The Scandalous Skull by Hustler Toys is a simple, multi-speed, ergonomic design. What it lacks in innovation it makes up for in quality, and though it's short on bells and whistles, this simple vibrator has quickly become my go-to tool. As with any dildo, suggested use is insertion. Creative minds can also put this to work as an external stimulator - clitoris, nipples, scrotum, etc. Its soft fleshy texture makes for a blissful insertion and external massage. Due to TPR’s porous nature and inability to be sanitized, I wouldn't suggest sharing this with multiple partners or using it for anal insertion unless it is protected by a condom. Fortunately, a condom sheath will not affect the sensation of the large (but few) textured ribs.

The problem I find with one-speed dildos is that the intensity to be inconveniently strong (during and just after insertion) and disappointingly weak (when nearing orgasm). The Scandalous Skull boasts a multi-speed function that makes it suitable for a variety of intensity preferences. The easy-to-use speed adjustment makes the Scandalous Skull a toy that can fulfill your personal preferences, just by twisting the intensity dial.

Its simplicity allows it to be used with all body types, though its girthy 1 3/4" diameter might not be comfortable for all. Its waterproof design (tested and confirmed – see below!) allows you to use it anywhere your heart desires. Sometimes, the simplest of toys are the ones we find ourselves reaching for the most – as I’ve found recently with this 8-incher from Hustler Toys.

As soon as I took my Scandalous Skull out from its tube-shaped packaging, I gave it a good whiff. No obvious or off-putting odor, just a slight sweet rubbery smell. I left it lying on some blotting paper overnight, to see if any residue oils would run off, and the next morning I was glad to see no oil deposit. I also found that the slight scent dissipated over time.

The Skull is made of a flexible rubber spine (for structure and to case the motor) covered with TPR. There was a slight drag when I ran my fingers across the shaft surface, quite standard with rubberized toys (silicone, TPR). The texture is a magnet for dust and particles, so I’d recommend storing it covered and giving it a rinse before use. TPR can be adjusted for “firmness” by adjusting the polymer blend, so I would compare this toy’s surface “give” with that of a well-done steak (fairly firm, but you can press your thumb into it with some effort). Unlike a penis, the head has less give than the shaft - I assume there’s less TPR padding at the tip. As a wonderful result, the vibrations can be felt quite intensely at the dildo head. The base of the toy is more “fleshy” and “plump” due to the increase in girth and thus TPR. This makes the tip nice and intense for aiming at target erogenous zones: clitoris, nipples, scrotum, etc. Due to the internal vibrating mechanics, the dildo itself is quite firm, but articulates in two places, making it quite flexible.

As mentioned earlier, this product is made with hypo-allergenic, latex-free, phthalates-free TPR. TPR rates 7 (out of 10) on the material safety scale, so even though this toy is fully submersible, it cannot be sanitized. As a result, this toy is not for multiple-partner sharing or anal play unless it is being used with a condom. Fortunately, the Skull’s two textured “ribs” are so prominent that a condom will not interfere with the sensation.

There is a 1” hard plastic dial at the base of the dildo, for adjusting the vibration speed. The plastic has no visible seams, and is a uniform color (no white stress points), indicating high quality. The plastic dial does not affect the user’s experience with the toy because the Scandalous Skull has not been designed for safe insertion at that depth.

Advertised, the toy is 8” in length and 5 ¾” in circumference. Upon measurement, the thickest point of the dildo (the base) actually measures 6”. The rest of the shaft measures 5 ½” at the thickest point, with a 4 ¼” circumference in the deepest ridge. Advertised weight is 9.7 oz.

This is your standard vibrating dildo, simple to use and without the extra bells and whistles.

The two deep ridges provided an interesting texture, but moving it in and out of a tight vagina felt like (what I’d imagine) birthing a small baby. There’s the head... uhhhh, wait... now there’s the shoulders...

For those readers interested in strong, robust texture, this may be for you. There is no mistaking these ridges as they slip in and out. I’m preferential to a more discrete texture, with primary sensation coming from the vibrations, so lately I’ve opted to use this toy for external stimulation. The tip of the dildo is where you’ll find the largest diameter (besides the wide base), which is counter-intuitive to an ergonomic insertion. If I were to redesign this, I think I would have it slightly more tapered. Again, this is personal preference. If I’m in the mood for it, sometimes the thick tip has a nice and girthy “pop” when going in.

The Scandalous Skull is a nice balance for people who people who are undecided about realistic looking toys. The toy has a nice thick mushroomy-head – REAL, and is purple with an embossed “Day of the Dead” Catrina skull – VERY UN-REAL... and very creepy. I don’t really understand the embossed design, and it didn’t make me feel very sexy.

This toy can be used for partner play, but I feel like it’s too large to maneuver in-between bodies for clitoral stimulation during vaginal intercourse.

There are two internal motors: one at the base and one in the tip, making for a uniform-strength vibration along the shaft. There is a plastic twist-dial at the base of the dildo, for adjusting the speed of the continuous vibration (no pulse patterns – steady vibration only). The dial has a guide on it so you know which way to twist, and won’t let you turn any further once it has reached its maximum – an important feature because it keeps the motors from straining. Unfortunately there is no locking mechanism, so unless you’ve got your Scandalous Skull wedged between some tight things in your suitcase, or you’ve secured the dial so it won’t accidentally spin, traveling with it might be problematic. Fortunately the batteries are easy to remove, so if you’re okay with the extra hassle this may be a good option if you’re traveling.

This dildo is powered by two AA batteries – cheap and plentiful! I have used my Skull consistently for several months and have not had to replace the batteries, so I can attest to its reliability and economic power consumption.

The toy produces a fair bit of sound, so if you’re shy and share a wall with a roommate, this might not be a good choice. If you’re like me and live by a busy road, the ambient noise plus duvet do a good job of muffling the sound. That being said, the maximum power is not as intense as it could be – considering the racket. Personally I’d put up with sound if the dildo vibrations were a tad more extreme.

As with most waterproof-advertised toys, I was scared to take it into the water because I actually ENJOYED it and didn’t want it to be murdered. So I dipped in the tip... it still worked. I dipped in the shaft... it still worked. I dropped the whole thing in the water... and it was fine. So I let it buzz around for about 10 minutes just to be sure, and it survived.

I store the Skull in its original packaging, to keep it out of the dust (the tackiness of the TPR loves ambient dust!). A quick spritz with toy cleaner, gentle rub and rinse is usually enough to clean it - just be sure to pay attention to the small embossed grooves that may be hiding DNA!

Both water-based and silicone-based lubes are safe to use with TPR toys, so no need to worry about material decomposition.