“Isn’t it so cute?” is not an expression I would normally use to describe a dildo. But in this case, it’s true. As I prized it from it’s packaging, the first thing I thought was “Awwww….”.
The day you receive a package from Tantus is always an exciting day. When I unpacked my newest shipment from them, it was no exception. As I gazed at the silicone delights inside, I couldn’t help but squeal in delight.
Speaking of dick… Look what’s just arrived from @tantus. SQUISHY VIBRATING DICKS! #SoExcitedpic.twitter.com/1n1f98ZNsJ
— The Big Gay Review (@thebiggayreview) February 1, 2016
I present to you, ALAN. Alan is the first realistic vibrating dual density toy that Tantus have released (and thankfully, not the last – look out for our review of the SAM soon). Alan is a multi-purpose toy as it features a removable bullet vibrator and suction cup, so you can really switch things up. My Alan arrived in a delicious ‘Mocha’ colour but it also available in a cream and cocoa colour. It’s one of the smaller Tantus dildos I have reviewed, but I was still VERY excited to give it a try. So how did it pan out? Did Alan knock my socks off? Well let’s find out.
The ALAN was sent to me free of charge by Tantus in exchange for my honest review. Affiliate links have been used in this post.
First Impressions
I love Tantus’ packaging. It’s always bright, fun and friendly – it totally represents what is inside the box. Like other Tantus products, the dildo is presented in a clear plastic case, allowing you to see the toy in all it’s glory before you’ve even pulled it out of the box. On first glance, Alan looks like a slightly smaller version of Gary. I really liked that dildo, so I already had high hopes for Alan. He stands at 6.5 inches in insertable length and has a circumference of 4.75 inches – making it pretty ‘realistic’ in terms of an average sort of size.
The top 4 inches of the Alan features the signature dual density squish that I have come to truly admire. The bottom 2.5 inches is a hollow cavity that allows you to insert the provided waterproof bullet, or the suction cup attachment. Naturally, this bottom part is extremely flexible and soft. The surface of the Alan features realistic skin details, including pores and veins along with various folds and wrinkles towards the tip of the toy. It features a flared base making it completely anal safe, and can be used with a harness for strap-on play.
In Use
Because of the Alan’s slightly smaller size, I decided to just dive straight in. I figured that it would actually make a decent warm up toy on it’s own. I decided to use it with the bullet vibrator first. The provided Tantus bullet is, well… it’s not brilliant. I’ve mentioned in previous reviews (prostate play, perfect plug) that the bullets just feel under-powered and the vibrations don’t really transmit well through the silicone. So I wasn’t expecting much to be different here, especially as it’s only single speed.
However, in the interest of reviewing thoroughly, I was still prepared to give it all a good try. So after getting myself comfortable, I grabbed my bottle of trusty hybrid lube, slathered the entire shaft and myself and began insertion. Thanks to it’s narrower circumference, Alan slipped inside with almost no resistance. Well, there was like, a teeny bit – after all, I was working from a cold start but after that, it was a breeze. I have to admit, at this point, I was feeling a little under-whelmed. Because of it’s smaller size and the fact it’s so squishy… it felt like… well, to be honest – it felt like nothing was there!
I’m not sure what that says about me – I wouldn’t say that I over-do it with the anal play, but it was feeling a little lack-lustre. However, I continued onwards. The little flared base provides a nice little grip, allowing me to thrust with it. In order to get any sort of reaction from my prostate, I really had to thrust it hard, because the tip is just so soft. But when it did find the spot, it felt great and I could feel myself just pushing harder against it. Deciding it was time to switch it up a gear, I switched on the vibrator. As it buzzed into life, I felt a pleasant tingle around my sphincter. Further up, I didn’t really feel much… but there was a very gentle tickle. Unfortunately for me, who craves that little bit of power… it was just not enough. So I reached for the old faithful We-Vibe Tango.
Basically, any toy that’s powered by a bullet – I always end up replacing the included bullet with the Tango – and in the Alan, it truly is a match made in heaven.
This feels like an absolutely winning combination… pic.twitter.com/6KzvPQFpvi
— The Big Gay Review (@thebiggayreview) February 4, 2016
Told you. The Tango fits in beautifully, and on the lowest setting, the vibrations emitted through the shaft of the Alan are just ever so slightly stronger than the vibrations put out by the included Tantus bullet. So you know on the higher speeds, it’s going to be great. And it was. It really, truly was. The vibrations really make the Alan a better toy – with the Tango pulsing through, I can feel every inch of the shaft. Combined with some strong thrusts, the Alan was finally starting to earn it’s stripes.
Fancy riding the Alan hands free? Swap out the bullet for the included suction cup – this allows you to slap it onto the wall, or the floor or whatever surface you would normally attach your suction cups too (LoveArc, maybe?) and grind on it. When used in an upright position (i.e on the floor) the Alan stands relatively firm and vertical and insertion is still relatively easy. When used on a wall, the weight of the Alan (which isn’t too much) naturally caused it to point down towards the floor so backing on to it is a little trickier – but not much.
The best sessions I had with the Alan though, were with the Tango and the Liberator Bon Bon (review coming soon). The Bon Bon is a cushion with a slot to pop a dildo or vibrator in so you can use it hands free. I slipped the Tango in the base of the Alan and then slipped that into the Bon Bon. This allowed me to hop on board and ride Alan, whilst still benefitting from the deep, delightful vibrations. Each session using this configuration always ended with me having a really big, strong orgasm.
My only gripe is that I wish it was just a little bit thicker. Not massively… but pushing it up to the 5 inch circumference would have made it absolutely perfect.
Clean-up and Maintenance
Like all other Tantus dildos, you can clean Alan by chucking it in the dishwasher, or boiling it (just remember to remove any bullets you’ve lodged inside!). You can also just spritz with some anti-bacterial toy cleaner and some warm water. The silicone on the Alan has a slight ‘draggy’ feel which means it holds onto dust and hair – so a rinse before use would be recommended.
Summary
Do you like realistic dildos? Are you looking for something smaller to get you warmed up? Are you a beginner? Do you like the idea of something that vibrators or can be used hands-free via a suction cup? If you answered yes to any or all of these questions – then the Alan might be for you.
Whilst it doesn’t have the thicker size that I generally tend to like, as a warm up toy – Alan is amazing. The ability to have the vibrations really gets me revved up, and ready to move onto bigger toys. But to be fair, as I mentioned, I do have lots of fun combining this with the Bon Bon and just riding it during masturbation – and the end result is always extremely satisfying. The quality is top notch as always and the little details in terms of the wrinkles and pores is always a nice touch.
Size queens will be more interested in the Sam – the latest offering that packs in a chunky 6 inch circumference (review coming soon).
Where To Buy
You can order your Alan from Tantus in Cream, Cocoa or Mocha colour for $129.00 (£91.42 at today’s exchange rate – note that if you are ordering from the UK, you should also consider customs and import charges). If you are in the US, you can get free delivery when you spend $100 or more. Spend $200 or more and you get free international shipping.
I would like to thank Tantus for sending us the Alan free of charge in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts, opinions and experiences shared in this review are 100% honest and my own. Affiliate links have been used within this post.
