There are many male masturbators on the market, but not many can compare to the Lovense Max 2. The technology for fleshlights and stroke machines may have been around for years, but few products on the sex toy market have been able to incorporate the same level of digital interactivity as the Max.
The Lovense Max 2 is a state-of-the-art teledildonic sex toy that is primarily designed to the user to wirelessly connect his device to other users for long distance play.
So how does the Max 2 size up (both literally and figuratively) to the competition? Let’s take a closer look and see.
What Is the Max 2?
The Max was one of the first toys designed by the sex toy innovator Lovense, a Hong Kong based company founded in 2010. His-and-her teledildonic devices called Max and Nora respectively were designed and launched to pioneer the future of high-tech cybersex.
Drawing their original concepts from the versatility of smartphone technology, Lovense set out to make one of the best sex toys on the market designed for men. Because the original Max was a prototype made of young technology, it was never widely available on the consumer market.
The second generation of the Max was fully crowdsourced by Indiegogo, completely blowing past all expected funding goals. The market for this technology was definitely there. The second generation of the Max became the first male masturbator controlled via a smartphone app.
Max Gets Upgrades
From 2013 through the present, Lovense has continually collected user feedback and incorporated it into their product iterations to make an increasingly excellent toy. The Max 2 has released upgrades every year up through generation six. Some of these upgrades include:
- Design updates to both hardware and software
- Changes in casing design/material
- Specs of the masturbatory sleeve
- Increased water resistance
- Improved charging processes
- Improved vibration strength and customization
- An air vent for customizable suction to complement vibration and stroke
- Improvements to the sensors
- Better aesthetics in presentation and packaging
With the official release of the Max 2 in 2019, Lovense has continued their legacy of continual product improvement with even more upgrades. The upgrades that are special to the Max 2 are as follows:
- Sleeve improvements
- 360° contractions
- Vibrator redesign to improve the intensity and increase battery life
- More intuitive charging
- More sensor improvements for ultimate tactile precision
Physical Specifications
Diameter: 3.33 inches
Length: 9.5 inches
Weight: 580 grams
Materials: ABS/Skin-like TPE
Battery: Li-ion rechargeable
Battery Life: 2-3 hours
Size and Shape
The physical size of the Max 2 allows it to accommodate all but the largest of users, and its external design is sleek and minimalistic.
This aesthetic design is also discreet since the shape of the Max 2 mimics the design of other smart tech like portable Bluetooth speakers. It would likely go unnoticed even if accidentally left out on a nightstand but is still small enough to fit comfortably inside one.
Materials
While it is not as carefully considered sometimes in researching sex toys as things like digital customization and mechanical features, the materials that make up a sex toy are an important factor to consider. Some materials are toxic, and others are difficult to clean. Here’s a breakdown of what the Max 2 is made of.
ABS Plastic
The Max 2 is created from acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS) plastic, which is a thermoplastic polymer that is highly durable. If well cared for, ABS-based sex toys can last for years.
ABS is non-porous, so there is no chance for bacteria to become trapped in the material. It is a smooth material, easing the task of lubrication and insertion. It’s also an odorless material for those who have sensitive noses, as a strong plastic smell can detract from realism.
ABS plastic conducts vibration with precision, making it a popular choice for sex toys with a wide variety of vibration levels and customization. ABS plastic is also phthalate-free and free of other toxins commonly found in inert plastics.
Skin-like TPE
The fleshy sleeve of the Max 2 is formed from skin-like TPE or thermoplastic elastomer. TPE is platinum-cured, liquid silicone rubber that is a popular material for creating realistic molds that can closely mimic human genitalia.
Unlike ABS, TPE is considered a porous material unless otherwise stated. Toys like the Max 2 that are made of TPE should only be used with water-based lubrication to avoid material breakdown.
TPE is hypoallergenic and phthalate-free. As a medical-grade plastic commonly used in things like catheters, it is a good choice for anyone with sensitivity to chemicals or who tends to have allergic reactions concerning skin contact.
The takeaway on the materials of the Max 2:
- Good vibration conductivity
- Hypoallergenic, odorless, non-toxic
- Needs to be used with water-based lubrication
- Smooth, comfortable materials
- Skin-like realistic interior, slick futuristic exterior
Main Features of The Max 2
In order to give a thorough review of the Max 2, we’ll need to address two major categories of factors: hardware and software.
Hardware
The Max 2 is a fleshlight style male masturbator with a hard, white ABS plastic outer shell and an inner sleeve made of soft, gripping TPE material designed to emulate a vagina or anus.
One of the standout pieces of hardware on the Max 2 is its patent-pending air pump technology. There are two air pumps in the Max 2, one on either side of the device’s inner sleeve. These are designed to inflate and deflate in various combinations to intensify pleasure.
At the end of the sleeve, Lovense has installed a special vibrator to directly stimulate the glans of the penis, arguably one of the most sensitive areas of the whole package.
If air-pump driven stroking and vibration aren’t enough sensation, Lovense has also included an air vent in the Max 2’s design that allows for customizable suction. These three sensations in combination are as close to a realistic blowjob as you can currently get from a machine.
Overview of the Max 2’s hardware:
- Air pump technology on both sides of shaft
- Vibrator in the end of the device for maximum stimulation
- Customizable suction with air vent control
Software
If its high-tech hardware wasn’t impressive enough, Lovense has also included some sensational software capabilities in the Max 2. Designed initially in conjunction with its sister product, Nora, the Max 2 is first and foremost a teledildonic device designed for wireless use.
This means that the Max 2 can be used digitally in several ways via its three settings:
- In its first setting, the user can connect the toy to a smartphone app in order to have remote control of the device for solo play.
- In its second setting, the user can pass close range control of the device to another user remotely via Bluetooth connection. This is good for partner play.
- In its third setting, the user can sync the Max 2 to its partner device Nora or another Max 2 for long distance connection with a partner, allowing real-time realistic cybersex between two people anywhere in the world.
Along with three levels of 360° contractions, the Max 2 also comes with seven distinct
vibration settings:
- Low
- Medium
- High
- Pulse
- Wave
- Fireworks
- Earthquake
Teledildonic Technology
The most exciting technology in the Max 2 is its teledildonic capability. Teledildonics, or the ability to connect sex toys wirelessly and remotely for long distance play between users, is a brand-new technology spurred by Lovense that is just now getting its moment in the spotlight.
With both close-range Bluetooth capability and Internet connection for longer distances, the Max 2 is a guarantee you can connect sexually with a partner who owns a Nora or another Max/Max 2 no matter how far apart you are.
That would be revolutionary technology by itself, but the Max 2 is also movement responsive, which means that it sends and receives real-time reactive feedback depending on your partner’s actions. It’s the closest you’ll get to having sex with someone you’re not in the same room with.
Now that we’ve gotten to know the hardware and software of the Max 2, let’s do a product assessment and see where it really stands.
First Impressions
On first impressions, the Max 2 doesn’t look terribly fancy. Its packaging is plain in comparison to some other products, and the overall design aesthetic is decidedly minimalistic.
The presentation is barebones, as well. The Max 2 only comes with the sex toy itself, a magnetic USB charging cable, and the user manual. The Max 2 does not come with a complimentary cleaning solution or lubrication for your toy, which means you’ll have to provide your own.
The Max 2 also does not come with a storage case or bag, which can be somewhat inconvenient if you’re going for a more discreet experience. It would not hurt Lovense to expand on the accessories in future iterations of the Max for a more enjoyable unveiling.
We’ll take a look at the following categories to assess them each individually and see how the Max 2 stands in each one:
- Ergonomics
- Intelligent design
- Cleaning difficulty
- Quality
- Price
- Pleasure
- Size
- Compatibility
- Connectivity
Ergonomics
As far as ease of use goes, the Max 2 is a comfortable device for almost all users. Although there have been a few complaints that those men with extremely long penises have issues “bottoming out” in the device, this is not an issue for most users.
Likewise, those men who have a particularly wide girth to their penis might find the Max 2’s sleeve a bit tight for optimal sensation, but that’s not an issue that most men who have tried the Max 2 have had problems with.
The interior of the Max 2 has supple, slippery TPE, which is one of the most realistic materials mimicking the tactile sensation of human flesh. The interior of the sleeve is lined with small nubbins that are designed after the rugae (transverse ridge structures) of the vaginal wall.
For manual use, the Max 2 is easy to hold for optimal stroking, and because most of the stimulation is coming from the interior mechanics of the sleeve rather than a bunch of awkward twisting and bending on your end, you can just focus on lying back and enjoying the sensation.
Intelligent Design
The design of the Max 2 is nothing if not intelligent. Every year since the prototype’s inception, Lovense has continually improved the toy in every way, from aesthetics to software development.
Besides being the first male masturbator with its own smartphone app, the Max 2 was also revolutionary due to its forward-thinking sync technology that allows lovers to have sex while oceans apart.
Lovense has advanced this tech by having the largest vibrator motors available to intensify pleasure and increase battery life. They have also created antennas that provide stable close-range Bluetooth connectivity with a wider radius than any other product on the market.
Never before in history has technology leaped forward so quickly in the area of virtual sex. In less than ten years, Lovense has pushed the sex industry firmly into the twenty-first century. And consumers are the ones reaping the benefits of this technological tidal wave.
Here are the highlights of Max 2’s intelligent design:
- Three separate methods of creating a tactile sensation, with 360° contractions that realistically simulate a blowjob
- Continuous improvements to the hardware have led to the highest battery life, strongest vibrations, and most wide-ranging Bluetooth connectivity on the market
- Lovense has consistently led the way in advancing the field of teledildonics
Cleaning Difficulty
Since playing with sex toys can be a somewhat dirty business, it’s always important to consider how easy it is to clean one. This is especially important because sex toys should be cleaned after each and every use to maintain safe hygiene and avoid infection.
Luckily the Max 2 is extremely easy to clean with nothing more warm water. Soap should not be used, as it could damage the interior.
Because the interior of the Max 2 is made of potentially porous TPE material, it is also recommended to dry the toy completely before putting it away.
The only downside to this category for the Max 2 is that it does not come with cleaning solution included in the package, which would be convenient for those who want to open the Max 2 and get straight down to business.
Quality
There are plenty of options for purchasing new sex toys in 2019, especially with the advance of niche online toy shops, but after much review of the various products available, the Max 2 is easily one of the highest quality sex toys on the market for its price range.
While there are dozens of teledildonic devices out there on the market to choose from, very few companies are able to combine high technology, postmodern minimalist aesthetics, and high-grade materials in a way that makes the end product feel positively luxe.
Lovense has managed to pull it off.
Price
As of the time of this review, the Max 2 is available on the Lovense website for the price of $74.00. This is a special online discount, down from the regular retail price of $99.00. Either way, the Max 2 falls in the medium range of price for sex toys.
Given the various high-tech capabilities of the device and the quality of the materials used, this could comfortably be called a bargain. This is half the price of the Fleshlight Launch, the Max 2’s closest spec rival at $199.95.
The Max 2 also beats out its other competitors in the market on price, such as the Kiiroo Onyx 2 or the Kiiroo Titan. In some cases (like the Fleshlight) the Max 2 is less than half the price of its competitors while still offering almost twice the amount of digital and hardware features. That’s a pretty sweet deal.
Pleasure
Now on its sixth generation of upgraded technology and design, the Max 2 has been precisely engineered for fostering pleasure in every sense.
On the aesthetic side, the Max 2 is arguably one of the most beautiful male masturbators on the market, with a sleek minimalist look. It is also created from odor-free, environmentally friendly materials.
But the Max 2 is also designed for pleasure in the more literal sense. The device’s sleeve combines multiple types of tactile sensation in order to most accurately represent a sexual experience and to provide the greatest degree of user customization.
The variety of pleasures offered by the Max 2 are also a strong part of its appeal. It is equally valuable in solo and partner play and allows people to connect not only with their lover on the other side of the house or sitting across from them in a restaurant, but also from the other side of the world.
Size
The Max 2 is a relatively small sex toy at only 3.3 inches in diameter and 9.5 inches in length. This means that it fits easily into most drawers and can be easily concealed for the sake of discretion.
The interior size of the device’s sleeve has been reported to be more than adequate for all for the largest of users, able to accommodate approximately 95% of potential buyers.
Compatibility
Out of the various teledildonic products on the market, the Max 2 boasts one of the highest levels of device and app compatibility out of any high-tech sex toy available. Due to Lovense’s excellent syncing software,
Recently Lovense ported its software to Windows PC via the Lovense USB Bluetooth Adapter. While it does not come standard with any given toy in the Lovense product lines, it is available in the Lovense store as an accessory.
Lovense apps and software are also compatible with Apple, Android, and Mac. Available on four separate digital platforms with some of the most user-friendly software in the industry, you’ll be hard-pressed to find a more accessible device.
Connectivity
Lovense teledildonic products boast one of the highest close-range connectivity radiuses on the market. Most Lovense toys (including the Max 2) boast a close-range connectivity of 30-40 feet. This is up to 15 feet further than most of the Max 2’s competitors.
The Max 2 also famously features Internet connectivity, which means you can use it as an enhancer for remote cybersex with anyone in the world, no matter where they are. If they have an Internet connection, they can have a sexual connection with you too.
User Feedback
Since the Max 2 has not been on the market for a long time, the user feedback for it is still a little sparse. Regular customers can also be a little leery about giving their personal recommendation on a sex-based product considering the generally private nature of their use.
However, in the sex toy aficionado corners of the Internet, a few brave souls have taken it upon themselves to take one for the team.
Here’s a list of other user reviews available on the Max 2 so you can get a more well-rounded perspective on this innovative new toy:
- Mr. Will’s House of Thrills
- Review highlight: “With a normal toy, if you’re close to blowing it but don’t want to, you have to completely stop or go really, really slow. With the Max you can still get some great stimulation while you’re taking a bit of a break.”
- SurviveLDR
- Review highlight: “The Max and Nora both move to any music you like, and you also use the app to program that. Although not specific to long-distance relationship sex, it is a fun feature.”
- Long Distance Fun
- Review highlight: “The level of interaction is breathtaking and the options available make Lovense products a must-have for any long distance relationship (LDR) couple.”
Product Comparisons
In 2019 there have never been more sex toys on the market than there are right now. When it comes to pleasure in the bedroom, the world is your oyster. In 2016, the world’s largest sex toy retailer, LoveHoney, shipped over five million sex toys and accessories to over a million consumers worldwide.
That breaks down to a sex toy being purchased roughly every sixteen seconds. That is a lot of toys!
This also means there are several products on the market that are similar to the Max 2 despite its revolutionary design, so it pays to look at everything available to make the best decision when choosing your perfect toy.
Some of the closest competitors to the Max 2 on the market include the following models:
- Fleshlight Launch
- Kiiroo Onyx 2
- Kiiroo Titan
- Som Rocket
- Puchi Som
- A10 Cyclone
1- Fleshlight Launch
The Fleshlight Launch is arguably one of the Max 2’s largest rivals on the market, but it falls down in a head-to-head comparison on several levels. The largest one is price. At $199.95, the Fleshlight Launch is over $125 more than the Max 2, and with significantly fewer features.
2- Kiiroo Onyx 2
At $219, the Kiiroo Onyx 2 is a whopping $145 more than the Max 2, and like the Fleshlight Launch, it has less features. It features no vibration and no suction action. It also has a relatively poor battery life, needing to be charged for 4-6 hours for only 1 hour of continuous use versus the Max 2’s 2-3 hours.
3- Kiiroo Titan
Like the Onyx 2, the Titan is also missing the suction and vibration features of the Max 2. Like the Onyx 2, the Titan is expensive—$75 dollars more expensive than the Max 2. And it also has a poor battery life, only offering 30-40 minutes of continuous use.
4- Other Models
The Japanese models of male masturbators have several issues that make the Max 2 a superior product. The Som Rocket, the Puchi Som, and the A10 Cyclone are designed for use by the Japanese.
As a result, their penetration sleeves are objectively shorter at 4.1 inches than what an average Westerner can comfortably wear.
While these devices can still achieve some success as toys for larger men, a Max 2 would be a better investment for most people since at 9.5 inches in length it can accommodate the average penis size much more easily.
Another consideration in buying Japanese robotic masturbators is that all of the user manuals and documentation are in Japanese. This can be a major inconvenience if you’re trying to adjust the settings on your device.
Final Verdict
We assessed the Max 2 in every possible category, from price to ergonomics to included features, and when you put all those factors together, it’s pretty easy to conclude that the Max 2 is one of the most well-designed, high-tech pleasure devices on the market in 2019.
In less than a decade, Lovense has moved from its original Max-and-Nora prototype into a prolific line of innovative and luxurious toys that are not only massive amounts of fun in the bedroom but also engineered for discreet public use and synced capability across the planet.
If you’re looking to get the most bang for your buck in your next sex toy purchase, you could do a lot worse than the Max 2. If you take into consideration its ability to intuitively connect with other Lovense products too, the Max 2 could easily become the star of your toy box.
