I was half surprised when I read
online that the two Greg's 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 8" tall and nearly 2" wide (thicker than either the Amore or the Honey Bunny), this baby blue device managed to generate substantial interest by my testing crew right away since upon seeing it, there was some discussion regarding who would get to play with it (first). 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 red 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 Serenade takes only two
AA batteries and unlike the True Love series, this
device is less about raw power than soothing but steady pulsing, rhythmatically easing a lady into deeper orgasms. This one was made of a softer form of jelled plastic that some people don't like as much as the hard silicon style (Nadine adores this style as it fits to her form without any issues regarding lubrication) but as she pointed out, the ridges adhere to her delicate vaginal walls much nicer than some of the smoother toys, potentially adding friction of the most favorable kind.
After she left, I tested it to check the waterproof nature of the device
and it passed with flying colors, the control on this novelty on the bottom for easy access but limited variation, still serving up a nice feeling from the look on her face. 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 was fond of and the controls gave more confidence that they would remain contamination free. I suspect this one will grow on her and early responses via email and in the forum indicate that people are finding this to be swell toys to give as gifts (not just due to the unique packaging but that sure helps!). Nadine suggested that this might make a good toy for an advanced anal enthusiast too, not as apt to tear the rectal lining as some of the harder toys but as she was not willing to prove her point, it has not been tested in that manner (feel free to email me additional experiences though, especially if you're cute, single, and a female, pictures very welcome).
If the Waterproof Serenade 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
"Symphony 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 is so soft to the touch that your gal pals will want to use it more often. The rest of the tech specs were found in our
forums as follows:
• easy push - button controls
• phthalate-free and body-safe
• flexible material conforms to body
• ultra-powerful motor soothes and seduces
• maximum intensity with minimum noise
• satin-smooth coated controls
• hygienic medical-grade TPR
• shower & bath-friendly