A story in Salon over the weekend, confirms what we at the Pleasure Chest have known for awhile now– men buy vibrators! The article focuses exclusively on men purchasing toys to use with a female partner, ignoring that couples of all genders and orientations use vibrators to enhance their sex lives. Here’s the gist of it:

It’s only recently that sex toys became an accepted symbol of a man’s sexual prowess. Once upon a time, vibrators were seen as posing a threat to masculinity — something that might outperform, maybe even replace, men in the bedroom. But now they’re seen as a useful item in a guy’s toolbox, and many see them as no more emasculating than a power drill. It’s not like 20-somethings are carrying around pocket vibes like condoms, but men are increasingly open to sharing the bed with them.

We agree! But while the article makes some good points, it also reinforces male fixations about sexual performance, and ignores an even more growing trend– dudes are buying vibrators to get themselves off.

Penis Vibrators

In addition to masturbation sleeves like those made by Tenga and Fleshlight, there’s a new breed of vibes vying to grab a piece of the male market. A few months ago we told you about the Cobra Libre, a vibrating masturbation toy that looks like a race car or an old school electric shaver.

Fun Factory Cobra Libre

The Cobra Libre is waterproof, rechargeable and made of soft, body-safe silicone. The inside of the sleeve is designed with all the right contours, and the motor has three speeds, and multiple pulsation patterns. This is a long way from masturbating with a tube sock!

A cheaper and goofier alternative to the Cobra Libre is the Maneater, a vibrating masturbation toy, designed to look like a one-eyed green alien. Unlike the Cobra Libre, you don’t actually insert your penis in the toy. Instead, you use the curved surface of the open “mouth” to rub your cock while the three speeds of vibration add to the stimulation.

Cheeky Boy

Vibrating Anal Toys

Just as boys are discovering the joys of vibration, they’re also learning to love their butts. Anal toys are more popular than ever, and many of the latest add vibration to the mix. As straight guys begin to realize that putting things in your butt doesn’t make you gay, toy companies are beginning to tap that, uh, untapped market. The Cheeky Boy is one of many anal toys that offer P-spot (prostate) stimulation with a little extra buzz. The anal “beads” make a curved line directly for the prostate, while the outer part of the toy presses against the perineum. Once the bullet vibe is switched on, the user can enjoy “rocking” the Cheeky Boy for an explosive orgasm, that no simple handjob could create.

Vibrators for Couples

If he has someone to play with, there are a number of vibrating toys, designed to get him off while offering stimulation to his partner. The most common is the vibrating cockring. Tantus makes one of the best vibrating cockrings around. The high quality silicone conducts vibrations throughout the whole ring, not just at the site of the vibe. The vibrator can be turned upward to offer clitoral stimulation during intercourse, or downward to stimulate the balls and shaft during masturbation.

We Vibe

The latest innovation in vibrators for partner sex is the We Vibe. Specifically made to be worn by a woman during intercourse, the We Vibe’s unique design actually has lots of applications for people of all bodies and genders. When used vaginally, the We Vibe offers separate vibration to both the clitoris and the G-spot while leaving room for penetration. It’s  a rechargeable, silicone vibrator that enhances pleasure for both partners, without getting in the way of intercourse.

It Shouldn’t Feel Like Work!

As you can probably see, we think that Salon‘s “toolbox” analogy is too work-oriented. Men shouldn’t think of vibrators as tools to fix their sex lives nor should they think of themselves as handymen in the bedroom (unless they enjoy that kind of roleplay.)

We prefer the toybox idea, because of its focus on the mutual expressions of imagination, creativity and pleasure. As men become less fixated on performance and more focused on enjoyment, we expect to see even more toys designed for boys and their bits.