Let's start from the outside and move inward. Visuals matter for something I'm going to keep on my nightstand, and I like the packaging of Maximus more than most. The clear bottle is a simple, clean design. The name and graphics give it a slight masculine edge. The pump top really seals it- as far as form and function this bottle hits it out of the park. Easy to use, easy on the eyes.


Performance wise, Maximus also has an edge. It is so thick and almost gel-like that at first I mistook it for a hybrid (water based with some silicone added) rather than a straight up water based lube. Impressive! It gives a silky glide with no tackiness or gumminess that I could detect. It's also rather economical, as you don't have to start off applying as much of this as you would a water based lube due to the viscosity and high glycol content (which helps it last longer and retain natural moisture). There was no need to reapply for vaginal sex, but you'd probably want to keep it nearby for anal (as you would with almost any lube). No smell that I could detect, but a slightly bitter taste. Not something you'd want in your mouth.

The really nice feature of Maximus (and it's sister, Liquid Silk) is that it is bio-static. It will stop the spreading of yeast infections, fungi, and other bacterial action that it comes in contact with. This is a unique feature that you can't really find with most other lubes. If there is one area Maximus really excels, it is anal. The bio-static element and the viscosity are a great combination that help to make things run smoothly. It is also really nice to have a thick long lasting lubricant that is safe to use with silicone, elastomer, and other rubber toys. As a fan of strap-on sex and silicone toys in general, I really appreciate that.


Maximus does have a downside, and it's a big one. One look at the ingredients reveals parabens. This can be a deal breaker for some folks, it's really up to you. If you are sensitive and get that burning sensation, this is one to avoid.

Lastly, Maximus isn't as easy to wash off as other water based lubes and can leave a residue if you let it dry. The residue is nothing you can't wash off, just something to be aware of, especially around delicate fabrics. It can also dry on the bottle pump and get clogged up if you're not careful.

I still use Maximus sometimes during anal with a silicone toy, but otherwise I find this lube holding less appeal. I still like the biostatic aspect, but other than that there are water-based lubes on the market that perform just as well with fewer ingredients and without the risk of allergic reactions to parabens. I still really appreciate the convenience of a pump top on the nightstand, but on the downside this means Maximus gets left behind when traveling. It's a trade off.