Review: SHAFT Flexiskin Model N & b-Vibe Slipskin Curvy

Realistic dildos utilize detailed skin texture, accurate coloring and soft dual-density hardness to get as close to a real erection as possible. Both SHAFT and b-Vibe have their own opinions on realistic dildos, and thanks to TabuToys I had the opportunity to compare them to see which approach I prefer.

Design and specifications

TabuToys offers both of the dildos covered in this review. They are a retailer that carries just about everything you can think of, including top quality name brands, and they have a dedicated section of gender-affirming products just for trans people like me. (Note: TabuToys has a wider and less curated product selection than other retailers I’m affiliated with. Be sure to check the materials identified in the product description.)

The SHAFT Flexiskin Model N’s design is bold right from the start: “THE NEXT BEST THING TO THE REAL THING” says on the box. Be confident, but I expect any company to back that up with an incredible product, so that keeps my expectations pretty high.

Type N has an asymmetrical curve designed specifically for G-spot/P-spot stimulation. Its skin texture looks like hand-carved scratches in clay – good for expressing texture in use, but not visually impressive. It comes in three skin tones: pine, oak and black. (TabuToys is not currently available in oak.) It’s available in 3 sizes, with an overall length of 7.5-9.5 inches (including suction cups), and a vibrating version that’s 8.5 inches in length. I chose the 9.5 inch size in pine (white skin tone). It has an insertable length of 6.8 inches and a maximum circumference of 2 inches diameter (6 inches circumference), which is just about the size I like.

The outside is plush and soft, similar to a 00-30 softness scale, and it has a very strong core that flexes but always bends back to its original shape. The surface is velvety soft without any stickiness.

While many dildos made by independent brands are hand-painted following a specific process to ensure the color doesn’t peel off – applying the colors inside the mold first, then pouring in the base color – I suspect in this case the pink head color was spray-painted after the fact. Rubbing the head with your thumb left a chalky residue on the thumb and dildo, and one part appeared to be scratched and flaking pink. I also noticed that the dildo itself has some flecks of silicone, like some of the skin texture wasn’t done well in production, resulting in fragile spots that look like nicks.

Is there a risk if the color fades? I’d say yes: if any fragments get stuck in your body, they could trap bacteria or cause problems by being exposed for longer than intended. On the other hand, I’m not sure the risk is more serious than household lint stuck to toys.

I really like b-Vibe’s Slipskin Girthy, so I thought the strong curves of the b-Vibe Slipskin Curvy might be a good improvement. It feels very soft on the skin and has a hardness of 00-20, with a very hard core making it very soft on the outside. The surface is soft but slightly sticky, with a typical hardness of 00-20. Unlike the Model N, this one has sliding skins, so the outer skin can move and flex independently of the inner core.

It comes in three skin tones: white, mocha and black. Mocha’s skin color is warm brown and textured, with a dark red head. The veins and head are lighter in color than the product photos show, but at least they don’t look washed out at all. The skin texture is carefully sculpted to look and feel great.

Slipskin Curvy is available in four sizes, ranging from 6.5 inches to 10 inches in overall length. Mine is 10 inches and the usable length is about 8 inches. Circumference is approximately 2.2″ diameter (6.8″ circumference), slightly thicker at the base. On the bottom, the balls are also dual-density, making them soft. For larger sizes (including 10 inches), there is a Vac-U-Lock hole and an insert to fill the hole.

In terms of realism, visually the Model N doesn’t look very real, but if you squint, the Curvy looks pretty real. Skin texture quality is more important than color, and the Curvy clearly has better sculpted skin. In my hand, I’ve never held a real human penis, but I imagine it would be closer to the Model N than the Curve, since the sliding skin has a lot more movement than a real penis; the sliding skin might be fun to use, but it can push manual labor into uncanny valley territory.

The SHAFT Flexiskin Model N 9.5″ retails for $90 and the b-Vibe Slipskin Curvy 10″ retails for $185. You can get 10% off when you purchase through TabuToys using my affiliate link or code: FROST.

In use (Flexiskin model N)

The core extends all the way to the coronal ridge, providing a little support for the head. I don’t know if it’s the core, the head shape itself, or just a weird resistance in the head, but I can feel the inside of the head 100% of the time. I really like the feeling of having my head in there, putting constant pressure on my front wall, so this is great.

However, the head feels a bit rubbery when in use. Kind of like the head is stuck in there so when I pull out the dildo the head lags due to being softer. This isn’t necessarily a bad thing, and it’s not a feeling I normally get, but the rubbery feel of the action isn’t something I’m a fan of.

My head just rubbed against the spot on the front wall that I liked, The size is the perfect blend of comfort and padding, with a plush soft exterior while retaining a sturdy core. Even though the outer layer is soft, I can still feel the texture adding friction. This is a huge winning combination. I often find myself craving this specific dildo because it fits my body so well.

The size is large. While I love being filled, the bigger the dildo is, the harder it is to focus on key areas, and this size was just the right size for my head while still feeling filled. It’s easy to maintain a moderate speed when pushing.

I tried using this product with my suction cup SilcTouch handle, but while the suction is strong and doesn’t come off easily when pulled straight off, it slides very easily while in use and doesn’t stay in place. I’m not sure if this is due to the smooth softness of the silicone or something else, but it’s definitely disappointing.

At least the suction cup base makes it easy to hold in your hand during thrusting. However, I can feel every little imperfection on the suction cup, like the tiny skin tags on it, which is a little annoying.

In use (Slipskin Curvy)

The Curvy’s sturdy core ensures I get the fill and pressure I love while enjoying a plush, soft outer layer. The matte finish pairs really well with the sculpted skin texture. Because of its softness, it has the right amount of resistance on the inside without any roughness, and at certain angles the outer part rubs my clitoris with enough friction to really get me going. There’s plenty of sculpted skin texture, but unlike harder silicone toys, it’s not rough or overpowering; it contributes to a velvety feel.

The core of Slipskin Curvy reaches right up to the head, making the head itself soft. It’s not surprising, but it would have been nice to have a little more pressure on the back of the head, as I can’t really feel its presence deep inside, only the friction of it rubbing against me.

The head hit my cervix before I even had access to the entire length of the penis, which was gentle due to the squeeze and perfectly matched my fantasy of having a huge partner. It would be nice to get the full length, I could do it with a smaller version, but then I’d have to sacrifice girth, and I’m a big fan of thick cocks like this. It’s filling but doesn’t make me feel stretched. I really like this, especially for longer workouts (and, because of the softness, it’s pretty forgiving if I haven’t warmed up yet).

The curve allows the head to be dragged against my front wall, which, along with the textured skin, creates wonderful friction right where I want it. The head rubbed my G-spot extensively at just the right angle. When flipped over, the underside of the curve also presses against my front wall. This curve is suitable for a wide range of stimulation, but not strong enough for reliable, focused G-spot or A-spot stimulation.

The curve makes it easy to position the dildo to rub against my clitorisespecially the bottom surface. This is really good considering the texture and friction on the skin.

Unlike the N model, this one is easy to use with my vac-u-lock handle, it keeps the vacuum firmly attached and also allows me to easily rotate it on the handle. This makes it easy for me to recline or lie on the bed and use the handles for thrusting, or try doggy style positions with the handles underneath me. Its weight makes it a little bulky, and it tends to tip over, so I try to put a lint-free towel or blanket underneath it to keep it from tipping down.

While I find the Slipskin Girthy is best for intense workouts, the Curvy is more dynamic and works well at any speed/intensity/duration. The shape is a definite improvement. I spent a few times just leaning back and enjoying the ride for quite some time.

Comprehensive

The SHAFT Flexiskin Model N is perfectly curved to rub the right spots in the most delicious way. However, its construction leaves something to be desired, with a distinctly rubbery feel to it as it dragged me around inside. It would be really cool if it ditched the painted heads and scratched skin textures. Due to loss of pigment, I can’t wholeheartedly recommend it And it is recommended to consider whether this is within your acceptable risk range before purchasing. That said, it made me asymmetrically curvy, so I definitely recommend checking out dildos with those types of curves.

The Slipskin Curvy from b-Vibe is a luxurious dual-density dildo perfect for extended use. It has just the right balance of softness and texture, and its curves make it a step up from Slipskin Girthy. It excels in quality, comfort, and convenience and is just shy of becoming one of my favorites. The main drawbacks for me are the lack of stiffness in the head and the softness of the curves, although I admit they are due to the limitations of manufacturing dual-density dildos.

TabuToys website
Shaft Flexiskin Type N
b-Vibe Slipskin Curve

You can get 10% off via my affiliate link or use code: FROST.

This post contains affiliate links from which I may earn a commission from qualifying sales. I received these toys in exchange for an honest review.