The Cone is huge. Really, really huge. It's got a 6 inch diameter at its base, and it tapers upwards to a point for another 6 inches. It's huge and pink. And since it tapers to a point, it looks a little frightening. The Cone takes three C batteries, so it packs a punch, but truthfully it's a little hard to use.

The C batteries are inserted into the bottom of the toy. It's a little hard to get the battery compartment open, and I don't have any tips: you just have to muscle it. Once the batteries are in, you switch the toy on and it is immediately apparent why this toy is going to be bad for people with roommates: it's loud. It gets louder, predictably, as you increase the power level. I ended up having to prop the cone up on top of several stacked pillows to get it to a height where I could comfortably use it, and it took me a few tries to find the right height. It's not the most intuitive toy to use.

What's awesome about the Cone: you can use it hands-free, it has 16 different functions, it puts out a lot of power, and it stays where you put it (the base is weighted). So if you can figure out the perfect placement, it rocks. You can use it externally or for shallow penetration (either vaginally or anally). It's great for diffuse stimulation all over the vulva. It can be used during partner sex, but the easiest way to use it by far is by grinding against it on your own.

Cleaning the Cone is a little tricky. The body of the toy is made of silicone, so it can be sterilized, but you have to be careful since there are mechanical parts inside. Boiling is out, as is the dishwasher. The only way to sterilize this toy without destroying it is by wiping it down with 10% bleach solution. Even if you're not trying to sterilize and are just washing the toy with soap and water, you still have to be careful no to get water into the base of the toy. The safest bet might actually be wiping the Cone down with spray-on toy cleaner or using toy wipes. Just be cautious not to get any liquid into the toy. Since the Cone is made of silicone, you want to avoid using silicone lube (although if you must, do a patch test somewhere along the base).

Also worth a mention: the Cone comes packaged in a cardboard pyramid. It's pretty cool, as packaging goes.

In the end, the Cone will probably work for people who like to get off by grinding against things, provided they can get it to the right height. But for people who don't, this toy is going to seem pretty alien and be more awkward than it's worth. For people who need to keep the noise level down, this is also probably not the best choice. I enjoyed it once I got the hang of it and figured out how to use it to fit my body, but it took a few tries. It's fun, but I wouldn't say it's one of my go-to toys.