Sybian
A Sybian is a device used mostly by women for autoerotic purposes and sexual arousal. It consists of a saddle-like seat containing an electric motor connected to a rod that protrudes from a hole in the center. Various phallic objects, like dildos, butt plugs, and nubs can be attached to the rod. The Sybian is designed to vibrate when used, while its attachments rotate. This vibration stimulates the clitoris, while the rotation (in a circular motion) stimulates the G-spot. The intensity of either of these actions can be increased or decreased via a control box attached to the Sybian's base via a cord. The combination of the different stimuli can presumably produce more intense orgasms than the user might otherwise be able to experience via autoerotic or other sexual activity.
Creation
The Sybian's creation is credited to Dave Lampert. Lampert stated that he had the idea for this device since the 1970s. First, it was just a concept in his mind and mainly thought on why it was not created and sold. Lampert attempted to contact two specialists and an engineer in 1979, but nothing came of it at this time. [1]
Lampert took up the idea again in 1983, when he introduced it to a female physician, who encouraged Lampert to explore the idea further. This prompted Lampert to travel to the Midwestern United States that summer. Lampert visited adult book stores and retailers. Based on his research, Lampert found that no device similar to the Sybian had been made. This prompted Lampert to look more seriously into creating the device. [2]
A year and a half were spent compiling more research in the field of sex and sexual counselling. The research was mostly conducted by reading books on current research of sex and sexual counselling and trying to find people who could help the team, including engineers. As in 1979, the engineers still couldn't help in the creation of the device. [3]
Lampert explained to Penthouse magazine reporter Jessica West on where he got the idea for the Sybian: "Over the years, I kept hearing the same complaints from women I met in my dance instruction classes. They were sexually frustrated. Their partners could not, or would not, satisfy them. Some said their husbands had erectile problems due to ill health, age, or indifference. Some of these women confided that they had never experienced an orgasm. That struck me as tragic. I personally could never enjoy sex if the woman is not satisfied." [4]
Prototypes
A prototype Sybian was built in 1985. It was made from sheet metal mounted on a wooden frame. Incidentally, the machine shop that built the prototype wasn't told what they were building. Vibration was achieved by placing a vibrator through an opening inside the housing. Sybians today are modelled from a second prototype made soon after the first. The second prototype is 24 inches long (60 cm) and it weighs 51 pounds (23 kg). The controls that the user manipulated to regulate the speed were built into it, along with handles for the user to hold on to.
Choice of a name
Lampert and his team initially called the device Master Better, shortened to "MB". The word Master Better is a pun on the word masturbator. This name was used for about four years, but Lampert decided that a better name must be chosen. The device was later renamed the Sybian. The prefix syb was derived from Sybaris, an ancient Greek city in southern Italy known as a center of luxurious living. The makers of the Sybian call Sybian users "Sybarites" — the name given to the denizens of the ancient city, which has survived to modern times as meaning a person who likes luxurious items. [5]
How to use
The user of the Sybian (called a rider) straddles the machine. To perform this, the rider needs to insert the attachment (shaft) into their vagina, causing penetration. To control the speed and level of vibration, the rider uses an attached remote.
There are two switches: the left switch controls the rotation speed of nub and the right switch controls the vibration speed of the nub. The vibration and the rotation can also be controlled by separated on and off switches. This allows the rider to be in control on how fast or slow each feature goes, or even the choice to have one or both features going at the same time.
Attachments
The Sybian allows users to choose attachments that will suit their needs. These attachments are mostly rubber and shaped like phalli. They range in size from small to very large. When buying the machine, users receive four attachments, and instructions on how to attach them to the Sybian. Lubrication of attachments prior to use is a recommended, but not required. The attachments are easily washed with water.
Specifications
The Sybian has a weight of 22 pounds (10 kg), and it measures 13.25 inches wide, 12.5 inches long (33.5 x 31.5 cm). From the bottom of the base to the top cover, it is 8.5 inches tall (21.5 cm). It is approximately 1.5 inches (4 cm) from the top of the pad to the tip of the rubber attachment, thus having a height of 10 inches (25 cm) overall. The rotation is controlled by a 20:1 ratio Gearmotor with the speed at 1/29 HP. The rotation can range from 0 to 120 RPM. The vibration uses a 1/17th HP motor that may be controlled from 0 to 6500 RPM. (Note: both of these motors are manufactured by Bodine Electric Company). The On and Off switches are located on a remote, which the rider or her partner can control. This remote is also where the knobs to control the vibration and rotation are located. Each side can be control independently.
The Sybian includes an 8 foot long (2.5 m) power cord. The Sybian can be used in both commonly used voltages: 110/120 and 220/240 VAC. The Sybian is able to hold over 1000 pounds of weight or pressure. The padded cover, which is made out of naugahyde, can be cleaned with a decent cleaning agent. The casing also has built in finger grips, so that the user or their partner can carry the Sybian with ease. [6]
Pros and cons
The makers of the Sybian have listed a few things people might like and dislike about the Sybian. Some of the positives include the quality of the construction of the device, the ability to control the speed and vibration of the attachments and the availability of the attachments to suit individual preferences. Non-technical positives include the documentation of the device. It was featured in Penthouse magazine once it was released, causing rave reviews of the people who rode it. The Sybian is also lauded by women who rode it, since the machine satisfies their need to achieve an orgasm when the male partner is away or not capable to perform sexual intercourse.
However, the makers also list a few drawbacks of the machine. The major one is the cost of the machine. To own a Sybian, an investment of some USD $1345 is required. Though the weight of the machine is only 22 pounds (10 kg), some women might not be able to lift and carry the device. Some women riders do not wish to ride it since they might be intimidated by the machine and at what it can do. [7] The Sybian should not be used by women who have the following conditions: pregnancy, a heart condition and if an intrauterine device is in place. If the woman has other medical conditions, she must seek approval of a physician before she can use the Sybian. [8]
Concerns
On the onset of the idea process, Lampert and his team have thought that what they were doing could be deemed pornographic. If that was the case, then the makers would have to stop. Because of this feeling, every time they mentioned the idea, this feeling was felt by their prospective clients. However, once they realized it was dealing with the topic of sex, their attitude was changed, which caused their reception to change for the better. [9]
With the growing concern of the rise of sexually transmitted infections (STI), Lampert and his company, Abco Research Associated, suggested that the Sybian must be used safely and correctly to prevent the spread of STIs. There were some business that were renting machines to women, due to the high cost of owning a machine. However, they have stopped renting them due to the liability of lawsuits if a rider gets infected with a disease or infection. [10]
References
- ^ http://sybian.com/aff/sybian_history.htm - History of the Sybian device
- ^ http://sybian.com/aff/sybian_history.htm - History of the Sybian device
- ^ http://sybian.com/aff/sybian_history.htm - History of the Sybian device
- ^ http://www.sexuality.org/l/incoming/sybian.html - Penthouse magazine article on the Sybian
- ^ http://sybian.com/aff/sybian_history.htm - History of the Sybian device
- ^ http://www.toyslove.com/sexMachines/sybian/wiki/ - Toyslove.com specs on the Sybian
- ^ http://www.toyslove.com/sexMachines/sybian/wiki/ - Toyslove.com article on the Sybian
- ^ http://www.sybian.com/sybian_ordering.htm - Medical warning issued by the Sybian makers
- ^ http://sybian.com/aff/sybian_history.htm - History of the Sybian device
- ^ http://www.free-press-release.com/news/200412/1104384570.html - Press release by Werentsybians.com