit to always switching to the steady vibe when going for orgasm, but the rest are pleasurable for teasing.



Here is my only real problem with this vibe: the buttons are placed on the side, and it is VERY easy to accidentally push them while playing. I have hit the "M" button without meaning to during a crucial moment, and it is pretty annoying to have to cycle through all 12 patterns to get back to the one I like. I have to stay a little aware of where the buttons are during play to avoid this very annoying quirk. Also, slow down when pushing these buttons: they need about a second between each depression or it will not register.

This is a super quiet vibe. The lowest speed setting is almost completely silent, and it gets a bit louder with each step up in vibration strength, but even at the highest speed I would still categorize it as "quiet". Keeping it under the covers will keep it silent if discretion is a need for you.

PicoBong advertises this toy as waterproof up to a depth of one meter, and I am happy to report that is is! I tentatively took this to the tub even though I have been burned by a not-so-waterproof waterproof vibe before, and it lived through a lively session underwater. I dried it off immediately afterwards and opened up the battery cap, and sure enough, the batteries were bone dry. Hooray! Don't hesitate to take this toy in the bath, shower, pool, hot tub, or anywhere else you may be headed!

This little toy is extremely easy to care for. Just take it to the sink and wash thoroughly with soap and water. Since it is waterproof, don't worry about putting it under the faucet to rinse! Or if you like, use a silicone-safe toy cleaner.

Because it is silicone, take some care when storing, so it doesn't touch any other toys or man-made materials. The packaging is small and attractive, so you could slip it back into it's box, or into a fabric pouch. This toy is small (only 5 inches), so it is easy to store and would work great taking along for travel).

If you use lube, which I would recommend with this toy, make sure it's water-based, since lubes containing silicone can react with the surface and make it unsafe to use, and you do NOT want to throw this baby out! I used Sliquid Satin on mine with no ill effects.

The only reason I am giving this 4 stars is only because I am saving the 5 for a "perfect toy". The only flaws this toy has is the positioning of the buttons, and the fact that the buttons need to be pushed slowly (no rushing!).

Because of it's great functions and equally great price, I would say definitely add it to your cart if you are considering!