I purchased Bubblies the Pop because I was looking for something a bit different, and in particular, a toy that would be a fun addition to the toys that I pack with me when traveling. It passed on both of these factors (it is different in a fun way, and travel-sized), but failed on the whole due to the weak vibration level and the mechanics of operating it.

The "Pop" operates by twisting the two halves together. The tighter together they are, the stronger the vibration. I have never been a big fan of twist-operation toys of this type because it's difficult to tune them to the level you'd like, and doubly so once lube is involved. I find that lube is needed with this toy, as the surface texture is silky but fairly draggy unless your skin is already very lubricated. Luckily, being made of ABS plastic, any type of water- oil- or silicone-based lube will do. Another advantage to the materials and construction of this toy is that it's quite simple to clean with either soap, or with the toy cleaner that the manufacturer, Evolved Novelties recommends (their own brand). Additionally, it's convenient that the toy uses just one triple-A battery, which can be facing either way (positive or negative end up), so it's easy to insert or quickly replace a battery.

I found that the vibrations were strongest in the thinner end of the toy, and weaker in the ball end. I was surprised to read that another reviewer reported the opposite--perhaps there was a manufacturing defect on the toy I tested? This meant that when holding the thinner end as a handle and massaging with the ball end, the ball end was very ineffective and the handle buzzed in my hand to a very distracting degree. I turned the toy around, now using the ball as the handle and applying the thinner end lengthwise, parallel to the clitoral shaft. This worked somewhat better, but even on the highest setting the vibrations were not strong enough. It felt as though both the elongated shape and the surface material of the toy were dispersing the power of the vibrations too much. I ended up using a firm, curved G-spot dildo in combination with the Pop in order to reach orgasm.

The Pop is also insertable, but I find it's too small, short, and straight to be of use vaginally. It could potentially be used anally, in a rimming fashion and perhaps inserting just the thin end, keeping the ball end on the outside. In any case, whether using this as a massager, clitoral vibrator, or minimally-penetrating vaginal or anal toy, this toy is best suited to beginning vibrator users or those who prefer a light, dispersed vibration sensation.

The packaging is minimal, just a clear dome with a handle, which is great. However it would be helpful if some instructions for use were included. When not satisfied with my initial use of the toy I looked to the package to see if perhaps I was missing something. The only suggestion for use is that it is a "discreet massager", and is "bursting with precise multi-speed power". The second description seems like a bit of an oxymoron to me, in most cases "bursting" is the opposite of precision. In the end, I'll be sticking with a more high-powered, simple bullet vibrator as my travel toy of choice.