The gateway toy: Where the addiction begins

The InnerVibe 2.0 Original by Zhen Distribution is your standard disposable vibrating c-ring. It is perfect for beginners because its non-phalic, easy to find in the most grocery/drug stores, inexpensive, and compatible with most penis sizes. It can be used as a cock-ring to encircle the base of the penis, balls, or both. It can stretch to a maximum of 3” in diameter, but its stretchy nature also means that you won’t get as much restriction as you would from a properly fitted silicone, metal or eye-socket (just kidding!) c-ring. This could be good or bad, depending on your preference. Its soft and stretchy Opulux material makes it easy to stretch over a gent’s twig and berries, even if he is erect (a challenge for some of the more robust materials, like silicone). When used during PIV intercourse, the strapped on ring is designed so that the nubbed motor to rests against the man’s abdomen in order to stimulate the woman’s clitoris during missionary or cowgirl (for example). The InnerVibe can also be used for solo play, either handheld to stimulate external erogenous zones (clitoris, nipples, testicles) or strapped to a dildo for extra sensation.

Upon simple removal from the sleeve packaging, I gave the InnerVibe a good whiff. It had a sweet rubbery odor, but not artificial or off-putting. After letting it air out, the smell dissipated. As mentioned earlier, it is made out of Opulux, rating 6 on the material safety scale. If you’re a stickler on additives, note that it’s phthalates free. Keep in mind that Opulux is indicated for water-based lubricants only, but because this item is disposable, I don’t see the harm in using your favorite silicone lube.

A hard white plastic shell encased the vibrating motor, and the casing looked to be of medium quality: visible seams and thin plastic. It was what one would expect with an inexpensive disposable toy. The plastic-encased motor is covered by the nubbed Opulux sleeve, attaching it to the c-ring. The bumpy texture is very subtle, but does enhance the vibration sensation. A completely smooth vibrating apparatus has more “dull” sensation than one with nipples or ridges.

There is a little bit of drag when you run your finger across the material, and its a bit sticky. If you’re going to use it for more than one session (i.e. if your battery hasn’t died and you intend to save it for one more go) then I’d recommend washing it and then storing it back in the sleeve it came in – to protect it from dust. It is a little bit tacky and attracts fibers from towels, sheets and clothing. Due to its affinity towards all things small and wispy, it can pull out pubic hair while getting it assembled around the penis. Be careful!

The c-ring portion is very stretchy and doesn’t offer a huge amount of vascular constriction, which is why it is perfect for beginners. People who enjoy the sensation may want to experiment with less pliable cock-ring material. Silicone (like this one or this one) is a common favorite due to its durability, non-porosity and ability to be sanitized.

Some very large men may find the InnerVibe too small, and if the pressure becomes painful, the ring can be easily snipped with scissors. And boys and girls, regardless of how fun this toy is - please don't use it for longer than 20-30 minutes to avoid penile ischemia (i.e. dead penis).

Unstretched, the ring measures 7/8” in diameter. Fully stretched, the ring measures 3”. It was very lightweight, comfortable to wear, quiet as a mouse, and had sufficient buzz to coax out an orgasm.

To add some buzz to existing toys, I was able to wrap the ring around my Lelo Mia (twice because she’s only 7/8” in diameter) to hold it in place, and was able to strap it to my Scandalous Skull by Hustler Toys for some extra buzzy pleasure.

I appreciate that the inner part of the c-ring has small ridges for preventing the vibrator from slipping around during intercourse. Oftentimes with loosely fitting vibrating c-rings, the motor slips around due to lube and the weight of the mechanism. The added design feature was thoughtful and very functional.

In terms of visual discretion, the InnerVibe is not a phallic toy, so an untrained eye may mistake it for a hair scrunchie. You could probably fool a child, but I’m quite sure an adult would be able to figure this out.

The InnerVibe was only one-speed, but the push-button control was easy to use and didn’t get bumped during sex. I like the option of having pulse vibrations, but this was your standard “zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz” with quite a discrete sound. Still, it produced sufficient power for an inexpensive disposable toy. The batteries are included, and the toy is disposable – so no need to find three watch batteries to replace it once it’s died. I got about 45 minutes of vibration before the ring lost juice.

Though advertised as disposable, I had two enjoyable sessions with the InnerVibe before it died. After the first use, I sprayed it clean with toy cleaner, and then followed up with soap and water. No need to worry about splashing the mechanism because the toy is waterproof. As mentioned earlier, there is a slight bit of tackiness to the clean toy, so cover it in storage to protect it from link if you plan on keeping this for another use. When the battery is dead, just toss!

I’m not usually a fan of disposable toys, but this was a gift. I would prefer to invest in a similar but rechargeable toy, to lessen the carbon footprint.