The Emerald Explorer by SSA Glass is designed primarily as an anal probe, and fulfills that function quite well. It also makes a pleasing dildo for vaginal use. While caution is always advised when thrusting glass toys, due to the hardness of the material, the Emerald Explorer's modest length and comfortable handle make it a suitable choice for couple play by reducing the likelihood of a bruised cervix during vaginal use.

Used anally, the standard safety rules apply. Adequate lubrication and respect for the firm material are required. It's also important to either use a condom, or sterilize a toy before switching between orifices or partners. The handle is quite adequate for safe anal play, and the toy is ideal for gentle thrusting. It will not stay put during vaginal sex, however, so don't expect the Emerald Explorer to replace your favorite butt plug.

Glass is a fantastic material for toys because it's non-porous, odorless, free of potentially harmful chemical like phthalates, and easy to sterilize, making it a top choice for safety. Additionally, glass holds temperature well, which means you can drop it in a glass of icewater for a few minutes before play to experience a thrilling chill, or warm it up to body temperature before use.

The firmness of glass demands respect, but Pyrex glass will not shatter if broken. Should a tragic accident befall the Emerald Explorer, it will break into chunks, rather than dangerous shards. Always inspect glass toys for chips or cracks before playtime, but it'll take more force than your body is capable of exerting to fracture this glass.

The Emerald Explorer is so pretty it might look right at home on the Christmas tree, so should anyone discover your toy, claiming it's a decorative object should serve as a moderately plausible cover story, depending of course upon the gullibility of the mark. An experienced toy user would recognize it instantly, but if there's an experienced toy user hanging out in your personal space, then hopefully they've been invited, or at least aren't hypocritical enough to cause any grief.

The five bubbles that make up the body of the Emerald Explorer vary in size in an extremely gradual way, and its modest size makes it suitable for any user willing to exercise appropriate caution. Remember, if something hurts, that means stop. Always take the time to ensure that you're using plenty of lube, and go slowly enough to let your body adjust.

At it's largest point, the Emerald Explorer measures less than an inch and a half in diameter.

The Emerald Explorer performs exactly as it should. Used vaginally, it provides a stimulating texture at a modest size that a beginner would find non-threatening. The handle makes it easy to maneuver. While it's not curved enough to provide firm, direct stimulation to the g-spot, women who like a less direct rubbing against their g-spots might find it adequate, anatomy depending.

It's easier to feel the gradual increase in size, from one bubble to the next, when using the Emerald Explorer anally. The handle makes for worry-free anal play, and the size makes for a surprisingly easy experience. Gentle thrusting feels fantastic.

Used as a butt plug during vaginal stimulation, the Emerald Explorer gets jealous over not being the center of attention, and leaves suddenly. Green is the color of envy, after all.

Glass is among the easiest materials to clean. Wash it in hot water with mild soap or toy cleaner, and take care not to drop it in the sink. I always pad my bathroom sink with a washcloth just in case, but unlike my other glass toys, the Emerald Explorer has an easy to grip handle. You can also boil glass, or clean it with a 10% bleach solution, for sterilization.

All lubricants are safe for glass toys.

Storing the Emerald Explorer is simple, thanks to the included velvet pouch. Place it where it won't bang into other hard toys, or have anything heavy dropped on it. If it's going to share quarters with your Pure Wand, though, you might want to invest in a padded bag.

The Emerald Explorer arrived wrapped in a thin layer of bubble wrap, inside of a red velvet pouch. The first two toys I received from SSA Glass came with a purple faux-suede bag with a satin lining, which provided the toys with more padding at the expense of taking up more room than strictly necessary in my toybox.

I'm torn as to whether this new packaging is an improvement, or a step down, since that really depends upon the storage situation for the buyer, but I will say that the pouch, while less padded, is very attractive. The other thing I like about the new bags is that it's easier to tell the individual glass toys apart without opening the bags, since the shape and texture can be felt through the thinner material.