A Beginner’s Guide to Strokers

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On June 30, 2025

Sex toys aren’t just for women. Those with penises can also benefit from self pleasure toys. That’s where strokers come in.

What is a stroker? A stoker is a handheld male masturbator designed to enhance solo pleasure. An automatic stroker is one that moves on its own, versus you having to do it manually.

Strokers are popular because they offer realistic sensations, an adjustable grip, and different textures for a more pleasurable experience than just using your hand, for example.

If this is a whole new world for you, this guide covers different types of strokers, how to use them, and expert tips for beginners to get you started on your stroker journey. Enjoy!

How Do Strokers Work?

How exactly do penis sleeves work? Strokers are designed to mimic real sensations and use soft, textured interiors for added pleasure.

You can choose between a manual or an automated stroker. Manual strokers require hand movement for stimulation, while automatic strokers use vibration, suction, or rotating motions for hands-free pleasure.

There are also open and closed-ended strokers. Open-ended models allow for airflow and different pressure levels, while closed-end strokers create a suction effect for a more intense feeling.

Types of Strokers & Their Unique Benefits

Strokers aren’t one-size-fits-all. There are a bunch of different kinds out there to choose from.

Here are the main types of male masturbators and their benefits:

Classic Penis Sleeves (Best for First-Time Users)

Your classic penis sleeve is simple, with a no-frills design. They provide a step up from traditional hand stimulation. These are best for beginners who want to experiment without navigating overwhelming features.

How to Use:

Apply water-based lube inside the sleeve.
Move the stroker up and down the shaft at your preferred speed.

Textured Strokers (Best for Intense Sensation)

Textured strokers come with ridges, nubs, or spiral textures for added stimulation. These enhance pleasure by varying sensations along the shaft. They’re best for those who want more variety in stimulation.

How to Use:

Experiment with different textures and grip pressure to find what feels best.
Try twisting motions for added stimulation.

Suction & Air-Controlled Strokers (Best for Realistic Feel)

Suction strokers create a vacuum effect that mimics oral or penetrative sensations. Some models come with adjustable air pressure controls, and great for those looking for a more lifelike experience.

How to Use:

Adjust the suction setting to your liking.
Combine with different stroking speeds for varied sensations.

Vibrating & Heated Strokers (Best for Next-Level Pleasure)

A vibrating stroker is great because it adds vibration and warmth for a more immersive experience. Some models even offer multiple vibration patterns and speeds. These are best for people who want an intensified stimulation beyond manual stroking.

How to Use:

Turn on vibration and heat settings before inserting.
Try different patterns and intensities to see what feels best.

Interactive & App-Controlled Strokers (Best for Tech Lovers & Partner Play)

High tech penis strokers can sync with VR, adult content, or a partner’s remote control. They can even offer long-distance control options for couples. These are best for people who enjoy interactive and immersive pleasure experiences.

How to Use:

Pair with compatible apps or videos for synced stimulation.
Experiment with long-distance play by letting a partner control the settings.

How to Use a Stroker for Maximum Pleasure

Once you decide on the right toy for you, you’ll also want to learn how to use a stroker. Don’t worry, we have you covered with this step-by-step guide.

Step 1: Prep with Lubrication

You’ll want to use a generous amount of water-based lube for smooth, friction-free movement. Be sure to avoid silicone and water-based lubes, which can damage certain materials, like silicone.

Step 2: Experiment with Grip & Speed

This is your body and place to explore. So try experimenting with different grip pressures to customize stimulation. You can also vary stroking speed and patterns to prevent overstimulation.

Step 3: Adjust for Different Sensations

Want to really switch it up? Try combining twisting motions, pauses, and pulsing movements, much like you would switch it up while you’re having sex or masturbating with your hand. Depending on the device, you can even try warming your stroker before use for a more realistic feel.

Step 4: Use During Partner Play

Strokers aren’t just for masturbation, they can also be fun during partner play. You can have your partner control a vibrating or remote stroker for added excitement. This can be a fun form of foreplay!

Cleaning & Maintenance Tips for Strokers

Like any sex toy, you’ll want to take good care of your stroker to prevent any infections and to prolong the life of your toy.

Keep these cleaning and maintenance tips in mind every time you use yours:

Rinse immediately after use with warm water and mild soap or toy cleaner.
Use a drying stand or storage case to ensure your stroker dries completely to prevent bacteria buildup.
Check material compatibility and avoid oily or alcohol-based cleaners on sensitive materials.
Store in a cool, dry place and avoid exposure to heat or sunlight, which can degrade materials over time.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Using a new toy, like a manual or automatic stroker, can bring some learning curves. You can help ensure you have the best experience possible by avoiding these common mistakes.

Using it without lube can cause friction and discomfort.
Not cleaning properly after each use can lead to bacterial growth and bad odors (and infections, yikes).
Applying too much grip pressure may reduce sensitivity over time.
Skipping a warm-up can make self-pleasure feel mechanical instead of like an intimate experience.

Choosing the Right Stroker for You

Strokers are a great way to enhance self-pleasure (and partner play) while offering a wide variety of sensations.

Not sure where to start? Keep this in mind when shopping:

Beginner-friendly: Classic sleeves and textured strokers.
Best for realistic feel: Suction or air-controlled strokers.
Advanced options: Vibrating, heated, or interactive strokers.
Discreet and travel-friendly: Compact pocket strokers.

LELO’s F1S V2 is a great place to start your automatic stroker journey. It is the ultimate act of self-love with double the power, a more pliable sleeve, and a wider range of sonic intensities. Equipped with SenSonic™ and Cruise Control™ technology, it allows you to enjoy exhilarating stimulation with four pleasure programs. Use the ten motion sensors to track your performance through the F1S V2 app and customize your settings.

Ultimately, you should choose a stroker depending on your personal preference, body, needs, and comfort level. You can explore more of LELO’s best-rated male masturbators to find the right one for you!

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