The silicone X-10 beads by Cal Exotics are very flexible anal beads designed primarily for anal play. They are outfitted with a circular ring on the end for use during the play and for added precaution, as should always be a concern with anal toys. However, this ring is flimsy, somewhat small, and most definitely does not provide the same security that a flare or base would. For this reason, one may wish to leave the last two beads outside the body, as toys becoming lodged in the anus are a great concern. Use caution with this toy!

This toy is not gender-specific and can be used by anyone who enjoys anal play, whether they are seasoned or more of a beginner. I could feature it being used both in solo situations as well as partner ones, especially foreplay.

These anal beads are made of TPR silicone, which earns a rating of 6 on the EdenFantasys safety scale. They are smooth to the touch. When held or moved in the hands, they are slightly soft and pliable, which adds to stimulation for many users. While not as soft as jelly, TPR silicone offers a much softer feel than other materials such as glass, wood, or plastic. The silicone "string" linking the beads is also somewhat stretchy and yielding to the touch.

Despite the fact that TPR silicone is relatively body-safe and offers a softer feel which is often appreciated anally, I am of the opinion that it is not a good material from which to construct anal beads. I encountered difficulty inserting them, and was never able to insert them to my liking. With less flop and more rigidity, these beads would have been a much greater success! If the silicone had had a coating of a more rigid, yet still body-safe material, I would have possibly enjoyed my experience with these beads.

Many people will look for a smooth texture in anal toys, as this would be considered the most non-intimidating. Therefore, beginners will be satisfied with this texture, while advanced users may consider these pliable anal beads a straightforward staple for their toy box.

While the beads themselves as well as the connectors are smooth, these beads are circular, leading to an overall ridged feel. Many users enjoy this type of textured anal stimulation. While these anal beads are simple, they do have texture that will satisfy beginner or advanced users.

The design of this toy, mainly the circular beads connected by a "string," is very typical of the vast majority of anal beads on the market, including those at EdenFantasys. The shape is clearly meant to create a ridged feel, which many users enjoy during anal stimulation and play. Additionally, the ring at the end is made so that the user will grasp it after inserting the beads as desired, in order to remove the beads and trigger pleasurable feelings during removal.

The length of these anal beads is 12 1/2 inches, with 10 1/4 inches of insertable length. The beads themselves vary in circumference, with the smallest beads at the beginning and the largest at the top, near the graspable ring. Beginners may only wish to insert the first few beads, while more advanced users will likely insert most or all of the beads. The varying sizes make these beads a good choice for any user.

I want to reiterate that the ring's small size and lack of rigidity does not qualify it as a safe base or flare with which to anchor these beads outside of the body. It would be wise to leave the last two beads outside of the body while using this toy; combined with the ring, this will provide greater security. Caution should always be exercised with anal toys, and these beads are no exception.

These beads are discreet and may even look innocent to some. However, if someone is at all familiar with sex toys, they will recognize what these are. It may be best to tuck them away with other toys. Because they are flexible and foldable, they would be a nice choice for travel.

The body-safe silicone and graduated sizing of the beads, as well as the inexpensive price, are all good features of this toy. However, the ring at the end should be larger and less flexible in order to create a safe base for a more secure experience. Although TPR silicone is a satisfactory toy material, it may not be the best for anal beads, as many users would benefit from greater rigidity, which would increase the ease of insertion. I was not able to fully, or even partially, insert these beads, much less enjoy a full experience with them for this reason.

TPR silicone has very little porousness and is generally a safe, low-maintenance material. These anal beads can be cleaned with a typical toy wipe or cleaner; this is my cleaning method of choice for these beads as well as the rest of my toys. As with most other toys, warm water and soap is the simplest method and can also be used.

If one chooses to use lube with this toy, as would be wise and recommended with most anal toys, water-based lube should be used.

I store this toy in a pouch with other toys. Because of their flexibility, these beads do not take up much room and can be stored pretty much anywhere.

The Silicone X-10 beads arrived in clear plastic shell packaging that is typical of many sex toys. It is not discreet at all, mainly because of the prominent image of a woman inching her denim shorts down over her mostly bare ass. If you are giving this is a gift, you will want to wrap it or package it otherwise. If discretion is paramount, you will want to dispose of the packaging in some manner. There are no useful instructions included in the package, and it is not informative.

It is not useful for storage, as it may be annoying to arrange the beads in the mold meant for them after every use. I merely recycled the packaging and stored the beads elsewhere.