Those who are familiar with a wand vibrator swear by it and those that do not are often intimidated by their strength and size. That’s why we get the facts straight about wand vibrators; what are they, how do you use them, why are they so popular, and lots more.

Wand vibrators: what is it (and some history)

In 1968 the Hitachi Magic Wand was born. The Magic Wand was initially sold at pharmacies and department stores as a massager – you know, for sore muscles – until a Betty Dotson started to give masturbation courses for women in 1974. With this device she taught women how to enjoy their own orgasm. She was so successful that it caused a boost in the sales of the Hitachi Magic Wand. Even so successful that the machine was almost solely sold as a sex toy. Hitachi however, doesn’t want to be associated with the sex industry, and decided to take away their name of the packaging. Since then, the device is being sold as Magic Wand, or (on the east side of the ocean) as Europe Magic Wand.

It’s great success is an inspiration for other manufacturers. The first ‘fake’ wand vibrators don’t compare with the original. They just don’t have the power, or the deep intense buzz of the Hitachi. That soon changes. Especially the last two or three years, manufacturers of high end sex toys have managed to create wand vibrators that are equally as good, or perhaps even better than the original.

Meanwhile there is a large range of toys available in the category ‘wand vibrators’, that differ in size, color, adopters and accessoires, vibration patterns, power source, applications and – not unimportant – price. Which makes it more difficult to make a choice.

How does a wand vibrator even work? Or: to cord, or not to cord …

In general, vibrators work by making an electric motor wiggle. For a vacuum cleaner this would be a bug, but for a vibrator it is a feature. The frequency of the electric motor determines whether you get a high vibration or a more deep buzz, like the Magic Wand (Dutch article, but with English video).

In order to get that famous deep vibration, a wand vibrator usually has a huge electric motor. And to power that motor, many wand vibrators are main powered. That means that you can only operate them when the cord is plugged in. The advantage of that is that you will always have enough power and that you can go on for hours (if you have the stamina). The disadvantage obviously is that you are limited in where you use it (you must be near an outlet) and in your movements (the cord can get in the way and you can’t use it near water). That is why there are more and more wand vibrators that are rechargeable. No cord, but enough power, but not the stamina. The choice is yours.

The big motor with deep vibrations has another disadvantage: they are loud. And if you do find one that is not so loud, you might ask yourself if the vibration has the proper intensity. But why would you like a silent wand vibrator, if you want a loud orgasm? There you go! Just shut the door and use it under your blankets if the sound bothers you.

For external use only?

When Hitachi introduced their device, it was to massage your neck and back. Betty Dotson discovered that you could also use it to achieve an orgasm, by pressing the head against the genitals. You can however use a wand vibrator internally. There are two ways.

Firstly, some manufacturers have created adopters that can be attached to the head of a wand vibrator. This makes a wand vibrator more versatile. Now you can feel the deep intens vibrations against your G-spot!

Next, there are wand vibrators that can be used in two ways: the handle can be used to be inserted, like wit the Sway Vibes and the Vive Shiatsu. If you like penetration and deep buzzy vibrations, you may want to consider a wand vibration with dual usage, or one that has different adopters.

Size matters

If you find the size of a wand vibrator intimidating (the Europe Magic Wand is 32 cm long and its head is 6 cm in girth) you may opt for a smaller one. There are many so called mini wands, that are sometimes surprisingly powerful, like the Easytoys Mini Wand (20 cm). Just don’t expect them to be as powerful as their big brothers and sisters.

On the other hand, some of the bigger ones aren’t as powerful as the original either …

So how much is a wand vibrator?

There are wand vibrators for every budget, but like with everything, you get what you pay for. Penny wise, pound foolish. The cheapest mini wand is available for less than €20,-. This may look like a wand vibrator, but it doesn’t nearly have the power that you may associate with a real wand. The most expensive wand vibrator is around €200,-.

To give you some idea of a fair price: the better ones are the Doxy Die Cast (€169,95), the LELO Smart Wand (€139,95), the Doxy #3 (€139,95), the Europe Magic Wand (€114,95), the Vive Shiatsu (€99,95) and the Sway No.1 (€79,95). In a Dutch blogpost we have compared 8 models.

Our personal favorites are the Doxy #3 (read all about it) and the LELO Smart Wand (for its looks and power).

How do you actually use a wand vibrator?

A wand vibrator is a device that is very versatile. You can use it in foreplay on the entire body (as an oldfashioned massager), you can use it on your  or your partner’s clothes to get him or her in the mood, you can use it against the clitoris or the frenulum (yes, men also like the vibrations of a wand vibrator),  you can use it in BDSM play (for orgasm control or edging), you can use adopters for penetration or even as masturbator, … the possibilities are endless.

Always (always? Yes, always) use lube. Make sure you use a lube that goes with the material of the head of your wand. Not all lubes are fit for silicone toys. Water based lube is always a safe choice.

Always (always? Yes, always) start on the lowest power position. Slowly increase the settings. For many people, the maximal position is way to intens, so it may well be that you will never even use that max setting. Well, maybe for your sore shoulders. Perhaps then.

A wand vibrator goes very well with (soft) bondage. Tie your partner down with cuffs or a simple scarf  and put on a blindfold at your partner. Then tease your partner for as long as you can. When you have a wand vibrator with mains operation, you could last for hours in theory.

One of our readers gave us a tip to put the wand vibrator in a pillow sleeve, so the head sticks out. Then you can sit on the pillow, of lay down on your stomach over the pillow, so the head is precisely where you want it.

And don’t forget to use the wand vibrator during penetrative sex (Penis in Vagina sex). Press the wand vibrator against your clitoris for extra stimulation and a toe curling orgasm.

When you want to buy a wand vibrator

1. Firstly, determine how important it is for you to have it battery or mains (powerful, long, intensive use) operated. If you take one with a cord, first measure what the distance is between the bed and the socket and find out what the length of the cord is. Some wand vibrators have cords up to 3 meters. An extension cable could be useful.
2. Next, see if your wand vibrator of choice is waterproof, if you want to use it in the bath or under the shower. Only battery operated wands are possibly waterproof.
3. Make sure to check the material of the head. A silicone head feels nicer than ABS/plastic. The grip may be of plastic or metal, like with the Doxy Die Cast. Metal is of course much more robust, but also more heavy. If you take one with a silicone head, make sure you use lube that is suitable for that.
4. Hygiene. Some heads are easier to clean than others. The head of the Docy #3 for instance, can be detached for cleaning. Heads with knobs and snizzes are not so easy to clean. Use sex toy cleaner and a soft cloth. Never immerse your wand under water, if it is not 100% waterproof.
5. The vibrations of a wand vibrator may be just a little ‘too’ intense for some. Always choose a device that is adjustable continuously.

Look at our complete assortment of wand vibrators in our shop.