Cobra Libre II - vibrating masturbator discontinued by Fun Factory - review by Shadowfall

Introduction:
I've been putting off writing about the Cobra Libre for about six months now because I have *really* wanted to love this piece. It's fantastic in theory, but the execution has left me looking at it going, "I should love you...why won't you let me?"

Why can't I bring myself to love it the way it (theoretically) should love me? Quirky problems and odd design choices have plagued my experience with the Cobra Libres (yes, plural - more below) since day one.

Getting Started:
The Cobra Libre comes in rather inspired packaging - if you didn't know it was a sex toy, you might assume it's some sort of futuristic toy car. The packaging - a typical-for-toys colorful cardboard box with a window cut out looking in on the clear plastic case within - is wrapped with art displaying two Cobra Libre on a futuristic road, each going the opposite direction. Within the packaging, there's a small instruction packet in about a dozen languages, plus a small sample of lube. The power adapter comes in a second box, which would probably be missed in unpacking the box if it weren't for Eden Fantasys putting them both in a bag together when packing the box.

Theoretically, the operation is simple: plug in the power adapter, put the magnetic connector from the adapter onto the magnetic logo on the front of the toy, and let it charge. Except that the charging indicator on the charger doesn't behave as advertised, leading to confusion whether it's charging or not.

Pro Tip #1: When the Cobra Libre is fully charged, the light on the toy will go out, but the light on the adapter will stay on. However, this doesn't necessarily mean the toy charged...

The second and third problems arise from the charger. The magnetic connector on some of the units is incredibly finicky about how it's positioned - because the logo is round, the connector has about 90 degrees of sway from top to bottom, where it may or may not be making contact to charge the toy. In some of these positions, the toy won't charge but the adapter will light up, while in others neither the adapter nor the toy will indicate charging. Additionally, the toy may turn itself on high when charging - not only a problem to charging, but also making a LOT of noise.

Pro Tip #2: Always set the Cobra Libre on something that will absorb some vibrations when charging, and never on anything metal. The adapter connection can jump to metal and short out, and being on something semi-soft will at least dampen the noise should your toy decide to wake up unexpectedly.

Materials & Composition
The Cobra Libre itself is a fairly sturdy built product - the plastic shell containing the batteries, motors, and microcontroller is very solid and feels like it could take a beating without breaking. The "business portion" of the toy is made of a solid silicone sleeve, which is designed to take the glans and first few inches of the penis. This design makes it so that the length of the individual doesn't matter as much as with some other toys. As always, use plenty of (non-silicone!) lube to avoid unfortunate silicone chafing.

Pro Tip #3: Lube both the inside of the sleeve and the penis prior to play, particularly if you are a girthy individual. This is important because the curve of the toy can make it difficult to fit in properly otherwise, especially if your penis traps air at the end of the sleeve.

The controls for the device are remarkably simple - a large oval depression closest to the entry acts as the power button and also puts the device into "idle" (the manual's words, not mine). The left, upper depression decreases speed in normal modes, and will drop the device out of patterns and into the fastest high-power setting available if you are using patterns. The upper right depression increases speed and will cycle through the different patterns once you get to the highest speed. There is no way to step backwards one pattern - you either have to go all the way through the different patterns and come back to the previous one, or drop out of the patterns and then cycle back up. There are seven patterns in all, all differing versions of ramp and pulse.

Pro Tip #4: When you're using the device, avoid the temptation to wrap your hand around it like you would traditionally wrap your hand around your penis. Cradle the device in your palm and put your fingers on one of the side "discs" and your thumb on the other to avoid touching the smooth plastic and changing settings.

One Size...
My first problem with the Cobra Libre was the fact that it's one-size-fits-all. The theory behind this is that it's only meant to fit over the head of the penis and a couple inches of shaft, whereas the practicality is that if you are a girthier individual, it may be difficult to fit into the vibration pocket at the end of the tunnel. And believe me - that's where you want to be. Anywhere else and you'll feel the vibrations, but won't get anywhere near the sensation/experience. People with penises shorter than 5" may also have problems reaching the end or getting the full sensation. This was such a disappointment to me that I wrote to the company, suggesting they offer a replacable sleeve for larger individuals. I look forward to one day getting to review that product.

Good Vibrations...?
There are about six different speeds and a variety of patterns on the unit, so it should be good for most anyone. The only problem is if you aren't geared for vibrations - for me, it takes a while to get into the groove, around which time the toy turns itself off. Very frustrating.

Troubleshooting a Masturbatory Aid?
Here's where all of my criticism comes into play - I'm on my third Cobra Libre, thanks to Eden Fantasys fantastic exchange policy.

Unit #1: Issues charging, issues with battery power lasting, turns on in middle of charge, turns off randomly. Exchanged.
Unit #2: Issues charging (18+ hours to charge), bad batteries, turns on in middle of charge. Exchanged.
Unit #3: Issues connecting charger, turns on mid-charge, otherwise just a cock-tease.

All's Fair...
I suspect I know what the reader is thinking right now - how could I have anything good to say about this product after all of the problems I've had. Well, here's the thing - the device has some horrible glitches to work out, but it's a strong concept. I suspect that if I could find a way to build a positive reinforcement around the idea of vibrations as opposed to the current "too much effort" mentality, I would probably get more enjoyment from this device. The three key areas that have me opposed to it are the random power cycling (turning off mid-play, turning on mid-charge), the touchy charging spot (easily fixed by moving to a flatter portion of the body), and the size of the sheath (the fault of my own genetics).

For the right person - and I'm going to hazard a guess as this being someone in their early-to-mid 20's, uncircumsized, with a penis length above 6" and girth below 7" - I think this toy would be fantastic. But once set in masturbatory ways, it's hard to change - especially with a device that can cause more frustration due to quirks. Still, I'm going to keep experimenting with it and see if I can't find a way around the stumbling blocks.