The Tantus Ripple is a fantastic choice to begin exploring anal play. The first bead is a little bit larger than my pinky finger so starting out with this toy was really easy. This toy has four beads that gradually get larger, with the last bead being an inch in diameter. I was nervous and excited about trying this toy out, since it was my first ever anal toy. I was surprised at how easy it was to get the whole thing in and how comfortable it was. It is flexible so inserting the first bead was a bit of a challenge, but it didn't take long. The first three beads were in almost immediately with lots of lube and no trouble at all. The last bead took a little longer to insert, so I added more lube and I eventually got it in. The beads make this toy easy to use for first timers because you can work up to each size as slowly as you want. They also feel incredible as they pop in and out. The second time I used this toy, I inserted it while masturbating and as I was having an orgasm I pulled the toy out. Doing this increased the intensity of my orgasm and it felt amazing! All in all this was a wonderful introduction to anal play and I'm ready to try more toys like this.

The Ripple is made of 100% medical grade silicone, which is a completely sterilizable and safe material. This silicone feels somewhat firm, but it still has a bit of give to it. It has a little bit of drag to it and feels smooth. A little bit of lube completely eliminates the drag, so its not really a problem. The toy is also flexible and can easily bend. This toy does hold on to smells, but I found that washing it with lightly scented hand soap gets rid of any smell.

This plugs design is almost flawless. I love the graduated beads, the slightly plush, slightly firm silicone, the gorgeous purple color and the size. The only downside of this toy is the base. It's round, big, and almost prevents the toy from staying in. My butt cheeks interfere with the base so the toy sometimes wants to pop out when I don't want it to. Also, this base is not for sitting on, so its best to be on your knees or on your back while using it. It's not really meant to be used as a plug and for most people, I don't think it will work as one.

This toy is great for complete beginners to anal play because it is easy to use, made out of a comfortable, safe material and is not too big. If you already have experience with anal toys you probably won't get much out of this. Tantus does make a large version of this toy, so if you like the look of this toy but want a larger size check that one out. If you're looking for a plug, this is not the toy for you. It may work as a plug for you depending on your body, but it wasn't made for that so you're better off buying something that was specifically made to be a plug. Couples can get some good use out of this toy as well. My boyfriend really enjoyed playing with the toy with me as part of foreplay, and using it turned us both on. Sex with the toy inserted was fun but it had trouble staying in.

Because the Ripple is made of silicone, it is pretty easy to take care of. When you first get your toy out I recommend rinsing it off with a bit of water in case any lint got on it. This toy does tend to attract lint like crazy. After you're done, just wash the toy with warm water and soap and it's all clean! You can also use a 10% bleach solution to clean this toy, wash it in the dishwasher (top rack, no soap), or boil it. I find soap and water works just fine for me, but if you're letting someone else use it I might boil it or clean it with the bleach solution first.

The box wasn't really made for storage, so I put my Ripple in a clear Ziploc bag. It keeps the lint off of it and keeps the cats away from it. (Yes, my cat loves the Ripple. When I first got it in the mail he thought it was a cat toy for him.) Water based lubes are the best to use with this toy, just to be safe. I've heard conflicting information on using silicone lubes with silicone toys. Some say never to use silicone lube with silicone toys, while others say if both the lube and the toy are high quality silicone it's okay. If you ever want to use silicone lube with this toy be sure to test a tiny amount on the base of the toy and if it gets gummy wipe it off and use a water based lube.

The toy comes packaged in a clear plastic box with red and white details. On the box you'll find general information about Tantus and information about their silicone. The box isn't sturdy enough for storage so it got recycled immediately.

Overall, this toy was a great introduction to the world of anal toys. Me and my partner loved playing with it together and I also enjoy using it alone. My experience with this toy has opened me up to trying even more anal toys, even though I was initially apprehensive and nervous about anal play.