What do '10 speeds' and '36 functions' mean? This is how you read the specifications of an 18+ item
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by Verpakkingdeals.nl
5 min reading time
A high number of positions says little about the user experience. This is how you read about positions, functions, motors, and extras on an 18+ product page, and this is how you fairly compare two items.
Two products side-by-side on the same category page: one has "10 settings" and costs €32.95, the other has "36 functions" and costs €24.95. If you only look at that number, the cheaper one seems to offer more than three times the capabilities. In practice, the number says little about the user experience. Below, you can read what the terms on an 18+ product page actually mean, which specifications truly matter, and how to fairly compare two products.
Settings, functions, and patterns: what really counts?
The words settings, functions, and patterns are used interchangeably by manufacturers. Usually, the total number is the sum of two things: a number of constant speeds (low, medium, high) and a number of programmed patterns (pulsating, waving, escalating, interrupting). A product with "36 functions" rarely has 36 speeds — more often, it's a handful of speeds plus a long series of rhythms.
Why this matters: you cycle through patterns with a button, usually in a fixed order. The longer the list, the longer you'll press before you're back at the beginning. Many users stick to two or three settings after a few tries. A short, well-distributed sequence is therefore often more pleasant in practice than a long one. The Nana Silicone Vibrator with 36 settings (€29.95) and the Wand Massager Vibrator Skin Color 19.5 cm with 10 settings (€32.95) are therefore not "36 versus 10": they are two different operating concepts.
One motor or two
The number of motors is not always stated in the title, but it's one of the few specifications that directly impacts the user experience. Two motors mean that two parts of the item can vibrate separately, usually at different intensities. The Vagina Masturbator with 2 motors and 9 settings (€29.95) explicitly mentions it; the Tarzan Rabbit Vibrator Pink 24.5 cm with 36 functions (€24.95) is a model with two driven parts in one shape.
If nothing is mentioned about motors, assume there is only one, and that the vibration spreads from a single point throughout the entire item. That's not a drawback — it's simply a different construction, and usually easier to operate.
Heating, thrusting, and remote control
In addition to settings, you'll encounter a number of extras that noticeably affect the price:
Heating function. The item gently heats up so it feels less cold at the start. You'll see this reflected in the price: the Silicone Vibrator USB with 7 functions and heating costs €99.95, while models without this function in the same shape family are around €25 to €35.
Thrusting motion. A second drive that moves a part back and forth instead of vibrating. More expensive, heavier, and generally more audible than just vibrating.
Remote control. Useful if the item itself is difficult to operate during use. The Vibrating Kegel Balls Silicone 8 cm with remote control (€34.95) is an example of this. Pay attention to the range and where the receiver is located; a small transmitter works less well through thick walls or in a bag.
Compare based on what you feel, not what fits in the title
When comparing two candidates, consider them in this order: size, weight, and shape first, then controls, then the number of settings. A compact model can be operated with one hand and is easier to carry; a wand is longer, heavier, and generally has a coarser vibration. You'll notice that difference with every use — the difference between 9 and 20 patterns you'll notice once, during the initial trial.
As you can see, three items with very different numbers cost exactly the same. The price is more a result of size, material, and drive than the number of patterns.
Rechargeable or battery-operated
"USB rechargeable" means it has a built-in battery and usually comes with a cable — but not always an adapter. Assume a standard USB port on a computer, power bank, or existing phone charger. For battery-operated items, the size is not always in the title; check the product page and have a set ready, for example Panasonic AAA Zinc 4 pieces (€9.95). This way, you won't be empty-handed when you want to use the item.
If you're unsure about maintenance, check if the item is splash-proof or fully waterproof. If it's not stated, don't assume it is. In that case, clean it with a cloth and a cleaner instead of holding it under the tap.
Water-based lubricant. For example, Peep Pleasure Water-based Lubricant 100 ml (€7.95). Water-based is the safe standard choice for silicone items; silicone lubricant can damage the surface of silicone.
Both are small amounts that complete your order and prevent a new item from immediately disappearing into a drawer because something is missing.
In brief
A high number of settings is marketing as long as you don't know how they are distributed. First, look at the size and weight, then the control method and drive, then the material and maintenance — and only then at the number in the title. This is how you compare two products of €24.95 on the points that truly matter.
All models from this article can be found in the collections Vibrator, Wand Vibrators, Mini Vibrator, and Masturbator. For maintenance, check Toy Cleaners and Lubricant. If you're unsure which model suits you, or want to know if an item runs on batteries or a rechargeable battery? Feel free to email info@verpakkingdeals.nl — we'll check the specifications for you before you order. All orders are shipped in discreet packaging.
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