In some remarkable stroke of genius, the good people at Mantric took the concept of a strap-on dildo and harness... and removed the harness. The Sysil Edge is a double ended dildo that functions as a strap-on, but without all the gear that a harness entails.

The dildo is suitable for same sex and mixed sex vaginal/anal penetration, as well as for masturbation.

While this review will cover the Sysil Edge's main features and performance, there's also an excellent video walk-through of the product available on YouTube via this link.

With the exception of the removable vibrating bullet, the Sysil Edge is made from 100% silicone and, as such, is completely odorless, tasteless, hypoallergenic and phthalates-free.

Although the dildo portion of the Sysil Edge is realistic in terms of length and width, its design is more inspired by human anatomy than a slave to it. It provides all the joys of a phallus without looking like one. The texture is smooth and lightly protruding curves on the longer of the two shafts adds subtle sensation during penetration.

The silicone itself is firm but not rigid. There is no give when pressing directly into the shafts, but both the long and the short shafts can bend. The longer shaft flexes easily to accommodate a variety of shapes and sizes when it comes to bodily orifices. The shorter shaft is more inflexible, but still has some bend to make insertion and wearing both comfortable and stable.

The design is truly remarkable and wholly unique - making it a challenge to describe without a visual aid. A short shaft is connected to the base of the longer shaft, making the dildo look like an unbalanced letter V. The short shaft has about an 80-degree range of rotation on the long shaft and is held in place by a rectangular silicone tab that can be inserted at the bottom of the V that joins the two shafts.

There is a small protrusion at the base of the longer shaft that allows the insertion and removal of a small, vibrating silver bullet. There is a small ventilation hole at the top of this protrusion that permits effortless bullet insertion and removal. Ordinarily, pushing a vibrating bullet into an opening in a toy creates a vacuum that effectively locks the bullet in place. Not so here. A quick push on the base slides the bullet into place. A quick push on the top slides the bullet back out. No lubrication is necessary on the bullet.

The bullet is powered by three watch batteries and the Sysil Edge comes with three sets - plenty to keep you in vibrating heaven for a long, long time.

The Sysil Edge works by inserting the shorter shaft into the vaginal canal, leaving the longer shaft of the dildo protruding from the vagina. The shorter shaft stays in place in the vaginal canal solely through its design. A slight curve at the shorter shaft's tip rests internally up against the g-spot and pelvic bone, wedging it in place.

The size of both shafts should appeal to a wide range of users. Although the shorter shaft is necessarily bulky in order to stay in place during while using the dildo, its length and width are not in the least bit an obstacle to those comfortable with other average-sized (1-1.5" in diameter) dildos and vibrators. Insertion is easy both with lubrication and without.

The length and width of the longer shaft is also suitable for a wide range of users comfortable with dildos and vibrators that are between 1-1.5" in diameter. The length allows for both shallow and deep penetration. The longer shaft is also long enough that the dildo falling or slipping out during use is not a pressing concern. Of course slippage happens. The Sysil Edge's design minimizes its chances without creating a monstrously long shaft.

Because of its aesthetic appeal and flexibility, the Sysil Edge would be appropriate for travel and/or situations where some discretion is required. A separate storage pouch would be required, however, as the manufacturer does not provide one.

[As a reference point to keep in the back of your mind, I used the Sysil Edge with a male partner (anal penetration) and solo as a masturbatory tool.]

It's a poor musician who blames his instrument, and recognizing that there's a certain learning curve and comfort factor involved with the Sysil edge is the first step one takes towards enjoying it. The Sysil Edge's performance certainly isn't without its drawbacks, but on the whole it provides a really innovative way of thinking about double-ended dildos.

Insertion of the short shaft is easy both with and without lubrication. The angle at the top of the shorter shaft rests against the g-spot/pubic bone area and keeps the dildo in place during use. This is the harness element of the "no harness" strap-on.

The sensation provided by the shorter shaft is comfortable, but also slightly odd because it is so unique. This is where all of that learning curve business comes into play. A lot of what enjoying the Sysil Edge is all about is figuring out how to wrap your head around all of those unique sensations.

The short shaft certainly does provide some g-spot stimulation and it is possible to feel some of the vibrations from the bullet. In and of itself, it wasn't enough for me to achieve orgasm. It was, however, a nice bit of attention in a situation where the person doing the penetrating (with a strap-on) ordinarily has to take their pleasure solely from their partner's.

It blew my mind that I could stand (and even hop up and down) with my legs spread wide open and the dildo stayed in place. I felt more comfortable with my legs closed as my thighs helped to keep the dildo in place, but it wasn't necessary. For all intents and purposes, I had a fully functional phallus between my legs with nothing keeping it in place other than some pretty clever design features.

In use, the Sysil Edge came with mixed results. Penetration was easier than expected and very comfortable given the long shaft's flexibility. I used my hands and fingers to guide the long shaft in to my partner's anus and then let my hips take it from there.

Where things started becoming challenging was while making thrusting motions. Moving in a direction of penetration was relatively easy, but the direction of withdrawal tended to loosen the short shaft to the point that I had to use my hands to keep it in place inside my vaginal canal. It didn't ruin the effect of a harness-less strap-on, but it was a distraction. It's also a distraction that I anticipate becoming less relevant over time. The design is solid. What's left is me figuring out the best angles and positions in which that design can be taken advantage of.

When it came to being on the receiving end, the long shaft is gorgeous. Its length and width are filling without being in the least bit uncomfortable. The slight rise at the tip of the shaft allows for some excellent g-spot stimulation. The light ridges along the side of the shaft are noticeable during penetration and also serve to add some additional stimulation.

The bullet is easily felt when the longer shaft is used. While it's not powerful enough for earth shattering orgasms for those who require stronger stimulation (read: me), it does provide strong and consistent vibrations.

Because the dildo itself is made entirely of silicone, it can be cleaned in a number of different ways. It's possible to wash it with soap and warm water, in boiling water or the dishwasher, or with toy cleaner. Whatever method you choose, remove the rectangular silver tab first by pressing it from one side through to the other. It slides out easily and can be cleaned alongside the dildo. Be sure to keep it in a safe place!

Also be sure to remove the vibrating bullet before cleaning the dildo! The bullet is splashproof and easily withstood a quick rinse under the faucet for cleanup.

The Sysil Edge can be stored in its original packaging or with other toys. I've had mixed experiences storing my toys so that they're touching - some have melted and others have been just fine. As a precautionary measure, I'd suggest placing the Sysil Edge in a plastic bag or other storage container/pouch before putting it next to any other toys.

Because it is made from 100% silicone, the Sysil Edge is compatible with all water and oil-based lubricants. It should *not* be used with silicone lubricant.

The packaging is tasteful and attractive while at the same time leaving absolutely no doubt whatsoever that a double-ended dildo is what's in the box. Those thinking of this as a gift option may want to keep in mind where and when the package would be opened.

In addition to the Sysil Edge and vibrating bullet, the package comes with three sets of batteries used to power the bullet. One of those sets is already inserted in the bullet. Remove the little piece of paper separating the batteries from the power connection point inside the bullet before use.

Unfortunately, the Sysil Edge does not come with any additional instructions or suggestions for use. Buyers are left to their own devices to figure out how the dildo works. Luckily, it's pretty straightforward and those purchasing the Sysil Edge are likely to already have a pretty good idea of what they'll be using it for.