Let me begin by saying that the Smart Balls didn't make me feel all that smart when I first used them. In fact, I think I called them a few less pretty names after trying to insert them and having them stick in uncomfortable positions and feel down-right unpleasant. However, after my initial learning curve (which felt a bit more like a learning cliff at times) I've come to enjoy the sensations they provide and the little secret I can carry around inside whilst I do mundane things like clean and study.

The Smart Balls are made of Elastomed, which feels great to the touch sort of a silky matte finish. Apparently (according to comments from a product specialist here on EF) this is 'a hard plastic covered in a matte silicone finish'. However, Elastomed is compatible with silicone lubes. They have slightly raised fins, or little ridges (the contrasting colour part) which heightens the sensations they provide and allows you a bit of texture to grip onto. The retrieval cord is coated as well and will not harbour any bacteria or other nasties. Inside each ball is a little weight which rolls around and produces delicious vibrations which you can feel very well once inserted. These weights are largely inaudible when they move around, but if you stand up in a hurry you might catch a bit of noise, like a marble rolling around, but nothing that immediately screams 'I've got something hiding in here!'

When I first opened the beautiful package the Smart Balls came in I was pleased to encounter a pamphlet with great care instructions and a sample of the Body Fluid lube, which Fun Factory produces, inside. This lube sample is silicone based and doesn't have any reactions with the Elastomed, so you should be fine to use other silicone lubes with them as well. After flicking through the manual I was excited to give these babies a try. They were definitely larger than expected, especially considering I am a rather petite young lady. I lubed them up well and set to work inserting them, but found that I had trouble getting the second ball in and once it was inside things just felt uncomfortable. The place where the cord attaches sticks out and I found it would poke me in places I'd rather not be poked or that the second ball felt like it was about to slip out. After a few minutes I took the Smart Balls out and tried again, with similar results. After two more tries at this at a later date, I had practically given up on them and written them off as too long and unsuited to my body shape, which really irked me. However, finally something just 'clicked'. I think, for me, I had to insert them in a certain way and bend the little centre connector in a particular direction to get them to sit just right and be perfectly comfortable when sitting, standing and moving. So, if you've bought yourself a set and are worried that the first time they didn't sit right, I'd urge you to give it another try and see if you can hit the sweet spot like I did.

To be honest, I can't say I know how much impact these have had on the strength of my vaginal muscles. I mainly bought them to slip in during the day as a little secret and something to get me aroused out in public, without arousing suspicion at the same time! However, it does make me much more aware of what's happening down there and therefore more likely to think about doing my Kegels. The vibrations definitely make me tighten up, which feels great, but the size of the balls makes me wonder how much exercise they actually give me as opposed to pleasure. As I've only had these a couple of weeks it's tough to make a call on their effects, so in my follow up review I'll give you an update.

These little balls clean up fine with a bit of soap and water or toy cleaner. I can't imagine they're the sort of toy you'd really want to share with anyone else in a hurry, but if you did I suppose you could slip a condom over the top. I simply pop mine in my toy-box to store and then give them a quick wash before and after use.