From escaping into one’s imagination and into the feel of a skin-like material for old-fashioned manual solo pleasure or investing in the latest tech that can replicate the movements and visuals of a sexual experience, male sex toys are all about immersing the user in pleasure. The sextech movement has arrived, introducing a new wave of masturbators with high-tech features, along with sophisticated designs and improved materials that are thrusting the category into greater acceptance among consumers.
In its most basic form, a masturbator is designed to combine fantasy and the sensation of touch via a soft, pliable sleeve that a penis can be inserted into and stroked with. Most often designed as replicas of vulvas, as well as other orifices, Satisfyer’s Stephanie Trachtenberg notes that masturbator designs have evolved to feature, “textured insides that are often artfully designed and even more exciting to the touch,” she said.
Male sextech is about bringing male sex toys ‘out of the closet or basement’ and into the mainstream.
In addition to intricately designed interiors of masturbator sleeves, Trachtenberg points out that consumers prefer more inconspicuous-looking toys.
“Not everyone is comfortable with a stroker and that’s why discretion has been a continued advancement,” she said. “Many strokers can be hidden in the shower and are made to be mistaken for household items like a shampoo bottle, just in case someone was to come across it in passing.”
Quintessential male sex toy brand Fleshlight has kept its namesake masturbator mostly unchanged since its introduction nearly 25 years ago. Created by the company’s founder Steve Shubin, the Fleshlight features a realistic sleeve housed inside a flashlight-shaped case. Daniel Harvell, the director of marketing for Fleshlight and Fleshjack, credits the brand’s product quality for not having had to change much over the past two decades.
“While we've occasionally tweaked our cases or the SuperSkin material for our sleeves, those have only been minor changes,” he said. “The biggest change, however, has been how people use our toys.”
With a never-ending roster of the hottest adult stars molded for its Fleshlight and Fleshlight collection, the company also offers more compact versions of its masturbator.
Pioneering pleasure products manufacturer Doc Johnson has offered male masturbators since the late ‘70s, evolving through the decades with improvements to its products and partnerships with popular adult performers.
“Most masturbators have been the same general concept since they’ve existed,” Doc Johnson’s Megan Adams said. “The major innovations come through materials and shapes. Doc Johnson prides itself on ULTRASKYN, a hyper-realistic material that feels just like the real thing. We use ULTRASKYN for most of our masturbators, including all the products in our Main Squeezes and Signature Stroker lines. Other innovations include the ability to mold products directly from the stars’ bodies, so consumers can live out their fantasies.”
Marie Aoyama, marketing director for Japanese male pleasure products brand Tenga, says that when the company first launched 15 years ago, the male masturbator market in Japan primarily consisted of explicit products, and some of the materials were questionable.
“In Japan, for instance, sex toys didn't have a barcode, any company name, website or any contact details — anything that would make the manufacturers liable,” Aoyama said. “A lot has changed since then, as messages around sexual health and sex toys have become much more mainstream over the past few years. This has led to significant growth of the sex toy industry, attracting more players. We feel that the number of companies producing products for a male audience has not only risen but that big players who used to specialize in female sex toys exclusively have entered the market for male toys, bringing in new innovative ideas.”
Aoyama says that today’s marketplace is healthy with competition, and as a result, now offers a wider variety of products, higher quality and more exciting innovations in product designs and features.
“The gawky replica of a human body part made of dubious materials has long since been superseded by functional, safe and well-designed self-care items that match the current customer needs: some look like little space ships, some like a futuristic lamp, some are even designed to be reusable, easy to clean, dry and store discreetly,” she added.
When Fleshlight made the decision to adopt technology, Dan Harvell said that the company was skeptical about how its venture into sextech would be received by fans of the traditional model.
“I remember discussing its sales potential with other senior team members the day before we released [Launch],” he said. “Even the most optimistic among us thought we'd only sell a couple hundred during our first week. Instead, we sold thousands and, in fact, sold out in just five days. We would sell out two more times over the next couple of months as we struggled to keep up with the overwhelming demand. Our customer base is primarily 18 to 35, and that group loves technology, making them the perfect audience for our automated devices.”
In 2017, Fleshlight ventured into incorporating technology into its signature product. Launch, a Kiiroo-powered device features interactive haptic technology that can be synchronized with compatible VR content, live cams and more. The fully automated male masturbator features two operational modes — manual, where the Launch is capable of performing up to 180 automated strokes per minute; as well as its interactive mode.
“When we launched the Fleshlight Launch — an automated stroking simulator — in 2017, we took stroking to the next level and our customers loved it,” Harvell said. Kiiroo researcher Eleanor Hackcock says that the industry’s trend towards “more automated, interactive and immersive” male sex toys is natural, and she expects it to continue.
“By allowing users to connect with interactive content, the experience will evolve continually to feel more real and allow for more realism from the [combination of] strokers and technology,” Hackcock said.
With over 18 years in the sexual wellness industry, Mark Ayckbourn, the founding partner and CTO of Concept to Consumer Collective, says that he considers the male masturbator category to have had the single biggest technological evolution of any adult category of the past few years.
“For the longest time, all that was available in male masturbation was numerous variations on TPE sleeves,” he said. “Technology back then was having beads in or different textures.
“We all owe a great deal to businesses like Fleshlight within this market,” Ayckbourn added. “They have pioneered the design and created a brand that is known worldwide, whilst paving the way for other brands in this sector.”
Autoblow, which has introduced innovative upgraded versions of its signature automated blowjob device — including its current edition that uses artificial intelligence to replicate oral stimulation. According to the company, the Autoblow A.I. uses a micro-controller in combination with an I.R. beam sensor and magnetic field sensors to control a gripper that manipulates a silicone sleeve between any of 250 different points along a five-inch-long stroking plane to deliver a variety of human-like movements to the user’s penis.
“When we started making the original Autoblow in 2008, high-tech men’s pleasure devices did not exist,” Autoblow inventor Brian Sloan said. “The industry was almost entirely made up of hand-held masturbators plus a few underpowered battery-powered or vibrating strokers. In the last 12 years, companies like ours have invested huge resources to use technology to improve the physical sensations delivered and aesthetics of male devices.”
For its latest innovation in pleasure products, WOW Tech says it saw an opportunity in the market "to focus on state-of-the-art engineered design and medical-grade top notch materials to provide penis owners with the best product possible."
"We predict that male masturbators will become a part of the masturbation narrative as vibrators have been for female-identifying people in the past five years," WOW Tech's Samantha Wolfin said. "As it stands now, WOW Tech is still working on breaking down this stigma and taboo for male-bodied individuals. WOW Tech is innovating the category with the Ion by focusing our patented Air Pleasure technology used in the device on the frenulum, which no device has done prior to us. The nerve endings found in the frenulum are the same ones found in a vulva-owner’s clitoris, giving male-bodied users a more 'full-body' orgasm."
WOW Tech Group recently unveiled the world’s first Pleasure Air stroker called the Arcwave Ion, which is the first release from WOW Tech’s line of products for “penis pleasure and redefining modern masculinity.”
In addition to Arcwave’s Pleasure Air, Ion also features CleanTech silicone. Hypoallergenic and described as more hygienic than the standard TPE/TPR material used in many strokers on the market, CleanTech silicone is smooth, non-porous and resistant to UV-light, making it more durable and easier to clean. Ion also features a storage base that both charges and dries any remaining water from rinsing using a DryTech stick.
Ion uses a reimagined version of the groundbreaking patented Womanizer technology that is now designed specifically for penis pleasure, using more intense air pressure and a wider surface spread
As the technology powering today’s masturbators continues to evolve, so does the design of toys that have become more ergonomic and easy to hold.
“We're designing products based on feedback from customers and end-users, and including stronger motors, more functions, and more features, like audio to give the end-user the full experience,” said Andy Green, the president of Xgen, which manufactures the ZOLO brand of male sex toys.
Patricia Lopez Trabajo, CEO and founder of MyHixel, says that the evolution from explicit sex toy to a sexual wellness-focused pleasure product is notable and an important change in the marketplace.
“In our case, our pleasure device, MyHixel I, has been designed by medical experts and engineers to guarantee the best possible and safe experience,” she said. “Its internal design is specifically designed to simulate real penetration, which is supported by its self-healing system and its vibration set for therapeutic purposes.”
MyHixel’s pleasure device pairs with a smartphone app called MyHixel Play, which uses cognitive behavioral therapy techniques designed to teach the user how to control ejaculation over time. The device itself is a penetrable sleeve with a heating element to replicate a partner’s body temperature. Additionally, it has a vibration feature that is tied to a climax-control training program.
“One of the most important advantages of technology is that it's always progressing and giving brands new opportunities to evolve,” Trabajo said. Tech Divide
Sextech may be the next frontier for male sex toys, however non-powered strokers are still the go-to for many consumers. Industry experts are equally excited about future tech innovations to the category, as well as the availability of better quality basic toys for manual stimulation.
“From what we’ve seen, most men are more likely to start with a manual stroker and progress to a powered or vibrating option,” Doc Johnson’s Megan Adams said.
Automated toys have introduced consumers to innovative, ultra-realistic experiences through Bluetooth connectivity and immersive VR, and have made pleasure more accessible to those that struggle with manual stimulation. On the other hand, traditional non-powered strokers are often more affordable and discreet, and their use may come more natural for some.
According to Tenga’s Marie Aoyama, the company’s egg-shaped disposable masturbation sleeves, the Tenga Eggs, are bestsellers in the U.S. She credits the product’s popularity to its affordability and its design, which is inspired by a non-sexual shape, making it more discreet.
“Both of these aspects make the item less intimidating and more accessible — a huge benefit for those who have never tried, or are reluctant to use self-pleasure items,” she said. “Although positive attitudes and social acceptance of sexuality and sex toys have been growing, masturbation remains a big taboo topic for many people, especially for cis-men. As such, trying out sex toys, let alone powered ones, still seems to be a big deal for many. That being said, we have a fair but undeniable demand for our powered masturbators and attachments, so the interest is definitely there.”
Manual solo stimulation without a toy is perhaps the most familiar to those with a penis. “The hand, of course, has an ability to stimulate in a variety of ways including bilateral friction, long strokes, and squeezing, just to name a few,” Satisfyer’s Stephanie Trachtenberg said, highlighting the appeal of non-powered masturbators. “Products that invite an intermediary which quietly augments the experience of their hand with textures and added lube is often an easier sell for men than more mechanical options. However, a growing number of men are peak explorers and are looking for sensations that are unlike anything they’ve ever felt before. For these more experimental types they often favor products that can still work seamlessly in their mechanical form and also abstain from making zealous noise.”
The choice between high-tech and manual devices obviously depends on the individual. Additionally, with sextech being relatively new, most penis owners have come to rely on their hand-operated toys.
“Manual devices have been around longer in porn and in sex shops, so men have had more time to get used to the idea,” Hot Octopuss co-founder and COO Julia Margo said.
Margo says that the company’s Pulse device — a “guybrator” with patented PulsePlate technology that uses oscillations to stimulate without the need for stroking, and creates hands-free climaxes — has inspired new fantasies in its users.
“Their eyes get big as golf balls and they almost seem to smoke from the ears with the magnitude of possibilities that start going off in their heads,” Margo said. “So, while it may not be intuitive on an animal level, it definitely makes something ‘click’ for gadget-lovers and curious minds.”
High-tech toys tend to get more attention from mainstream, and may help to make male pleasure products more acceptable.
“In many ways, the introduction of powered and technologically advanced masturbators will enhance the speed of male acceptance as the creative and real-feel experience is brought nearer,” Concept to Consumer’s Mark Ayckbourn said. “The non-powered male masturbators are still the biggest-selling product within this category (with increased sales year on year), but the gap between manual and powered is closing.”
As a brand that’s regularly featured in mainstream publications for its novel inventions — such as its Automoblow device that connects the Autoblow A.I. to any Tesla model’s cup-holder so that it may be used while self-driving — company owner Brian Sloan says that the exposure is making it more appealing to invest in a high-tech masturbator.
“As mainstream media has paid more attention to devices like the Autoblow, the stigma has lessened and men are opening up to the idea of ownership,” he said. “I think the only blocker for some men is the cost, but as they read and hear from others about the physical sensation advantages to owning automatic masturbators, I believe we will continue to see men changing their habits.”
Manual strokers will get the job done, so to speak, for most users; however consumers also are increasingly becoming willing to invest in more advanced products that promise unique experiences.
“When it is powered masturbation, the feelings and sensation multiply, and [the device is] created to push the pleasure,” MyHixel’s Patricia Lopez Trabajo said, highlighting the inner shape of the “MyHixel I” sleeve along with its heating function and vibration, “which have been developed by specialists, also imitate a real penetration sensation, making the experience more real and satisfying,” she added.
In addition to introducing users to new ways to explore solo stimulation, automated masturbators can also be especially useful for those with disabilities or other physical issues.
“It is worth noting that sextech will have the capacity to make masturbation more comfortable and accessible for people who struggled to do so before,” Kiiroo’s Eleanor Hackcock said. “For example, many men suffer from hand limitations relating to arthritis or long-term disability. Kiiroo products can help relieve the pressure of a hand limitation during masturbation by automating the movements for the user.”
Mainstreaming Masturbators
For the past five years, Tenga has been tracking the perceptions of masturbation through its annual Tenga Global Self- Pleasure Report and has found a positive shift in attitudes, the company says. Based on the surveys, Americans are becoming more open to discussing masturbation; are more likely to use masturbation as a form of self-care; and are opening up about using sex toys.
The message appears to be reaching male consumers as well, as the report has shown that men are becoming increasingly open to incorporating sex toys into their lives — based on the survey’s findings of 20 percent in 2016 versus 58 percent in 2020. “With our continued push to change the conversation around male pleasure, we now see Tenga in hundreds of mainstream media placements throughout the year,” Tenga’s Marie Aoyama said. “We are proud to continue playing a key role in opening up this dialogue, changing the perceptions and breaking the stigmas around masturbation and sexuality. Through our PR activities, we emphasize the importance of normalizing masturbation as a natural human need, backed up by strong research data from our annual Global Self Pleasure Reports.”
As a researcher for Kiiroo, Eleanor Hackcock has also spent time tracking the popularity of male pleasure products and finds that many men are “seriously excited” about the future of sextech.
“This is because it will accelerate the progression of male masturbation, male wellness, and male sexuality,” Hackcock said. “Considering sexuality is already taboo in society, and some people who identify as men do not currently have a safe space or diverse conversation around sex toys, it is great that we are bringing this subject to the surface. Male sextech is about bringing male sex toys ‘out of the closet or basement’ and into the mainstream. We need to start speaking about male sex toys more! If we continue to discuss the use of male sex toys in sex-positive contexts, then we will be able to learn more about the male body and pleasure. This can only be a good thing.”
Male sex toys have become more mainstream not just through advanced technology but also due to less raunchy marketing.
“The ‘de-pornification’ of male sex toy brands is helping a lot to facilitate appearances on popular websites,” Autoblow’s Brian Sloan said. “While products of the past were associated with porn, in the current media environment, porn-related products will not be written about.”
Porn is most often people’s most accessible introduction to masturbation; however, the stigma associated with sex makes talking about it publicly highly unlikely. Still, it can be said that some progress has been made as more sex talk — and toys — appear on TV shows and movies.
“[Mainstreaming of masturbation] honestly been a lot slower for men than for women,” Hot Octopuss’ Julia Margo said. “Shows like ‘Sex and the City’ started combatting the masturbation stigma for women in the ‘90s, but we have yet to see any mainstream media that does the same for men. It's always a joke with pervy undertones when it comes to male masturbation, unfortunately. Every now and again a publication like Men's Health will put out an article on male masturbation as a wellness practice, and I hope that content like that goes a long way.”
The mainstreaming of male masturbators not only contributes to their acceptance as a pleasure product, but it also legitimizes them as a sexual wellness tool.
“We are in the health sector, in this case, [male pleasure products are] getting more acceptance than before,” MyHixel’s Patricia Lopez Trabajo said, noting that industry professionals are introducing therapists and other medical professionals to the benefits of sextech. “Sexologists and urologists have supported our products from the beginning, but male sexual wellness is still a taboo in many other markets which means the visibility of this type of product can be difficult,” she added.
The growth of the penis stimulator category also is expanding its appeal. In a retail setting, having more masturbators in stock increases their visibility, which may serve to make customers feel more at ease with them.
“The customers see that and respond to it,” Xgen’s Andy Green said. “It's not about straight or gay, it’s about satisfaction. Many couples are now using male toys together, whereas before it may have been just be a guy using it by himself.”
Pleasure products may never be fully considered “mainstream” by the general public; however, their forbiddance is often part of their appeal.
“People tend to be more interested in and excited by things that are considered to be taboo, and we make it easy for people to discreetly access these ‘forbidden’ toys,” Fleshlight’s Daniel Harvell said. “Of course, despite the secretive nature of our products, Fleshlight has become a household name. We're in movies, we're on ‘SNL,’ we're a pop-culture phenomenon. Anyone watching porn has seen our products either in adult films or molded after their favorite adult stars. At some point, most men are going to ask — ‘how does that feel?’"
According to WOW Tech's Samantha Wolfin, the pandemic has played a role in the mainstreaming of male pleasure products.
"During the pandemic, it has become obvious that sexual wellness is a big part of mental wellness," she said. "This can be seen in the uptick in both sales across the board, as well as an increase in media coverage across the board. With more time at home over the past 14 months, men and women alike have had time to focus on themselves, including their sexual wellness."
Different Strokes for Different Folks
Today’s manufacturers are taking varying approaches to catering to male fantasies, ranging from replicating body parts to masturbators that leave more to the imagination.
Among the most popular branded orifices is the Fleshlight Girls line of masturbators molded from top adult performers. “Realistic strokers are in big demand,” Fleshlight’s Daniel Harvell said. “Our Fleshlight Girls line makes up a huge portion of our annual sales."
According to Autoblow’s Brian Sloan, realistic orifices are a must for his brand of masturbators.
“Men demand it,” Sloan said. “Other brands use nondescript holes and use a marketing strategy which is designed not to offend anyone. I think realism for men is a key ingredient for purchasing decisions; and realism for men means that the hole they put their penis into must look like a human orifice.”
In January, Pipedream introduced the Milk Me Silly Mega-Masturbator, which is plug-in powered and features dual gyrating roller massagers engulfed in over 20 pounds of Fanta Flesh TPE. During its virtual debut at the ANME/XBIZ show, Pipedream Products’ Rob Phaneuf described the latest innovation as a “car wash for your cock.”
“Until now, the only vibrating option guys had for Pipedream’s life-size, realistic Mega-Masturbators was a tiny, AA-powered bullet buried into the backside of the full-size fuck toy,” the company said of its latest release. “The Milk Me Silly is not just a twerking bubble butt and it’s definitely not just for show — it’s a super-sneaky, multi-functional fuck machine built inside of a full-size Fuck Me Silly."
In 2019, VirtualMate launched a crowdfunding campaign that reached 75 percent of its 30-day goal within its first 48 hours, the company announced in a press release.
“We’ve spent many hours working to create the perfect onscreen VirtualMate with different scenarios and settings, and The Core is brilliantly intuitive to the user’s needs when it counts the most,” VirtualMate’s Jeff Dillon said in press release amid the device’s debut. “We know we’ve created something special.”
According to the company, VirtualMate is the sum of two parts: an online game subscription service at VirtualMate.com that brings viewers’ realistic girlfriends to life on any PC, mobile device or VR headset; and a multi-functional male stroker called The Core, which gathers and transfers important “motion data” for the on-screen mate to respond to in real-time.
Whether a user is trying to replicate a sexual experience — complete with visuals — or simply wanting to feel the unique sensation of a specially created material, there are many qualities that male consumers look for.
“Pleasure is a subjective and personal experience, is diversifying our preferences outside of the realms of traditional, humanistic features. For example, there are sex toy collections out there which nod towards fantasy, science fiction and imaginative characters or beings. So, whilst there are many realistic strokers out there that some people prefer, sex toys do allow room to maneuver around these social norms.”
Tech innovation isn’t only creating new pleasure experiences for male users, but it can also be used to improve partnered experiences. MyHixel’s Patricia Lopez Trabajo says that beyond functioning as a device for solo pleasure, the addition of an app offers more options and value for the user.
“If you add an app that guides the user in explaining how to get new sexual skills, how to know his body, and how to control ejaculation, it makes [the device] more attractive,” she said. Beyond the choice of whether or not mechanics like vibration or automatic stroking features are desired, there are many factors that can make or break a sex toy, such as: ”look and feel, ergonomic hold, easy cleaning, longevity of a product,” says Satisfyer’s Stephanie Trachtenberg.
Similarly, Xgen’s Andy Green says that rather than showcasing specific performers, the ZOLO line takes a more “scientific approach” and aims to “come out with the best overall shapes and designs” for pleasure, he said.
Consumers are looking for the tech or design features, functions, pricing and materials that best suit their needs — and it’s not always in the shape of a human body part.
“Considering that we have shipped more than 90 million products so far, and none of our products are replicas of body parts, I guess it is fair to say that not everybody prefers realistic strokers,” Tenga’s Marie Aoyama said. “But at the end of the day, we want everybody to simply enjoy their sexuality, with a sex toy being just an additional tool, so realistic or not, as long as it's pleasurable for you, go for it!”
Hot Octopuss’ Julia Margo says she also hears from male users who prefer non-realistic toys.
“Customer feedback tells us that the high-end, futuristic look of Pulse makes them feel so much more comfortable using a penis toy,” she said. “I think it takes away the cheap/dingy sex shop vibe and helps men feel good about themselves for using an elegant piece of technology for their self-care practice.”
The stigma surrounding masturbation continues to play a role in how pleasure products are designed and marketed. To avoid customers being intimidated by techy pleasure products, sex education is the ultimate tool.
“The breadth and array of male products has expanded within categories on websites creating a far broader acceptance,” Concept to Consumer Collective’s Mark Ayckbourn said. “Interestingly, we still hear female customers say ‘oh that’s not right’ or ‘why would he need that’ when talking about male masturbation products. Something we might have previously heard men say to women when talking about female sex toys. As sexual education evolves and communication is becoming more open, both women and men are understanding how using sex toys alone or together can enhance the sex lives they have together.”
Rising Trends
One the major goals of pleasure products manufacturers is to eliminate the shame of masturbation products and sex in general. Promoting sex positivity is on every brand’s to-do list. Tenga’s Marie Aoyama says that the company hopes to transform the perception of sex toys to be viewed as essential lifestyle items that “no one needs to hide or feel ashamed for.”
“As this industry still has big growth potential, we believe that even more players will enter the market, bringing in fresh competition alongside revolutionary ideas,” she said, noting that the company is focusing on investing in product R&D, incorporating customer feedback, and continuing to “offer high-end pleasure products everybody can access and enjoy.”
MyHixel’s Patricia Lopez Trabajo says that she foresees the future of the sextech sector being linked to big data and artificial intelligence.
“A few years ago, the great novelty for the sector was virtual reality, and it was applied to the porn industry, but big data and artificial intelligence go a step further,” she said. “Both technologies are used to predict behaviors, tastes, patterns, and not only those linked to pleasure and/or enjoyment as such, but also to sex in its most health related sphere.”
Industry experts are anticipating that the so sex toys can offer a whole host of qualities and properties,” Kiiroo’s Eleanor Hackcock said. “For example, some people may prefer a more realistic stroker, and others may prefer to focus on the texture, quality or softness. There is a lot of evidence to suggest that the sex toy and sextech market male sex toy category will soon be propelled into mainstream through sextech innovations, similar to how it drew more attention and acceptance of female pleasure products.
“Whereas the female sex toy market has allowed for the expansion of knowledge around female sensuality, this will definitely continue to follow suit for male sex toys,” Kiiroo’s Eleanor Hackcock said.
Late last year, Kiiroo stepped out as its own emerging brand of male pleasure products with the introduction of its automated masturbator, Keon. The company is following up its release with four new strokers, known as the Feel Star Collection.
“Our growing product range features intimate molds of some of the world’s top talent,” Hackcock said. “The [Feel Star] strokers are the only strokers in the world that are compatible with Keon by Kiiroo, our flagship masturbator. Alongside the personalized interactive content produced specifically by the Feel Stars, users will be able to ‘feel’ one step closer to enjoying intimate moments with their favorite stars.”
Kiiroo also is working on the development and improvement of its new mobile app “that will make using interactive pleasure products more immersive than we have ever made them before,” Hackcock said.
Manufacturers focused on the male side of pleasure products, such as Autoblow, will continue to innovate technology, including internet connectivity, long-distance functionality and VR. “We have plans to release a new version of Autoblow AI in early 2022 which will have internet-related features never before seen in our industry,” Autoblow’s Brian Sloan said. “The features are secret but the direction of our innovation is not: to make the blowjob experience feel as real as possible.”
Also keeping details of its upcoming innovations under wraps, Fleshlight’s Daniel Harvell says that the company is gearing up to make a big announcement “that will shake up the adult male toy market,” and in the meantime revealed that the company is developing new types of strokers and methods of development.
Regarding sextech, Harvell said, “Technology is the future. Interactivity is the future. VR is the future. We are continuously discussing how to take advantage of the desire for these types of products.” Satisfyer is aiming to give men different experiences with versatile designs like the Satisfyer Men Wand, which can be used during fellatio to provide vibration to the shaft of the penis. It can also be used on other parts of the body like the perineal area or scrotum.
“Satisfyer is also innovating the portable egg masturbator, that features unique textures along with a revolutionary material called Hydro Active TPE which is self-lubricating when you add a small amount of water,” Satisfyer’s Stephanie Trachtenberg said. “Adding water makes the material soft and sensual and naturally lubricated. This, of course, makes it excellent for travelers or couples wanting to experiment with something different without the need to incorporate lubricant. Because it’s a flexible sleeve, it allows for intense hand-stroking action with nuanced shapes for an exciting and new experience every time you decide to play.”
Trachtenberg also sees app-enabled products as getting more traction in the category overall, and says the company will be adding Bluetooth connectivity to its male products.
Hot Octopuss’ Julia Margo agrees that more Bluetooth-controlled toys are on the horizon, and shares some more ideas about the future of male pleasure products. “I'd love to see magnets get worked into more penis toys,” Margo said. “Imagine having two layers of sleeves on a toy with magnets of opposing charges and a remote that controls where one of the layers moves, causing the other to respond in a somewhat unpredictable way.”
According to Margo, the company will continue to improve upon its design of its Pulse stimulator to be lighter, sleeker and easier to use. She also revealed that the company also is creating an anal toy with its signature Treble and Base technology.”
ZOLO also is in the works of expanding its lineup with upgraded male pleasure devices. According to Andy Green, ZOLO will be releasing its most expensive item ever this spring, coming in at about a $200 wholesale price. “This item has wireless audio capabilities, a warming function, drying function, two interchangeable sleeves and 10 unique functions. It also has an eight foot power cord to make sure the user has constant power.”
While some may say that male pleasure products have started to fall behind in terms of innovation compared to toys intended for vulva-owners, there are a growing number of manufacturers that are stepping in to level the playing field. While classic stroker designs continue to be a quick and easy purchase for male shoppers, there is always room for improvement. The evolution for many male toys is seen (or felt) with better quality materials and more creative interior textures to stimulate the shaft with different sensations, which are significant innovations in their own right. On the tech front, it won’t be long until there are equally as many groundbreaking powered toys for all bodies alike.
