High-Tech Sex Toys: Origins from Ancient Dildos and Classic Vibrators
Whether you're looking to spice up your sex toy collection or fall back on an old classic, this list has it all.
2021 may be the year of the sex toy — according to a recent study, 25% of Americans are using sex toys more frequently than they did before the pandemic.
With interest in new sex tech growing rapidly, we wanted to take a minute to revisit the classics. So we compiled a list of the ultimate icons in sex tech and their modern-day updates.
Whether you’re in the market for a Bluetooth-enabled toy that can be controlled from hundreds of miles away, or a tried-and-true device that you know will get the job done — we’ve got you covered.
The original: Stone and bronze dildos
A 280,000 siltstone phallus discovered in Germany is reportedly the first-known example of a sex aid. The pre-historic dildo measures 7.8 inches and just over an inch wide, with its 14 remaining fragments assembled together.
Ancient sex aids made of more durable materials like bronze have also been found, including a double-ended dildo dating back to the Han dynasty 2,000 years ago.
These objects are older than the term dildo itself, which was coined around 1400 AD and stems from the Latin word “dilatare,” meaning open wide, as well as the Italian word for delight, “diletto.”
These basic dildos of the past show our fascination with phallic sex aids has pre-historic roots. Constrained by the materials and tools of their era, they also lack the diversity and range of flexibility of today's dildos.
The update: The Velvet Thruster
The Velvet Thruster Prime is a powered and thrusting dildo that takes the common dildo up a few notches, thanks to its modular design and accessibility features.
Although a solid and firm dildo is appreciated by many, these self-thrusting dildos are made of flexible, medical-grade silicone. This gives the vibrator a silky and bendy shaft.
It offers five different exchangeable dildo head options, along with various color choices for the heads and base, allowing you to customize your device to your preferences.
The original: Magic Wand Original
The Magic Wand Original (formerly known as the Hitachi Magic Wand) was created over 50 years ago, and is arguably the most iconic sex toy ever.
The toy operates at speeds up to 6,000 RPM, creating a deeply stimulating external massage.
Reviewers rave about the speedy orgasms it delivers — often more than once. But be aware: this pleasure product is for people who enjoy strong and deep vibrations.
The update: Domi 2
Lovense created their own version of the Magic Wand Original, the Domi, which was upgraded to the Domi 2 in 2020. Unlike the Magic Wand Original, which needs to be plugged in, the Domi 2 is rechargeable and Bluetooth compatible.
The Lovense Remote app can be used to control the Domi 2 via Bluetooth, sync the device’s vibrations to music, and more.
The original: Rabbit vibrator
If the Magic Wand Original is the ultimate icon in sex tech, the Rabbit vibrator isn't far behind.
The sex toy company Vibratex is said to have created the device in the early 1980s. But it wasn’t until 1998, when a Rabbit vibrator was featured in a now-classic episode of Sex and the City, that the toy skyrocketed to fame.
The product was, and continues to be, beloved for its dual-action stimulation, designed to hit the G-spot and clitoris simultaneously.
The update: Lioness Vibrator 2.0
With a sleek, rabbit ear-less design and orgasm-tracking capabilities, the Lioness Vibrator 2.0 is the 21st century’s update to dual-action stimulation.
The Lioness app syncs to the toy to enable users to watch their orgasms in real time.
The vibrator tracks pelvic floor movements, allowing users to see what factors influence the strength and duration of their orgasms.
The original: Sybian
Dave Lampert developed the Sybian saddle in 1983, and it has held a prominent place in sex tech ever since.
The saddle comes equipped with a motor, a hand-held control, and attachments of different shapes and sizes.
When turned on, the Sybian’s saddle vibrates while the attachment rotates in a circle to provide multiple types of stimulation simultaneously.
The update: Motorbunny
The Motorbunny is designed with the same saddle and attachment style as the Sybian, but has the ability to connect to an app, MB LINK.
When a Motorbunny LINK controller is connected to Motorbunny, the MB LINK app can be used to control the device via Bluetooth. This feature allows long-distance partner play, interactive cam performances, and even integrations with the mobile sex game Fappy Bunny.
Image sources: emdot, Magic Wand Original, Lovense, Amazon, Lioness, Sybian, Motorbunny, Gary Todd
