As I write this review the Lelo Sona is at a £59.00 launch rate and, subsequently, I feel like one of those army sergeants inside a plane just before deployment.
All I want to do is just start shouting “Alright you lot, let’s move it! Go, Go, GO! Now!” urging you to take the plunge and buy this toy while the pricing is so great. Because, at regular retail price the Lelo Sona is £109 and, although I do feel it can justify the cost, I’d rather you got it at launch rate if possible (the Sona Cruise is also down from £135 to £89 if that’s more your pace).
Why am I so enthusiastic-yet-obviously-bargain-minded?
Well, firstly, can you blame me? I was brought up bottom of the barrel working class and a bargain is a bargain no matter how you look at it. Secondly, the Lelo Sona provides sensations that are so distinct to itself that it’s hard to really say if you’ll like them or not until you’ve tried them.
Although, in most cases, I think that the purchase will be one that isn’t regretted.
The Lelo Sona
The Lelo Sona claims to be the first of its kind and although this isn’t strictly true, the design choices and overall execution of the Lelo Sona do help it stand out from similar devices and give it its own unique feel.
In an ironic twist, this ‘unique’ feel also have the Sona look almost identical to many suction-based sex toys on the market but if you’ve ever seen/ tried one of these and been disappointed you can rest assured that Lelo is playing in a completely different ball park.
The Lelo Sona does not use vibrations at all. Nor does it use suction, have air holes, or aim for anything involving lifting the clitoris or simulating oral sex toy produce a climax.
Instead, the Lelo Sona is using what is describes as ‘gentle’ sonic waves to essentially apply rapid pattering sensations to the surface of the clitoris to produce sensations that are best described as breathtakingly enjoyable.
These sonic waves don’t even work if you place the Lelo Sona against the skin – as contact with such a firm surface area essentially stalls the up-and-down motion of the sonic waves. It’s only when applied to the clitoris (or hovered over the surface, as I prefer) that the true potency of the Lelo Sona comes to light and, my gosh, is it impressive. But I’m getting ahead of myself here.
The Lelo Sona has 8 different settings through which to explore the Sona, and the patterns, intensities, and on/off function of the Sona are controlled by a 3-button interface which is comfortably placed on the ergonomic surface of the Sona.
The Sona itself is made mostly from ABS plastic (at its back) and silicone (for the rest of the toy) making it non-porous, phthalate-free, and completely body safe. This silicone is the exquisite matte silicone that I have come to expect from Lelo and it is utterly on point. Actually, so is everything about the Sona – including its gift-worthy box, its silken storage bag, its warranty, UBS cable, free lubricant, and waterproof design.
The waterproof nature of this toy, in particular, makes the Sona a breeze to clean, which is a massive relief because otherwise the nozzle of the Sona would have been an absolute pain to effectively sanitize.
The Sona is such a size that it can comfortably be held in the hand and is easy to navigate during dual-toy use and, potentially, even couples’ use. The size of the Sona also makes it good for travel, as it’s a rather portable size. Thankfully the Sona also has a travel lock, making it very easy to take with you on the go.
The Sona claims to be whisper quiet and this is partially true. When it hasn’t contacted the skin the Sona is totally hush-hush, to the point where it could even be mistaken for a rather enthusiastic cat’s purring. When applying to the body, on the other hand, there are some adjustment noises which can vary from a firmer rasping to the occasional odd squeak.
It’s pretty humorous, to be honest, but does mean that you’d at least want a closed door between you and anyone else during use. Still, I’d say this is a very discreet toy for the power it provides.
And let’s talk about that power for the moment.
Because the Lelo Sona is using sonic wave technology it claims to stimulate 75% more of the clitoris than other toys on the market. I wouldn’t know about this claim but what I do know is that usually all I need to do is hover this toy over my clitoris and allow it to gently (though rapidly) tap against it to achieve climaxes that, so far, have always resulted in my entire body tensing with sheer delight. My vocal chords also wanting to show their approval, I always let out some form of involuntary noise upon the point of climax with the Sona. I just can’t help it. It’s that effective for me.
Although I’m a power queen usually I have tried the higher settings of the Sona and, woah nelly! I just can’t handle them. Thankfully the Lelo Sona has intensity settings for most preferences, and there’s always the option to only lightly hold the toy in place if you wish.
But, of course, no toy is perfect, and the Lelo Sona has a clear ‘downside’ which I actually really love.
Because the Sona relies on a moving plate, the moment you apply too much pressure to this plate it stops. This means that you could be enjoying your Sona and suddenly you’ve held it too close, stalling your enjoyment.
I actually really enjoy this because I like to slow or stop a toy when at the point of climax, as the Sona essentially gives me a button-free way of doing this. Others will hate this intrusion on their pleasure ‘groove’ (to be incredibly out-of-date with my ‘lingo’).
If you do feel like this will be an issue for you then the Lelo Sona Cruise counter this with its Cruise Control setting.
In terms of other downsides, there is always a risk that you may not like the sensations that the Lelo Sona provides, hence I say ‘buy now’ rather than going full retail if you’re uncertain. This is an exceptional toy and its results, in my experience, are exceptional, but can be jarring if vibrations are all you’ve known.
Some people will also just dislike the firmer nozzle of the Lelo Sona and wish that the toy was gentler in terms of its application. If this is you then I hear ya. If you know you prefer softer or squishier toys then you might want to give the Sona a miss.
Final Thoughts
Full drill Sargent-mode restrained for a moment, I am aware that the Lelo Sona won’t be everyone’s cup of tea. Uncertainty and the departure from vibrations may hold people back. Other might simply be tired of seeing the same general sex toy design popping up (even if the sensations are different).
But I absolutely adore the Lelo Sona and find that it really does stimulate me in ways that vibrators just can’t (at least not while also operating at some of their lowest intensities, like the Sona does when I use it).
I can’t help but feel incredibly optimistic about this product and I highly recommend it. I hope it can give you the sensations that it has given me.