I was recently able to select a toy from a new-to-me toy distributor based in the United Kingdom, LoveHoney. I had a difficult time making a decision, to be honest, not only because there was a great variety of toys to choose from but because I really liked the LoveHoney website’s layout and writing style.

I finally decided on the Vida Vanta Vibrator, a rechargeable luxury vibrator by Vida. This is my first Vida vibrator, so I was curious to see whether the toy and packaging would live up to its photographs.

The package came remarkably fast, considering it was originating in the UK. One of the best shipping experiences I’ve had. Even though I live in the United States, this review is of a Vida Vanta with a charging cord for UK outlets. I had no problems using this with an outlet adapter.

As soon as the Vanta arrived, I couldn’t wait to unpack it. A very minimalist white outer cardboard box concealed a black train case. This seems like overkill for a small vibrator at first but it provides a great way to store and transport the Vanta as well as lube, toy cleaner, condoms and anything else you feel you might need. The train case is well made and contained a fitted foam bed that the Vanta was snuggled into and the charger below that. Tucked into the top was a soft carry case that tied shut. Lots of extra room!

The Vanta itself is a small clitoral vibrator, only five inches long under an inch and a half wide. It’s a lovely rich black in both a shiny and matte surface with a pink accent. I must admit that I love a pink and black combination, so it only made me like it more. The Vanta did have a slight chemical smell that might have been mold release. I gave the Vanta a bath in toy cleaner before I began to play with it. There was no odor or taste after I’d done that. There were no manufacturing defects I could find on the Vanta eiither. The vibrator was very well assembled and finished.

I pried out the small plug that covers the Vanta’s charging plug and set it to charge. When I’d done this, I had to laugh that the Vanta has a border around the control button that glows pink when it’s charging . A nice touch!

Just to make sure it was charged completely, I left the Vanta plugged in overnight. It has a listed charge time of two hours but I’ve been disappointed before when I’ve not let new toys fully charge before playing with them. The next day, the pink border was off, so the vibrator was fully charged.

The Vanta has only a single control button that cycles through its five vibration patterns and on/off. The Vanta does tend to be more of a buzzy/high pitched vibrator than one of the deep, throbbing vibrators I tend to prefer. That said, the Vanta’s a great vibrator design with a curved arc that lets you nestle the tip between your labia for excellent clitoral stimulation without having to do maneuvers worthy of a circus acrobat.

Another very nice thing about the Vanta is that its size. It’s light, easily maneuvered and won’t require you to explain the onset or return of carpal tunnel to your doctor. Even vibrating at its most intense speed, my hand and wrist never ached and I never had numb fingers. I did wish that the Vanta could be powered off (by holding down the control button) and when it was powered back on, it would remember what setting it had been at. A small complaint, really.

I found the Vanta’s controls easy to use, even while changing vibration patterns mid-masturbation and I didn’t have to look for the button. It was easy to locate with my thumb and I appreciated that it wasn’t a dial, which are usually more difficult to manipulate. When turned on, the pink outline of the control button lights up again, too!

The Vanta can go at a steady clip (buzz?) for two hours though I think my hand would need a break before that – but it’s definitely not a vibrator that will give up before you’re satisfied. This is definitely a clitoral vibe and not one meant for insertion but I could see its use as a perineal vibrator for my partner, too. So far, I’ve not caught him to try it out though.

Caring for the Vida Vanta is easy since it’s listed as submersible. I do have a bit of a fear of really keeping it under water for a long period of time because the charging port is only covered by a silicon flap and plug combo and I’m always afraid those won’t quite be totally watertight but it’s certainly up to a thorough bath with plenty of soap and water. Storing the Vida is equally easy given it’s great train case but if you choose to store other toys in that case, be sure to keep them from contact just In case there’s any sort of chemical interaction.

If you are looking for a well-made and lovingly packaged clitoral vibrator with multiple speeds that is waterproof and won’t drive you to the poorhouse with its appetite for batteries, the Vida Vanta may be a perfect vibrator for you. If you need a more throbbing, heavier vibration, it may not do the trick but could make a lovely appetizer instead. I was really impressed by the quality of the vibrator and made it a home in my keeper drawer!

Material: Silicone and anodized aluminum
Powered by: Rechargeable
Waterproof: Yes
Recommended Cleaning: Anti-bacterial soap or toy cleaner. Do not boil.
Recommended Lube: Water-based
Care: Clean thoroughly after each use.
LoveHoney Buy Link: www.lovehoney.co.uk

© 2010 Kyra Saunders. All rights reserved.