The Hitachi Magic Wand has become the one vibe I cannot live without. Although it's size and volume makes it hard to be used discreetly, the Magic Wand leaves you with the most satisfaction you can get from an external vibe. The length of the wand makes it very easy to move around and find your clitoral sweet spot without straining your arm, but is just as easy to control by holding it at the base of the vibrating bulb. However, I warn you, holding it in this way for too long can make your fingers numb. This toy works best as a clitoral stimulator, nipple teaser, or back massager. (No, really! I have chronic leg pain, and when I am not using it to bring myself to orgasm, I'm using it to get out that knot in my thigh.)

Using the Magic Wand during intercourse can be a challenge. Between the size of the toy itself and the cord getting in the way, you might have to try a few different positions to find the way it works for you. So far using it on yourself while being penetrated from behind is the winner, but I still prefer it as a solo toy.

The shaft of the Magic Wand is plastic but very sturdy and the vibrating bulb seems to be made of a plastic covered foam. It is a little bit rough to the touch, but not something very noticeable. If you're looking for a smoother texture, this is a place where getting an head attachment, or using a condom will be helpful. There isn't any smell to it, or weird noises (just the gentle brrrrrrrrrrrr of orgasmic satisfaction). As far as any taste goes, if you lick it, it is going to taste like plastic, but this isn't exactly an oral toy.

Honestly, the Hitachi Magic Wand looks a little industrial, with it's white plastic exterior and baby blue accents. Not to mention it's size (about 16 inches long) which can be a little intimidating to a first time user. This is not a toy for someone who is more concerned with appearances than function. I'm sure there are a lot more attractive wands on the market, but they are probably not as powerful as this one.

This is a straight forward wand. There aren't any nooks and crannies to feel or discover, and the bulb head is pretty much a flattened sphere. This does not mean, however, that it leaves anything to be desired. It works great and although you are not going to want to display it on your mantel as a piece of art, you are going to want to make sure your friends don't steal it after you describe the powerful orgasms behind it's generic looking exterior.

The Hitachi Magic Wand has two settings, low and high. Personally I have NEVER had to use the high setting. I find the low to work perfectly and act like most vibrator's medium or high settings. Condoms fit nicely over the head which make it easy to share, and I suggest using a water based lubricant with it. Attachments can be purchased to change the texture of the bulb, or for vaginal/anal/ insertion, but I have found the attachments mostly useless.

The Hitachi is a corded toy, which means no need to recharge or change batteries, and it lasts for HOURS. But, this also makes the Hitachi terrible for your electric bill, and makes playtime more than three feet away from an outlet impossible. I highly suggest that if you purchase the Hitachi Magic Wand, you also make a trip to you local home improvement store and pick up an extension cord. After about 40 min of use, the vibrating bulb does get a little warm but nothing painful.

Cleaning is very easy, just a little antibacterial soap, water, and a wash cloth after use keeps the wand in great condition. After a few weeks of constant use, you might have to get a little more involved in cleaning the vibrating head. The grooves in the plastic have a habit of collecting a bit of grime, which is easy to clean by just being a little more aggressive wiping it down.

The Hitachi Magic Wand is NOT water proof and should not be used or cleaned in the bathtub, shower, sink, or dishwasher. Much like your toaster or hair dryer, it has a cord and cords do not like to hang out in water.

Storage can be an issue. This isn't something you can leave on your bed and hope no one will notice. Although they will probably think it is a back massager from Sky Mall, they will notice it. I just leave it in my side table drawer with the cord sticking out the back and plugged in, that way it's always ready for use and I don't have to worry about finding an open outlet whenever the mood strikes me.