These are testing, lonely times for single dudes.
If you’re tired of taking Palm and her five sisters out for a ride every night, why not take the plunge and invest in a top-quality male masturbator?
Those looking into male masturbators are likely to encounter two main sex toy brands competing for your dollar – Fleshlight and Tenga.
While there is definitely something to be said for diving straight in and finding out which of these devices tickles your pickle, they are both premium-quality products and are therefore not entirely cheap.
To avoid making any costly mistakes, I’ve done all the ‘hard‘ work for you by compiling an extensive guide of the pros and cons of both devices so you can make an informed decision you know you won’t regret.
Fleshlight vs Tenga
Durability
Obviously, when it comes to male sex toys, durability is one of the most important factors to consider. Nobody wants to fork over their hard-earned money on a masturbator that falls apart if you get overly enthusiastic.
Both Fleshlight and Tenga products rate highly in durability, as they are both made from high-quality materials and include a plastic case that prevents friction damage.
Fleshlights feature silky-soft realistic pussy sleeves encased within a hard outer covering that protects the interior during use.
Tenga masturbators come in a wide variety of designs which range from larger, Fleshlight-sized devices which you can fit your entire dick into to way smaller sex toys such as Tenga eggs which you stretch over the top of your penis.
Both of these sex toy companies are putting out seriously high-grade and durable products that can take a beating. Still, if I had to choose one to be the most durable, the point would have to go to Fleshlight – purely because of the solid outer casing, which promises years’ worth of continued use.
Tenga toys are sold as being good for up to 50 uses, which – for me – makes them less appealing as who knows how long that would take? Especially on a week of boring TV and bad weather…
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Intensity
It’s always difficult to comment on the intensity of sex toys, as it’s very much a personal and subjective thing. Just because one aspect of a device drives me nuts doesn’t necessarily mean that it will bring on the next guy’s same sensation.
That said, from a personal standpoint, I would have to award this point again to the Fleshlight.
This is primarily because although the internal mechanisms of the Tenga masturbator look crazy when it comes to the sensation of being balls-deep inside it, the Tenga fails to deliver in ways that the Fleshlight does – for me, that is anyway.
I should mention, however, that I’ve not had the privilege of testing the full range of Tenga products, which vary massively in textures from device to device – so I could be wrong here.
Easy to clean
Another vital factor that you’ll want to make sure you consider when choosing between a Tenga or Fleshlight sex toy is how easy each device is to clean afterward.
As anyone who has dabbled in male masturbators will tell you, getting yourself off isn’t the hard part – but cleaning up afterward can vary from quick and easy to downright messy.
Luckily both Tenga and Fleshlight devices are designed to be as easy to clean as possible.
Fleshlight sleeves achieve this through a removable end cap that allows for fast and effortless drainage, and most Tenga masturbators can be easily rinsed clean with tap water.
However, some Tenga devices, such as the Onacup range, are intended to be single-use masturbators and are therefore far more difficult to clean. To prolong the life-cycle of these devices for users who intend to get the most bang for their buck, I’d suggest wearing a condom during use.
Fleshlight vs. Tenga in terms of easy-cleaning are fairly well matched, with different models offering different cleaning methods.
The Tenga Flip Hole is one of the easiest to clean products out there.
It features a unique design mechanism in which the entire device folds open into two halves, meaning all you’ve got to do is rinse it clean with water and dry it with a towel to get it ready for the next use.
For this reason, I’ve got to award the point for the easiest-to-clean device to the Tenga Flip Hole, as it really is an effortless and hygienic way of quickly cleaning and restoring it to working order.
While Fleshlights are easy to clean, it is also somewhat messy and offputting at times – so the point goes to Tenga.
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Feel
Again, the ‘feel’ of a device is very much a subjective and personal thing.
Different things stimulate different people, and while some textures may get me off in a massive way, there is no guarantee that they’ll have the same effect on the next person.
That said, for me, the Superskin sleeve texture of the Fleshlight is a tough one to match.
If you are looking for a masturbator that feels like a real pussy, then I’d always recommend you choose a Fleshlight, as they have been in the same game for several years now and have earned a reputation for their realistic texture and feel.
When comparing products such as the Tenga Flip Hole against a classic Fleshlight, it is very much a lesson in the philosophy of ‘less is more.
At first glance of the varied textures of the Flip Hole’s interior – which looks like a circus funhouse you put your penis in – looks exciting and enticing compared to the relatively simple interior of the Fleshlight.
However, when it came to using the Flip Hole, it felt very much like there was simultaneously too much happening, without enough happening – which was rather disappointing.
However, upon trying out the Fleshlight, I experienced waves of sensation that I’d never thought possible from something that looks comparatively less wild than the interior of the Flip Hole.
Again though, I should note that these are purely my own personal experiences with these devices. Male masturbation toys are sadly not a case of one-size-fits-all (no pun intended), but for me, the Fleshlight takes the lead in terms of feel.
Realism
In terms of which of these devices is the most realistic, I’d have to award this to the Fleshlight.
Generally, a classic Fleshlight’s entry points are molded around real porn starts vagina, which gives them an enticing realness that Tenga products fail to replicate.
The Tenga Flip Hole’s entryway is nondescript and not anatomically correct like the Fleshlight’s, so if realism is your thing, I’d say a Fleshlight is a smarter choice.
Quality
Obviously, quality is another key aspect to consider when buying a masturbator.
As they are both high-end products, the Fleshlight and the Tenga Flip Hole are both pretty solid and well-made devices that should be able to withstand even the most ‘enthusiastic’ sessions.
That said, there are some crucial differences between the two, which it pays to note.
Firstly, the Flip Hole’s plastic casing is not as solid as a Fleshlights, and it can bend and stretch slightly during use.
This gave me the impression that the Flip Hole would break if you accidentally sat it on. In contrast, the Fleshlight has the feel of something all but indestructible – which, when it comes to a toy that’s designed to replace a hand job, is something you want from a masturbator.
To the touch, the interior of the Tenga Flip Hole feels slightly like thick jello – which gives it a clammy and artificial feel. However, the Fleshlight is smooth and delicate to the touch, which is far more lifelike and similar to a real pussy.
Both Fleshlight and the Tenga Flip Hole are high-end products built to last, but the point has to go to the Fleshlight when it comes to longevity and quality of materials.
Price
Without a doubt, the Tenga wins on price.
Although Fleshlight has recently launched their ‘Pilot’ range – a more compact and discrete version of the original – they are still sold around the $40+ range.
Given the amount of enjoyment and pleasure that these devices promise, I feel this is a pretty reasonable asking price, but it is also understandable if it is slightly too much for some buyers to part with.
On the other hand, Tenga offers products that vary massively in price from $270 for a black Flip Hole Zero to just $6.99 for a Tenga Egg.
If you are looking for a casual toy that you may only use a few times to spice things up, I’d advise you to choose a Tenga Pocket Pussy such as the Air Tech Squeeze, which you can pick up for just $37.33.
Design
When it comes to which of these brands of sleeves I feel is the best designed, this is another very subjective and opinion-based decision, as the features of one device that jump out to me as being the best might not do the same for you.
Nonetheless, if I had to choose a winner, it would again go to the Fleshlight.
The interior sleeve of the Fleshlight is molded from an anatomically correct porn star’s pussy or butt hole, and there are a massive variety of porn stars to choose from – adding an attractive sense of realism to your porn viewing sessions.
Sizewise the internal sleeve of the Fleshlight is far more accommodating to any penis size, whereas some of the Tenga products can be easily ripped by the well-endowed.
Functionality
A device’s functionality is another obvious and important factor to consider.
When choosing a sex toy to replace your right hand, I’d say the simpler, the better – and both the Fleshlight and the Tenga Flip Hole Zero are pretty straightforward and easy to get your head around.
The Tenga Flip Hole is made up of two U-shaped flapping mechanisms which are clipped together. Within these U-shaped sections, there are multiple silicone balls and bumps for added stimulation.
One of the main appeals to the Tenga is the air control suction power which can grab – and hold – users firmly in place throughout usage. The Fleshlight, in comparison, has a far less intense suction which may be worth noting depending on whatever floats your boat.
Usability
Both of these toys are very usable, but I have to award this point again to the Fleshlight in terms of a consistently effective repeat performance.
One of the main off-putting things about the Tenga Flip Hole that sealed this for me is the sounds that it makes during use. While this may turn some people on, I found the constant loud smacking noise to be a bit distracting.
Fleshlights, in comparison, make little to no excess noise – which is great if you want to get wrapped up in a fantasy. Another attraction to the Fleshlight for me is that it does not leak lube out the back end during use.
Both these sex toys require lube – from a lot to a little – but only the Fleshlight has the length to prevent any of this from seeping out the end, leading to some messy and potentially sticky situations, especially if you are in bed or at a work desk.
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Which is the best sex toy?
Finally, for all those who want a definitive answer they can use to choose one product and get things going, here is a list of the top pros and cons for both the Flip Hole Zero and the Fleshlight.
Tenga Flip Hole Zero
Pros
- Excellent suction that takes a firm hold of your member while you masturbate.
- Fast and easy cleaning through its openable hinges, which prevent mold from forming.
- It uses three buttons to moderate suction force allow you to find your ideal balance.
Cons
- Makes a strange and somewhat distracting noise during use.
- Looks amazing on the inside but actually feels quite vague and uninteresting.
- It is only intended to survive for up to 50 uses without breaking.
Fleshlight
Pros
- Looks and feels like the real deal.
- You can choose the internal sleeve of your favorite porn star for added ‘realness.’
- The TPE plastic around the Fleshlight is soft and skinlike to touch.
Cons
- The cleaning and drying process takes considerably longer.
- The classic Fleshlight is not very discrete looking.
- It costs quite a bit more than some Tenga products.