This was my first vibrator purchase, and at first an intimidating one. In person, its texture and thickness were more than I was expecting, and the velvety texture, which had at first seemed like a plus, made it impossible initially to insert. I first tried using it for external stimulation, with little luck -- its shape was easy to hold on to, but I couldn't apply it to my clitoris very easily. Its rounded end worked very well, however, for stimulating my nipples. After a while, and having almost resigned myself to using it as a back massager, I conquered my fear that the toy simply wouldn't fit inside of me, and tried again. The rounded head is supposed to be for easier insertion, but I found its thickness, coupled with the knobby texture, an obstacle at first. The texture isn't so extreme that I'd recommend the toy to people who specifically like majorly textured toys, but for a first-timer, it was a lot to handle. If you're not already very aroused/wet, it's very difficult to insert, especially (I'd imagine) for a newcomer to toys like myself. I found it much easier to work with after applying lube generously, especially with a condom or a toy cover, or after "warming up" with another toy or with manual masturbation.

The material is very pleasantly matte to the touch, but it led to tricky insertion, as I mentioned. I found it worked well with a water-based lube, but plastic is compatible with silicone-based lubricant as well. There was no give to the plastic at all, and the Dream Massager is pretty much entirely rigid, but the vibrations traveled very well the full length of the shaft, and after insertion the noise was nearly nonexistent. (When just held in the hand, it's a little more noticeable, but I'd still rate it no more than two bees, maybe one and a half. Much quieter than an electric toothbrush, and quieter than the bullet vibe that came free with my order.)

The dial is situated at the bottom knob, which also functions as the handle -- this made it easy to select a setting before insertion. After insertion vaginally, I felt like I didn't have a ton to hold on to -- never to such an extreme that I felt like I'd lose the toy, but I would not suggest using this vibe (or any toy without a flared base!) anally. It was perfectly serviceable while solo, but I imagine that fumbling around for the dial or the toy's base with a partner might be awkward. I found the Dream Massager quite effective on its own for stimulation, but the odd shape that had made it so difficult for the initial insertion was most pleasurable for thrusting.

The Dream Massager's waterproof, and I was excited to give it a shot in the shower, but if you can't insert it without lube, be careful you don't wash all your lube away. It's also definitely worth an experiment with different angles of insertion. I couldn't hit my G-spot with this vibe, at least not on my first few tries, but I've never been able to achieve a G-spot orgasm, either. It was very effective on its own or coupled with clit stimulation, and made for pleasant external stimulation as well, though on its highest setting it's seriously buzzy. All in all -- I wish I'd picked a toy with a less intimidating texture for my first toy, but after overcoming the insertion hurdle and finding out what worked for me, I found it a really satisfying toy with a satisfying fullness.