Good Vibrations Magazine

GV Research Labs exist to answer some of the most important questions related to the world of sex toys. One of the most common questions asked of GV sex educators is “What’s the best vibrator?” Of course, we can’t really answer that because every person’s likes and dislikes are varied. But — what we can tell you is the manufacturing and design differences among vibrators on the market. And as for choosing the best/worst, favorite/least favorite vibrator — well… that’s still up to YOU!

One aspect about vibrators that peaks my curiosity is the difference between a vibrator that “vibrates” (duh) and an “oscillating” vibrator. So here, in the GV research labs, we probed a few products that boast oscillation. Apparently, some of the main differences lie in the construction and placement of the vibrator’s motor. One of the toys we were most curious about is The Eroscillator, a newcomer to GV.

What’s the REAL difference between these two types of motors?

The researched scientific answer: According to the smart people over at Simon Fraser University, oscillation occurs when a system, body or quantity is set in periodic motion or vibration. They give examples like a swinging pendulum, a vibrating string, or a bobbing buoy. Okay, but is it the same for my oscillating vibrator, professor? (Shucks, even librarians choose to skip taking Physics!)

The Wikipedia answer: Oscillation is the “variation, typically in time, of some measure as seen, for example, in a swinging pendulum.” Right, so now we have some consistency in our definitions of the term oscillation. Consistency is good. So — wait, is oscillation a type or a form of vibration? Wikipedia says NO! Actually, vibration is a narrower form of oscillation. Interesting, huh? For some reason, I imagined vibration as the broader term, and oscillation as the narrower, but it’s the other way around. Perhaps GV should consider a name change? Good Oscillations? (Just kidding). Wikipedia further states that sometimes oscillation and vibration are used synonymously. If I am interpreting this correctly, there may not be that many differences between my oscillating vibrator and all my other vibrators after all.

However, (warning: more Physics talk) let’s think in terms of the motor in the vibrator itself. Benjamin Crowell, author of Vibrations and Waves, writes, “The key to understanding how an object vibrates is to know how the force on the object depends on the object’s position. If an object is vibrating to the right and left, then it must have a leftward force on it when it is on the right side and a rightward force when it is on the left side.”

So, the answer isn’t as easy and straight forward as we may have thought. There are a lot of variables to the physical or mechanical nature of vibration/oscillation (there I go using the words interchangeably as noted earlier). But, what would the manufacturer of the oscillating vibrator have to say about all of this?

The manufacturer’s answer: According to the makers of the Eroscillator, the reason that this is “the best” (their words) vibrator ever, is because of its design and careful oscillating motor construction. But, what does that REALLY mean? First, consider the Eroscillator’s oscillating shaft vs. other vibrator’s stationary shaft. Vibrations are felt through the stationary shaft or the casing of the vibrator; the makers of the Eroscillator understand that the motion of the oscillating shaft can deliver powerful, yet gentle stimulation — without that numb-hand feeling!

Now consider the oscillating motion is more of a “side-to-side” movement versus the “up-and-down” motion. If you’re having trouble visualizing this, think of the way a finger would rub a clitoris (side-to-side, right? or even in a circular motion) and an up-and-down motion is more like a pounding sensation (think… hammer). I may not have taking physics, but now I understand! Finally, the answer we have all been waiting for. So, oscillating motors are more like a gentle finger. I get it! The makers of The Eroscillator (yep, this is the one Dr. Ruth swears by) definitely did their homework; a decent amount of careful research went into crafting an oscillating, err… orgasmic stimulator? Being an avid researcher myself, I like that! If you need even more information, check out this university study conducted among 30 women between the ages of 24 to 47!

But, wait, I have more questions!

Are oscillations less noisy than vibrations?

By virtue, it appears so, but perhaps that’s also for you to decide; considering whether or not you have roommates, live with your parents, have thin walls, or maybe you prefer the loudest rattle-and-hum on the market! But, if we are using my ears, oscillations seem a little tamer. The makers of the Eroscillator think so too. In fact, the results of their study asked the participants which toy they found the quietest to use.

What’s more intense?
Well, I guess it depends on what you consider intense. Again, (here’s my sex educator voice coming out) everyone is different; what might be powerful to you, might not be powerful to me. GV does have a vibrator intensity chart using a 1-5 scale to help you decide.

Now, that I did some of my homework, don’t forget to do YOUR homework! Tell me: what’s the best vibrator?
Simone wonders if Dr. Ruth would star in a film called: The Eros-cillator (insert Arnold Schwarzenegger’s voice here.)