When iroha comes out with a new product, my curiosity is immediately piqued. By now I know that this Japanese division of Tenga always comes up with extraordinary innovations. So asking if I would review their new iroha mai (pronounced as “may”) is a bit of asking for the obvious. “Yes, duh!”

What is the iroha mai Haptic Wave TSURU?

iroha thinks they have reinvented the vibrator with their new mai. And – spoiler alert – maybe that’s a bit true. This is because the iroha mai uses low-frequency sound waves (40-70Hz), rather than mechanical vibrations.

Haptic perception (from the Greek “haptesthai” = touch, or tactile sense) is a sensory technology, which communicates with a user through vibration (haptic feedback). It is the kind of vibration that the screen of your smartphone provides, or the controller of your game console.

iroha promises deep, resonant vibrations of 10 sound-based rhythm patterns, giving the iroha. mai a completely new experience that you can feel throughout your body.

So there are two color varieties: the pink iroha mai TOKI and the white iroha mai TSURU.

Specifications

• Material: Silicone, ABS, PC
• Battery: Li-ion Polymer. After 90 minutes of charging, you can play with it for about 60 minutes.
• Vibration modes: 10 different vibration patterns (including 1 continuous) and 3 vibration strengths (so 30 modes in total).
• Waterproof: Fully waterproof to a depth of 50 centimeters
• Lubricant: Use only with water-based lubricant (not included)
• Details: Comes with and storage case that can also serve as a charging station and stand. The included USB cable (1 meter) you can magnetically connect to both the charging station and the vibrator itself.
• Warranty: 1 year

Unboxing the iroha mai TSURI

iroha’s packaging is always particularly attractive and neutral, and the mai’s is certainly no exception. The “waves” on the packaging are metallic, making them shine beautifully in the light. What I personally find a pleasant surprise is that the seal used to seal the packaging is partially non-sticky, making it easy to remove the seal.

Inside the packaging is a box and a pouch. The box contains the manual and the USB cable. The pouch contains a semi-transparent box. This box turns out to be not only a handy storage box, but also a charging station and stand. And yes, that makes me very happy!

The test drive

First of all, the iroha mai fits wonderfully in the hand. The body-safe silicone does not attract dust. That is a good start. There are two shapes on the handle, which on closer inspection turn out to be control buttons. With the “flower” you change the pattern and with the “dots” you change the strength of the haptic vibrations.

First, a word about the strength of the haptic vibrations. The first (softest) setting is barely perceptible. Let alone that it resonates in your body. The second setting is already a bit better and the third setting is fine. Not overwhelming, but just fine.

Normally I am not into vibration patterns, but with this one it is different. The vibrations are based on sounds:

1. Gentle oscillating rhythm: a fine continuous mode. Not particularly special.
2. Alternating gentle and strong waves: This a pleasant alternating mode.
3. Push/pull rythm: This feels a bit like the vibrator is going up and down!
4. Waltz: The rhythm of a waltz music. Oddly enough, it works to get excited.
5. Taiko drums: Yes, now you got me, iroha! I’m a big fan of the almost mathematical rhythms of taiko. What a cool rhythm!
6. Gentle pulse: Fine.
7. Strong pulse: Cool!
8. Relaxed musical rhythm: Lovely to enjoy with.
9. Bubbling water: Phew, this one feels great!
10. Lively beat: Like being on the dance floor and feeling the rhythm in your body.

Not all vibrations work for me and my partner, but some are quite different from the patterns of other vibrators we have felt so far. What we find unfortunate is that the sequence doesn’t seem quite logical. You would expect some kind of buildup and then maybe a winding down again (from arousing, to finishing, to relaxing). Now this is not the case, which makes it a bit much scrolling while playing. And that in turn decreases the excitement.

Conclusion

iroha products fit into a lifestyle of relaxation and wellness. Also this iroha May. Where other sex toys from other brands may be pure porn, this one is more erotic. The emphasis is more on enjoyment, relaxing, getting to know your body, … So the iroha mai is not for the days when you are blood-hot looking for quick relief, but more for the days when you want to immerse yourself slowly, comfortably and for a long time in (self) indulgence. A bit like a day at a spa, but in the bath with a good erotic book and the iroha mai,

De PROS of the iroha mai:

• Pleasant body-safe material that does not attract dust
• Storage case that is also a charging station and stand
• Haptic vibrations, based on sounds, that resonate
• Simple operation
• 10 x 3 modes with special patterns
• Magnetic charging
• Beautiful design

The CONS:

• Don’t expect extreme vibrations
• This is not a cheap toy

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I received the iroha mai TSURU from Tenga in exchange for an honest review. You can buy the iroha mai in the Tenga store or at Bol.com.