The Maven masturbating sleeve from Vibratex is a hefty little piece of squishy elastomer. Seven inches in length, and accommodating up to two inches in diameter, the Maven is sure to work for most factory installed cocks out there, and even the extremely girthy and long might well find success with this toy due to the stretchiness of the sleeve. Maven is open at only one end (but if one was so inclined, a small hole could be bored into the closed end to pave the way for the more significantly endowed or those who prefer “flow through” sensation with their masturbation sleeves), but that end makes no attempt to look like a pussy, ass or mouth – which is refreshing, frankly. Maven's inner surface is contoured with a series of bumps – but fear not, the elastomer that Maven is made from is incredibly squishy, so the bumps will only provide subtle sensations, not rough rub spots.

Maven is compatible with water based lubes and silicone lubes. And lube, my friends, is essential – as Maven is a tad sticky in her natural state. Maven likes to puck up fuzz and hairs, so it is recommended that she be stored in a plastic bag, possibly dusted with cornstarch or wrapped in a soft lint free cloth. Since Maven is only open on one end, she must be cleaned inside out after use, and completely dry before she is put away for storage. Treated this way, Maven should enjoy a long and wank worthy lifetime. Do note, however, that Maven would not be very condom friendly (too much friction), and is porous, so it's really a one penis kind of toy.

Maven is one of the least expensive and most effective toys in my arsenal - and I can't even use myself! Maven comes out to play when I give my partner a hand job, because I like the assistance, the ease of use, and most importantly, the variety it imparts upon the act. Because Maven must be used with lube, I make sure to choose a flavored lube, just in case I want to get in there with some lip and tongue action. For this specific purpose, I actually prefer lubes with glycerin, as I find they recharge best, stay smoother for longer, and taste good. Glycerin containing lubes should be avoided for use in vaginal sex, however, so choose wisely based on the scenario. When using Maven to masturbate my partner, I must take care not to give it too much gusto too fast – Maven works wonders and she works them fast, owing to her incredible vacuum ability due to being closed at one end. My partner likes to refer to Maven as “his hitachi”, because he can get himself off with it *so* fast during solo sex.

But Maven isn't just a one trick pony. Oh no, she has other abilities up her sleeve. Maven makes an incredible impact toy – her squishiness makes her flatten out on impact, distributing the impact force over a wider area. She thuds instead of stinging, owing to her heft and the way she flattens out. She thuds heavier when struck so that the closed end hits, and this feels a bit like a ball on a stick. When struck so that her open end hits, she thuds lighter and stings somewhat, and as an added bonus will make a “ppppt!” sound on occasion, almost like she's laughingly mocking the situation. I like to wield Maven lightly as a face slapper – of course, only because my partner likes it – or just a wee bit rougher as a cock slapper. If I'm feeling a tad more sadistic, I'll pummel on inner thighs with Maven, usually with some lube inside of her so that when she “PPPPT!”s, she does so loudly and mists somewhat. My partner complains, of course, but it does the trick every time – usually after a few whacks with the Maven his equipment is standing at firm attention, begging me to use the toy as originally intended.

As a long time user of the maven, one thing I should note is that it has amazing longevity. Granted, I have kept mine wrapped in a soft cloth and in a zip lock bag, but the elastomer material hasn't gotten sticky or "nasty" the way these soft skin like materials can with time. For $30, I am amazed that this masturbator is still going strong, well over a year later.