Ascendancy - clitoral vibrator discontinued by Vibe Therapy - review by SweetSaffron

This is an external vibrator, ideal for stimulating the clitoris, nipples, or anywhere else you'd like a little buzz. It's powerful enough for the average user, but power queens will likely want to look elsewhere. The body safe material makes it a great toy to share between partners, and the watertight qualities mean you can bring it in the shower if that's where you like to play.

The portions of this toy that contact your body are a plush silicone, and feel quite nice on the skin. There is minimal drag, but a small amount of water-based lube can help if your skin is extra sensitive. The rest of the toy is a sleek plastic, with the control panel being less shiny than the surrounding area to help with grip.

There is no odor that I can detect from this toy, and it doesn't seem to have a taste.

The size and shape of this vibe are perfect to fit comfortably in my hand. I have somewhat small hands, so this is excellent for those with bitty hands; folks with larger hands may find that it sits differently or may not be as comfortable. I can nestle the battery compartment end of the toy in the center of my palm, and my index finger sits perfectly on the buttons. There is a somewhat ergonomic factor to it; I type all day at work, as well as knitting, crocheting, sewing, etc., so my hands are usually sore, with an ache in the palms. When I hold this toy, it is just the right shape to alleviate most of the pain. Again, this may differ some with different hand sizes, but it's perfect for mine.

All users will likely be pleased with the size of this vibe, and the fact that it's fairly small makes it easy to slip in a drawer, shoebox, pillow case, or wherever you need to stash it. Beginners won't be intimidated by the size, making it a good first external toy. It would take up very little space in a suitcase, making it ideal for travel, and the shape doesn't scream "sex toy" to anyone who might see it.

There are two buttons on the control panel: power and function. The power button does not activate any vibration functions, nor does the function button turn the toy on, but they are clearly marked and distinctly placed to make things easy. There is no function memory, so you'll have to scroll through the settings if you have a favorite.

The vibrations are focused at the "front" end of the toy, and below and in front of the control panel. You will, of course, feel some vibration throughout the whole toy, but I've found that to be typical with most vibrators.

There are three pulsating, one escalating, and three vibrating settings. When you turn it on, it begins with the low vibration, followed by medium, then intense. Next, you have the escalating setting, followed by slow, medium, and fast pulses. The way the functions are set up makes it great for those who enjoy building up the intensity to the finish.

I did not find the vibrations quite enough for me to climax, even with a dildo or other vibrator. However, I am a bit of a power queen. Most users are going to be more than satisfied with this vibrator, and will have no problem enjoying it.

Even on the highest setting, it's still reasonably quiet. Under a blanket, it's barely audible. Behind a closed door, nobody's going to hear it.

This toy is fairly easy to take care of. The manufacturer recommends the use of a wet towel, and to make sure it's dry before storing. The silicone can be sterilized with a bleach solution, but don't boil or run the toy through the dishwasher, as the heat could damage the electrical components.

Storage separate from other toys is recommended to avoid chemical reactions. This is easily done, due to the included storage bag.

Do make sure to stick to water-based lubricants, as silicone lubricants and toys have been known to have problems with each other.

The packaging makes for a very pretty, classy-feeling presentation. The shape lends itself to wrapping very well, and has potential for storage use.

The toy is nestled inside shaped plastic that keeps it in place atop a cardboard platform, with the brand name on the center front of the plastic as well as the cardboard. You can also see the name on the inside of the cardboard on the back.

When the box is rotated, you once again see the brand name centered on the cardboard platform. On the far side, the cardboard wall within features the vibrator name, a brief description, and some decorative swooshes of color.

The back features information on the material, battery requirements (2 AAA), a diagram outlining the parts of the toy, the same brief description from inside, and a bit of detail on the different vibrations.

The final side features a drawing of the toy with a storage pouch, barcode, company website, and trademark info.

The bottom lists features in English, French, Spanish, German, and Dutch, and these languages are all included on the back, as well.

Getting the package open presented a mild challenge; the two ends have stickers holding the plastic to the cardboard and I have fake nails. I persevered and finally peeled them off. Once that's done, the plastic lifts right off, and we see the second part of the plastic, keeping the toy from shifting. This lifts off, as well, and the toy is freely lifted from the platform, fortunately not plagued by all those twist ties and things we find on kid's toys.

One end of the platform has a little tab that can be opened (OK, ripped and tugged). There is then a little drawer that slides out, which is where we find the toy's white storage bag and the instruction insert. I didn't see the material of the bag listed anywhere, but it appears to be a synthetic fiber. It is somewhat silky, but not shiny or satiny, with a little rope drawstring. This will be a great plus to many, as we're always looking for safe ways to store our toys.

The insert provides battery instructions in words and diagrams, as well as the usual battery care instructions. Also included are care instructions for the toy itself. This information I have provided in the Care and Maintenance section.

I don't see recycling markings anywhere, but there's certainly no reason you can't recycle the cardboard, and the plastic shouldn't pose any issues.