What to Look For (Size, Materials, Contacts & Orientation)
Insertable electrodes can be some of the most satisfying toys in an e-stim kit… and also the ones where choosing the right option matters the most. This guide breaks it all down in plain English: size, materials, number of contact points, and how the electrode is “aimed” (side-to-side vs top-to-bottom), so you can pick something that feels great and plays nicely with your power box.
Quick safety note (the unsexy but important bit)
- Only use e-stim gear with an e-stim power box designed for body play (not DIY mains-powered anything, ever).
- Avoid e-stim if you have a pacemaker/implanted device, heart conditions, epilepsy, are pregnant, or have been advised against electrical stimulation.
- Start low, increase slowly, and stop immediately if anything feels sharp, hot, or “wrong.”
- For insertables: cleanliness, smooth finishes, and body-safe materials are non-negotiable.
If in doubt, ask. It’s always easier to choose right than to “power through” a bad match.
The 4 big choices (and why they matter)
When you’re choosing an insertable electrode, you’re really deciding four things:
- Size (comfort + stability)
- Materials (body-safety + sensation + cleaning)
- Number of contact points (how the current paths can feel)
- Orientation (where the “strongest line” of sensation tends to land)
1) Size: comfort first, then performance
Size isn’t just about bravado — it affects comfort, how securely it sits, and how consistently it makes contact. The best electrode is the one you can relax with, because relaxed muscles = better sensations. Larger electrodes need more power for a given sensation, so bigger isn't necessarily better when it comes to electrodes.
What to look for
- Diameter/girth: Bigger can feel fuller, but smaller is often easier to position and tolerate for longer sessions. Plus, smaller also means more intense.
- Insertable length: More length can mean more “reach,” but also more chance of pressure points if the shape isn’t right for you.
- Shape & taper: A gentle taper helps insertion; a smooth, consistent curve reduces “hot spots.”
- Base/stopper: A proper flared base or stopper is a must for anal-safe insertables. For vaginal insertables, a base can still help with handling and stability.
A simple rule of thumb
If you’re new to insertables (or new to e-stim insertables), choose a moderate size with a smooth shape and a secure base. Once you know what you like, you can get more specific.
2) Materials: body-safe, easy to clean, and electrically sensible
Material types affect the feel, the cleaning routine, and how reliably the electrode conducts. For e-stim, you generally want materials that are body-safe, non-porous, and smoothly finished.
Common options
- Stainless steel (e.g., 316L): Non-porous, durable, easy to sanitise, and gives a crisp “clean” sensation. Often a favourite for consistent contact.
- Body-safe silicone (with embedded contacts): Comfortable and forgiving, great for longer sessions. Make sure the conductive contact areas are well-finished and easy to clean.
- Aluminium: Non-porous and a good choice for electrodes. For insertables, prioritise reputable finishes and true body-safe construction from reliable manufacturers such as E-Stim Systems.
- Conductive rubber parts: Often used for external electrodes; for insertables, less common. If you see it, check the cleaning guidance and intended use carefully.
- Plated materials: Stay away from these as the plating is not always body safe and can crack or come away from the base metal - not good.
What matters most
- Non-porous surfaces are easier to clean thoroughly.
- Smooth edges around contacts reduce irritation and reduce the risk of concentrated sensations (“hot spots”).
- Solid build quality matters because insertables take more mechanical stress during use and cleaning.
3) Number of contact points: 2 vs multi-contact (and what changes)
The number of conductive contact points changes how many possible “paths” the current can take, which can change the character of the sensation.
One contact point (monopole)
This is the most basic insertable, easy to use, but you will need a second electrode to create a circuit, as there is only one contact area. Think standard metal butt plug with a pad attached to turn it into an electrode.
Two contact points (classic bipolar)
This is the simplest and most common insertable format: two conductive areas on the same toy. The sensation is often predictable, easy to dial in, and great for beginners.
Multi-contact (segmented / multiple conductive areas)
Multi-contact designs can offer more interesting sensation patterns, but they also add complexity: which contacts are paired, which ones are active, and how your box/cables connect can all change what you feel.
What to look for with multi-contact designs
- Clear wiring/compatibility info: Does it behave like one bipolar electrode, or does it have separate circuits?
- Spacing between contacts: Closer spacing can feel more intense/local; wider spacing can feel broader/deeper.
- Finish quality on every segment: More segments = more edges and joins, so smooth finishing is crucial.
4) Orientation: side-to-side vs top-to-bottom (why this changes the vibe)
Orientation is a sneaky-big deal. It’s basically: when the current flows between the contacts, which direction is that “line” travelling? That line can make one orientation feel more targeted, and the other feel more spread — depending on your anatomy and positioning.
Side-to-side contacts
- Often creates a “crossing” sensation across the width.
- It can feel more symmetrical, especially if the electrode sits evenly.
- Great if you like a more “wrapped” or balanced feel.
Top-to-bottom contacts
- Often creates a sensation path along the length (more “up/down”).
- It can feel more directional or targeted depending on how the toy is angled.
- Great if you like sensations that feel like they travel.
- Top-to-bottom electrodes also produce some pleasant sensations, often called ghost fucking, where the electrodes move in time with the current pulses.
How to choose
If you want something simple and reliable, pick the orientation that best matches how you expect it to sit. If you already know certain areas respond more strongly for you, orientation can help “aim” the strongest line of sensation.
Bonus checks: compatibility, connections, and practical details
- Connector type: Make sure it matches your leads (2mm pin, 4mm, snaps, etc.). Adaptors exist, but simpler is nicer.
- Cable strain relief: A solid connection point (and decent cable) reduces intermittent contact, which can feel unpleasant.
- Cleaning guidance: If the product doesn’t clearly state how to clean it, that’s a red flag.
- Storage: Keep it dry, clean, and away from materials that can degrade silicone (certain oils, soft plastics, etc.).
Quick decision guide
- New to insertables? Medium/smaller size, body-safe materials, 2 contacts, simple orientation.
- Want predictable, easy control? Two contacts (bipolar) + smooth finish.
- Want more variety? Multi-contact, but only with clear compatibility and excellent finishing.
- Want “aiming” control? Choose orientation based on how the toy sits and where you want the strongest path.
