The Dukes were my first experience with vaginal exercisers. I've never given birth, so I don't think I have a "need" to tighten up, but I like the idea of it. My mathematical analytical mind likes being able to measure everything. I thought an exerciser would give me a way to do that with my vagina! (Disclaimer: yes, I am a huge dork) However, they were not so noticeable once inserted. I thought at first that I was already too tight and they were doing nothing. However, after some time I would begin to notice them again, and realized that I had been holding a mild Kegel for the entire time! I had to think to relax instead of thinking to hold it. It is a fun way to remember to do you pelvic floor exercises.

There are two materials that come in contact with the body. The silicone sleeves, and plastic weights. The silicone is not as much of a lint magnet as I've come to expect from that material. It is very thin and stretchy to accommodate the weights. The weights are hard plastic, which means when in use the exerciser is firm and has no give at those parts. The connecting bits on the double weight sleeve and the retrieval cords are very flexible to allow for comfortable wear.

There is a "seam" around the opening of the silicone sleeve when the weights are inside. This texture is very slight and caused no discomfort during insertion.

This system is great because it allows you to ramp up the weight at your own pace. It comes with two sleeves: one that holds one weight, and one that can hold two weights. It also comes with two of each; the 30 gram weights and 40 gram weights. This means you can wear, 30, 40, 60, 70, or 80 grams.

The single weight sleeve is shaped like a sperm. I really love that the retrieval cord is silicone, but it certainly adds to the sperm-like shape. The "cord" is a bit thick and I occasional noticed it when I sat down, and would have to briefly stand and re-sit. But overall it was comfortable for long term wear.

The double weight sleeve is the same shape as the single, but with a small connecter and another bulb attached. I was worried that I would have trouble inserting both parts. The weighted part is 3.5 inches and the tail is another 3 inches. I was worried that my non-aroused vaginal depth would be too shallow, but it was no problem at all.

The end of the sperm tails have a firmer bulb on them to make grasping them easier during removal. A very nice design touch, especially if there is lube on it.

The weights are a bit tricky to get in and out of the sleeves, but I don't know if I would call that a con. It takes a while to stretch the opening around the little balls, and I'm always afraid I might rip the thin silicone. So far the silicone has held up, and I don't want the weights TOO easy to remove. I wouldn't want them falling out inside! That could be awkward.

They are easy to insert, but I'm not sure a beginner would need or want vaginal exercisers. Their purpose is not arousal, and I know my beginner issue was not being able to relax enough to get ANYTHING in. So it may be counter productive in some ways for an absolute beginner.

I really like how the Duke performed. I could wear the 30 gram one all day and not notice it for the most part. I thought it wasn't doing anything until later in the evening, when it started to feel like the ball would fall out. I must have been doing something without thinking about it, since the muscles were getting tired! And the different weights made a difference. At the max of 80 grams, I could feel the weights after only a couple hours, instead of my all day experience with the smaller weights.

Since the sleeves are silicone, they can be sterilized by either boiling them, or dipping them in a diluted bleach solution. The plastic weights however cannot be sterilized, so I would not share this toy. Be sure to only use water based lube with the Dukes since silicone lube can react with the silicone sleeves.

Normally I take the weight out, and wash both the weight and sleeve in soap and water. I then get excess water out of the sleeve, and place it on a clean drying tray. (I have a plastic plate specifically for air drying sex toys that do not stand on their own) I am always careful to place the sleeves opening side down, so any excess water can drip out.

The packaging for the Dukes is really classy. It is a sleek black box with silvery white writing, and a cut out so you can see the toy. The toy itself sits inside a plastic clam shell. The packaging is elegant and would make a lovely gift, but it is not classy to give an exercise tool for a gift, unless you are really sure that is what the person wants.

While classy, it is not discreet. The toy is clearly visible and the box mentions "passion", "ecstasy" and "waterproof for shower pleasure". I liked how the toy worked, but I wouldn't use those words to describe my "workout". I would hazard a guess that they have standard phrases that make it onto most of their packaging.

The back of the box has a description in both English and French, as well as an icon of the double weight sleeve. There is also information on how wonderful and safe silicone is.

I really appreciated that there were no corny pictures of half naked women. Just the toy and information.