Written By: Mistress Ariachne

Vibrators, like dildos, come in a huge array of shapes, sizes and colors. While vibrators have a reputation mostly for use by women, many men enjoy their stimulation as well. Although the possibilities for vibrator types are rather endless, here are a few of the more popular types.

Penis-shaped
The archetypal vibrator, the one most people imagine when they hear the word, is shaped more or less like a penis. It usually runs on batteries, and can be soft (usually a jelly-like plastic) or hard and smooth. Generally noisy and somewhat low quality -- but is highly portable and pretty straightforward to use.

Rabbit pearl types
These penis-like vibrators deserve special mention. Mostly manufactured in Japan, these jelly-plastic vibrators are vaguely shaped like rabbits, fish, beavers, and the like. They have both a rotating phallic element and a high-vibration clitoral stimulator. Many also have rotating beads for extra stimulation. Many women swear by these; I can say from experience that they work quite well.

External stimulation
Many women enjoy clitoral stimulation at times without penetration. Several vibrators, like the popular Scorpion, are for external use.

"iBrator"
The "iBrator" type of vibrator is a recent development. These small, cylindrical vibrators are mostly for external use, and often come in bright, iMac-like colors. The best of the bunch is the WaterDancer, which is waterproof for use in the shower or bathtub.

Industrial strength
I label all vibrators that you can plug in to be industrial strength, because they generally last longer and have a stronger vibration than the battery-powered types. These are the kind you usually find sold as "massagers" at the department store. They come in two types -- the large wands with giant heads (often rechargeable) and the smaller ones that look like eggbeaters. I personally swear by the eggbeater type, since the wand head can be harder to press against the naughty bits.

Vibrating cock rings
Vibrating cock rings are usually made out of stretchy jelly plastic and have a space in which to put a "silver bullet," a small egg-shaped vibrator. They go around the cock and sometimes balls, and provide stimulation to the man. Some also have protrusions for clitoral stimulation. I find them somewhat difficult to use, but the concept is good.

Cum cups
These vibrators have a cup-shaped attachment that a man can penetrate. The vibrating pocket pussy works on the same principle, except with the added stimulus of a more pussy-like shape.

Massaging showerheads
OK, so they're not technically a vibrator -- but massaging showerheads provide the same type of pulsing stimulation (with the added bonuses of heat and wetness). If you've never tried using one and you have the chance, I highly recommend it!

VIBRATOR SCENES

Remote control scene
One of the hottest public scenes ever involves the use of a remote-controlled vibrator. If you can get a hold of a vibrator with a remote control, you'll have the chance to play a scene discreetly wherever you are. Insert the vibrator securely into your partner's anus or vagina and head out for a night on the town. Dinner at a fancy restaurant is far more fun when you can control your partner's sexual ecstasy from across the table. Movies can be fun too -- just make sure the vibrator is a relatively quiet one! You can link the vibrator use with good or bad behavior on the part of your submissive, or you can surprise them with random turn-ons. The remote control vibrator also works well at play parties.

Controlled orgasm
Vibrators are often used during scenes to stimulate a bound submissive almost to the point of orgasm, and then release is denied. You can use a penetrative vibrator, a clit stimulator for women, or a vibrating cock ring or sleeve for men. Wait until the submissive is securely bound, then use the vibrator to work him or her up to a peak of sexual excitement. Order the submissive not to come unless you give explicit permission. This in itself can be an intense power game.

Pain and pleasure
An extended version of controlled orgasm scenes introduces the element of punishment and pain. Many submissives (and, I dare say, many vanilla folks as well) associate sexual pleasure with guilt and sin. One of my favorite scenes takes this guilt as a starting point and then gives my submissive all the punishment he or she needs to truly enjoy the pleasure. Vibrators make a terrific tool for giving this pleasure. For instance, you can directly tie the amount of vibrator time to the amount of punishment. I will give my sub a few minutes of the vibrator, followed by twenty spanks or a few swats of the cane. Then it's back to the vibrator until the sub is even more worked up then before. Since he or she is obviously falling into sinful pleasure again, I must administer more punishment. After the harshest, longest punishment session, I finally let my sub give themselves up to a guilt-free orgasm.

Reprinted courtesy of Bondage.com