Like many people, grinding was my entry point into the world of masturbation. Whether it meant rubbing at my vulva by hand or going on top of my pillows at night, I was doing it long before I even knew what a vibrator was. But now, after seven years of testing hundreds of sex toys, it’s not often I find myself resorting to this kind of “acoustic” play anymore. After all, I have all kinds of gadgets that can achieve the same thing for far less effort, and thus grinding had become but a distant memory. So, you can imagine my surprise when in 2021 a new toy trend seemingly emerged out of nowhere: grinders. From indie makers releasing a wave of textured non-insertables, to retailers relabelling old favourites like the We-Vibe Touch and Tenga Iroha+ Kushi as grindable toys, clearly something was going on, and I wanted in. Which is why I sought out six of the best for today’s very special grinder review round-up!
Despite being a relatively new trend, grinders are everywhere and there is already a huge variety amongst them. So I wanted to make sure I represented that here, rather than just sticking to one type. To do that I took to asking all of you through my social media for recommendations, and I got some excellent feedback. Representing my home country of Australia and also the indie community is NSW-based Darque Path and Tassie’s Faux Phallus, whose unique thematic approaches to their toys are on full display with the Grind, Maera, and Dahlia. There is then the JIMMYJANE Form 3 Pro, a well established US manufacturer whose rerelease of their popular lay-on vibrator makes it the ideal candidate for grinding. Finally, thanks to Australian retailer Nudie Co, I’ll be trying two new brands for the first time. There is WOW Tech’s latest innovation, the budget-friendly ROMP and their Wave vibrator, alongside crowdfunding success story Cute Little Fuckers, whose gender inclusive Starsi adds a touch of fun to the line-up. So read on to find out what I thought about all six, and then find my final verdict at the end of the page!
The Toys
Darque Path Grind
Designed in: Australia
Price: $65 AUD / $46 USD
Vibrations: No
The Design
Shaped like a gravestone and featuring protruding textures reminiscent of a spine and ribcage, Darque Path’s Grind is right on theme with their popular takes on gothic sex toys. Relatively flat (the toy is only 2cm / 0.79″ in height, although has a length of 14.5cm / 5.7″ and a width of 11.5cm / 4.5″, making it the longest toy here), with one side being completely smooth, this allows for it to be extra versatile due to its flexibility. Roll it up for use as a penis masturbator or amplify the texture you most desire with your hands. Plus, holes in each corner allow for it to be tied down with straps wherever you wish, an extra special ability no other toy on this list has. Being an indie product, the Grind can either be ordered as a custom design or you can try your luck grabbing one of their pre-made options when they become available. My version, however, uses a mix of pink and green shimmery silicone in a medium 0050 density.
First Impressions
As a small business, Darque Path don’t have the typical product packaging you might be use to seeing. Instead, my Grind and Maera arrived in a discreet black box alongside some yummy Australian candy and one of their squishies. Both products were then in sealed plastic bags, so I knew they hadn’t been tampered with, and a black high-quality drawstring bag was also included for later storage. Final additions were a silicone care sheet, business card, and a handwritten thank you note. Being a custom design (although I did not choose the colours), I was very excited to see the Grind for the first time, and the vibrant mix of pink and green is so unusual yet works surprisingly well. A particular shout-out also has to go to its back, which is a mini work of art in itself.
My Experience
Being so flexible, the Grind immediately stood out to me as the most versatile toy here. There’s so many different ways to use it, although I regularly find myself rolling it up so that my favourite textural elements (I particularly like the prominent spine) are at the front, allowing me to really empathise them. Something else that I love is that if I place the whole thing over me, it’s thin enough that I can feel my hand through it, letting me essentially just masturbate as normal, except with the texture there instead to totally enhance the sensations. I then have a similar experience when using a wand massager, like my Magic Wand Rechargeable, on top of it, with the vibrations transferring through perfectly, yet with the added bonus of texture. In fact, even if I didn’t want to use the vibrations, I’ve found a wand functions as a great “handle” to aid with grinding, as the two silicone surfaces stick to each other. On that note, placing it (and the rest of the toys here) on my Liberator Jaz prior to riding it works wonders, with the velvet surface aiding grip, although the Grind also has the advantage of being easily attached elsewhere using its strap holes. For this I used some satin wrist restraints that I got in my advent calendar from Lovehoney last year, which worked a charm, and let me securely place it over pillows, on my leg, and more. The only downside, and this is one I have found for all of the non-vibrating options here due to the more tacky silicone that indie makers often use, is that it can easily pull on my hair, and so I do need to keep that in mind during use.
Darque Path Maera
Designed in: Australia
Price: $95 AUD / $67 USD
Vibrations: No, but bullet vibe compatible
The Design
The first toy of Darque Path’s that caught my attention when I found them last year was their Cthulhu, so the delicious mess of tentacles that is the Maera was always going to be right up my alley. And what’s not to love? With the curving and winding arms that fill many hentai-lover’s fantasies, some with suckers and some without, it creates the perfect pile of texture for grinding. Plus, with space for the bullet vibrator of your choice at the front, this toy can quickly and easily transform into a vibrator. With a length of 14cm / 5.5″, width of 12.5cm / 4.9″, and height of 4.5cm / 1.8″, the Maera then uses the most silicone of any of the toys here, which accounts for its higher price tag. As with the Grind, you can either order the Maera as a custom or grab a pre-made version during one of Darque Path’s drops. My version of it though uses a medium 0045 density alongside a glittery mix of purple and coral Near Clear silicone.
First Impressions
Since my Darque Path Grind and Maera arrived together and shared a lot of the same packaging, you can check out the Grind’s First Impressions section for a lot of my thoughts on the Maera too. As with that toy, I also didn’t choose my custom colours, trusting in Darque Path’s abilities, and I couldn’t be happier with the result. As a big fan of Near Clear silicone, a new variety that combines transparency with squish for the very first time, the Australian makers really showed just how much they get me, and by having coral and purple swirled through it, an almost ghostly effect is created which pairs perfectly with the rest of the toy’s aesthetic.
My Experience
Being much thicker, especially around its centre, using the Darque Path Maera is quite different from the Grind. During use I typically start by folding it so that the centre tentacles spread open, which allows me to really enjoy the texture of the suckers here. Grinding with the elements around the lower end of the toy is then also good, but since these do not protrude and there isn’t really a way to make them, I find it a little more tricky. Although an upside to the Maera is that I can make good use of its sides, which are wonderfully textured, for pinpoint sensations. As for using it with a bullet vibrator, such as the We-Vibe Tango X, it then gets even better, heightening pleasure while not taking away from the Maera’s intricate design around it. Plus, while the latest Tango is a little big for the area, probably more so than intended, it manages to stay put really well, and the Maera almost acts like a handle for it, suggesting this might be an ideal vessel for those who find powerful bullets like the Tango difficult to hold. Going on top of this then also feels great, whether or not a vibrator is present, with its wide surface area being primed for enjoyment.
Faux Phallus Dahlia
Designed in: Australia
Price: $45 AUD / $31 USD
Vibrations: No
The Design
Staying true to their botanical aesthetic, the Faux Phallus Dahlia is based on the flower of the same name. Harnessing the power of petals and repetition, silicone flaps spiral out in increasingly larger sizes to create a textured surface that is ideal for grinding, whilst a flat base resembling leaves provides a sort of handle to aid grip. Fairly small and simple, especially compared to Darque Path’s silicone creations, the Dahlia then features a width of 9.5cm / 3.7″ and a height of 3.5cm / 1.4″. As with those toys, however, Faux Phallus also offers their grinder as both a custom design and an occasional pre-made offering. My version of it uses a density of soft 00-50, alongside a blue, purple and gold colour scheme.
First Impressions
Like Darque Path, Faux Phallus are a small business who don’t have the sort of packaging you might be use to seeing in store. However, they have certainly upped their presentation from the last time I reviewed for them. Arriving in a discreet box with gift-style wrapping, I found the Dahlia nestled alongside some more Aussie candy, as well as some stickers, a handwritten note, care instructions, and a variety of squishies, including Faux Phallus’s Akitu and Francis, which I had also requested. The toy itself was then presented nicely in a branded plastic case sized perfectly for it, with further information on the back. I’ve been planning my custom colours for the Dahlia ever since it was released a little over a year ago, so I was beyond excited to receive it and I couldn’t be happier with how they turned out, looking even better than I had imagined.
My Experience
Unlike the fairly wide and flexible Grind and Maera, the Dahlia is small and thick, so any plans to fold or roll it are out of the question. This was initially troubling for me, especially since there is no raised point or tip like with every other option here, as even though the petals are different sizes, the lengths are all the same so that there is no variation in the actual height of the toy. Despite this though, it does provide some wonderful texture during grinding, and the leaves around the outside work well to provide a handle. While its thickness then doesn’t work as well as the Grind when paired with a wand massager, it excels as a rideable toy, with its flat bottom staying firmly put against my Liberator Jaz’s velvet. As such, I feel that here is where I get the most pleasure out of the Dahlia, with its petals being able to be enjoyed in a way I can’t as easily appreciate when held.
JIMMYJANE Form 3 Pro
Designed in: USA
Price: $180 AUD / $125 USD
Vibrations: Yes
The Design
The first of the vibrating options, the JIMMYJANE Form 3 Pro is similar in design to clit vibes like the We-Vibe Touch X. Fitting neatly in the palm of my hand, this is the smallest of the grinder options here, with a length of only 10.5cm / 4.1″. A tapered tongue-like design then allows for pin-point stimulation near its tip, whilst a wide groove on its front is perfect for placing over sensitive areas for enveloped pleasure. Three buttons rest below this, and on its side you’ll find magnetic plates for its USB charger, which will give you 1 hour of use on a 2 hour charge. The brand logo is then indented in the silicone on the back, while a reflective piece of ABS plastic rests on the end to give a sense of luxury. Available in both pink and teal, the Form 3 Pro is also fully waterproof.
First Impressions
Arriving in JIMMYJANE’s usual high-quality yet minimal packaging, I found the Form 3 Pro resting securely in foam alongside its charging cord and a luxurious storage bag. Oddly not included however, is an instruction manual, which can instead be found at their website. While advertised as a lay-on vibrator like the Le Wand Point, the Form 3 Pro lacks the necessary weight to really be effective at it. But since I’ll be using it for grinding, this wasn’t too much of a concern. Due to its very similar appearance to the We-Vibe Touch X though, which is my current favourite clit vibe, it goes without saying that this toy, out of all the others here, feels the most familiar to me.
My Experience
The vibrations of the JIMMYJANE Form 3 Pro, whilst powerful, are quite buzzy, making that my biggest concern going into testing. Five steady modes are available alongside five patterns, and oddly the toy starts on steady speed three, rather than one, allowing you to then use its two smaller buttons to either increase or decrease the vibrations, making things a little more difficult right from the get-go. Plus, its noise level isn’t the best, being quite loud for its little body. What quickly became my biggest frustration however, is that the prominent power button is also used to control the patterns, and due to its location on the toy’s handle I frequently find myself pressing it by accident. Despite this, I do very much enjoy rubbing both its broad surface and tapered tip against myself whilst the vibrations are running, with its firm silicone making up for the lack of texture. Furthermore, my favourite way to use it has become as a hands-free rideable toy, in which I no longer need to worry about pressing the buttons at all. With this out of the way, I can really enjoy the Form 3 Pro to its full extent, with its small yet soft body fitting under me perfectly.
ROMP Wave
Designed in: Germany
Price: $49 AUD / $34 USD
Vibrations: Yes
The Design
The Wave takes on the form of a single leaf for ROMP’s low-priced vibrating grinder. With a surprisingly flexible body across its 12cm / 4.7″ length, this toy can bend in ways not usually thought possible for something with a motor inside of it, making it presumably the ideal clitoral vibrator to double as a grinding pad. Buttery silicone encases its design, and while the overall tongue-like shape is similar to the JIMMYJANE Form 3 Pro, it accentuates elements such as the pointed tip and wide body. Unlike the Form 3, however, is its much thinner body, allowing easy use on both its smooth back and ridged front. A small charging hole for its USB cord can then be found at its base, again offering 1 hour of use on a 2 hour charge, whilst a prominent single-button rests on the front under ROMP’s logo. Finally, while the Wave sadly only comes in one colour, it is a beautiful turquoise that I just love, plus it is also fully waterproof.
First Impressions
While the Wave is my first toy from newcomers ROMP, it certainly doesn’t feel that way when you consider they’re part of WOW Tech, who oversee two of my favourite brands, Womanizer and We-Vibe. Being intended as a budget alternative to those two luxury manufacturers, however, I was curious to see how this would affect my experience. Coming in a simple yet well designed box, the toy can then be found resting in plastic after the hygienic seals are cut. Also included is the charging cord, instruction manual (which displays a fun poster on its back when opened up fully), a cute card giving advice depending on whether you’re happy or unhappy with your product, and most surprising of all, a sticker sheet! Everything about this is super fun and totally exceeded my expectations for a toy of its price. Then, like the Form 3 Pro, the Wave is again labelled as a lay-on vibrator, but with barely any weight to it, I do think most people would need some pressure, whether they’re interested in grinding or not.
My Experience
Accessing the ROMP Wave’s six steady speeds and four pattern modes is easy with its single button, as they just cycle through in that order. Plus, it is exceptionally low volume, and might just be one of the quietest toys I’ve ever tried. While the vibrations aren’t perhaps as strong as the JIMMYJANE Form 3 Pro, it then makes up for it by being more rumbly, and due to this I tend to prefer them. Plus, being able to switch between the flat side, ridge, and tip is great, and I particularly like using the very end at the start of sessions for a teasing sensation. The biggest downside to the Wave, however, is that if you flex the back end of the toy at all, which is very easy to do, it has the undesired effect of somehow pressing the button. Which means, if you’re mid-use and hold it like this without thinking for a few seconds, the whole thing will turn off. I had this happen to me multiple times before I realised what was going on, and it has made using the toy a bit of a nightmare. The upside to this, as with the Form 3 Pro, is that these issues again aren’t present when used as a rideable toy. However even with this, I don’t find it quite as enjoyable, with its flexible body making it harder to achieve the necessary pressure I would like.
Cute Little Fuckers Starsi
Designed in: USA
Price: $139 AUD / $96 USD
Vibrations: Yes
The Design
Almost like a crossover between the non-vibrating and vibrating toys on this list, the Cute Little Fuckers Starsi takes its cue from the fun and unique designs of makers like Darque Path and applies them to a mass-produced vibrator like the ROMP Wave. With a quirky backstory about how it came down from the fire planet “starsun”, the Starsi has a 6-sided star shape that resembles a starfish. Plenty of texture then surrounds these points, which measure 12cm / 4.7″ across, whilst a cute little face sits in the centre. On the back you’ll then find smooth silicone with a few bumps to aid grip, alongside a small black bullet vibrator with a single button. This can be removed if you have another you’d rather use, though, such as the We-Vibe Tango X, which fits quite well. USB charging is again used, with the hole for this located next to the bullet’s button, so you won’t need to remove it just for charging, and you can enjoy 110 minutes of play on a 70 minute charge. Finally, the Starsi comes in two great colours, coral and rose, and is also fully waterproof.
First Impressions
While I’ve been aware of Cute Little Fuckers for awhile now, this is my first product of theirs and so the only toy on this list I really had no prior expectations for. The packaging for the toy itself is then relatively simple, coming off as a bit old-school and not the most refined, with a clear plastic window to see the toy prior to purchase and a bunch of information about the product, brand and its creators on the sides. Still maintaining their quirky nature though, I do love how gender inclusive it all is, and there is a great comic-style guide on how to use the toy on the back. Opening this up, you can then remove the toy from the plastic, and included with it is the charging cord and the smallest instruction manual I’ve ever seen, which just has some brief information on how to use the Starsi and a discount code for your next purchase. The toy itself I was then quite impressed by, as it has a beautifully buttery yet firm silicone, however there is still enough give to keep those tips flexible.
My Experience
While the Cute Little Fuckers Starsi would still work without vibrations, I love that a bullet has been included. Using its single button, you can cycle through five steady speeds and five patterns, which is a great variety, and then in regards to its noise level and power it is roughly in the middle of the ROMP Wave and JIMMYJANE Form 3 Pro, being discreet yet powerful. During use I like to start with one of the Starsi’s many tips on my clit, as it creates a great flicking motion not unlike many clitoral stimulators I’ve tried. Rubbing the front on myself is also then fine, as I enjoy the texture, however I find myself more often than not actually using the back of it, with its raised lumps and convex shape being ideal for grinding, especially compared to the concave front. While my We-Vibe Tango X can then be added to ideally ramp things up, I actually find the deeper and more rumbly vibes it offers doesn’t work as well for the toy, with it weakening the pinpoint stimulation. So in that regard, I actually think you’re better off sticking with the bullet the Starsi comes with, which is a rare, but very welcome, attribute. The unfortunate downside, however, is that this has been my least favourite toy to use on top, as not only is its firm body (especially the side with the bullet) a little difficult to sit on, but I find its arms just dig into me too much.
The Verdict
The Best Value: Faux Phallus Dahlia
The Faux Phallus Dahlia is the cheapest toy on this list, but only by a couple of dollars, with the ROMP Wave, a toy that technically has much more functionality, hot on its heels. But despite the Wave’s playful packaging, I have to name the Dahlia as the best value here. Not only has this toy been handmade locally by just two people, but the unique design is both stunning to look at and use. Plus, getting to choose my custom colours was a real highlight, and ensures the toy you pick is one-of-a-kind. While I didn’t have as much luck during testing as some of the others, my favourite way to use it was definitely as a hands-free rideable option, and if you have any of Liberator’s pillows to help keep it in place then you’re going to be having a good time with this.
You can get the Dahlia directly from Faux Phallus!
The Best Adaptable Toy: Darque Path Maera
The Darque Path Maera worked in so many ways. You could grind it, fold it, ride it, use it with a bullet vibrator AND use it with a wand massager! And for every style I tried, my enjoyment continued to increase. While I appreciate the space to include a vibrator, I am glad it worked well without one, and that its unique design wasn’t lessened when I did pair it with the We-Vibe Tango X. Instead, I feel like I have a whole new enjoyment for both items, and I have similar thoughts about using it alongside my Magic Wand Rechargeable. The fact that you could then flip it over and instead use it hands-free from above, though, is what really made this the best adaptable toy in my eyes, being just as pleasurable (if not more so) like this then when on my back.
You can get the Maera directly from Darque Path!
The Best Clitoral Vibrator: JIMMYJANE Form 3 Pro
My initial reaction to the JIMMYJANE Form 3 Pro was negative due to its buzzy, despite powerful, vibrations. But as I got use to this and some of its other oddities (and as my issues with the ROMP Wave began), I quickly began to appreciate it much more. While I did have problems with the buttons while holding it, this was nowhere near to the same extent as the Wave, and using it hands-free instantly resolved these. So whether I’m using this on my back or as a rideable toy, the Form 3 Pro has been able to give me a great time, and is definitely my favourite vibrator of the bunch.
You can get the Form 3 Pro directly from JIMMYJANE!
The Best For Discretion: ROMP Wave
The ROMP Wave had a lot going for it, and was probably the toy I had the highest expectations for on this list. Plus, my first impression was great, with super fun packaging that I won’t soon forget. But while its vibrations were on point, it quickly became awkward when I couldn’t manage to keep it on for more than a few seconds. Then, while I had initially hoped riding it would fix the issue like with the JIMMYJANE Form 3 Pro, it instead posed new problems, with the flexible body not being able to offer enough pressure to my clitoris. But there was one saving grace, and that was its volume. Easily one of the quietest electronic toys I’ve ever tried, this is the ideal option for those who seek vibrations, but also want to keep things low key.
You can get the ROMP Wave from Nudie Co!
The Best For Pinpoint Sensations: Cute Little Fuckers Starsi
I was so excited by how unique the shape of the Cute Little Fuckers Starsi was, but I have to admit I ended up feeling more than a little confused at times about how to go about using it. The front didn’t really work for me despite the variety of ways I tried it, mostly due to its curved body not really fitting over my vulva as I had hoped. Plus, whilst I enjoyed the back of it when laying down, I found this surface too firm for use as a rideable toy. Where it really excelled however, was in the pinpoint stimulation its arms offered. Plus, by having the bullet slightly offset, each of the six provided a slightly different sensation, and getting to explore this was really fun, just like the product’s design itself.
You can get the Cute Little Fuckers Starsi from Nudie Co!
The Best Overall: Darque Path Grind
The Grind was never supposed to be a part of this round-up. When I originally approached Darque Path about it, I only requested the Maera, as I didn’t want to overreach, and even when they said they would send the Grind out as well I was on the fence about it, wanting to stick to five products for this post. But as soon as I saw it, I knew I couldn’t resist, and now here we are. The Grind was absolutely my favourite of the six toys, and by a long shot too. Being so thin, it had the ability to be super versatile, folding and twisting however I wanted it. Plus, it paired perfectly with other toys like the Magic Wand Rechargeable, and gave me the most familiar grinding sensations of any product here, as a result of me being able to feel my own hand through it. Then, of course, there was the ability to tie it to things, and how it felt when being rode. All in all, not only is Grind my personal hero of this lot, but I think it would similarly suit other beginners to the world of grinders, offering a great starting point to those who are wanting an easy way to elevate their play.
You can get the Grind directly from Darque Path!
I received these products in exchange for an honest and unbiased review. Affiliate links have been used in this post.
3 Comments on Review Round-Up: Grinders
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The Maera looks absolutely fabulous, I might have to pick one up for myself one of these days. The ability to use the grinder with or without a vibrating bullet is particularly appealing, and the textures are gorgeous. Great review with a lot of fun options!
I only just learnt about grind toys tonight, and your thoroughly comprehensive review has taught me that there is so much more I need to learn. Thank you for getting me started!
what a wonderous selection of items!! I will absolutely be purchasing every single item on this catalogue along with the supplementary vibrator toys for my boy pussy (bussy)