I am a big fan of the good old fashioned plug-in version of the Wahl "personal massager." It's really not bad as a massager for sore muscles, and I think it's pretty phenomenal as a powerful clitoral vibrator. Still, there are disadvantages to being constantly tethered to an outlet. Enter the Mini Wand rechargeable massager.

Overall, the Mini Wand shares many of the virtues of the full size version: powerful vibrations, seven different easy to switch heads, and a discreet look. Plus, no power chord.

As far as I am concerned, though, it has one tragic flaw--it is LOUD. It is the loudest vibrator I have ever heard, and I have heard quite a few.

It's much, much louder than the plug-in Wahl, which is rather quiet on low and fairly moderate on high. It is even significantly louder than the high setting on the famed Hitachi Magic Wand, which has a bit of a reputation for being noisy.

Noise wise, it's rather like running a blender in your pants.

This is probably not the vibrator for you if have roommates, thin walls, sleeping children or anyone you don't want asking you about that REALLY LOUD noise emanating from your bedroom. On the other hand, since the Mini Wand is billed, and designed, as a personal messager rather than a sex toy, I suppose you could leave it laying about and just claim it's for your sore neck.

Personally, I really can't get over the noise level, but, if you don't mind that, it seems to be a pretty good product. It's smaller and lighter than the original Wahl. It only has one intensity setting, but that setting is really quite powerful. It has a deep, rumbly vibration that competes with the intensity of the most powerful plug-in vibrators.

The Mini Wand also comes with a handy little storage/charging stand, which you can probably leave out in open if you like, since the design hardly makes you think "sex toy."

The packaging claims it runs for over two hours on a single charge. I haven't specifically tested this claim. Did I mention it is LOUD? But, it certainly seems to run plenty long enough to get me off (maybe 10-20 minutes).

It also has the seven interchangeable massage heads that I mentioned earlier. They are billed as things like "deep muscle," "scalp," and "facial" messagers. My personal favorite is the "spot application" tip because it provides a very focused pinpoint stimulation. But, if you like a more diffuse vibration or strong pressure or interesting textures, you can probably find something you like among the seven choices, which, by the way, are exactly the same options offered with the original Wahl messager.

The tips are all made from a hard plastic, and they are easy to clean since you can just pop them off and submerge them in soapy water. Whether or not they can be truly sanitized is unclear, so it is probably best to use a barrier like a condom if you want to share.

Every time I turned on this toy while I was trying to write this review, my boyfriend begged me to "turn it off already." Even when he was in the next room. It is that noisy.