As this was my first anal toy I can assure you that it is excellent for beginners with its small shape and graduated bulbs that can be used solo as well as with couples. My partner and I have both sampled this toy, if you're going to share the Ripple please remember to cover the toy before inserting it in your partner. He is an intermediate user of anal toys and enjoyed this quite a bit so from his reaction I will say that the Ripple is friendly towards intermediate users as well. Since the Ripple is quite small it can be used during sex, if you choose to do so, or if you are playing solo, the Ripple can be used with your vibrator just fine. The base is flared so it is harness compatible and can be used safely for anal play just fine.

The Tantus Ripple is a small and quite flexible anal probe made of 100% silicone which means it is non-porous, phthalates free, and easily sterilized. When touching the Ripple you can feel that the toy has enough give that it will be comfortable for beginners while still attaining enough firmness that it can be inserted without hassle. I have the black Ripple, which is shiny despite the lint it seems to easily attract and while the toy itself feels like it would have some drag when I caress it with my fingers, I can say that there was no drag felt upon insertion.

The design of the Ripple itself is quite nice, the bulbs that slowly increase in size to accommodate the user are especially good for beginners. The Ripple has four bulbs starting at around 1/2 inch in diameter that gradually increase to a 1 inch diameter by the time the user hits the fourth bulb. Other measurements on the Ripple include 5 1/4 inches in length 4 3/4's of which are insertable, if you choose to go through all four bulbs and it has a circumference of 3 inches. The Ripple is shiny and pleasant to look at with its wavy design and small stature it reminds me of an anal bead-probe hybrid; with the small, flexible bulbs making the Ripple small enough not to be too intimidating for those beginning to try anal toys while introducing them to the fun that gradually increasing bulbs can bring. The flared base, which is one of the probe's aspects, has the manufacturer, Tantus', name stamped on it; this does not get in the way of pleasure and is not too hard to clean.

The best thing about the Ripple is it's design, the graduated bulbs make this quite the pleasurable experience as they seem to have a 'rippling' effect that can be felt in both the ass and vagina. I do wish the Ripple was longer, perhaps one more bulb, but as this toy is beginner friendly, a lengthier toy may have been too intimidating. The Ripple does have a suction cup bottom that stays securely in place, if one is pulling on it there will be some effort to get the Ripple lose from a hard surface. In fact, it left a mark on my desk from trying to pry it off. But if you slide the toy across a surface instead of pulling it the Ripple releases easily. This is a Pro for an effortless release from hard surfaces, that I wish I'd thought of sooner, but also a Con, if you wiggle around it will probably have some give. The Ripple does have a small flared base and would be harness compatible if you choose to use it with one.

Since the Ripple is 100% silicone and therefore non-porous, it is relatively easy to clean. I usually boil mine after use but another option is to clean the toy using 10% bleach solution or place it on the top rack of your dishwasher. I know that some others have noted that it tends to have a scent and/or retain scents and in my case this is true as well. I have used condoms when sharing this toy and found that it did retain a rubber-like smell to it afterward so I thought it best to boil the Ripple again then wash it with hot water and soap. This toy is small and easily stored although I do recommend not placing it anywhere near outer layers of fabric if you have padded cases or pouches as this toy does collect lint quite easily unless of course you can place the Ripple in its own pouch. Also please remember that as the Ripple is a silicone anal toy you must remember that when using lubricant to help with insertion, not to use silicone based lube as the two silicone's tend to react to one another and the lube can melt the toy. I would recommend a water based lubricant with the Ripple, but if for some reason you must use silicone lube, place a condom securely over your toy then use the lube, making sure that none of it touches the Ripple.

I received the Ripple in a clear, plastic packaging that states the manufacturer, Tantus, along with a proclamation of the toys status as 100% silicone. The packaging is not discreet at all as the toy is clearly on display and seen nestled in the middle of the plastic box held snuggly in place by a mold of the ripple itself. The box is impractical for storage as it is both bulky and fragile, the plastic casing is bigger than the Ripple and takes up unneeded room while the packaging itself seems to be a thin, fragile plastic not meant for long time use. There are no distinct directions given for this toy inside the box nor written anywhere on the packaging but the Ripple's purpose and how to go about using it should be fairly clear to the purchaser.

I really really like the Ripple. I do! This toy has been quite pleasurable to use. Unfortunately I have to mention that, for me at least, it does not stay in place very well depending on what I am doing. If I were to stand and try walking with it inside of me the Ripple will start to slip out, if I am laying in a prone position the last bulb will usually pop out at as well. Not a big deal for me but still a warning for those that are interested in this toy but would like it to stay in place, but try to remember that this toy is a probe not a plug so that is not it's main purpose.