The Butt Ripply intrigued me when I received my assignment. Anal toys are fun, and this one looked like it had an interesting shape.

Finally, the toy arrived and I opened the package and was hit with a bit of a sensory overload.

The size is about 3 1/2 inches long, 3 1/2 inches in circumference at it widest point and a 7 in in circumference base, I knew it was a manageable size. The "ripples" rings encircling the toy, where one might find the neck looked interesting, but the aroma of SilaGel assaulted me as soon as I took it out of the plastic clam shell package.

It reminded me of our first sex toy, what appears to be ages ago, now. My Man came home with a realistic phallic vibrator with the exact same odor. Several years later, even after retiring this first vibrator, it still retains the characteristic SilaGel smell. Like Artificial Strawberry and Shower Curtain.

The package assured me the plug was PVC with SilaGel as an additive. The package itself was very understated. It had an almost Middle Eastern pattern on it, in light blue, along with the facts that it is phthalate free, made in the USA (Yay!) latex free and cadmium free. I wouldn't want heavy metals in my sex toys. I know that much. This information was on cardboard inside the clamshell package, surrounding the toy.

I washed the toy in Doc Johnsons Toy Cleaner. Then I washed it in soap and hot water. Then I dried it and washed it again. The aroma didn't change. I put it into the spare room, on a high shelf to air out. I checked it, washing it every time. After nearly a week, with no change in odor, I grabbed a condom and decided to try it out. Anyway.

The rounded head intrigued me, as did the "ripples" (rings around the toy) on the rather wide neck. So, I broke open a condom (due to the PVC, which isn't the most porous material, but not the most nonporous, either) and the lube and went to work. I lubed the rounded head with water based lubricant, placed it totally into the condom, and then lubed the condom itself.

Insertion was not difficult and rather interesting. But, the product was difficult to keep in. I didn't expect this, because I don't usually "wear" butt plugs around the house or out, but only use them during sex or self stimulation, I've not had many experiences with them falling out before I want them to. I expected the wide base not to be a problem, figuring it would feel like a small dildo or probe. I also figured the "ripples" the rings where the neck would be, before the base, would keep the toy where it should be. They didn't. Any attempt at vaginal penetration cause the toy to be dislodged. Any contraction of muscles made the toy dislodge. Any movement made the toy dislodge. I was getting a backache from trying not to move, while yielding a bullet, and then the Wahl vibrator and keep the toy in it's place.

After several attempts, at which I was so concentrated on not letting the toy simply fall out that I couldn't enjoy myself, I removed it and continued my work (play.)

Although the round head is a nice feature, and I figured that because I don't "wear" butt plugs, but only use them for stimulation during sex, I figured the thick neck wouldn't be a problem. I was wrong. It didn't hurt. But, due to it's inability to stay in, it didn't stimulate all that much, either.

Those who need their sphincter to close after inserting an anal toy may really not like this toy at all, but I figured this doesn't bother me, and I don't mind the slight stretch. It was just that it wouldn't stay put.

Also, there was no "pop" when the toy emerged. In the opinion of many, as well as myself, the "pop" of an anal toy, either plug or beads, leaving the anal opening on their way out that is very stimulating. As the toy was basically all one circumference, except for the base, there was NO pop, and no resistance to "popping out" made the issue less pleasurable than it could have been.

The rounded head was comfortable, I liked it a lot. I don't like pointed anal toys, and like the slightly larger beads on a string of anal beads. The Bubble Butt Ripply looks like a large Chess Pawn. But, unlike Chess, there was less Play in it than I desired. With the toys' resistance to staying in place, it was not able to stimulate the way I had expected it to.

I used this toy only after thorough washing, (several of them) after lubricating the head, placing it in a condom (polyisproine for me, as I am allergic to latex) and then lubricating the condom before insertion.

During one use, the condom actually broke! I was not happy about that. I don't think I've had a condom break while using it since college, high school? I'm not sure, but it's been a long time. The toy was well lubricated and I've not had any of these Lifestyle Skin condoms break before, so perhaps the base itself caused the condom breakage, except it tore near the head. I'm not sure what happened.

If this toy were a different material, (silicone comes to mind) and if the neck of the toy were thinner, it's interesting rounded head design probably would have provided a very satisfying experience. As it is, it could stand to be re-designed, at least for my purposes.

Those with very strong rectal muscles and who like a lot of stretch, without a "pop" to reward them when the toy is removed may find this a good buy. The round head was comfortable and stimulating, but between the too wide neck, and the strange, lingering aroma, it wasn't a good fit for me.

Perhaps it could be used as a small anal dildo or short probe for some. Thrusting might be the thing that works for some people with this toy. I have no idea if it will hit the Prostate, I don't have one. I doubt it will for many, it seems too short. My Man isn't one to enjoy anal toys. Plus, even with a condom (and having one break) I wouldn't share PVC. It does have some porosity and anal toys which have any porosity need to be kept to one user. Of course, this toy needs to be washed in hot water and soap after every use, even if a condom is used. Proper lubrication is necessary for any anal toy to prevent damage to the body and increase pleasure. Water and silicone lubricants are compatible with this toy.

I would recommend a condom with every use. Lots of lube. If the aroma of SilaGel doesn't bother you and you enjoy toys with thick necks, this may be the one for you.

Although the shape of this plug is interesting, there are just too many problems with it. The material being the most irritating. The smell, even after months of airing out and cleaning, remains. (It now resides, wrapped in paper towel in a plastic bag, because I don't want my entire closet to smell of Sil-A-Gel.) I don't like wasting a condom for a toy I don't really enjoy. There are many other plugs that give pleasure without the problems this one gives me.

It doesn't stay in, not even long enough to enjoy it, and the ripples simply aren't pronounced enough to be felt well. It isn't a probe, and is really too short to use for much thrusting; it's a plug, yet refuses to stay put like a plug should.

I do like the rounded head, and the manufacturer might do something with that, with a better material and a slimmer neck for holding on to the plug while using it.

That being said, the base is wide and safe and I do wish I could like this toy.

But, it's a Fail, and I don't think it will get any more use.