How to Identify Your Silicone Toy's Model and Variant

Quick Answer

To identify your silicone toy's model and variant, check for any markings or stamps, measure the toy's dimensions, and compare them with the catalog details. Look for unique features like color, firmness, and shape to confirm the specific variant.

Whether you're a collector or a first-time buyer, knowing exactly which model and variant of silicone toy you own is important for care, resale, and finding compatible accessories. With so many shapes and sizes, it's easy to mix them up. This guide will walk you through a simple process to identify your toy with confidence.

We'll cover checking for markings, taking accurate measurements, comparing with official product listings, and using color and firmness to pinpoint the variant. By the end, you'll be able to tell your Tyv from your Xymon at a glance.

Start with the Basics: What to Look For

Before you start measuring, take a close look at your toy. Many silicone toys have subtle markings, such as a model name or a batch number, either on the base or along the shaft. These markings are often the quickest way to identify the model. If you see a code like 'T-5810' or 'TF-240', that's a strong clue.

If there are no visible markings, don't worry. You can still identify the toy by its shape and measurements. Each model has a unique silhouette—for example, Tyv has a distinct head shape, while Tenta Fork has two tips. Compare the overall shape with product images to narrow down the possibilities.

• Check the base and the shaft for any engraved or printed text.
• Take note of the overall shape and any distinctive features like ridges, knots, or split tips.

Measure for Certainty

Measurements are your best friend when identifying a silicone toy. Use a flexible tape measure or a ruler to find the total length, usable length, and the circumference of the widest part. Write these numbers down. They will help you match the toy to its catalog listing.

For example, a Small Tyv has a total length of 6 inches and a widest shaft diameter of 1.5 inches. A Small Tenta Fork, on the other hand, is 6.5 inches long but has a shorter usable length on one end. These differences are key to telling models apart.

• Measure from the base to the tip for total length, and from the base to the point where the toy starts to taper for usable length.
• Use a soft measuring tape for circumference, or wrap a piece of string around the shaft and then measure the string.

Compare with Official Listings

Once you have your measurements, compare them with the official product listings on the Strange Bedfellas Shop. Each product page lists the exact dimensions and firmness. If your numbers match a specific product, you've likely found your model.

Pay attention to the firmness as well. Some models come in multiple firmnesses, such as 'Near Clear 31*' or 'Medium (0050)', which can affect the feel and performance. The firmness is often part of the variant, so check the listing to see if your toy matches.

• Bookmark the product pages for models you own to make future identification easier.
• If you're unsure about firmness, squeeze the toy and compare the give with the descriptions on the 'Our Silicone' page.

Use Color and Aesthetics to Confirm the Variant

Color can be a fun and useful clue. Many toys come in multiple colorways, and some are unique to a specific variant. For example, a toy with a 'hypershift' color effect is likely a specific variant. Check the color description in the listing to see if it matches your toy.

Also, look for any notes about surface flaws or special features. Some models have known aesthetic quirks, like the Medium Parasite which may have small surface flaws due to the mold. These notes can help confirm that you have the right variant.

• Take photos of your toy in natural light to see the true colors and any shimmer or shift effects.
• Compare your toy's color with the images on the product page, but remember that lighting can affect how colors appear.

Steps to Identify Your Silicone Toy

1. Inspect for markings: Look at the base and shaft for any engraved numbers, letters, or logos. These are often the fastest way to identify the model. Checkpoint: If you find a code like 'T-5810', you've likely identified the model. If not, move to the next step.
2. Measure the toy: Use a flexible tape measure to find total length, usable length, and the circumference of the widest point. Write these numbers down. Checkpoint: Compare your measurements with the catalog listings. A match confirms the model.
3. Compare with official listings: Visit the Strange Bedfellas Shop and find the product pages for the models you suspect. Compare your measurements and firmness. Checkpoint: If your toy matches a listing, you've identified the model and variant. If not, re-check your measurements or consider that the toy might be from a different batch.
4. Confirm with color and aesthetics: Check the color and any unique features like surface flaws or special effects against the listing. This helps confirm the exact variant. Checkpoint: A color match, combined with measurements, gives you high confidence in your identification.

Product Examples

• Small Tyv -- Near Clear 31* silicone -- T-5810: Approximate Measurements: Total length: 6 inches, Useable length: 5 inches, Diameter of the head: 1 inch, Circumference of the head: 3.75 inches, Widest shaft diameter: 1.5 inches. These measurements are unique to the Small Tyv, so if your toy matches them, you can confidently identify it as this model and variant.
• Small Tenta Fork -- Firm silicone -- TF-240: Approximate Measurements: Total length: 6.5 inches, Useable length of long end: 4.25 inches, Useable length of short end: 2.5 inches, Circumference of the long tip: 2.5 inches, Circumference of the short tip: 2.5 inches. The distinct two-tip design and the specific usable lengths for each end make this model easy to tell apart from single-tip toys.
• Medium Parasite -- Medium silicone -- PAR-56: Note: There are some small surface flaws on this toy that are easy to spot thanks to the matte colors. They are a known issue with the mold and are also an aesthetic consideration. If your toy has matte colors and small surface flaws, it might be a Medium Parasite. Knowing this can help you avoid confusion and understand the toy's unique characteristics.

Identifying your silicone toy's model and variant doesn't have to be a guessing game. By checking for markings, taking accurate measurements, and comparing with official listings, you can be sure of what you own. This knowledge helps you care for your toy properly and enjoy it to the fullest.