The Gray Lady turned cheeks red with a story about the best vibrators.
Many New York Times readers were not thrilled after the 171-year-old paper spent “150 hours of research and testing” to find the top five clitoral vibrators.
“Shopping for sex toys can be intimidating,” according to the piece published in the Wirecutter section over the weekend, which noted that the authors interviewed sex researchers, crowdsourced opinions and worked with 11 volunteers who tried 30-plus vibrator models to compile its list.
The consensus landed on the $150 Magic Wand Rechargeable as the top choice because of its quiet motor, easy-to-clean silicone head and one-year warranty.
However, some readers of the usually staid broadsheet were turned off by the subject matter.
“I’m sorry but for the NYT to be reviewing vibrators is just beyond the pale for me. I can just imagine after I’m gone my kids finding a vibrator next to my bed. Maybe I’m just old-fashioned but I do know I’m just old,” a commenter by the name of Eileen wrote.
“So 150 hours of masturbation, it’s ok you can say they did 150 hours masturbation. We all know it,” another person wrote.
Others pointed out that the article failed to say the word “woman” unless it were part of a vibrator’s name.
Instead, the article said the vibrators were for and tested on “people with vulvas.”
“Before you know it, women will be extinct. At least the word will be,” one reader commented on the article.
“Let me guess. All the research was done by men,” another wrote.
“Hard hitting journalism with a huge climax,” another quipped.
The rest of the buzzed-about list included the Magic Wand Plus, the corded counterpart to the top choice that “offers similar features at a lower price.”
For just $65 on Amazon, The Times teased that the Plus model is equally powerful, and even offers “four power settings instead of two.”
No. 3 was the budget-friendly Satisfyer Purple Pleasure, a $29 palm-size vibrator that the Times said “hits the sweet spot.”
Aside from being the perfect travel partner, the Satisfyer makes for a “fantastic starter toy” that’s likely to last thanks to its 15-year warranty, according to the outlet.
A suction vibrator ranked No. 4 — the $99 Dame Aer.
“Although the Aer is definitely noisier than some other suction toys we’ve tested, the larger nozzle creates a more diffuse, customizable suction sensation and the slender, curved shape of the toy makes it comfortable to hold and easy to use,” the Times said of the Dame.
No. 5 on the list was the most expensive vibrator, the $179 Lelo Dot.
Its thin-tipped makeup “leaves plenty of room for other types of simultaneous stimulation,” the Times explained, noting that its handle makes it “an ideal option for people with arthritis or limited hand or wrist mobility.”
The thorough review of each product was just too much for some.
“Oooh yuck (as my daughter used to say). TMI!” one wrote.
The Post has sought comment from the Times.
