Short on time? A flared base is the wide part of an anal toy that stays outside the body, and it is the one feature every anal toy must have: without it, a toy can be drawn inwards. Check that the base is wider than the widest point of the toy. In the plugs we list that give a base width, it runs from 35 mm to 80 mm. If a listing says a toy has no flared base, it is not for anal use.
What is a flared base?
A butt plug has a tapered tip, a wider body, a narrow neck and a flared base. The muscles close around the neck, and the base, which is wider than the body, stays outside. The shape of the base varies: a round base, a T-shaped base, a curved anchor shape or a suction base. What matters is that it is wider than the part that goes in and that it stays outside the body at all times.
Why does an anal toy need a flared base?
The rectum can draw an object inwards. A base wider than the toy prevents that, so never use an anal toy that does not have one. This applies to every toy, not only plugs: a dildo, a vibrator or a rose toy with no flared base is not an anal toy, however slim it looks.
- Our realistic vibrating dildo states that it has no flared base, so it is not suitable for anal use.
- Most of the listings of our rose toys say the toy has no flared base and that no part of it should be used anally.
- Our love eggs are for vaginal use only for the same reason.
Base width of the plugs in our range
These are the plugs whose listings give both measurements. In every one the base is wider than the widest point of the plug.
| Plug | Widest point | Base |
|---|---|---|
| Remote-control vibrating metal plug | 23 mm | 62 mm, T-shaped |
| Light-up vibrating plug | 34 mm | 45 mm |
| Teardrop vibrating plug, size M | 41 mm | 52 mm, curved anchor shape |
| Inflatable plug with hand pump, not inflated | 33 mm | 35 mm |
| Vibrating plug with jewel base | 35 mm | 43 mm wide, 28 mm tall |
| Ribbed vibrating plug with T-bar base | 29 mm | 80 mm, curved T-bar |
Other plugs say the same in words. The jewel plug set has a slim neck and a round flared base in each of its three sizes, the fox tail plug has a round flared base, and each plug in the six-piece training kit has a flared or suction base. The prostate massager has a long flared base.
How to check a toy has a flared base
- Read the listing: it should say the toy has a flared base, or give a base measurement.
- Compare the base with the widest point. The base must be wider.
- Look at the photos: a flat, wide base, a T-bar, a ring or a suction cup, not a plain stem.
- For anal beads, check for a firm ring or handle that cannot slip inside.
- If the listing says the toy has no flared base, do not use any part of it anally.
Using a plug with a flared base safely
Use plenty of water-based lubricant, insert slowly, never force it and keep the base outside the body at all times. Stop if there is sharp or lasting pain, numbness or bleeding, and speak to a GP if it continues. Wash the plug before and after every use. Our butt plug size guide shows the width of every plug in millimetres and inches, and our anal toy safety guide covers the rest.
Questions people ask
Does every butt plug have a flared base?
A toy sold as a butt plug should. Check the listing and the photos anyway, and do not use any anal toy that lacks one.
Can I use a dildo anally if it has a flared base?
Only if its listing says it is made for anal use and it has a flared base. A dildo without one, like our realistic vibrating dildo, is not suitable.
Is a handle or a ring the same as a flared base?
It does the same job if it is firm and cannot slip inside. Anal beads usually have a ring or handle instead of a flared base.
Which flared base is best?
There is no single best shape. A wide T-bar, a round base or a suction base can all do the job; what matters is that the base is wider than the toy and stays outside.
Plugs with a flared base to compare
Browse every butt plug in the shop, or keep reading: butt plugs for beginners and vibrating plugs with a remote.