The Basic Essentials Slim Softee by Cal Exotics is, true to its name, slim and soft. Where I believe it departs from its nomenclature is the "essential" part. While the inner geek in me enjoys being able to see the motor and the inner "guts" of my sex toys, I'm not sure this toy makes such a valuable addition to anyone's collection.

This vibrator consists of a hard hollow plastic shaft (which contains the batteries and all the mechanical parts) wrapped in a soft, squishy TPR sleeve (which you can actually peel back). The TPR has a slight smell straight out of the box, but it dissipates after a few washes. There's a raise seam meandering unevenly along the length of the vibrator. The shaft is straight and the TPR extends about an inch beyond the top of the hard shaft. The straightness of the shaft and the flexibility of the TPR makes this toy a traditional vibe through and through: don't even try it for G-spot stimulation.

As far as volume is concerned, on the lower settings this toy is actually fairly quiet. It's also fairly weak (it only takes 2 AAAs). As soon as you turn it all the way up, however, you are subjected to the most horrendous rattling noise you've ever heard (OK, I exaggerate slightly, but not much). It's hard to believe such a loud noise can come from such a slender vibrator, but it's not a fluke and does not go away when you try to adjust the batteries or tamp down the battery cap. It's really loud. And it's still pretty weak.

The big plus of this toy is the texture. The TPR wrapping the inner shaft has several very prominent ridges. These ridges would be far more effective, however, if the toy were thicker. As is, this toy clocks in with a diameter of merely one inch. For me, at least, this makes the texture difficult to feel. Because of the slender diameter, this toy would be excellent for a beginner who is apprehensive about penetration. The vibrations, even on its insanely loud highest setting, weren't strong enough to provide adequate clitoral stimulation for me (and I'm pretty sensitive: no clit o'steel over here). So if you're someone who likes very slender toys and light vaginal vibrations, look into this toy. If not, you should probably skip it.

Since this toy is made of plastic and TPR, it's not sterilizable. It is, however, phthalates-free. If sharing, please use a condom. You can clean this with antibacterial toy cleaner, wipes, or soap and water (and this toy is waterproof, so as long as the battery cap is screwed shut, there's no need to be overly cautious while cleaning).

Next time I'm looking for a translucent toy so I can see its mechanical inner workings, I'll reach for my Turbo Glider.