Life

The First-Ever Banned Sex Toy Is Back In The U.S.

by Laken Howard

Vibrator lovers, rejoice: A previously banned line of Swedish sex toys are now recommencing shipment to the U.S. The LELO toys are a line of couples massagers similar to the We Vibe toys — which was the main point of contention in LELO's two-year legal battle. Luckily for those of us who live stateside, the ban on LELO toys was lifted in May and all the company's awesome products are available for order once again.

Here's the gist of the argument: In 2012, Standard Innovation, the Canadian company behind the We Vibe series, filed a complaint that one of its patents was infringed by a foreign company importing products to the U.S. Although LELO refuted this violation, claiming the patent in question was "obvious," the International Trade Commission ultimately chose to impose a ban on LELO products that use the patented technology — namely, all their couples products. LELO appealed to the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit, which eventually decided to overturn the ITC's decision.

While I totally get why businesses want to knock out their competition, I'm all for a little friendly rivalry, especially when it gives me, the consumer, more options for pleasure. If you're in the market for a new couples sex toy to enhance your love life, here are five awesome benefits of investing in a newly-available LELO couples massager (but be sure to check out these reviews of other couples toy options before you make your purchase).

1. They Can Be Controlled Remotely

Is there anything hotter than leaving your orgasm at the mercy of your partner? With the Tiani 2 and Tiani 3, the woman inserts a vibrator, and her partner can control it during intercourse/foreplay, or even from across the room, if he or she so desires. If you're looking to get even more experimental and exhibitionistic, you can use the discreet remote under the table at dinner to pleasure your partner while she wears the vibrator (but be careful not to get caught, obvi).

2. They Stimulate You Internally And Externally

Because of the curved, U-shape design of the LELO vibes, a woman's G-spot and her clitoris are stimulated at the same time. If you're someone who has trouble getting off (or even if you don't), this doubled up action is sure to be of immense help in the orgasm department.

3. They're Reasonably Priced

Sure, you can get a cheap bullet vibrator for $20, but when you compare the monotone sensations from that to the more intense stimulation you can get from a LELO vibe, it's really a no-brainer. While $99 might sound like a lot to drop on their non-remote-controlled Noa vibe, it's really a small chunk of change to invest in a product that's main goal is to give you better orgasms. Sounds like the deal of the century to me.

4. They're Great Bridal Gifts

You might have read that and thought umm, what?, but LELO actually has a specific Bridal Pleasure Set (which is, fittingly, all white) for women who are about to get hitched. If you're tying the knot (or have a close friend who is), what better way to show yourself or someone else love by purchasing a sleek white vibrator, complete with a pearl-studded silk blindfold? Talk about a honeymoon to remember.

5. They Indulge Your Senses

When just a vibrator seems a little too blasé for your tastes, LELO has you covered. If you're into "luxury and sophistication," they have an Indulge Me Pleasure Set that comes with a vibrator, blindfold, and feather teaser for a measly $179. Think of it as a beginner's guide to kink; just enough extras to spice up your sex life.

Want more of Bustle's Sex and Relationships coverage? Check out our new podcast, I Want It That Way, which delves into the difficult and downright dirty parts of a relationship, and find more on our Soundcloud page.

Images: LELO; Giphy (5)