I was half surprised when I read
online that the Gregs were not trying to compete with the big boys of
toys ("Alves says launching Evolved Novelties isn't an
attempt to compete with the adult toy manufacturers already on the
market. Instead, just as when he launched Zero Tolerance, he is simply looking for his own place in the market.") but given the three I was sent to try out,
they might be competing before long as the copycat syndrome in porn
production is even more rampant in the world of sex toys.
From his interview at AVN online: "Alves says he doesn't intend to flood the market. "We did not cut any corners," he says. "All of our toys are quality-tested. We really tried to go as
high-end as possible, from the motors to the finish of the toy itself
and even the stones used in some of the jewel-encrusted vibrators. We
are only going to be releasing about six a month so we don't flood the
market. The first month, you're going to see a couple of toys from each
line we're launching." Though Alves and Alan are confident in the products that are ready to be unveiled,
they have taken a humble approach to launching the line. "We're not
coming into this with a haughty attitude or acting like we know
everything," Alves says. "In the last few years, we've been learning as we've gone along,
but we've remained consistent in our commitment to put out the best
finished goods possible. Ultimately, if we don't listen to what
retailers want, we'll look foolish. We are trying to make something
different. We are trying to carve our own niche in the market without
directly competing with the other companies."
Measuring in at 9.5" tall and thinner than either the Amore or the Honey Bunny, this baby blue device was like a next step toy as it added a second vibrator with a separate motor to generate additional vibrations on the other end, effectively making it a double headed vibrator. The
version I received was light blue in color but seemingly unlike any "el
cheapo" model I've looked at from a dozen lesser companies. What set
it apart right away was the cool packaging, a plain white sleeve
surrounding a nice metal case with foam inside, hinges holding the top
onto the body. Having given plenty of toys out for Christmas,
birthdays, Valentine's Day, and just because I'm a swell guy, I always
hate wrapping up some hard plastic shell of a package that looks as
lame as stuff you buy at the dollar store. The case had such a cool
design on it that my primary toy testing buddy Nadine wanted to get the
logo tattooed on her arm or back (it has a heart in the middle with
flowery loops). Bringing her back from her mental exercise in body
art, she told me that she really liked the packaging too ("a nice
balance between form and function").
The Waterproof Gemini takes four
AAA batteries (yes, four of them) and unlike the True Love series, this
device is less about raw power than a focused set of pulses that work really well for some people. This one was made of a harder form of plastic that some people don't like as much as the jelly style (Nadine kept an open mind but not an empty head about it, finding the others more suited for her fluffy body) but as she pointed out, the thinner shape is better suited for anal probing (Shades of X-Files!) and could theorhetically be used by two ladies at once (I'm still waiting to see that happen folks).
After she left, I tested it to check the waterproof nature of the device
and it passed with flying colors, the controls on the middle of the toy
being a couple of simple push buttons that were easy to control; one of them controlling overall vibration from one motor while the other controlled the pulsations with a few weird patterns that might take some getting used to. The "O" ring kept water from
destroying the electronics and it was quite easy to clean, making it Recommended given how it was made of a material she wasn't as fond of and the controls did not give as much confidence that they would remain contamination free (to be fair, no problems have been found as of yet but the testing is only a few days old now thanks to Hurricane Ike tearing up my region and killing power).
If the Waterproof Gemini is any
indication of things to come, I suspect both gentlemen will be making
more money from toys than their award winning movies (though I hope
they continue to provide both). For the record, this was part of the
"Fusion Edition" line and it was made in China for the socially conscious
but you'll want to stock up on extra batteries while experimenting since it takes twice as many! The rest of the tech specs were found in our
forums as follows:
Fusion, a precision-crafted dual-headed massager, offers a breathtaking
blend of form and functionality. With its artisan inspired design and
16 finely-tuned functions of vibration and pulsation, you will achieve
an unparalleled synthesis of harmony and bliss. Whether it's used alone
or with a partner, Fusion will meld both, body and soul.
•shower & bath-friendly
• made from hygienic ABS
•phthalate-free and body-safe
• 2 independent vibrating heads
•easy push button silicone controls
•16 combinations of speed and vibration
•maximum intensity with minimum noise
•ultra-powerful motor soothes and seduces
•sensually covered in a satin smooth coating