[Review] Hitachi Magic Wand

I can't tell you how many people were flabbergasted when they learned I didn't own a Hitachi. Yes, me, the resident sex geek activist brandishing all manner of lubes and toys, spearheading Sex Week 2010, did not have "the Cadillac of vibrators." Thankfully, the folks at Fascinations (primarily Shanna Katz, their Sex Education Coordinator) decided to fix this situation and send me my very own 12-inch magic wand of orgasmic bliss to review.

Just because I didn't OWN a Hitachi doesn't mean I'd never been in the presence of one, though! The first time I'd come in contact with a wand, I was rosy-cheeked freshman at Brown University taking Femsex, our female sexuality workshop. We were having our Sex Toys class, and the presenter from a local woman-friendly sex-shop was asking if anyone wanted to come up to the front of the room and try out the toy. Enthusiastic, I walked up and skeptically put it between my knees (which I did because I was warned it was so intense that I was assured my bits would STILL feel the vibrations from that far away). HOLY SHIT, IT WAS TRUE. I *could* feel the vibrations from that far away. I was quite impressed.

Now that I think back, though, I wonder how much of my reaction and perception had to do with some "objective" measure and how much of it had to do with the fact that I didn't own a vibrator back then and wasn't accustomed to powerful vibrations. I say that because this time around, the Hitachi seemed way less impressive than the picture I'd been creating in my mind ever since I first touched one. Don't get me wrong, the Hitachi is still damn strong, but it wasn't the insane intensity I was expecting. Maybe I just built it up too much? It's hard not to do so, though; the Hitachi Magic Wand pretty much has a cult following.

Regardless, when I got my Hitachi in the mail, I jumped for joy!

Packaging:

This is what the packaging looks like. Is it just me, or does it remind you of something from the '70s, or perhaps something from a Walter Drake catalog? Definitely a very different flavor from the bright (and sometimes tacky) sex-toy packaging that's a staple at many lower-end sex-shops and the classy glamour of higher-end products with immaculate design. This looks like something straight out of my mom's closet, I'm not going to lie. It looks big, bulky, utilitarian; not built to be "pretty," but built to get the job done and get it done well. There's definitely a charm to that aesthetic, I think. It's vintage.

Out of the box! It comes in a plastic baggie and includes 2 little pamphlet/leaflet-type things. I won't give away the hilarious gems I read inside the pamphlets; you'll have to purchase the Hitachi and see those for yourself. 

How does this contraption work, anyway?

It vibrates. Pretty straightforward. The wand has two speeds, high (vibration frequency of 6000 per minute) and low (5000 per minute), that you adjust with a button. I obviously recommend starting off with the "low" setting. If you think it might still be too intense, put a small towel or cloth between yourself and the toy, which will diffuse and dampen the vibrations (plus keep the toy clean!). Another way to diffuse vibrations? Don't put the toy in direct contact with your skin: use it over underwear or put it CLOSE to your genitals, but not directly ON them. 

This can also be an interesting way to explore the toy and play with the sensations it creates on the road to finding out what you like. The closer the toy is pressed to your skin, the deeper and more pulsating the vibrations feel. If you have it barely touching your skin, the toy will vibrate more against the surface and create a different, but still super pleasant sensation. For me, the latter feels more superficial, like it spreads more on the top of my skin. To paint a mental picture, the closer I press it to me, the deeper and more vertical it feels, while holding it on the "surface" makes it feel superficial and more horizontal.

Due to its shape and size, it's not particularly useful when trying to masturbate facedown while surfing the web. It IS useful, though, for masturbating on one's back and for playing with partners, especially if they're, say, tied up. It's also great to turn OTHER objects into vibrators. Put this sucker against a silicone dildo and voilà, vibrating silicone dildo! This is useful because the Hitachi as a stand-alone item can only do external stimulation. However, bring other toys into the picture, and the possibilities are endless. There are even companies that make attachments specifically for the Hitachi, so that it can be turned into a toy with penetrating capabilities.

Other uses:

• General massager. I tried it out during a day I had really sore, tired muscles, and while it didn't make the pain go away entirely, it definitely made me feel better. Even without aching muscles, using the Hitachi for a general massage feels wonderful.
• Microphone: The Hitachi makes a GREAT microphone for those jam-sessions in front of your mirror. Forget the air-guitar; the Hitachi microphone is where it's at.

Important things to note:

• Noise: Yes, it's loud, but it's not too ridiculous (at least in my opinion). In contact with human skin, and under blankets, the buzzing doesn't travel much beyond a closed door.
• Weight: At 1.2 pounds, it's pretty lightweight, especially for its size.
• Runs on: Electricity via 110-120 volt power source (consumes 20 watts) via a 6-foot-ish power cord. It is NOT recommended for continuous use past the 30-minute mark because it overheats. If you reach the "gah, hot! hot!" point, give it a break, and then feel free to resume use once it has cooled down.
• Size/shape: 12 inches long, with a smooth, head (with some give, so it's not too firm/stiff). 
• Intensity: This baby has a lot of power, and if you leave it on your skin for an extended period of time, it can begin to numb the area temporarily. In fact, doctors sometimes use vibrations as a means to anesthetize body parts during medical procedures, so if you want to avoid numbing yourself out, vary up your routine, or don't leave the Hitachi on the same spot for too long. 

What's it made out of?:

Aside from magic? Plastic! It's also hypo-allergenic and phthalates-free, AND it comes with a one year limited warranty.

Keeping it clean:

Use rubbing alcohol or a toy-cleaner on the head. This toy is NOT sterilizable, so if you plan on sharing it with someone else, put a condom on it. For added fun, you can make it a colorful condom! Another option is to replace the Hitachi's head with a silicone cap (easier to clean and more durable), such as the one offered by Vixen Creations ("Off With Their Head"). 

Final Thoughts:

Definitely glad this toy is in my arsenal, and I'm looking forward to brandishing it in the bedroom more often, be it with partners or by myself. Since I haven't tried any of the other toys that are considered "relatives" to the Hitachi, I can't say "oh, buy the Hitachi instead!" or "no, buy X vibrator because it's better!" What I CAN say, however, is that the Hitachi is pretty awesome and useful, so shop around, see which vibrator "in its family" you feel is right for your needs, and then get it. Meanwhile, I'll have fun with my Hitachi. :)

You might also want to check out:

If you like the idea of power and intensity, but aren't entirely sold on the Hitachi (or want more/other toys like it), check out the following list. Vibrations, oscillations, rechargeable toys, waterproof ones, attachments, external stimulation, internal stimulation, more colorful options, pulsating patterns...

• The Eroscillator
• Gee Whiz, Gee Whizzard, and Off With Their Head Hitachi attachments by Vixen Creations.
• Acuvibe Massager (or Acuvibe Mini) by Interactive Health
• Wahl-7-in-1
• Mystic Wand by Vibratex