The Tristan by Vixen Creations is an anal plug, considered to be in the intermediate size category. Therefore, is best suited for those who have had some previous experience with anal play. When I first received the Tristan, after reading so much about it, I could hardly wait to open the box, lube up and put things in their proper place. So, I did just exactly that. Although I was able to get the Tristan in on my first try, it did require a few minutes, several deep breaths, and some stretching. However, once in place it was very stimulating. The Tristan felt smooth and filling, hitting the right spots and providing a nice stretch of the cheeks and anal muscles.

As good as the Tristan felt, I wish I could say that it stayed firmly in place, but it did not. As soon as I began to walk around, the Tristan began to make its way out. So, for me, the Tristan is best used around the house while doing sedentary activities, such as working on the computer, watching television, or just lounging around waiting to have sex. With that said, after using the Tristan around the house for a month or so, I became more adjusted to it and started to wear it out of the house for short trips. Driving the car is blissful. Going out to eat or get coffee and casual walking have all gone well. However, I have found that about two hours is the time limit for the Tristan as my butt begins to tire from the fullness.

The Tristan is made of smooth, soft, pliable silicone, which makes it comfortable for stretching the anal muscles. The smooth surface is easily covered by just a few drops of lubricant. The silicone is soft enough to be comfortable, yet firm enough to support penetration. After you've put it in place, the Tristan's silicone has the flexibility to fit the internal curves of the anal canal and the give to allow the sphincter muscles to relax around it. Outside, the silicone forms a soft base which rests between the cheeks without causing any discomfort even after several hours of wear. The Tristan has no seams, manufacturing defects, or sharp edges and is made of some of the highest quality silicone of any sex toy I have ever used. It is very body safe, both in terms of the high quality silicone and the excellent workmanship.

Design is where the Tristan really sets itself apart from the crowd. The Tristan is based on a simple layout, but has exaggerated features intended to stretch and relax the anal muscles, helping the wearer to “open up” for anal sex.

The Tristan starts out with a large, pointed head to guide penetration. The head opens up to a maximum diameter of about 1 1/2 inches, forming the widest insertable point of the plug. This is followed by the neck which is about 1 1/4 inches long and just under an inch in diameter. The neck is supported by a 7/8 inch thick hour glass shaped base which is about 1 1/2 inches wide in the middle and 2 inches wide at either end. The result of this design is that the head pushes the anus open and then the neck holds it open just wide enough to give a nice stretch without being so wide as to be uncomfortable. The wide base, which more than adequately assures that the plug can't slip in, acts to separate and relax the cheeks. The hour glass shape causes the plug to twist back and forth with the movement of the cheeks. This design is complimented by the soft silicone which has enough give to allow the wearer to relax with the width of the plug

Finally, there is nothing discreet about the Tristan’s design. It looks like what it is. It can’t be left to sit out in the open or worn to the clothing optional beach without being noticed.

My experience with the Tristan has led to two discoveries. First, the Tristan requires some warm up. Wearing a smaller plug for a while before inserting the Tristan made both penetration and retention easier. Second, keeping the Tristan in place requires that the wearer focus on relaxing their cheeks and anal muscles. After having the Tristan in my toy collection for a while, I have found that I am able to keep it in place as long as I don't tense up and constrict my cheeks. Otherwise, the wide base which is intended to open and relax the cheeks will cause the Tristan to pull itself out. Experience with other anal plugs leads me to believe that the Tristan would be easier to retain if the neck portion was a bit longer.

At this point, the Tristan does not work well for me for long term wear as it can be a challenge to keep in place while being active or for more than a few hours. However, it makes up for this by stretching and relaxing my cheeks and anal muscles in preparation for something a little wider.

The Tristan, being made of high quality silicone, is easy to clean with anti-bacterial soap and hot water. To sterilize, use a solution of 10% bleach and water, place in the top rack of the dish washer without dish detergent, or place in boiling water.

As the Tristan is made of silicone, it should never be used with silicone lubricant. I have always used water-based lube which is recommended and works very well.

The Tristan is small enough to be easily and discretely stored in the back of a drawer. I use the clear plastic tube which the Tristan came packaged in for storage. This keeps it from being damaged by other silicone toys and from collecting dirt or lint. While this is not as compact as a bag, it is made for the Tristan, is reusable and still not much larger than the plug itself.

As a bisexual male, I like the Tristan most for its ability to stretch and relax my butt.