Ever since I received my Hitachi Magic Wand I’ve felt the need to own and review every hand held massager I can get my hands on. So far I’ve managed to try 3 different products in the Fairy line, the Ideal by Natural Contours, and with the recent package I received I finally got to try the Couture Collection Inspire.

Packaging

Unlike a lot of the packaging that California Exotics products come in this one is rather discreet, respectful and professional in appearance. There are no half naked men or women cavorting around, no suggestive statements or hints that could come across as “inappropriate” and definitely no other imagery that could be considered crass.

The Goods

The massager is made of a hard ABS plastic with PU Cote causing it to be both body safe and velvety to the touch. In total length it measures 7.5” inches by 1.5” inches around, allowing it to be rather small and not too intimidating. The head is slightly flexible and looks to be about the size of a large golf ball, being neither too large nor too small.

Located on the head is a removable silicone cap that supposedly makes cleaning easier, however I would have much rather preferred they made the cap non-removable as it’s just one more thing to have to worry about losing. Aside from that, once you remove the cap the internal design has many crevices and ridges where debris could get lodged which actually makes cleaning harder than it needs to be.

Operating the Inspire is extremely easy as there is only one button (located on the handle) to worry about; press the button and the Inspire will begin vibrating at a low pitched rumble, hold it down for 5 seconds and it goes to the next speed which is quite a bit faster and definitely stronger, another 5 seconds and it moves to a much faster vibration (almost hand numbing after 10 seconds), 5 more seconds and it goes up another notch (very intense) and finally another 5 seconds and your dealing with a speed that’s seriously extreme. To turn it off just press the button one more time and it quickly shuts off.

For as strong as it is the volume of the Inspire is surprisingly not as loud as I would have expected. That’s not to say that it’s quiet, because it’s not, it’s just not as loud as others I’ve tried. On that note, if you’re looking for a quiet hand held massager, one that won't be heard through a door or by people in the next room, I’d suggest the Fairy Mini Wand or Fairy Pocket Mini over the Inspire.

Lubes/Care & Cleaning

When it comes to lubes I would only suggest a good water based lube, especially considering the cap is made of silicone. I know I’ve said it a hundred times over but I’d rather have you be informed than to make a mistake and ruin your product.

As for cleaning, since the product *isn’t* waterproof I would suggest you either wipe it down with a damp cloth then let it air dry, use a toy cleaning wipe to disinfect it, or use your favorite brand of spray on toy cleaner.

The Bad

While there was much that I did like about the product, there were a few things that I didn’t;

1.) Maybe it’s just me but I think there should be a limit to how powerful the vibration on a product can be. Having said that, I do understand that for some women the need for an extremely powerful product is an absolute must (me being one of those women), but the Inspire just seems too much. Way too much. Even for me.

2.) Keeping in line with the issue listed above, the fact that you can’t go backward in speeds is a definite drawback as the only way to lessen the vibe is to turn it off and start all over again. To be honest, it’s a bit of a pain in the ass.

3.) While I love that you don’t need batteries, the fact that you have to plug it into the base of the wand, making it also easily removable, means that you run the risk of having the product stop should you thrust or pull in the slightest way. Again, it’s a pain in the ass.

4.) The fact that the head cap is removable is just plain stupid. Seriously, it’s just one more thing to worry about losing, and considering that the internal structure of the head has bumps, ridges, and basically looks like something you wouldn’t want to use on it’s own, the cap is something you definitely won’t want to lose.

Other Uses

While it is meant to be a hand held massager, you know, the kind for sore backs, shoulders, feet and other tired and aching muscles, it doesn’t mean you can’t use it in more creative and orgasm inducing ways ;)

* *If you like clitoral stimulation during masturbation this would be a great product to try as it’s easy to use, comfortable to hold and has a range of speeds. I wouldn’t suggest inserting it vaginally or anally; it’s not made for that and could really hurt during removal.

* *Because of its unique and small design it fits comfortably between partners during intercourse. With that in mind, for those of you who prefer positions like “doggy style” or “cow girl”, where there is more room to maneuver (since there isn’t a body on top of you), the Inspire can be used to directly target the clitoris by either partner.

* *For those who enjoy teasing, taunting or torturing your partner with foreplay (in the good way and the bad) the Inspire could be very easily run over the erogenous zones to bring on a heightened level of arousal to your lover. Now add that insane high speed and you’ve got one hell of a “torture” device. (Reminder: if you engage in S&M play make sure you have a ‘safe word’ before starting and are listening to your partner should they need to say it.)

I still like the Couture Collection Inspire, though I find myself being drawn to other hand held massagers. The fact that the bottom adapter becomes detached rather easily is a big drawback. If they changed that I think it would be a pretty amazing product!