Overview:

The Anaconda is a recent release that is a new form factor for Tantus. Traditionally, Tantus has focused on dildos with round flared bases, making most of their toys harness compatible for strap-on play. Unfortunately, optimizing the base for a harness results in a base that is less optimal for manipulating the toy by hand, especially for long sessions of thrusting. Not to leave any user behind, the Anaconda was designed for hand use over harness use, by adding a long handle instead of a wide flared base. The result is a semi-realistic dildo that just happens to seamlessly narrow into a comfortable handle.

Though Tantus is know for inventing new designs, they did not invent the dildo with a handle; the design has precedent in several forms, a few of which are noted in the "similar products" section of this review. That said, to my knowledge, Tantus is the first major toy manufacturer to release a handled dildo made of pure silicone. Compared to similar toys made from rubber or PVC, the Anaconda is a much higher quality and odorless material, and looks more tasteful, all for just a slight premium over the rubber toys.

In Hand:

The Anaconda fits naturally in the hand. I have medium-large hands (I wear a large medium nitrile examination glove, as a medium is just a little too tight). With my fingers around the handle of the Anaconda, I notice that only my pinky finger doesn't quite fit with the ridges of the handle. Though I notice this while sitting at my desk and handling the toy, it wasn't noticeable during use.

Aside from the handle, the next major aspect of the Anaconda one notices is that the silicone is quite firm. Tantus has a reputation for firmer silicone, but this is significantly more stiff than any other silicone toy I have from Tantus, or any other manufacturer. The closest silicone toy in my collection, in terms of firmness, is the Rocks Off Rude Boy. After a bit of inspection in hand, it becomes obvious why Tantus used a firmer silicone for this toy: to stiffen up the handle-dildo interface. At the point that the handle ends and the shaft of the dildo begins, the diameter is relatively narrow. When in hand, the Anaconda flexes about this point, with sometimes comical effect (it's fun to menacingly shake the big black Anaconda at others). Even with the firm silicone, there is a significant amount of flex. If the toy were made of a softer silicone, it would be too flexible at this junction, and would be too floppy to work well as a thrusting dildo.

Inspecting the dildo part of the Anaconda, one notices some interesting design features. The head of toy is rounded with a minimal ridge, similar in design to the Tantus Luke. The shaft is fairly smooth, with only some subtle veining and a slight ridge on the underside. The texture is visually stimulating, but feels smooth in use. The surface of the shaft is matte, and is draggy when dry, but slick when lubed, as the finish holds lube well. Following the design trend of Tantus's realistic dildos, the head is glossy to contrast against the matte shaft. The Anaconda is widest around the ridge of the head and a couple inches past. The shaft then gradually tapers toward the handle.

Care and Cleaning:

Made of Tantus's platinum-cured premium silicone, the Anaconda is easy to care for. The material is compatible with water and oil-based lubes. It may also be compatible with some types of silicone lubes, but be sure to patch test on the base before covering the toy with it. After use, the Anaconda can be cleaned with soap and water, and more thoroughly sanitized by boiling in water, dipping in a 10% bleach solution, or tossing in the sanitize cycle of the dishwasher. After air drying (to avoid covering the toy in lint) it can be stored in the original packaging or tossed in a drawer, etc. The small size of the base relative to its length prevents the Anaconda from securely standing up on end.

The Anaconda works well for thrusting. The handle works well for both partnered and solo play and is much easier to hold than typical harness-compatible bases. I enjoyed the girth of the toy, and how it tapers after the widest point. The stiff silicone was a bit different than my other toys, but was not unpleasant and provided the more intense sensation that complements a toy designed for thrusting. The firmness can also be advantageous for applying pressure. While softer toys will bend and yield if you try to focus pressure on the prostate or G-spot, the Anaconda is sufficiently rigid to apply force. For partnered use, I would recommend that you make sure communication is open, as one could easily get carried away with thrusting and possibly hurt the receiver by going too deep with the relatively firm tip. I would love to see the Anaconda in a softer or dual density version, but I doubt it would be possible, due to the need for firm material to reinforce the shaft-handle junction.

Compared to other recently-introduced Tantus toys I have, the Anaconda doesn't have a perfect finish. Instead of being completely glossy on the head, it is a bit patchy. Of course, this is a strictly cosmetic issue, and does not affect performance. Compared to Tantus dildos with similar textures around the head, the Anaconda is a more difficult to thoroughly clean. While with the softer silicone of other toys allows one to get the toy clean easily, the stiff ridges near the head of the Anaconda trap dried on fluids. To really clean this area, I recommend using a brush with stiff bristles.