The Gentle Play is an attractive realistic vibrator from NMC Ltd. It is basic in design as a vaginal vibrator, but can also be used as an erogenous zone stimulator or direct clitoral stimulator. The instructions indicate that it can be used anally. However, I would be cautious since this vibrator does not have a pronounced flare at the base and at a maximum diameter of 1-5/8 inches, can accidentally be inserted completely. This vibrator is a good choice for beginners given that the size is modest and the vibrations are mild. The shaft is smooth allowing for easy thrusting, and what little texture is present on this vibe is very non-threatening. Since the toy is waterproof, it can be enjoyed in the shower or while taking a bath.

The Gentle Play consists of two components. The vibrator casing is composed of plastic while the outer "sleeve" is composed of 100% silicone which is phthalate free, hypo-allergenic, and non-porous. This makes it a good choice for anyone with sensitivity to latex. The silicone is dense but compressible, giving it a nice and fairly realistic fleshy feel. The sleeve is clear at the head, transitions into a translucent pink in the middle, and then becomes a hot pink at the base. Despite not being a huge fan of the color pink, I thought this vibrator was very attractive. The silicone is smooth (except for the textured portion at the base) but there is noticeable drag when I glide my finger across the surface. As with most silicone toys, this is a lint and dust magnet. Although I call the outer silicone part a "sleeve" it does not appear to be removable.

The vibrator had a definite smell out of the packaging. It wasn't overwhelming, but certainly noticeable. It reminded me of that new car smell. However, what worried me is that 100% silicone toys should not have an odor, and the front of the package itself touts the toy as odorless. So, being the scientist that I am, I put it to the flame test. Although the silicone became black, there were no signs that it melted at all. After several washings, the odor has faded quite a bit but is still present. However, the odor does not detract from using the toy at all.

The Gentle Play has a realistic look to the head and includes a glans, meatus, and frenulum. There are also six small ridges right below the glans that look like skin folds. The entire length of the silicone portion is 7 inches. The first 5 inches are straight and smooth (except for the features previously described on the head) with a diameter of 1-1/8 inches. The final 2 inches are covered first with small nubs and then several row of small ridges. At this point, the vibrator flares out to a maximum of 1-5/8 inches. Beyond the silicone sleeve is the vibrator casing. The plastic casing extends an additional 1-1/8 inch and is 1 inch in diameter. The two vibration settings are controlled by a small push button on the base of the vibrator. It takes a fair amount of pressure to trigger the button, and there is an audible click each time it is properly depressed.

Although the packaging claims that the vibrator has 7 inches of insertable length, this would require that the entire silicone portion be inserted. This means then that the only portion left to hold wold be the small 1 inch portion of the vibrator casing. This is pretty unrealistic, so I would estimate only 6 inches are insertable while still being able to hold the vibrator comfortably.

The Gentle Play is unique in that it has an internal plastic skeleton that gives the vibrator a bendable feature. The skeleton consists of 4 segments that include a plastic bead attached to a plastic cup. Each acts as a small ball and socket joint with one bead sitting in the next segments cup. This allows 360 degree bending at each of the 4 joints. Additionally, the bead closest to the head of the vibrator has a 1 inch plastic cylinder that extends to within 3/4 of an inch from the tip. These four small joints allow the vibrator to be curved and bent into various positions. When all of the joints are flexed together, the vibrator can hold a 90 degree bend in the middle of the shaft. I was also able to bend the vibrator into a zig-zag shape. While the design concept is good, the execution is flawed. Although the vibrator can be manipulated, any pressure seems to easily cause the joints to release, resulting in a loss of the desired shape. Also, since each joint is composed of plastic, there is a loud creaking noise every time the joints move resulting from the parts rubbing each other.

The vibrator has two settings controlled by a push button on the base. The first setting I would describe as a low hum, while the second is a higher pitched buzz. Neither setting is very powerful, but neither is very loud either. I could barely hear either setting through our comforter. Something interesting to note is that the strongest vibrations are felt at the very tip of the toy, literally the glans portion. The next area where I can feel the vibrations, although weaker than at the tip, is about a 1 inch segment right above where the vibrator starts to flare out. Vibrations can be felt throughout the rest of the shaft, but they are significantly weaker. I'm guessing the glans portion owes the strongest vibrations to fact that it is the only portion that is solid silicone and thus the vibrations are transmitted better. The remainder of the shaft is hollow allowing for insertion of the flexible skeleton.

A nice feature of the Gentle Play is that it is waterproof. While we did not play with it in this way, I did test it by submerging the entire vibrator in a sink of water. The seal held with no trace of moisture in the battery compartment.

Since the Gentle Play is made of silicone and plastic, cleaning is as easy as using an antibacterial soap or toy cleaner. One confusing point on the packing states "Dishwasher safe." However, I believe that this statement is in regards to the silicone portion only. This toy should not be sterilized either in the dishwasher or by placing it in boiling water. When using this vibrator, some form of lubrication will likely be needed given the tackiness of the silicone. A water-based lubricant would be ideal. Silicone lubricants will result in a reaction (I confirmed with a spot test) making for one unhappy vibrator and owner. After washing, allow the vibrator to air dry and store it individually in either the original packaging or your preferred method to prevent any reactions when the silicone comes in contact with other materials.

The vibrator uses one AA battery that is easily inserted into the base. The base consists of a simple screw-on cap with a seal making it water-proof. I would estimate that we've used this toy for about 2+ hours so far with no apparent decrease in battery function. A battery is not included with the toy.

The Gentle Easy came packaged in a clear plastic clamshell that would be suitable for storing the vibrator. The packaging is cute and attractive with the vibrator clearly visible, so there is nothing discreet about it. An instruction manual is included in the package which includes basic battery instructions, instructions for use of the vibrator, and a few warnings. However, the instructions appear to be a generic form that is included in all of the manufacturers vibrators as some features described do not apply to the Gentle Easy.

Being vibrator virgins, I decided I wanted to experiment with this toy and see how much fun we could get out of it.

1. I used it to stimulate my wife's sensitive erogenous zones. The vibrator seemed to work well, especially when using primarily the tip to direct the vibrations. The vibrations were not overwhelming and gave a nice stimulating tingle. Because the silicone has some drag associated with it, I found that a little lube or saliva was needed to allow the tip to glide easily over her skin. One warning: avoid areas where your partner is extremely ticklish. I stroked the vibrator across the back of my wife's neck and she almost bucked me across the room.

2. Next I tried clitoral stimulation. Again the vibrator was effective and provided a good level of stimulation. However, it really required that the tip of the vibrator be used for the vibrations to be most effective. This made it a little difficult for me to use on my wife since I had to maintain the position of the tip through her writhing. It was much easier for her to do this herself, but was fun for me nonetheless. I enjoy participating in any activity that causes my wife to writhe in joy.

3. Finally we inserted the vibrator vaginally. This is when I tried to bend the vibrator to better target her G-spot and found that my applying any pressure on the shaft caused the curve to be lost. The joints in the vibrator simply can't maintain their position with any kind of normal use other than simple insertion. Even gentle thrusting caused the awful plastic creaking sound signaling a loss of shape. It was certainly disappointing since I thought the design was pretty innovative. Despite not being able to maintain a bend, the vibrator was still able to stimulate my wife's G-spot. However, the vibrations were not strong enough to do anything for her other than act as an appetizer for the main course. We both also felt that either the length could be a little longer or the base a little bigger to allow for better gripping. The vibrator cap is simply too small to grip comfortably, and once any lube gets on the base the vibrator becomes very slippery and even harder to hold. My wife also felt that the girth was a little small and that the vibrator would probably have been more enjoyable if it were wider.

4. We did not attempt to use this toy anally because I am concerned that it could be completely inserted without a prominent flare to the base. However, should you choose to try this toy anally, use a condom and be sure to clean it before using it again.