Jack-Aide Thick Gel Density by Zero Tolerance is billed as a thick hybrid gel, a mix of water-based and silicone lubricants. While developed and marketed as a masturbation lube, the packing indicates it is condom safe and can be used during sex. As it contains silicone, it shouldn’t be used with toys made of silicone, but the packaging indicates Jack-Aide is “toy safe.” My product test was done during a solo masturbation session.

I think the appeal of “hybrid” lubes is to offer the versatility and texture of a water-based lube, while granting the “longer lasting” qualities of their silicone counterparts, without the stickiness that sometimes accompanies water-based lubes.

Labeled as a “thick gel,” I found the lubricant to live up to this claim. As I applied the initial amount to the head of my penis, I was happy to see it pile up in a thick gel-like dollop. Often times, I will apply lube to one spot, only to have it pour right off and make a big mess. The lube was definitely thick, and spread easily. I had to add a second amount to fully coat my cock, but it didn’t seem as if I was wasting the stuff. The container is not too flimsy, but it wasn’t difficult to apply the lube. I’m sure the thick consistency helps in this regard.

This hybrid lube seemed to live up to its expectation. While at the outset it seemed to have the sensual quality of a good silicone lubricant, there was also a stickiness that I associate with water-based lubes. Personally, this “tacky” texture doesn’t appeal to me during hand-to-cock masturbation, because I don’t care for how sticky (and even clammy) it can make my hand feel.

The overall texture didn’t seem to change much during use. I tend to prefer a lube that glides more as it warms to my body temperature, and becomes more sensual in texture the longer the stroking lasts. While Jack-Aide Thick Gel didn’t really perform this way, it also seemed to remain consistent in its texture, surely due to the silicone. Even though my session lasted less than fifteen minutes, I had to reapply about five minutes in, but I added a bit more and the lube did not evaporate again to the point where it needed to be reapplied.

Jack-Aide Thick Gel had no discernible scent. I did a perfunctory “taste test” and noticed a bitter taste, so if you’re planning to use this in conjunction with sex (especially oral sex), you might want to use a lube that doesn’t have any taste issues. Frankly, I think most people who use this will grab it as a lube strictly for jacking off, so the taste probably won’t be an issue for most users.

The product had to be reapplied once after five minutes of masturbation, but after the second application it remained consistent in its texture until I was finished. One of the worst qualities of any lube (in my opinion) is one that remains thick and greasy right after use. While this hybrid product didn’t evaporate the way a water-based lubricant would, I still didn’t notice any unpleasant after effects. As indicated by the bottle, soap and warm water should be used for clean up, and washing up afterwards wasn’t a big chore when using the recommended method.

Performance-wise, I was a little more hopeful that the lube would offer more of that wonderfully sensual texture I associate with other silicone-based lubes. In the end, I think mixing the two types might be a drawback. While the Thick Gel might offer a longer-lasting experience (compared to water-based products alone) for those who enjoy protracted sessions, the addition of the water-based lube into the mix really made the overall texture a bit of a disappointment for me.

I tested the smallest (1 ounce) version of Jack-Aide Thick Gel. The package is a small long upright bottle (about the size of a thick Magic Marker), with a sealable push top cap. Though small, it stays firmly upright. The cap seems to seal well when closed, and - after use - I didn't notice any residue on the outside of the package.

While not overly discreet (the product is labled JACK-AIDE Masturbation Lubricant and features an illustration of a male fist assuming the masturbation position), the label seems to peel off without much effort, leaving a clear bottle with a black cap, if you wanted to eliminate the label altogether. Either way, it’s the perfect size for travel, whether you’re headed across the country in a plane, or across town for a hot date.

If you consider it a special feature, this lubricant is a hybrid of water-based and silicone-based lubes. If you’re curious about the distinct properties of either, I think it would be smarter to try a sample of either kind, rather than experience both at once.

Overall, the experience for me was just an average one. I’ve used some lubes that were so fantastic, I always make a point to keep a bottle (or jar or tube) of them around. On the other hand, I’ve tried some lubes that are such a mess or don’t provide a good experience, that they’re tossed in the trash after one or two uses. Keep in mind, lubricants are like anything else. What works for me, might be a big let down for the next guy. And something that doesn't quite get me there, might be just what another masturbator is looking for. The great thing about many of these lubes is they come in smaller sizes, so it's a less expensive, less wasteful way to try out new ones and see which is a good personal fit.

While my experiment with Jack-Aide Thick Gel wasn’t an unpleasant one, I certainly didn’t find it to be an amazing lube. Pure silicone lubes like Pjur Bodyglide and ID Millenium are two of my favorites, for both sex and masturbation, and Jack-Aide Thick Gel didn’t come close to providing the overall experience those do. However, a strictly water-based lube is never my first choice for a solo experience (too sticky, evaporates too fast, doesn’t usually provide a decent texture for long periods of time), so having the silicone introduced to this product definitely made it much better than any water-based I’ve tried for jacking off (except maybe for Probe Light, which has the same consistency as precum; but you have to apply so much of it, even during a short stroke, that it’s not one I use often).