PicoBong IPO Finger Fun

Date: (25 March 2012)

PicoBong is a new, more affordable (kind of like a fashion house's diffusion line) brand from Lelo, the famous Swedish manufacturer known for its luxury sex toys. As Lelo's main range products, PicoBong vibrators are high-quality, made of safe materials and have a modern, minimalist, discreet design; but, unlike Lelo's toys, they are battery operated. There are currently six toys in the PicoBong line, and the the Ipo is their finger vibrator.

PACKAGING
The Ipo comes in a cute, bright pink and black cardboard box with a see-through plastic window to show the toy. I love when the packaging is discreet, I don't want anything porn-like in my trash can. Inside, along with the Ipo, there's a small dice (I still have to figure out what I'm supposed to do with that), the user manual and a 1 year warranty.

APPEARANCE
The design is minimalist and sleek. Like all finger vibes the PicoBong Ipo is small, being 3 inches in length and 1 inch in diameter, and lightweight. The vibrator itself is coated in soft silicone, one of the safest materials out there, and it's inflexible, while the battery compartment is made of hard plastic. The finger loop, which is made of silicone too, isn't stretchy at all. The controls are two little push buttons, a plus and a minus sign, on the side of the toy, where the PicoBong logo is embedded. Build quality is definitely good but not as excellent as that of Lelo toys.

BATTERIES
As I said, the Ipo isn't rechargeable but requires 1 AAA battery. The user manual recommends avoiding rechargeable batteries, because they can result in decreased vibration intensity. It's true, actually, but I didn't noticed a huge difference. Inserting the battery is very easy; just unscrew the base attachment from the vibe, place the battery inside and screw back together.

HOW IT WORKS
To activate the Ipo, hold down the + button and the toy will come to life with a constant vibration, which is the first setting. To increase the intensity just keep pressing. Press the minus sign to decrease the vibration strength and hold the button to turn off the Ipo.
But this vibrator isn't just multispeed, it features 12 (yes...twelve!!) functions!
1. Constant buzz
2/3/4/5. Standard pulsating patterns, each faster than the previous, with the 2nd function being a very slow pulsation and the 5th a very fast pulsation
6. Standard escalation
7. Same, but faster
8. Vibration escalates and then intensity decreases, it's like a wave
9. Same, but faster
10. Two fast pulses-escalation-two fast pulses in a loop cycle
11. Escalation-four fast pulses-escalation in a loop cycle
12. This is a very unique pattern, a mix of pulsation and escalation. It's hard to describe, let's say there are short and long escalating pulses of vibration, if it makes any sense.
To change function, hold the + button for like 2 seconds while the Ipo is activated at the maximum intensity. Continue this process to cycle between the different modes. Return to continous vibration by pressing the minus button.
Using the Ipo can prove a little tricky at first, the controls aren't very straightforward and the buttons are tiny and you have to press them hard and hold them down for a couple of seconds to change function. But once you get used to how it works, things will get easier; moreover, you can't accidentally change your settings as it takes more than a light touch on the buttons. A downside, though, is that you can't cycle through the settings as you like, they're arranged in a linear fashion.
This vibrator is really quiet, the quietest I own. Even on the highest speed it's quiet to the point of being nearly silent. If, when using a sex toy, you're worried about the noise and other people hearing it, with the Ipo you're sure to have some discreet fun.
Now let's talk about why I am so disappointed with this toy: strength of vibrations. Even at the maximum intensity the Ipo is still pretty weak.
The Ipo is waterproof.

HOW TO USE IT
The Ipo is a clitoral-intended vibrator, but can be used to tease all your erogenous zones, during masturbation but also with a partner.

CARE AND MAINTENANCE
Being made of silicone and plastic, both non-porous materials, the Ipo is not only body-safe but also hygienic and very easy to clean. You can use warm water and an antibacterial soap or a specific sex toys cleaner. Avoid cleaning solutions containing alcohol or acetone and don't boil it, there's a motor inside! Use only water-based lubes and remember silicone toys can't touch in storage, silicone melts silicone.

MY OPINION
The lack of power is a huge letdown for me. From a toy this expensive (well, for a finger vibe) and marketed as luxurious, I was expecting a great performance. I find the Ipo great for teasing, sure gets me in the mood, but I need intensity to get me off. I could probably reach climax with this vibrator, but I know my body and it would be a struggle. It's a shame, because the 12 functions are amazing. Another downside is the unstretchy finger loop. I have small fingers and it fits, but it's very snug and after a while my finger gets a little numb. And since this is supposed to be a sex toy for couples too, I'm afraid a man would find it even more uncomfortable.

SUMMARY
Pros: high quality, body-safe materials, whisper quiet, 12 functions, sleek design.
Cons: the controls aren't straightforward, it's not a powerful vibrator, unstretchy finger loop.
I would recommend the Ipo only to people not seeking intensity or who are looking for a teasing toy.