Actual Use Testing- Through the Center for Sexual Expression and Education, we have regular events with couples who are familiar with adult products who use the products in our testing rooms. The testing is guided by the review author. Creative use of the product by the testers is encouraged.

Material Test– We use a durometer to measure Shore hardness, a standardized test to measure the relative hardness of plastic and rubber materials. There are several Shore scales, each with the values of 0 to 100. We use Shore C, which is a middle ground between the hardest and softest scales. The higher the number, the harder the material. We use the average of three measurements.

Vibration Test– We are still working to develop a consistent and meaningful way to measure vibration intensity using an accelerometer. The problem is inconsistent measuring results. We talked to an engineer who said that attachment was the key to consistency. We are getting better results, but our procedures need additional refinement.

Sound Test– The loudness of the device is measured in decibels. The higher the number, the louder the sound. A sound at 20 decibels is 100 times louder than a sound at 10 decibels. We measure in a quiet environment using the standard of approximately how far from the ear the sound would normally occur. In this case, we measure at 2 feet, a rough average based on a distance from the groin to the ear and from holding a vibrator and using it on someone else. The vibrator being measured is hand held as it would be in actual use. We use the average decibel measurement over a period of 30 seconds.

Measurement– We use digital calipers for most measurements. The girth is based on the widest point of the shaft. Insertable length measures how far the toy can be safely inserted vaginally or anally.

Weight– We use a standard self-calibrating digital scale. We weigh the handheld part of the vibrator and the external controller separately.