Raquel vs. Niagara: The Showdown
22 Jun
Look, I couldn’t figure out who I wanted to win, so I had to kill them both. I am morbid like that. Sorry. And Niagara has apparently turned into Sawyer, calling everyone “Hoss” all the time. Anyway.
A while ago, I asked Vixen Creations and Tantus if they would be willing to go for a comparison review of Vixskin and O2, IN THE NAME OF SCIENCE. They readily agreed, and I was sent a Raquel and a Niagara (in pink, to match, to make it more science-y). What can I say? They’re both awesome. Niagara is perhaps a bit more firm. Raquel is a smidge squishier. Niagara has some texture, but Raquel is completely smooth. Niagara has a hole in the base for a bullet, which Raquel lacks. Oh, and Niagara cannot stand up on its own, if for example you were trying to film it wearing a paper-and-electrical-tape cowboy hat in front of a desert scene drawn with crayon on a piece of cardboard cannibalized from the box your printer came in. In that situation you might have to try abut a million times to tape the back of the Niagara down so it would stay upright and finally give up in frustration and just hold the toy, doing your best to keep your fingers out of sight. TANTUS THIS IS REALLY IMPORTANT AND YOU SHOULD FIX THIS PROBLEM, STAT. On to the breakdown…
Raquel
I think if I had to pick only one of these two to use for the rest of my life, I would pick Raquel. I really, really dig the squishiness. The head on Raquel is a little bulgier than on Niagara, so it’s a champion g-spotter despite the squish. I don’t mind so much that there’s no option to insert a bullet, but in a perfect world I’d like some texture on Raquel. And for it to be blue. Then it would be the ultimate dildo. In sort, Vixskin rocks. It just feels amazing.
Niagara
My favorite part of Niagara is that it’s textured. There are some wavy bumps on the front of the toy that definitely liven up the experience. I think the core-to-squishy-outer-part ratio is a little higher in O2 than in Vixskin: it’s stiffer, less bendable, and less squishy. You still get the more realistic sensation that comes with the combo, but I think this toy would be great for someone looking for something with a little less give (or wants a dildo that has the vibration option).
The Showdown
My personal preference, after this monumental scientific test (if for the value of “scientific test” we substitute “completely subjective comparison review”), was for Vixskin. But the dual-material look of Niagara, combined with the texture and the capacity for vibration may push it over the top for others. Both Vixskin and O2 are going to provide a semi-realistic experience (more realistic feeling than other materials, but pink that has been seen cannot be unseen). It’s all going to depend on what you’re looking for, and since both toys are the same size, both are pure silicone, and both are dual-density, it’s really going to come down to how you like your details.
| Raquel | Niagara | |
|---|---|---|
| Dimensions (diameter x length): | 1.5 inches x 7.5 inches | 1.5 inches x 7.5 inches |
| Material: | Vixskin | O2 |
| Body Safe: | ✔ | ✔ |
| Anal Safe: | ✔ | ✔ |
| Harness-compatible: | ✔ | ✔ |
| Texture | x | ✔ |
| Pleasantly Squishable: | ✔ | ✔ |
| Can stand up on its own for filming purposes: | ✔ | x :-( |
Many thanks to Tantus and Vixen Creations for providing the cast of characters!
Niagra is the only O2 dildo that I don’t own yet! I don’t know, comparing Vixskin and O2 is almost unfair because they’re both so awesome! But, you’re right; the O2 material is a little firmer, while Vixskin is squishier. Both pick up vast amounts of lint in equal quantities, though.
I <3 you!
This is awesome.
I can't really feel vibrations through my Niagara unless I use a corded bullet. It's almost like the material is just too dense or something.
Oh my god the lint. After filming the video both toys were just disgusting.
The hats! THE HATS! I love this.
The hats took forever. Luckily I had the electrical tape around from trying to repair my MacBook power cord.
I can’t get the video to play! I really want both of these, I think I will probably end up getting the Niagra or Revolution first though. Hey, maybe I’ll just get them all at the same time then I won’t have to make up my mind!
Oh, and I like to be able to stand my toys up too. Lay them next to me on the bed and they are hairy and gross in .5 seconds. Sometimes I bring a big plastic plate to the bed to lay them on…but I usually forget about the plate until it’s too late.
Missy, here’s the direct link, see if that works better: http://vimeo.com/12744135
Your rant about making the Niagara stand up is amazing. As is your general sass. And, of course, the epic video. THUMBS UP.
Two words for you:
Fucking awesome. ;D
fucking awesome indeed…
BEST VIDEO REVIEW EVER!