The Gold Laced G from SSA Glass is a beautiful glass dildo of modest size suitable for vaginal or anal use, by those who appreciate a firm toy with texture. Those who find texture uncomfortable probably will want to give this one a pass, and the shape of the g-spot curve will not prove ideal for all users.

The shape of the base is not conducive to harness use, but it does make an excellent handhold, and it's also convenient for standing the toy upright if desired. Like all firm toys, the Gold Laced G should be handled with care with used on a partner, as overenthusiastic thrusting could bruise sensitive spots such as the cervix.

As for anal play, the base makes the Gold Laced G quite safe for that purpose, and the texture makes it quite stimulating.

Glass is also excellent for temperature play.

Glass is an outstanding material for sex toys, because it's phthalates-free, latex-free, easy to sterilize, non-porous, and body safe. Pyrex glass will not break in use, or shatter into dangerous shards if dropped. Should tragedy befall the Gold Laced G, it will break into chunks, and it will require a fall on a hard surface to bring about its demise. Just to be safe, always inspect glass toys for chips before use, but such incidents are rare.

The Gold Laced G is tasteless and odor-free. It can be used for temperature play -- cool it off in a glass of icewater for a thrilling chill, or likewise warm it up before use by letting it rest in a cup of warm water prior to playtime.

The texture can be quite stimulating, but in some situations it can also cause irritation. This depends on personal tastes, lubrication, and apparently the mood of the involved body parts, since personally I got different results during different test runs.

The Gold Laced G is one of the most realistic looking toys in my collection, as its an artistic interpretation of a penis. Most people will recognize it as a dildo if they get more than a brief glance. It's still pretty enough to display as art, if you're particularly brazen with your decor.

It's a fairly modest size, with a diameter of barely an inch. Beginners will probably find the Gold Laced G easy to insert, although caution should be exercised to start slowly, due to the texture. The curve makes direct G spot stimulation possible, if slightly awkward, during vaginal use.

As for travel, it's probably no more difficult to pack than any other glass toy, although airport x-ray machines will identify it as a dildo.

The texture on the Gold Laced G might be too much for some users, at least some of the time. On my first trial run, I found it quite uncomfortable. More uncomfortable, in fact, than the more extreme texture on the Bumpy Spiral Double, which I found surprising.

On a different day, however, it didn't bother me at all, and I was able to enjoy it. Direct pressure on the g-spot was possible, as was rubbing it in passing during thrusting. However, I've had other toys perform better at both tasks, so I was a tad bit underwhelmed.

Then came another trial. This time, I gathered my courage and tried the Gold Laced G anally. My estimation of the toy rose considerably. The texture was extremely stimulating in a very pleasant way, and the curve proved just the right angle to massage the g-spot from an entirely different position. The base also proved ideal when I held the Rechargeable Mystic Wand against it, and the glass transmitted the vibrations extremely well.

The Gold Laced G is now my favorite toy for backdoor play.

Glass can be washed in hot, soapy water, or with toy cleaner, for everyday cleaning. It can be wiped down with a baby wipe immediately before use, or sterilized in a pot of boiling water, run through the dishwasher, or wiped down with either a 10% bleach solution or rubbing alcohol. Just be sure to rinse it thoroughly before use.

I generally line my sink with a towel or wash cloth before washing glass toys, to provide a cushion should I drop anything.

For storage, the Gold Laced G comes with a nice velvet bag. Make sure it isn't free to clank against other glass or metal toys, and it will last for many years.

All lubes are compatible with glass.

Like all SSA Glass toys, the Gold Laced G arrives wrapped in bubblewrap, inside of a red velvet separator bag. It would make an adequate presentation for gift giving between intimates, and the bag is excellent for storage, provided your toy is not free to clank against other glass or metal toys.