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About DIY Guide

I'm Sam Hunter, and I spent almost 10 years working at Fleshlight.

I was lucky to work closely with all the teams, including Customer Service and Product Development —where we actually designed, tested, and manufactured male toys.

I saw what worked, what didn't, and what guys actually complained about. Spoiler alert: it wasn't the sensation. It was the cleanup.

After nearly a decade in the industry, I left with a head full of insider knowledge and a clear picture of what was missing: honest reviews from someone who actually knows how these products are made, tested, and marketed.

So I started DIY Guide.

What This Site Is (And Isn't)

DIY Guide is honest reviews and practical advice for male toys.

I'm not here to sell you the most expensive product or push whatever pays the highest affiliate commission. I'm here to tell you what's actually worth your money, what's overhyped, and what alternatives exist that the big brands don't want you to know about.

What you'll find here:

  • Reviews based on real experience and insider knowledge
  • Cleaning and maintenance guides (because nobody else talks about this honestly)
  • Comparisons that actually help you decide
  • Information about disposable alternatives (the industry's dirty secret)
  • No BS, no paid placements, no shilling

What you won't find:

  • Fake "I tested 50 toys in one month" listicles
  • Glowing 5-star reviews for everything
  • Clickbait or exaggerated claims
  • Judgment about what you're into

Why "Sam Hunter" and Not My Real Name?

I use a pen name because privacy matters.

The male toy industry still carries stigma. I'm helping you make informed decisions, but I also value keeping my personal and professional lives separate.

Everything I share here is based on real experience— almost 10 years at Fleshlight, ongoing testing, and honest evaluation. The pen name doesn't change the credibility of the information. It just means I'm not the first Google result when someone searches my actual name.

If you're a journalist or need to verify my background for a legitimate reason, reach out. Otherwise, just know that Sam Hunter is real experience behind a privacy-conscious name.

The Cleanup Problem (And Why I Care About It)

Here's something I learned during my time at Fleshlight: most guys who buy a Fleshlight use it 1-2 times and then it sits in a drawer.

Not because the sensation isn't good. Because cleaning it after every use is annoying.

The industry has spent decades perfecting realism and texture. But nobody solved the fundamental friction: maintenance.

When I talk about "DIY" solutions, I'm not just talking about choosing the right product. I'm talking about finding approaches that actually work for your lifestyle—whether that's committing to a high-maintenance Fleshlight, choosing easy-clean alternatives like Tenga's Flip series, or going fully disposable.

Some guys need realism. Some guys need convenience. Most guys need someone to be honest about the trade-offs.

What I'm Building

DIY Guide is the content side—reviews, guides, comparisons.

But I'm also working on something else: better disposable options.

The disposable male toy market has been dominated by thin, mediocre products like Tenga Eggs. They work, but they're a compromise. I think we can do better—thicker materials, better textures, competitive pricing.

When that's ready, you'll hear about it here first. But DIY Guide will always be honest reviews, even if that means recommending competitors.

How This Site Makes Money (Full Transparency)

DIY Guide uses affiliate links.

When you buy a product through a link on this site, I may earn a small commission. This doesn't affect the price you pay, and it doesn't influence my recommendations.

I only link to products I genuinely think are worth considering. If something sucks, I'll tell you—affiliate relationship or not.

I also plan to eventually sell products of my own (better disposable sleeves). When that happens, I'll be transparent about it. DIY Guide will continue reviewing competitors honestly, including products that might be better than mine for certain users.

What You Can Expect

New content regularly:

  • Product reviews as I test them
  • How-to guides for maintenance and care
  • Comparisons to help you decide between options
  • Industry insights from my years at Fleshlight

Honest opinions:

  • I'll tell you when something isn't worth it
  • I'll recommend cheaper alternatives when they make sense
  • I'll be real about the downsides, not just the marketing claims

Practical advice:

  • Cleaning is boring but necessary—I'll make it as painless as possible
  • Buying guides that actually help you choose
  • Tips from someone who knows how these products are manufactured

Get in Touch

Want updates when new reviews drop?

Subscribe to the newsletter (bottom of this page). I'll send you new articles and let you know when I launch better disposable options.

Found this helpful?

Share it with a friend who's tired of biased reviews. The more people who know about DIY Guide, the more I can invest in creating better content (and better products).

Thanks for being here. Let's make solo play less complicated.

— Sam Hunter
Former Fleshlight Product Specialist
Founder, DIY Guide

P.S. — If you're curious about my time at Fleshlight or have specific questions about the industry, I occasionally share stories in articles. Check out the blog for insider perspectives you won't find anywhere else.