Review: Minna Limon Couples Vibrator
Minna is not a brand new company; they had, all on their own, launched the Minna Ola last year. Ola used a technology never seen before in a vibrator – instead of pushing buttons to control the vibrations, you squeezed an air-filled pad on the handle. It was really aimed at those who like patterns. You could record your pattern creation and it would play it back to you, loop style, until you were done. Since I don’t enjoy patterns, I wasn’t a big fan of the Ola – the primary use and concept was just not a match for me. The vibrations weren’t bad, but in comparison to the Je Joue Uma? Uma blew Ola out of the water. Unimpressed with really any aspect of it, I watched with a wary eye as Minna launched an Indiegogo campaign this spring for their second vibe, the external-only Limon. I’m always, always wary when a company tries to lay claim to the “strongest” award. After all, I know what strong is. I was also wary because the technology behind Minna Limon was identical to Ola – the squeezy-pad. I couldn’t figure out what they really needed to raise money for. With the Revel Body and iGino, they were raising money because those were their first sex toys ever and they were still in R&D phases. Minna included interviews with couples who had reportedly used a prototype, and were gushing. Yes, Minna went through prototypes to find the perfect lemon shape. Yes, prototyping costs money. But…doesn’t every company prototype?
The Minna Limon is the size of a small lemon. The name is pronounced like “lee-moan”. Given the fruit-relation, I’d hoped to actually see a yellow vibrator but that would get too kitschy I guess. Instead, they offer the ubiquitous pink and teal. I love the teal. It’s pretty.
Vibrations and Intensity
Right away, I could tell that Limon was more powerful than Ola. At first I thought that the power level was drastically lower than what they built me up to expect in their Indiegogo campaign, but then I figured it out – my ears were tricking me. The vibrations are a much lower-pitched sound than even the We-Vibe Tango1, and are indeed damn rumbly. We know I like rumbly. I’d absolutely say that the Limon’s vibrations are a bit more rumbly than the Leaf Fresh+; but the overall intensity is a bit less than the We-Vibe Tango. Limon’s vibrations are much more pleasing than the Je Joue Mimi – much deeper and therefore more intense and it is a lot easier to use than the Mimi. When I was testing out the Ola, I found that those vibrations were weaker than the Je Joue Uma, and found that I could actually orgasm fairly easily using the Uma externally. However, the Minna Limon’s vibrations are much more rumbly and a bit more powerful than the Uma. Compared to the We-Vibe Touch, the intensity is harder to rate – I think that at first the Touch is more powerful, but the slightest pressure against the Touch dampens the vibrations drastically, making the Limon therefore more intense. Limon can suffer from dampened vibrations due to excessive pressure or being surrounded by flesh with the addition of pressure. I found that due to the way I am built, I couldn’t use Limon whilst seated, but laying down was better. The shape though would be better suited to women with easily accessible clits, “outties”, since the vibrations are concentrated in the nipple-shaped tip.
Pros and Cons – The Bad
Limon has its pros and cons, of course. This isn’t going to be all sunshine and puppy dogs. I’ll get the downsides out of the way first, like ripping off a bandaid. First, I tend to have easily-aggravated carpal tunnel, so I don’t love the stress-ball action especially after a long day of gaming. Second, the Limon glows like a damn nightlight when it’s charging. That part is really one of my biggest issues. A fourth of it blinks brightly while charging if it is low, and then stays lit up when it’s done. Need a bathroom nightlight? You’re in luck. Want or need discretion? Eh. Not gonna happen.
Also as I mentioned above, the shape of the Limon is not totally perfect for me and my anatomy all of the time. The vibrations concentrate in the tip, and the bulbous overall shape makes digging for a buried clit a bit difficult. It reminds me a bit of the Revel Body using the Nico tip, but unlike the Revel Body the vibrations still translate to pleasurable use. I was still able to easily orgasm when I changed up positions.
Lastly, the Minna Limon charges via USB only, and sits on a magnetic cradle. This magnetic cradle is easier to use than most, but you will need a flat surface where it won’t be disturbed. It’s pretty easy these days to locate a USB-to-Wall-Adapter, and wall charging is usually my preferred method, as it would be for most people I think. They really changed the charging style from the Ola. Ola had a teeny magnetic fob that was one of my most hated chargers, but it was a wall charger and not USB, also. The fob was a separate piece, too, which connected via a long jack because they needed to give you something to re-set the air pressure in the squeeze pad in case of air travel. With the Limon, you’re expected to just use a pen or paperclip or something, and that’s fine, it works. I’m somewhat reluctant to make the charging issues a “con”; because despite their improvements over the Ola’s charging method, I’m still not a fan of USB charging or magnetic chargers and I know I’m not the only one.
Pros and Cons – In the Middle
For those who really just want straight, never-waiver vibrations (like me) you can actually manipulate Limon into doing that, but it isn’t the main purpose of the vibrator2. So while I do love the vibrations, I feel like I’m under-utilizing this thing. The shape and size of the Limon can be a bit weird, or a bit difficult to use if you cannot grasp things between thumb and fore/middle finger very well. Or, it can be pretty cool. Once you have your pattern set and you switch it to Lock Replay mode, you can still squeeze the sides for grip without changing the vibration. I’ve also lightly squeezed the pillowy sides between my palm and a few fingers after getting it set up for a different grip style. The vibrations are fairly intense, and it causes the Limon to lightly spin around in your hands (or wherever it rests if it’s on straight vibrations) which can be aggravating or comical.
The silicone skin is super silky soft – it won’t attract any lint, but it also has no drag – and it can get a little slippery if your hand is really slick with fluids.
I’m not really ranking the price as a pro or a con – I don’t really love it when a sex toy costs over $100, and the fact that Minna had a head start with donations from Indiegogo makes me question the $119 price tag. But, the touch-responsive feature is unique, it is valuable and the vibrations are good. I feel that the Limon can please a broader range of people and that makes the price tag a little more tolerable.
Pros and Cons – The Good
As I’ve already mentioned, the vibration type is very, very good. The intensity is also pretty good3. It’s waterproof, has a nice storage bag, and can be easy to use4. I like that you don’t have to fumble around for buttons, either solo use or partner use. Although my partner has no problems figuring out how to use a vibrator on me, I suppose that not having to worry about buttons too much can be a big plus for many couples.
This really is a quiet vibrator. It could be one of the quietest I’ve ever encountered. The only moments of rattling that I experienced happened when I was holding it during “free play” or “record” mode, squeezing it as much as possible to get the power level up as high as I could and my fingers actually touched the core inside. Once I was able to record the constant high-level vibration and turn it to “lock” mode, it was fine. Even so, the rattling sound was not all that loud. So while they fail on discretion during charging, they win big during use. No one will hear this thing.
I feel the vibrations need one more mention – could they be stronger? Sure. I’d like that. But when you change the vibrations to being so deep and rumbling, I find that extreme power isn’t really needed so much. After all, I have successfully orgasmed from only level 2 of 4 on the We-Vibe Tango; in 99% of my other vibrators it’s unheard of for me to use anything other than max level. The vibrations of the Limon are better than the vast majority of other “luxury” sex toys out there.
Final Thoughts
For me personally, the touch-responsive technology doesn’t really make this a better vibrator to use during couple play time, but that’s just me. I can see how this aspect would really be great for many couples, though, which is why Minna is niching this as a couple’s vibe. Keep in mind the shape of this and consider your own body; if you have any questions on whether or not the vibrations would work out for you, comment below! Tell me a vibrator or two that does it for you perfectly (or one or two that were awful), and why, and I can better give my opinion for you.
You can find the Minna Limon in pink or teal at SHEVIBE – the sex toy shop *I* trust. My affiliate links are included in this review, so if you would like to purchase it, you’ll be helping me keep this site afloat.
- And so therefore the vibrations kind of sound like a dying vibrator ↩
- To achieve this, turn Limon on by pressing the button once. With one hand, squeeze both sides to achieve the level of steady vibrations that you like. With the other hand, press the power button twice more until you see the “lock” icon light up to the right of the power button light. You don’t want to let go of the sides until you have secured it into lock mode. Limon will now vibrate away until you turn it off ↩
- it could be a tad stronger for me; if it were the strength of the We-Vibe Tango then I could overlook the shape issue ↩
- You do have to read the manual, though. I couldn’t figure out the difference between the modes at first until I read the manual, then it was all smooth sailing ↩
Thank you for the review! I’ve been curious about this one. I love the teal color and am glad to hear it’s nice and powerful!
Thank you for this review! I was skeptical about this vibrator, but your review answered all of my questions and made me really want it! I agree, though, that this one should have come out in yellow (or at least lime green).
Please tell me you went to the supermarket and took that picture.
@Epiphora – Absolutely! I was dared to do it.
I’m curious how you would compare this to for example a Fun Factory Paul or similar big ones from them, since those seem to work well for me. If it’s more like the Lelo Mona 2 it’s not going to work for me at all.
~ Well, it’s comparing apples and oranges, first of all. You can’t compare shape because of the obvious reasons. I haven’t tried many Fun Factory vibes, so I’m not really sure what to tell you. I’ve only tried the G4 vibes, but they’re currently dead right now so I’ll have to wait. It’s definitely stronger than the Lelo Mona 2.
How does this compare in relation to the We Vibe Touch? I love the rumbly vibes of the Touch but it’s dying on me. Leaf’s vibes are weak for me, in comparison to the Touch. Also, you mention the way the Limon feels, which reminds me of the way that the Tenga Iroha Yuki feels….does the material seem similar?
Depends which version of the Touch. If it’s the old version, I’d say Limon is stronger, but that is because my old Touch suffered terribly from vibration dampening during use.
If comparing to the new Touch (http://dangerouslilly.com/2014/03/new-improved-vibe-tango-touch-review-giveaway/), which is much improved, then Touch is stronger. Touch is also very rumbly.
Leaf Fresh + (http://dangerouslilly.com/2013/12/the-new-leaf-fresh-vibrator-review/) is slightly less rumbly than the Limon, but is much more pinpoint and a bit stronger too. Leaf regular is not as powerful.
Limon and Iroha silicone are nothing alike. Iroha is a bizarre silky-soft skin that reminds me in some ways of the skin on a can of latex paint when it’s left open too long. There is a tiny layer of a different, squishy material. Limon can be squeezed on the sides in a totally different way, but that part is not what goes against the body. I suppose you could once you are playing a recorded pattern, but only 2 of the 4 theoretical “sides” are squeezable. The tip and base are also firm.
Oh you have to be kidding….I had NO idea that there was even a new version of the Touch! The improvements sound like a big step. Buying tonight Lol, yeah, I love the Touch that much, even with the dampening and frustration of trying to charge the thing.
I kinda like the odd feel of the Iroha, and I’m not sure why because it’s somewhat annoying how it ripples. I just sorta like the feel of it. Interesting way of describing the feel of it; I’ve never thought of it like the latex paint thing, but I will from now on haha.
Anyways, thank you so much for your review and response here. I think I’m gonna have to pick up a Limon. It sounds like I’d like it quite a bit. I’m always up for trying new clit vibes and this one has me totally intrigued.
*ahem* If you subscribe to email updates or the RSS feed for this site, you’d know ;) I posted the review & giveaway for the Touch last week! The charging is MUCH improved.
Just found you tonight. Subscribed :)
The boyfriend and I are desperate to find a couples vibe that will work for us. I have a pubic mound that makes using toys difficult (like you’ve described) and because I only orgasm from clitoral stimulation, you can imagine this leaves our positions limited because I have to have both hands down there in the action, so to speak. Any recommendations for us?
You need to just get more creative. It’s not easy to find something that’ll work during missionary position. You can use a Liberator Wand or toy mount piece to hold a vibrator for you, these tend to work best with rear-entry positions. Or you can do what we do, which is he gets me off BEFORE the sex, with his fingers and the vibe and it’s amazing. Plus having all that pleasure right before sex makes my g-spot super sensitive so the sex feels even more amazing.
I’m super curious about this vibe because I’m actually a big fan of broader stimulation. This looks rather similar in size to the head of a Hitachi, would that be a fairly correct comparison? I LOVE the broad slightly squishy head of the plug in Hitachi but have a lot of issues with Hitachi being numbing or making me ache/irritated and almost think part of why I need the power of hitachi is that it is numbing, you know? I have a Fairy Mini (the wall plug in one that’s smaller) and sometimes prefer it to Hitachi because of the more variable power but I always wish the head was bigger (never seen the regular fairy wand you reviewed but wish my mini was that size!) But I find with it I like the low rumbly but get ticked when I need a bit more power but it gets so buzzy so definitely LOVE rumbly also. Mostly I use wands clitoraly and haven’t been fond of the power or type of vibes in most toys but I do rather enjoy the NS Novelties Muse which I don’t think you’ve reviewed. Bought it in store at Early To Bed a few years ago and it’s that bunny ear type style, sort of lime JJ Form 2 I think it is. I actually compared both for like a half hour but the Muse has a decent amount of rumble, not so strong but rumblier than the Form 2 and the ears are longer and a bit thicker so fun to manipulate but yeah, wish it were a bit stronger sometimes and bummer you’re not familiar with that toy or at least haven’t reviewed it. I think I liked it though because the vibes hit around my clit and gave that broader stimulation. So long story short, I’m thinking the Limon would be lovely but I’m back and forth on it.
So is it similar in size to the Hitachi head? How soft is it? Like again if you could compare to Hitachi head which has a little squish but fairly firm. As a kid I was a big fan of laying on my belly humping my hands or a bottle or balled up fabric… The Limon really seems like it would be somewhat similar to that feel, yeah? So again, think I might adore it. However I do have some grip and muscle strength issues so its a shame I’m not nearby to any shops that carry it so I could go squeeze it but frankly I’d probably mostly use it as you did so I’m not going to be regularly squeezing though I might play with patterns bit… Or sometimes I like to start lower and go up so eh, in that sense having to reprogram may be a pain when I just mostly want constant vibes but to nudge the power up at a certain point. But I don’t know of anything quite like this as far as shape and a little squish and that’s the appeal to me personally. And still should be easier for me by far to hold than the Tango. Never tried the Tango BTW, local super overpriced shop didn’t have theirs charged. Wasn’t too impressed with the Touch but question whether it was fully charged or what and the shape of that was so not appealing. I’ve never used a bullet though I’ve also considered the Tango for power just… I don’t so much want direct, pin point stimulation. To be fair its not really something I’ve tried but I know how that fairy mini head bums me out and I crave just the size of Hitachi’s head even though I’m not in love with the vibes. (If the rechargeable Hitachi wasn’t so pricey I’d seriously consider if especially for lower speeds but since I have a working plug in one its like meh. I want something different if I’m gonna shell out $100+!) Also I don’t think you said how long the charge lasted on the Limon? I’m somewhat lazy about plugging things in as even with two power strips by my bed I’ve got so many electronic chargers and stuff already plugged in its a hassle to move stuff around and ha another reason I would love a great clitoral vibe that didn’t constantly need to be plugged in like my two wands). Anyway, was hoping you could help me out here. It’s too bad I can’t go hold a Limon in person really.