Tantus' Ripple Large is a hybrid of several toy classifications; on the one hand, it is an anal probe, and perhaps this is the most accurate title. However, it can be used as a dildo both anally and vaginally and has qualities similar to anal beads. Due to its numerous bulbous aspects, it can be used to assist with PC muscle exercises anally and (perhaps) vaginally. One might even be able to extrapolate that the Ripple acts as an anal plug, though I feel that it is not as suited to such use.

All confusion aside, the Ripple really is a top notch toy, whatever you use it for. You can use it vaginally if you so desire, and such a use would be similar to use of a dildo, but I will describe a bit about its use as an anal toy.

It's best used in the privacy of your room, or wherever you usually use toys. It can be used alone or with a partner, and has a harness compatible flange at its base. This flared base makes it anal-safe, though it is a fairly thin base. You would still have to push on the base quite forcefully to make it enter the rectum; I've had no issues with the same happening.

To properly use the Ripple, ensure it is clean (as it attracts lint and hair). Apply adequate lubricant in, on and around your anus. I recommend spending some time warming up with a finger or two, whether you are experienced anally or not. Luckily, the Ripple has graduated bulbs, so it can be taken a bit at a time; it's a great warm-up toy in and of itself. Don't forget to apply lubricant to the shaft of your Ripple.

Moving on, to insert the toy, I recommend holding onto the stalk just below the first or second bulb, as the toy is very flexible and may flop about comically. Relax, breathe, and slowly insert the first bulb. Once you've gotten that far, it becomes a bit easier to insert the toy while gripping the base. If you're a fan of thrusting, it also becomes easier if you get the first bulb or two in; although it is quite difficult to remove it fully and reinsert it quickly, if you only partially remove it, you can thrust it back in fairly easily.

Here's where you can get creative. You can insert all of the shaft (or as much as is comfortable for you) and remove it like anal beads, repeating as often as you'd like. Or, if you want to, you can thrust it gently in and out, never fully removing it so as to prevent any flopping. You can insert it and leave it in for a while if you wish, or wiggle it about at the base. I have found that inserting all but one bulb and then moving the base in a circular motion produces interesting sensations anally, so feel free to try that.

One thing that others have noticed is that the Ripple is somewhat long; this may cause discomfort for some if you are not used to longer toys. It also makes it a little less friendly as a plug, though the neck isn't really narrow enough for easy retention. It's not an ideal plug, evidently, but if you use your sphincter muscles you can achieve limited retention. (Another thing is that the base is round, making longer-term wear even less comfortable).

When you are finished, Ripple cleans up easily with warm water and soap. There will be more on cleaning methods later.

Ripple is made by Tantus, which pretty much guarantees material quality. It is constructed entirely of 100% platinum-grade silicone, which means it is non-porous, body-safe, hypoallergenic, easy to clean, phthalates-free, odourless and flavourless. It will not, however, take out the garbage or vacuum your floors, but it's still an excellent material.

Ripple happens to be of a shiny and smooth texture, which is very visually appealing. From a visual inspection, it appears to be completely seamless (and feels that way too). The swirls of light and dark purples are quite apparent and very pretty (though the solid black has its merits too). When dry, it is slightly tacky to the touch, and it attracts more lint and hair than matte silicone. Lubricant tends to form beads on the surface of shiny silicone, so it is best to use a thicker lubricant with the Ripple.

The silicone used in the making of Ripple is similar to that of many Tantus toys. It is pretty firm, being less yielding than most other soft sex toy materials, but it still has some give, and it's pleasantly squeezable. This is an excellent quality, especially for anal use, as it helps to prevent injury from blunt force. Alas, as I mentioned above, it also causes the toy to be mildly floppy which can inhibit insertion, but I would much rather a toy that can accommodate my internal anatomy than one that requires me to accommodate it.

Because of its smooth texture, it glides in and out with ease, though there can be slight drag if you aren't using lots of lubricant. Although there is no surface texture, such as nubs or ribs, to add to stimulation, Ripple achieves its purposes through the use of its graduated bulbs. I think it's quite suited to beginners, though the smaller Ripple model may be a better choice.

I love the design of this toy. I had been eying it for ages, and I always felt tempted by it. I am quite glad I caved in, as it provides a feeling like no other. I feel it is quite user-friendly, as the bulbs gradually become larger, allowing one to take as many (or as few) of them as they wish. It's excellent for warm-up but can also be perfect as a main event. While prostate stimulation is one of the biggest lures of anal play for many men, I feel that the Ripple excels in stimulating the anal and rectal tissues. It's a very nice feeling.

The shaft of the toy is roughly 7" in length, with a little over 6" insertable. Along the length of the toy are four bulbs of increasing size, getting larger as they descend, with a small "rest stop" in between each. Approximate sizes of each bulb, from the top, are: 7/8", 1 1/8", 1 3/8", and 1 6/8". There are some individual differences between toys, though Tantus is pretty consistent from my experience. I quite liked the size of this toy. Although it might not be enough for the very ambitious and those who crave extra girth, it does its job well with what it has. I would say that average users could enjoy this toy, especially since it can help them get used to sizes up to just over 1.5". Once again, for people who want something smaller, the small Ripple is a good choice.

This toy is quite clearly unrealistic, unless we're in a sci-fi or fantasy film. I like how it doesn't resemble anything anatomical, though I still wouldn't call it discreet. Sure, it could be a piece of modern art, but chances are, someone might be able to guess what you use it for. I do feel like it is fairly suitable for travel, though I would keep it in a zipper-locked bag to prevent lint from attaching to it too much.

Ripple performs excellently, providing a great deal of stimulation by opening and closing the anal sphincters, rubbing against anal/perianal and rectal tissue, and even passing by the prostate (assuming you have one). The fact that this toy acts like both a dildo/probe and anal beads makes it more or less the best of both worlds (since it has the "pop" of anal beads and the thrusting capability of a probe/dildo). A quick comment about noise; if you're thrusting it quickly, it does tend to make some squicky sounds... Just so you know.

My chief complaints are:
- The base is a little thin and flimsy. While it is adequate to prevent the Ripple from being swallowed up into the rectum in all but the most extreme cases, it could do better as a handle if it were thicker. I am unsure of how it performs in a harness, though the thinness of the base does concern me a bit. One could compensate with a smaller O-ring if the current one does not hold it well enough.
- The neck below the final bead could be just slightly longer; the last bead is just a little difficult to insert because it is so close to the base. Furthermore, it might be better as a pseudo-plug if the neck were slightly longer.
- The general flexibility of the Ripple is a major plus, but it is a bit difficult to insert if you're just holding the base. I don't think this could be improved upon without sacrificing comfort during use, however.

I would like to add that, unlike some Tantus toys with a flat base, my Ripple doesn't have any suction capability, perhaps due in part to the thinness of the base. I think that is the norm for this toy, however (I do think a suction cup would be quite nice with this toy... hands free use, anyone?). Also, adding a hole for a bullet vibe (or Tantus suction cup accessory) would be nice, though the toy would be much more flexible at the base if there were no bullet inserted.

In spite of my numerous suggestions for improvement, this toy really is one of my favourites. I won't give it five stars because of its few limitations, but I still feel that it's great for anyone's collection.

Care of the Ripple Large, like any other Tantus silicone toy, is very simple. As I stated above, routine cleanings can be done with mild soap, such as antibacterial gel soap, and warm water. You can use a soft cloth to give the toy a better scrubbing if you so desire. Further cleaning and sterilizing can be completed by boiling for 3-5 minutes (while trying to avoid the toy touching the bottom of the pot for too long) or spraying/wiping with a 10% bleach solution, allowing it to stand for a minute or two, and cleaning off. Because it is non-porous, you can share it without worry if you properly sterilize it. While it is dishwasher safe, household dishwashers are generally not hot enough to sterilize it completely... Something I did not know until very recently.

Storage is fairly simple. The original packaging may not be ideal since getting it open at a moment's notice (or in the dark, or with slippery hands) isn't the easiest. A zipper-lock bag can help to repel dust and debris, or you can put it in whatever toy storage container you use. I leave mine standing on its base, but since it is firm silicone, letting it lie flat should do it no harm (unlike O2 supersoft silicone which can be dented).

As for lubes, your best bet is water-based, as silicone lubes may degrade the toy's surface. Tantus toys are of a high quality and purity standard, so a good quality silicone lube may not harm it. If you wish to test your Ripple for lube compatibility, dab a spot of lube on the bottom of the base and wait a moment. If it becomes tacky and the residue has to be scraped off with a fingernail, the lube and toy are not compatible. There have been reports of Tantus toys "blistering" when silicone lube is used, but this resolves some time after use and cleaning. Don't take my word for it, though; use silicone lubes at your own risk!

The Large Ripple is packaged in Tantus' typical packaging; a clear outer plastic shell with colourful embellishments, some information about the company, and some text about the toy, chiefly its name and that it is made of silicone. This box would be an excellent display in a store, but it is not discreet as it gives a detailed view of the toy inside. Plus, some of the literature on the box gives away its use, so you can't explain to your roommate that it's actually a flavour injector or similar kitchen accessory.

There are no user instructions on (or in) the packaging.

As a gift box, the packaging works, though you'll want to give the gift in private (or around open-minded friends or family, and only if the recipient is okay with it). As I said above, it's not optimal for storage, though it can be used as such if you so desire. The packaging is recyclable, however, which is an eco-friendly plus.

This toy really is something unique. A chimera of sorts, it combines the properties of a number of other toys, and becomes something exciting and stimulating. It's certainly one of my favourites, especially when I want plenty of anal stimulation and quick thrusting action. In spite of its few minor shortcomings, it really is an excellent toy.

The Ripple Large has not let me down since I first received it. If anything, it has gotten better with each use. While I am able to accommodate larger, girthier toys, I have a fondness for those in the middle range, and the Ripple is of a very friendly size. Its graduated bulbs are very stimulating.

Anal use of this toy is comfortable for me, and I find that the smoothness helps with insertion and removal. I've used this toy for warm-up, in combination with other toys, and also on its own. Its use as an anal plug is limited, though I have used it that way once or twice.