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Peruse any sex toy website or IRL shop, and you’ll stumble upon a litany of phallic sex toys marketed for their lifelike “thrusting” motion. And as their name suggests, these are called thrusting vibrators, and they are indeed crucially different than a general buzzing vibrator.
Experts in This Article
sexologist and sexual wellness expert for Lovers
What, exactly sets a thrusting vibrator apart from the rest of the bunch, though? According to sexologist Marla Renee Stewart, thrusting toys typically use a motor to power a dildo in an in-and-out motion. “While most vibrators are made to give the outside stimulation, a thrusting toy is made to penetrate,” she says. “It’s different from dildos and vibrators in that the machine is penetrating on its own rather than someone controlling the thrust itself.”
“While most vibrators are made to give the outside stimulation, a thrusting toy is made to penetrate.” —sexologist Marla Renee Stewart
While clitoral stimulation on its own can feel amazing (it is, after all, what most vulva-owners say they need in order to climax), it’s also not the only way to experience pleasure. Sometimes that in-and-out motion of penetration feels great, too, and that’s where a thruster comes in.
If you’re someone who enjoys the sensation of penetrative thrusting, definitely get your hands on one of these—they’re made for you. And if you’re someone, like me, who enjoys both external and internal stimulation on their journey to achieve orgasm, don’t rule thrusters out, either: There are plenty of thrusting rabbit-style vibrators with vibrating “ears” that work wonders, too. My favorite? The CalExotics Shameless Slim Player Thrusting Vibrator ($215), which I’ve come to refer to as the Energizer Bunny of sex toys—it just keeps going and going and going.
CalExotics Shameless Slim Player Thrusting Vibrator — $215.00
When I first met this hot-pink silicone thrusting vibrator, I felt a sensation I typically don’t upon getting a new sex toy. That’s because, while at first glance, it may look like any other rabbit-style vibrator, upon turning it on, I was met with some serious horsepower. With four thrusting modes at 850 (yes, 850) thrusts per minute, it was immediately clear that this toy means business. And well, I had to mentally prepare.
As it turned out, though, I didn’t really need to physically prepare (beyond opting for some water-based lube), and I found the thrusting vibrator to feel pretty incredible. That said, I do urge first-time users to thrusting vibrators to manage their expectations. That’s because, while a thrusting vibrator is focused on penetrative pleasure, it doesn’t feel like penetration from a penis would. The toy feels great in its own, unique way, though, as it moves faster than any human body ever could and perfectly hits the G-spot with its slightly curved shaft.
My favorite component of this specific versatile thruster is its rabbit-style clitoral stimulator. Unlike other rabbits that rub the clit using alternating “ears,” the stimulator on this toy is flat and weighty, almost like a panel. And with seven intensity speeds, expect lots of flicking and other dreamy sensations that all add up to a powerful, satisfying orgasm.
And while the Shameless Slim Player runs at a steep $215, there are other, more accessibly priced thrusting vibrator options available for you to try. For two examples, Lovehoney’s Jack Rabbit Thrusting Rabbit Vibrator ($70), uses built-in stainless steel beads for added stimulation, and Lovers Joy Stick Thruster ($99), is smaller but still packs a punch.
Whichever thrusting vibrator you end up with, make sure you take your time getting acquainted with it. “Tap into the sensations that the thruster provides,” says Stewart. “Breathe and be present in your body as you feel what kinds of sensations that the thruster gives to you so that you can gauge it on your pleasure spectrum. From there, you’ll be able to determine if that thruster is the right fit for you.”
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