February 2024 – Girly Juice

I haven’t loved a new sex toy this much in a long time.

A long, LONG time.

Here’s how much I love this toy: I’ve barely used my Eroscillator since I got it. The Eroscillator is my all-time favorite sex toy, and is the vibe I normally use during at least 80% of my sex and masturbation sessions, because it gives me incredible orgasms unlike I’ve ever had with another toy.

Until the Hot Octopuss Pulse Queen.

One of Hot Octopuss’s classic penis vibes. Image via the company.

What is the Hot Octopuss Pulse Queen? + some nerdy shit about sex toy history

Amongst sex toy geeks like myself, Hot Octopuss is primarily known for its penis vibrators, like the Pulse Solo Essential and the Pulse III Duo. These wrap around the penis and stimulate the frenulum. There are two main reasons these are notable: their motors are very fucking good (rumbly, strong, a range of settings), and they can be used whether your dick is hard or soft. This last point makes them more accessible than most penis toys for people with erectile dysfunction, and even for people with spinal cord injuries.

Hot Octopuss’s Pulse line uses a proprietary technology called PulsePlate, which offers “powerful, high-amplitude oscillations” rather than traditional vibration. Apparently the founder decided to develop this technology upon reading a study about penile vibration being used to elicit ejaculation in men with a spinal cord injury. The researchers found that “high-amplitude” vibrators were the most effective for triggering ejaculation, but the vibrator they used was a medical tool designed specifically for this purpose. Hot Octopuss decided to make a consumer product that could do the same thing.

“High-amplitude” means that the vibrator moves a wider distance on each rotation, rather than just buzzing in place – so basically, the sensation is more “rumbly” than a standard vibrator, and feels like it goes deeper than surface-level.

Naturally, since the penis and the clitoris are analogous to one another, it makes total sense that these oscillations would feel good on vulvas as well as dicks. That said, when Hot Octopuss initially launched a PulsePlate toy for vulvas – the Queen Bee, which I reviewed back in 2017 – it didn’t go well. The toy was too broad and flat to feel impactful on my clit, it weakened significantly when any amount of pressure was applied to it, and was egregiously loud. Other reviewers, like my friends Epiphora and Lilly, had similar grievances.

But the team at Hot Octopuss seems to have gone back to the drawing board after that, and what they came up with is so much better. I asked the company for clarification on the differences; according to them, here are some of the qualities the Pulse Queen ($99 at SheVibe) has, that the Queen Bee did not:

The PulsePlate is made of silicone this time (which is body-safe and non-porous), instead of TPE (which is porous)
The PulsePlate now has a 4 mm “peak” instead of just being flat, making it better at targeting the clitoris
The toy is smaller, lighter, and more ergonomic
The design/aesthetic has been updated
It’s quieter

One quibble, before we move on to my experience with this toy: Hot Octopuss is marketing the Pulse Queen as a wand, and it’s not really a wand. Wand vibes have a specific shape, functionality, and history as a category. The Pulse Queen is powerful like wands tend to be, sure, but it actually reminds me more of another classic vibe shape that dates back many years like the wand does. I think it’s more like a Wahl – some people say this type of vibe is gun-shaped, some say it’s hairdryer-shaped, but either way, it has a lineage in the vibrator space that you can trace back for decades, and I think that’s pretty cool.

Things I love about the Pulse Queen

PulsePlate technology (& killer orgasms): Okay, I won’t bury the lede any more than I already have. This thing makes me come so hard, so reliably, and so satisfyingly. Do you know how rare it is that I can say that about a toy I review? VERY RARE.

It’s all about that PulsePlate. The oscillations really do feel like they get deeper into my body than standard vibrations do. My whole clitoral network feels involved in the arousal and orgasms this toy gives me, from the surface-level parts of my clit to the deeply buried internal parts. I have the type of orgasms with this toy where I can still feel my entire clit pulsing and pleasantly aching for like 20-30 minutes afterward. Usually I only have that kind of orgasm when I use my beloved Eroscillator or an especially rumbly wand.

These oscillations also don’t numb me out like traditional vibrators do, or at least only minimally. This makes it easier for me to have multiple orgasms, since my sensitivity is preserved throughout the session/day. I’m not normally a very multiorgasmic gal, since it can take a lot of work/time for me to get off, but it’s noticeably easier with the Pulse Queen than with standard vibes.

I actually think the Pulse Queen is making me hornier, in that way that sometimes happens with new partners or especially great new sex toys. The way it rumbles my internal clit seems to make me more sensitive and more prone to random arousal during the day. Wild.

Range of intensities & modes: The Pulse Queen has 7 modes (steady oscillation + 6 patterns), each of which has 9 speeds. That’s a lot of variety and versatility.

The patterns are fine. I dunno. They’re patterns. I’m just not that into patterns. But there’s some rhythmic pulsing and some more erratic modes if you want ’em. Personally I just keep the toy on its steady mode.

The first speed is a gentle rumble that’s fantastic for building arousal early on. From there, it moves up in reasonable increments, topping out at a truly impressive, wand-like intensity. At its highest, I would say it’s comparable to the second speed of the Magic Wand Rechargeable (on which I only ever use the first and second speeds). I don’t tend to go past the 6th speed out of 9 on the Pulse Queen, because it’s so rumbly that I just don’t need more power than that.

Ergonomics & ease of use: I find the Pulse Queen really easy to hold and use, compared to the Queen Bee and many other high-powered vibes. It’s got a slightly curved handle for comfort, and the oscillations don’t conduct into the handle too much. The buttons are easy to locate and press, and I almost never press the wrong one by accident. My hand and wrist don’t get tired when using the Pulse Queen, even if I’m moving it around my vulva a lot during a session. All of these qualities are hard to find in vibes this powerful, so as a vibrator connoisseur with chronic pain and hand strength issues, I’m a big fan of this toy.

Aesthetics: I squealed aloud at my computer when I received the initial press release about the Pulse Queen, because it’s so damn pretty. The turquoise color is one of my absolute favorites – hence having a Nintendo Switch Lite and a duvet cover that are the same color, among other things! – and I love the color-coordinated ombré button panel. It’s all really thoughtfully designed, and it looks gorgeous on my nightstand (or, more often, in my bed, at the ready!).

It’s fully fucking waterproof!!: It’s extremely rare for a vibrator this strong to also be waterproof. I love to jerk off in the bath when I get a chance, but I only have one wand I really love that’s waterproof (the Lelo Smart Wand 2), so usually I end up using smaller toys in the tub instead, like the We-Vibe Tango X. So, needless to say, I’m thrilled that the Pulse Queen is waterproof, and I’m sure it’ll be my bathtime companion on many future occasions.

Things I don’t love about the Pulse Queen

Battery life: The product page on the Hot Octopuss website says that the Pulse Queen “lasts for 40 minutes when fully charged – more than enough time for you to enjoy yourself again and again… and again.” It’s a bit strange to brag about a vibrator’s 40-minute battery life, when most rechargeable vibes at this price point will last for 90 minutes or more. I also personally couldn’t reach three orgasms in under 40 minutes as they describe, but hey, that’s me. I will say, however, that I think I’ve used my Pulse Queen for longer than 40 minutes in total without it dying – so maybe that number is based on usage at the highest speed; who knows.

Noise level: While the Pulse Queen definitely isn’t as loud as the Queen Bee was, it’s still loud, especially on the highest speeds. But I would say it’s comparable to the noise output of a standard wand. I live with a sex-positive roommate and (as mentioned) I also tend to use my Pulse Queen at the lower speeds for the most part, so this isn’t a huge issue for me personally, but it’s notable nonetheless.

Cissexism: I know the industry makes it difficult for sex toy companies to market their products successfully without resorting to cissexist terms like “for men” and “for women,” when anatomy-specific terms like “clitoral vibrator” or “penis vibrator” would be more appropriate. That being said, a note on the Hot Octopuss website says, “We are trans-aware and LGBTQ+ friendly. We are always learning,” and there’s even a whole “Sex Toys for Every Body” page on the site meant to help LGBTQ+ customers feel more included and heard. Given their stated commitment to gender-inclusivity, it’s confusing that Hot Octopuss chose to include the gendered term “queen” in the name of another toy when they didn’t have to. It may alienate some trans and nonbinary users who might otherwise enjoy the toy.

Final thoughts

The Hot Octopuss Pulse Queen has made me feel excited about masturbation again, in a way I haven’t for a while. The orgasms it gives me are intense, deeply pleasurable, and satisfying, and yet somehow they make me want more.

It remains fascinating to me that the technology used in this toy (and some other Hot Octopuss toys) was developed based on actual medical research. The company refers to its vibrators’ 33-hertz rate as “the pleasure frequency,” and I’m no vibration scientist, but my clit agrees.

At $99, this is a reasonably priced alternative to a wand. You should consider the Pulse Queen if any of the following things are true:

You like a lot of power, but have found wands numbing or overstimulating in the past
Issues with strength, mobility, or pain have made standard wands difficult for you to use
You’ve tried vibrators before, and are curious about what other sensations your body can experience
You’ve never used a vibrator before; the Pulse Queen’s oscillations range from mellow to maxed-out, so it’s a good introduction to vibes

I really love this toy, in a way that has made me remember why I started writing about sex toys in the first place. It makes me smile. It makes me moan. It makes me feel fired up for a future where everyone can access pleasure if they want to, regardless of their gender, anatomy, or (dis)ability level.

But most of all, it makes me come really, really hard – and given the relative scarcity of pleasure in our chaotic world right now, I appreciate that more than ever.

You can get the Pulse Queen at SheVibe for $99.

Thanks to Hot Octopuss for sending me this product! They didn’t pay me to review it. I really do just love it.

One of the most encouraging things I’ve seen in my 11+ years as a sex toy reviewer is that you can get fancier features in cheaper toys now than ever before. There was a time when you had to spend a pretty penny for functions that are considered basic now, such as waterproofness or even having multiple settings. But technology has advanced to a point where you can get better toys for less, if you know what to look for. (That’s why I write reviews, baybee!)

I’m thinking about this because today I’m reviewing the Sohimi Norma, a toy that retails for $55.99 (at time of writing) but nonetheless has some qualities I’d expect to see in pricier vibes. It’s not perfect by any means, but there are some aspects of it that impressed me nonetheless, so let’s jump in and talk about it, shall we?

What is the Sohimi Norma?

This is a dual-stimulation vibrator, which aims to stimulate the clit and G-spot simultaneously.

The internal arm boasts a gentle curve, a semi-realistic head, and some gentle ridgy texture. It mainly functions as a thruster, pounding back and forth against your G-spot (hopefully), although it also subtly vibrates.

The external arm, designed for clitoral stimulation, features what Sohimi calls a “high-frequency vibration ball.” More on that later.

This toy also has a warming function. When Sohimi describes the Norma as a “4-in-1” toy, they are referring to 1) internal vibration, 2) internal thrusting, 3) clitoral vibration, and 4) heating.

Things I like about this toy

First and foremost: the internal arm’s thrusting is genuinely impressive for the price point. It pushes rhythmically against my G-spot with a surprising amount of force. It’s not quite as forceful as a Velvet Thruster, but definitely feels more impactful to me than the Fun Factory Stronic toys, which are all way more expensive than the Norma. The sensation can make me squirt, and reminds me of when a partner is fingerbanging me in a particularly vigorous way – which I like, personally, as long as everything is well-lubed, but YMMV!
There are 7 different thrusting settings, including some that are slow and steady, some that are fast and steady, and a couple that are more random/erratic. I tend to stick with the steady settings because that’s what my G-spot prefers, and I like that I can start at a slower speed and work up to faster thrusting (although I wish these settings were ordered differently; more on that below).
The vibration and thrusting can be controlled separately, as each has its own button that you can short-press to cycle through its settings. You can also turn off one of the functions and just focus on the other one if you want. I always appreciate this feature in dual-stim toys, since my G-spot doesn’t always crave the same intensity of stimulation that my clit does at any given time.
The Norma has a looped handle, which makes it more accessible and easier to hold onto for those of us who struggle with hand pain, muscle weakness, etc. It’s also just a stylish-looking feature – it’s a silvery rose-gold shade, and is visually reminiscent of the metallic plating found on some Lelo toys.
Sohimi says that the Norma can last 1 hour on a charge, assuming both functions are set to full power. That may not sound like a lot, but it’s actually really unusual for a dual-stimulation toy, since the multiple functions can be very taxing on a motor. I’ve yet to run out of power while testing this toy and only charged it once, when I initially got it. I’ve been surprised by how consistently the thrusting function just keeps truckin’ away inside me, even if I stretch out a masturbation session while reading erotica, watching porn, etc.

Things I don’t like about this toy

The main problem with this toy – and it is, unfortunately, a glaring issue – is that the clitoral arm is bad. When I saw that Sohimi refers to it as a “high-frequency vibration ball,” I imagined that maybe the ball would roll around in a fast oscillating motion or something, but it’s actually just a sphere-shaped vibrating appendage – and the vibration is very buzzy (i.e. high-pitched and surface-level). It’s decently strong for the price point, sure, but I find it hard to enjoy all that power when the vibrations are so buzzy that they make my clit feel noticeably numb within seconds. The only way I was able to get off with this toy was by angling it so that I could slip a better vibe onto my clit, while still enjoying the Norma’s thrusting internally.
For reasons unknown, the thrusting function starts on a fast setting by default, and you have to cycle through a couple of those + a couple of random/weird settings before you get to slower, steady thrusting. IMO the toy should start on this slower mode, since most people are going to want to build up from lower to higher speeds as their arousal increases.
This toy is loud AF. That’s par for the course with thrusting toys, I’ve found, but this one sounds particularly robotic and creaky, even when it’s inside me. (On the plus side, though, the vibrations aspect is relatively quiet.)
Unfortunately, I wasn’t able to test the heating function, because it requires you to press two buttons simultaneously while the toy is in standby mode, and no matter what I tried, I couldn’t seem to sync up my button-presses enough that the heat turned on. The toy always just acted like I only pressed one of the buttons, activating the thrusting or vibration. This could be due to my mild coordination issues from fibromyalgia, but even when it looked to me like I’d pressed them at exactly the same time, it still didn’t work. 🤷🏻‍♀️
The Norma is only IPX6 waterproof, which means you can wash it in the sink, or even use it in the shower, but shouldn’t submerge it in water or use it in the bath. I am a fan of bathtime masturbation so my hope is always for toys to be fully waterproof instead.

Final thoughts

Ultimately I didn’t love the Sohimi Norma as much as I wanted to, because of the lackluster clit vibrations. I’ve said this before, but I wish more companies would prioritize motor quality in their vibrators; other bells and whistles just don’t matter anywhere near as much. The majority of people with vulvas require clitoral stimulation in order to reach orgasm, so the clit arm of a dual-stim toy needs to be damn good, or the whole toy suffers as a result.

That being said, I really like the thrusting aspect of this toy; it’s strong, variable, and pairs well with the curved shape of the toy’s internal arm, making for intense G-spot sensations that add substantially to my pleasure. I just can’t get off with this toy unless I use a different clitoral vibe with it.

Sohimi has plenty of other thrusting toys, and I’d encourage you to check them out if you’re looking for a thruster on a budget (and feel free to check out all my previous Sohimi reviews if you want more guidance). I look forward to a day when good clitoral vibes are easier to find on a budget, too.

Thanks so much to Sohimi for sponsoring this post! I was paid to write a fair and honest review of this product. As always, all writing and opinions are my own.

Girly Juice

Month: February 2024

Review: Hot Octopuss Pulse Queen