When it comes to adult sex toys, there’s always something new and exciting to get into - or get off with! There are also, however, some undisputed classics. These are the types of toys you can always find on the shelves in just about any sex shop or on any adult retail website. Today, we are going to talk about one of these sex toy staples: the almighty bullet vibrator.
Small, sleek, discreet, and often surprisingly powerful, bullet vibes will usually appeal to newcomers. Why? Well, these sex toys are small, they’re simply designed, and they’re extremely easy to use. That said, bullet vibrators aren’t strictly intro toys! Sex toy aficionados know that these mini powerhouses are some of the most versatile toys around.
So let’s talk about bullet vibrators, what they are, how to pick one, and how to use the one you pick!
What is a bullet vibrator?
Let’s start with the basics. What is a bullet vibrator? A bullet vibe is a small vibrator that is often (but not always) made in the shape of a bullet. These days, there is much more diversity in vibrator design, and bullets are shaped more like large pills or even like miniature forms of larger vibrators, complete with ridges, swirls, ripples, and more.
As we already mentioned, bullet vibes can be very versatile. They are great for clitoral stimulation as well as stimulating the nipples, perineum, or, really, any outer body area where vibration feels good. Bullets can be used solo during guided masturbation or for partner play, and they can even make some non-vibrating toys capable of delivering some very good vibrations. Certain harnesses, dildos, cock rings or butt plugs that don’t vibrate on their own feature a cavity into which a bullet vibrator can be slipped. Instant vibes!
How to choose your bullet? Tips for selecting a bullet vibrator
While most bullet vibrators are fairly straightforward, there are some factors to take into account when you are choosing one to buy. The last twenty years have seen sex toy use become more prevalent and in response to that, we’ve seen a much greater variety in bullet vibe sizes, shapes, designs, materials, power sources, and features. Let’s talk a bit about all these different factors so you can select the bullet that best fits your needs.
Bullet vibe size, shape, and design
It may seem like a bullet is a bullet is a bullet, but this is actually not the case. Many bullets, like the PinkCherry Bullet Vibe, come to a tapered point (you know, like an actual bullet). This can be great for people who enjoy super-focused pinpoint stimulation. Others, like the Merge Bullet Vibe, feature rounded tips which can deliver external stimulation over a larger area. If you want to travel with your bullet, something petite like the PinkCherry Hide My Vibe Bullet Vibe would be perfect. If you like texture, you might want something like the Sugr 15 Function Mini Bullet with its swirled ridges. Basically, there are lots of ways a bullet can be designed, and those differences can change the experience you have with your bullet vibrator.
What if you don’t know which designs work best for you yet? No problem! That just means it’s time for experimentation. Pick the bullet that appeals to you visually, and, if it doesn’t work great for you, you will at least have narrowed your focus and gotten closer to what you do like. Luckily bullet vibes can be some of the most economical sex toy options, so trying a couple different ones doesn’t have to break the bank.
Intensity and functions
Bullet vibes can come featuring a wide range of speeds and vibration patterns, which can be fun to play with. If, however, you know that you prefer straightforward, consistent vibration, selecting a bullet with fewer vibration settings (and often fewer buttons) might be the way to go.
Material
What do you want your bullet to be made of? As with most vibes, even long distance vibrators, you’ll have plenty of choices, ranging from squishy rubber to silicone and stainless steel. Generally, ABS plastic and silicone are the most common bullet vibe materials. This is good news because both options are nonporous (no pores to harbor bacteria or other funk) and super easy to clean, so it really just comes down to what you prefer the feel of.
Power source
Even toys as basic as bullet vibes come with the option of being rechargeable, which is great. That said, a lot of bullets are still battery-operated. So, is one option better than another? This depends. With rechargeables, you’ll never need to buy batteries again, but you will have to make sure your rechargeable bullet is charged and ready. Battery-operated toys, on the other hand, are tried and true. As long as you have spare batteries, you’ll never need to worry about your bullet being out of commission when you need it most. That said, you will need to have batteries on hand, which can add a considerable cost over the lifetime of your toy. Also, more rechargeable bullets tend to be more waterproof than their battery-operated counterparts, so if you plan on getting splashy with your bullet, you’ll want to pay attention to its ability to get wet.
Which features matter to you?
In the last section, we mentioned waterproof bullet vibes. Those can be awesome for playing in the tub or shower (as long as the toy is submersible) and it makes cleaning your toy super easy.
Some bullets, like the PinkCherry Two to Tango Bullet Vibe, come with an attached remote control, while others, like the Bang! Remote Vibrating Bullet has a wireless remote. Remote controls can make using your toy even easier, as you won’t have to keep reaching down to change vibration settings.
If you want your bullet to function in a variety of ways, it’s worth considering something like the Four Play Bullet Vibe Set. It comes with multiple attachments that’ll transform your bullet vibe into a rabbit, a g-spotter, the best anal vibrator, and more.
Basically, there are all sorts of cool features a bullet can come with. It’s worth considering which ones matter to you so you can get the toy that serves you best and makes you feel the most amazing.
How to use it? Tips for getting the most out of your bullet vibrator
Okay, once you have selected the bullet vibe for you, it’s time to get down to business!
Get comfortable
Whenever you use any toy, you want to be comfortable. Take some time to find the position that works for you. Whether you want to lie down, sit, stand, or whatever, it’s important for you to be relaxed.
Explore the settings
Take a moment to check out the different speeds and settings and to get familiar with how the controls work. This will help you get an idea of what you want to try and help you avoid accidental switching mid-use.
Use lube
I’ve said it before and I will no doubt say it again (and again): use lube. This might not seem important when using a bullet externally, but even external use can benefit from the smooth, comfortable glide that lube provides.
Explore
Okay, now that you are prepared, it’s time to turn your bullet vibe on and see what it can do. Play with different ways of holding it, pressing different parts against your body, and even which parts of the body you stimulate. Explore!
Tip: If your bullet vibrator has a tapered or rounded tip (great for pinpoint stimulation!), by simply turning it sideways, you’ll be able to spread vibration over a larger area. Options!
Turn it off
Okay, so this one might sound silly but I've seen enough panicked folks holding vibrating toys in sex shops to know that turning a toy off is not always intuitive. Additionally, many different types of vibrators, including a whole lot of bullets, are designed to prevent accidental shut off (because how big of a bummer is that?) So, when you are ready to turn your toy off, you might find that simply hitting the power button doesn’t do it. In this case, typically the best course of action is to hold the power button down for 3 seconds.
Bullet vibrator cleaning
After you use your toys, please clean them before you put them away. Check out the manufacturer’s instructions for the best way to do it. Most toys do well with water and mild soap, but remember, if the toy is not waterproof, you want to be careful not to let water get inside of it. For toys that are not waterproof I recommend using washcloths or pre-moistened wipes (ones made to be in contact with the body - no using household wipes on items that will touch your genitals, please!)
Once your toy is good and clean, be sure to allow it to dry completely before you try to put it away.
Bullet vibrator storage
Something a lot of folks forget is that your toys can get dirty even when they aren’t in use. Tossing a toy into your nightstand drawer might feel like the logical choice but it can pick up all sorts of dust and fuzz in there, so be sure to put it in some sort of storage case or pouch or even just a clean cloth.
If you’re on the lookout for a bullet vibrator, knowing what you want and how to use it can go a long way toward having the best possible experience. No matter what you need, PinkCherry has you covered. Take a look at our huge bullet vibe selection, you are bound to find something you love!
