Serving as the next generation of ben wa balls from Fun Factory, the Smart Balls Teneo Duo pick up where the original Smart Balls left off. These new balls are slightly larger, but the major differences are in the material, texture and retrieval cord. The Teneo Duo balls are coated in 100% silicone, making them more hygienic and safe than the original Smart Balls. Like their predecessors, these vaginal balls are connected to one another with a piece of silicone, and have a retrieval cord to assist in removal. This cord is also made from silicone, and is quite stretchy. A small hollow in the second ball is designed to make insertion easier, though even with this help I found inserting the balls a challenge the first few times.

Texturally, the Teneo Duo balls have a ridged and ‘carved’ surface, which can definitely be felt during insertion – in fact, for me this texture was actually a little uncomfortable when pushing the balls inside. Once firmly seated inside of me, however, the raised parts of these balls granted extra sensation.

Ben wa balls, far from just looking pretty, are designed to serve a purpose: they are designed to tone and strengthen the pelvic muscles, as well as provide pleasure when used. Inner balls made from metal or another material provide silent vibrations while exercising, and if positioned correctly one ball can easily push up against the G-spot. Flexing and releasing one’s pelvic muscles against the firm weight of a set of ben wa balls or other vaginal exercisers strengthens these muscles, leading to more pleasurable sexual experiences.

Being made of silicone, the Teneo Duo balls can be washed with warm soapy water, sterilized with a 10% bleach solution or boiling water, or even thrown in the dishwasher (top rack, no soap). Silicone-based lube should definitely not be used with these balls, and given the lack of a flared base, anal use is not recommended.

Having used these balls over the past several weeks, I've noticed a small but definite improvement in the strength of my pelvic muscles, and in my orgasms. When you are finished using these balls, bearing down and pushing helps to remove them without breaking the silicone retrieval loop.