At first, I couldn't find any buttons to turn it on, until I realized Picobong is written sideways on the top of the bullet in raised letters. There is a + and - in the P and B of the name and that is where the controls are. I find this to be an odd placement for buttons and it's definitely not anything I've experienced before. However, once I became acquainted with it I found it very easy to use and have not had any issues with using it. I am able to feel where the controls are without looking, and do not have any issues pressing them.
To use, hold down the + to turn on the Koa, and continue holding the + to increase the vibration intensity. You cannot press the buttons to increase the power, you have to continually hold it until you reach the highest level. Once at the highest level, hold + for two seconds to go through the vibration patterns. Continue pressing the + for two seconds to cycle between the different patterns. Press - to decrease the vibration intensity or to return to continuous vibration while you're in pulsation mode. Hold the - for a few seconds to turn off the toy.
It has 12 different functions the first level is constant vibration pattern that increases in intensity, but is not considered to be very strong even at the highest setting. The other settings are as follows:
2: on-off pulses
3: fast pulses
4: faster pulses
5: fastest pulses
6: rollercoaster
7: faster rollercoaster
8: up and then down, back up and then repeat
9: wave vibration
10: increasing vibration with three fast pulses
11: increasing vibration with five fast pulses
12: random variations of patterns
Here's a picture of the patterns I found on Lelo's site.
I prefer steady vibrations, but it's nice that there is a wide selection of patterns for those who enjoy them. The vibrations are located throughout the entire length of the bullet, and are considered to be rumbly which I love and is the first bullet that I've found with rumbly vibrations. However, the power is just not there for me to be able to achieve climax. I'd consider the overall power of the Koa to be a 3 Vroom at the highest setting. I have to have a high 4 Vroom or 5 Vroom to be able to climax. I admit I wish more bullets would come with rumbly vibrations, and I do love that about the Koa. Another good thing about Koa is that no matter how long you use it, it never leaves your flesh hot and burning. I've had instances with other vibrators with this happening, but that is not the case with Koa.
When I was experimenting with it as a cock ring, the vibrations could be felt when placed on Uma, but not so much when placed on the one dildo I have. However, I was also able to test it on the amethyst to see how the vibrations traveled through glass, and I found that the vibrations could be felt on the end nearest where I clipped the Koa, but not on the end farthest away. I do not have any steel products to test this out yet so I can't tell you how it performs with that material. Overall, the vibrations travel better through my vibrators than any other object I tested. However, there's no need to make my vibrator vibrate so that is useless. I was hoping that it might give my vibrator an extra power boost, but I couldn't tell any difference when I tried it this way.
This requires 1 AAA battery to power the Koa, and the battery lasts a very long time. I tested it on high on and off throughout the majority of the day and it lasted for my testing. When the battery is fixing to die, you will notice a decrease in power and then it will shut off. I would consider it to last a good few hours of continuous use until the battery gives out, but again that depends on what setting you have it on and the intensity.
Lelo suggests to not use rechargeable batteries because doing so will result in decreased vibration intensity. So I had to test Lelo's claim in this because I so happen to use rechargeable batteries all the time and they're the only battery I use for everything. Fortunately, I had a normal alkaline battery on hand. My results are that both alkaline and rechargeable batteries give off the smae amount of power. Sorry Lelo I don't know where your validity came from, but for my case that was just not so.
To insert battery, unscrew the base attachment from the vibe right where the silicone and plastic meet. Turn counter clockwise and place the battery positive side up. Turn clockwise to shut, and make sure that it is securely closed to ensure that water won't seep in.
This is considered to be waterproof and I tested it out and it passed both inspections. I take showers so first I tested it out in the shower with me, and I did not have any issues with it. To test it submerged, I ran a sink full of water and placed the Koa in there, and it happily buzzed in circles in the sink. I did not have any issues with leakage or diminished power. According to Lelo's website, its waterproof capabilities last up to 1 meter.
It is virtually silent and can't be heard through closed doors or through thin walls.