Being a double-dildo, you can easily grasp this toy from either end. While the smooth end might feel more natural, the ridges along the opposing side offer snug little niches for your fingers. Being glass, the item could be a bit uncomfortable for two partners trying to use it simultaneously, without a bit of maneuvering. Its design and thickness make it equally useful as a vaginal or an anal toy, or even a toy to stimulate other parts of the body.

Avalon is made of glass, so it is fairly clean and modern looking. There is no real texture to speak of, but it makes up for that in other ways, such as its ability to retain cold or heat. It is firm, so you have to be careful inserting it as you can damage yourself. However, this can be a good thing, as with the right angle you can better stimulate yourself internally. The fact that it is glass makes it something worthwhile for either beginners or someone more advanced with sex toys.

The shape of the Avalon varies, depending on which end you decide to use. On the one hand you have a smooth, sleek side with a somewhat thicker tip. On the other side, there are three of those thicker portions, creating something akin to a butt plug, in effect. While it's only about 1" thick, it still gives decent sensations, though a little thicker wouldn't have hurt. This also makes it a rather decent toy for the average user, or those just starting out, as there is less intimidation of thickness. With its sleek and slender shape, in addition to the carry bag, it would be easy to slip it into a pocket or bag, rolled up in an article of clothing.

One of the better features about the Avalon is the double-ended design. You can hold it from either end, and the different shapes work to ensure it acts like two toys in one, which I liked. Another good thing about this item is its ability to work with temperatures. You can heat it up or chill it to stimulate yourself in different ways, depending on your personal preference.

Avalon is 100% dishwasher safe. But let's be realistic, you can't always stick your sex toy in the dishwasher, especially when living with family. It might get a little hard to explain. Of course, Avalon is made of glass, so it's easy to just use the sink to wash it. Good hot water and soap, and it's clean and sparkly in a short time. Its smooth design makes it even easier to clean, as there aren't any nooks or crannies to deal with. Storing it is just as easy, as you don't have to worry much about the temperature of the item, and it comes with a lovely red bag with a drawstring.

Lubrication is just as easy, as it works with anything from saliva to water-based or silicone-based. You don't have to worry about melting your toy with the wrong lube here.

My experience with Avalon was rather positive. While I can't say it was thick enough, it was a great introduction into the world of temperature play. I took a plastic cup with about 8 oz. of water, heated it in the microwave for maybe 2 minutes, and then I slipped Avalon down into it like its own little hot tub. After only a minute or two of this, it was ready to go.

The heat was definitely stimulating, though I would caution beginners to this type of play to start off touching it to a less sensitive area, such as their hand, and moving up to the more sensitive ones. This way you can learn how to accept the heat, and learn to know your limits.

Cold is another valid point here. So with the same cup, this time with water and ice, I chilled down the Avalon. This provided other stimulation. To be honest, they both rendered a toe curling effect on me, which doesn't come often. Now if only it could be arranged to have half the toy heated while the other half was chilled...