Dr. Laura Berman Ada - traditional vibrator by Cal Exotics - review by Melan!e

Ada is a small traditional style vibrator made by California Exotics and endorsed by Dr Laura Berman, a well renowned sexpert. It is perfectly suited to beginner toy users and may be a wonderful travel toy for anyone of any experience level.

Those who enjoy slim toys with mild texture will favor using Ada internally. It should not be inserted anally, however. The lack of a flared base or proper handle to grasp makes this unsafe. Should Ada prove to be inadequate for internal enjoyment, it can be used on any and all external erogenous zones. Glide it across nipples, or stimulate the clitoris, testicles and even the perineal area. Ada can even be used to tease the exterior of the anus. Simply use caution when doing so. It's definitely better to be safe than sorry.

The small size allows its use between bodies during couples play. It also makes for a handy travel vibe, especially since it is waterproof. The versatility is something to be appreciated in these types of toys.

Ada is made of silicone and plastic, both great materials. Silicone is rated a perfect 10 on the Eden safety scale, while plastic rates in at an 8. Both are nonporous, hypoallergenic, and latex and phthalate free. The battery cap is hard plastic and the body of the toy is covered in a thin silicone layer.

The shaft is completely firm and inflexible. There is no give whatsoever.

The silicone is smooth but has a lot of drag. A good water-based lubricant will be an absolute must for comfortable insertion and may aid in adding some glide for external use as well. With such drag comes an inordinate attraction for lint, dust and pet hair. A quick rinse before use is a good practice.

A thin ridge wraps around the shaft in 3 turns, beginning near the tip and ending at the base of the insertable portion. This ridge is 1/8" wide and its height is a mere 1/16", practically immeasurable. Though it is minimal, the texture can be felt and is perfectly suited to beginners or those who may be more texture sensitive.



There is evidence of a seam that can barely be felt with a finger. It appears to simply be the remnants of a seam that has been flattened down so that a seamless playtime experience can be appreciated. The image below attempts to display this seam.


Silicone should be odorless. This is not. There is a relatively strong rubbery smell that does not fade with routine washes. In use, however, it is not bothersome, even to my sensitive senses. It also seems to hang on to smells after washing, such as the fabulous scent of Climax Bursts. Sadly, these welcome scents fade and the rubber smell is quick to return.

Ada is simple and unintimidating to beginner toy users. However, though non-phallic, it is not likely to be mistaken for anything other than a sex toy. The short, slim and slightly textured shaft provides versatility. The design is not one that will be appreciated by all. Advanced users, size queens and the clit-o-steel gals will surely find Ada to be lacking in many respects.

At 5 1/4" total, Ada has a short 3 3/4" insertable length. This may only reach the g-spots of a select few. The handle is rather short and can make vaginal use a bit difficult.



The tip is tapered for easy insertion but quickly increases to a 1 1/4" diameter. The bulbous tip is designed for easier g-spot stimulation. The shaft then tapers again to a consistent diameter of 7/8". The slimline shape may appeal to some, but to those for whom it doesn't, Ada may fare out better externally.

Ada's versatility and compact size would make it an excellent travel toy. It can be tossed in a handbag, or suitcase and enjoyed on the go, or anywhere. For use at home, Ada will take up little space in your toy box and be easily kept hidden.

A single AA battery is placed into the base to power the toy. To do so, give the cap a little twist and lift it off. The battery is inserted "+" end down. To replace the battery cap, there are ridges and grooves that must align accordingly. Once aligned, push the cap down and twist to secure it.



There is a single push button at the end of the base. Simply push this button to turn on the toy and cycle through its settings. The toy begins with its highest speed and must go through all 10 settings to reach a previous function. This can get a bit frustrating should someone decide to move up in speeds while using Ada. The ease with which the button can be pushed during use is also increasingly vexatious.

Here is my best description of the functions:
1. High steady vibrations
2. Medium steady vibrations
3. Low steady vibrations
4. Short pulses from low to high level
5. Short pulses, medium level
6. Long pulses, High level
7.Short pulses, high level
8. Short throbbing pulses, medium level
9. Long pulses high level
10. Short pulses, low level

During any of these settings, an LED light shines through the button on the cap. This light will either shine constant during the first 3 functions or pulse along with one of the other 7 patterns.

At any time, hold the button down for a few seconds to turn Ada off. This can take a moment to do and may not be the most convenient feature should a play session come to an invaded interruption. So long as the battery is not removed, Ada will begin on the setting following the one it was on when turned off. This is an odd memory, considering that all 10 settings must then be cycled through to get back to your favorite.

Where Ada does shine on the discretion train is in its noise level. It will certainly not be heard through a closed door. From under the covers, on high speed, it can be heard. This, however, is not cause for concern nor will it interfere with focus. On its low speed, Ada is barely audible.

The vibrations are located near the tip, which is where they'll be most effective. They are fairly weak and quite buzzy. The good news is that they are not easily felt in the handle so fingers are safe from numbing. They can be severely muffled with pressure. Ada may be entirely useless to those who require a lot of clitoral pressure.

Ada has a clear o-ring located between the cap and silver plastic band for waterproofing. It performed wonderfully when fully submerged. So long as the cap is clicked in place and is not removed while Ada is still wet, there should be no problems playing with Ada under the sea. 'Cause we all know it's better down where it's wetter.

The waterproof feature allows Ada to be easily maintained and the lack of deep, intricate texture allows for effortless cleaning. Be sure to clean Ada before and after each use and especially when sharing. This can be accomplished with mild antibacterial soap and warm water. Toy wipes or specialized cleaners will also tend to the task. A 10 percent bleach solution can be used to wipe down the toy in order to sanitize it. Do not boil or place Ada in the dishwasher. While silicone is safe for those cleaning methods, Ada's mechanical components are not.

Speaking of silicone, Ada will only be compatible with water-based lubricants. Those containing silicone can break down the material. Likewise, store Ada away from other silicone toys.

The toy can be stored in the original packaging, or in a toy pouch or plastic bag. Wherever may be convenient, Ada can be kept.

The purple cardboard box is simple and tasteful. It could very well be given as a gift, though it's a little on the cheap side. The vibrator is depicted on the front along with a picture of the doctor. There is a short paragraph detailing Miss Laura Berman's accomplishments and her expertise on the side of the box. The other side explains the uses for Ada. The back notes a few important features of Ada in five different languages.

Inside the box, Ada is found sealed in a clear plastic bag stamped with "made in China". There is nothing to keep the toy from bouncing around within the box during transit. A small paper is included to explain how to insert the battery and some safety precautions. The instructions included are more than sufficient to get anyone started.

The box is small enough to use for storage, but some may prefer to use a plastic bag or toy pouch to save a little space. In that case, the box can be recycled.

I've become all too familiar with the functions of these types of vibrators (see Handy and Kinky Kat). They just don't work for me. While I don't enjoy the vibrations, my partner truly despises them.

Needless to say, when I unpackaged Ada and turned it on, I was not impressed. The shapes and textures may vary, but if the vibrations don't do it for you, the rest doesn't matter all that much.

The texture is minimal and the toy is slim. These are both qualities I like in a toy. Since the toys versatility is greatly reduced by poor vibrations, those qualities are not redeeming. I have to work too hard to get off with this one and am simply unenthused by the prospect of using it. Perhaps I've become a little spoiled, but the idea of putting that much effort into a toy that just doesn't bring anything special to our bedroom seems like a waste of time and energy.

Although we are not fans of Ada, if nothing else, it may be useful as a teaser and in foreplay. Still, this isn't something we found enjoyable either. Ada, we think you're lame.