Male masturbating toys come in a variety of shapes, sizes, and designs, and they all serve one singular purpose: to turn stroking the dick from a guilt-ridden taboo into a pleasurable experience. And while the toy market is brimming with options, there are some things that every guy should know before diving into this kinky pool.

First and foremost, most strokers are meant for solo use unless stated otherwise. That means that while you can always enlist the help of a partner, they’re best used alone or with some lube to make your stroker even smoother. But if you’re ready to take things up a notch, there are also automated models that will take care of all the manual labor for you. And if you want to go even further, there are also ritzier ones that can connect to VR and sync with certain porn.

Unlike vibrators that target the anal region, most male masturbating toys are intended to stimulate the shaft. They come in a wide range of textures, but the most popular are sleeves that slip over the penis and provide an intense, tight sensation. Some of these sleeves are even made from medical-grade silicone, so they’re completely reusable if you clean them well after each use. They’re also great for those who are just starting out with a cock stroker because they’re easy to get accustomed to and offer a lot of pleasure, too.

One of the biggest names in this category is Fleshlight, which is a mainstay in the toy industry. This brand’s soft, squishy SuperSkin material feels just like real dick sex and is available in a huge selection of textures to suit different tastes. Another great option for those who don’t want to spend a fortune is the Fleshlight Quickshot Launch, which offers all of the same great sensations as a sleeve but in a small, pocket-friendly package.

If you’re a cock sucker, meanwhile, you’ll want to check out a few of our favorites, like the wildly popular Tenga eggs. These discreetly-packaged strokers are great for once-in-a-while wanking or to spice up couples play because they’re so realistic. Plus, the warming feature is pretty damn delicious.