My first experience with a Hitachi wasn't with my own. I was flat on my back on the floor when we began, and to this day I swear if I had managed to scoot backwards one foot to the right of where I ended up, I would have missed the wall, made it through the doorway, and ended up down the hall in the kitchen, all the while arching my hips up to try to get closer to the fabulously overwhelming machine I was trying to escape.

It's that sort of toy.

The Hitachi vibrator is best described in one word: intense. It has two settings, but I wouldn't call them "low" and "high"- more like "woah" and "eep!". I use mine almost exclusively on the lower setting, as that one has a slight pulsing to it that the higher, more buzz setting does not. A plug in vibe, the Hitachi will never run out of batteries or slow down its rhythm at an inopportune moment, though you'll have to find another way to pass the time when the power goes out. The six foot cord is long enough for me to run it from the outlet behind my bed, up over the headboard, and between my legs, but it isn't long enough to go any further than that, so if you want real versatility with a lover and your Hitachi together, get an extension cord.

The head of it is textured, which means it can be difficult to clean easily. I use a condom over it if I'm using it on someone else or inside of me (to avoid catching anything on the working bits), and simply pull the head off the body when I clean it so I can scrub with soap and water without worry of getting water into the working parts. I don't find the texture noticeable once it is on, but for some it might be too rough. Again, a thicker condom (such as almost any brand of Trojan) can solve that problem for you.

I find that when I play with this vibrator, I need to start lower, letting the vibration move up the labia and get things going, before actually getting into Hitachi-clit action. Even at the end, I'm usually putting this vibrator next to my clitoris rather than on it, or tapping it gently against myself rather than letting it rest. The Hitachi does get hot after 15 minutes or so, but I've had it running for upwards of 90 minutes without that causing any noticeable problems. The head itself is insulated enough that your private parts don't feel the heat, just the hand working the tool.

I can't detect any scent or taste to this toy, which is nice, and I've never had a problem with lube interactions, though I admit I don't use much on it. The head seems to be plastic, but is a squishy low-porosity foam inside. It's loud, which may be an issue for you, but you can always claim you are using it as a massager, as it is *really* good for that use.

I've put mine through its paces for many a night now, and it is still going strong with no trouble. Sturdy and versatile, this one is a must in every collection.

There are several tricks that I've learned while using this with lovers:

Try having your partner insert several fingers into your vagina, and rest their thumb on your clitoris (pinkie finger resting against the anus is optional); then run the Hitachi magic wand vibrator, on high, over their knuckles. Tada, instant vibrating hand!

For the very experienced player, assume cat style position (similar to doggie style, but with your chest resting on the bed), place the condom-covered Hitachi inside you (as if being fisted by the vibrator), and have your partner enter you anally. You get a remarkably full DP sensation, he gets vibration inside of you. This may require some work to find the best position for you both, but is worth it if you can manage it.

If you use rope in your play, remember that vibrations travel well; especially over well placed knots.