I’ve never written a review of a product while using it before, so this is going to be a first. Zeus approached us to review their deluxe Digital Power Box recently and I was very enthusiastic about the idea, if a little nervous about being zapped with electricity.

A couple of years ago at an adult show in Birmingham I tried out a similar device from another manufacturer, just holding it in my hand. The effect was amazing. The feeling of electricity zipping across my flesh and through my muscles left a lasting impression and I’ve wanted to try it out properly ever since.

Here’s what the Zeus power box does. There are two basic modes of operation, manual and automatic. In automatic mode the box cycles through the available stimulation patterns for a predetermined amount of time that you specify. Great if you want a massage or a bit of hands-free auto-stimulation. In manual mode you choose a pattern and the box delivers that until you change it or the inbuilt timer turns it off.

The patterns are

Acupuncture – this feels like being tapped with a slight tingle around the contact pads

Naprapathy – continuous bursts of high frequency pulses of varying intensity

United Stroke – strong staccato bursts

Slow Stroke – more frequent staccato bursts

Massage – continuous high frequency bursts interspersed with a rapid tapping sensation

Cupping – long continuous high frequency stimulation, each beginning with a slightly higher intensity kick

Scraping – like cupping but with a more rapid repeat of the initial kick, slowly diminishing in overall intensity

The pads that deliver this sensation are supplied in pairs, two pairs are supplied with your Zeus Digital Power Box. The box is able to drive both pairs simultaneously with the dual leads provided. You can apply them to clean, dry skin pretty much anywhere on your body. The only limiting factor being that they should lay flat to make a good contact with your epidermis.

I’ve tried them in several locations on my back and placed either side of my groin. Have I tried them on my bits and pieces? Not yet because despite the fact that the thought of it intrigues me my experience so far is that you need to become acclimatised to the sensations the electro-stim device produces.

There are 16 different levels of intensity to play with, but so far I’ve only ventured up to five. At its lowest level the power box sends gentle tingling and pulsing sensations that feel like anything from gentle tapping, through vibrating massage to involuntary tensing of your muscles. Each has its own pleasures. Combined with my own synaesthesia the experience is unique and intense.

We decided that after an initial flirtation with the device on my back we’d stimulate my bits and pieces by placing the self-adhesive pads either side of my groin. Suze operated the controls, choosing manual and letting the dominant side of her personality take over. I was aware of her watching me intently as she cycled through the different functions, experimenting with different intensities. She let me become accustomed to each pattern before turning up the power, sometimes suddenly, taking me by surprise, making me yelp with astonishment rather than pain.

The advantage of being a synaesthete is that I can see as well as feel the effect of the electricity running though my tissues. The crystal-like specks of light I perceive as each nerve is fired by the Zeus Electrostim Digital Power box paints a unique picture shaped and coloured by the nature and intensity of the selected program.

Did I get an instant hard-on with the Zeus? No. I can see how you might get turned on by simply using the Zeus, but for me it forms part of the experience and the really horny bit is having someone else control what happens to you.

It would be possible to use the Digital Power Box for relaxation, in punishment/reward games in the bedroom, or to assert a top’s power over a bottom without the comparatively crude use of physically applied discomfort.

You can regard the Zeus Electrosex range of products as one of three things. First they are a new sensation, a new experience that any sensual adventurer should try at least once. They can be an erotic accompaniment to sex, letting your trusted partner take control and having them watch your reaction. Finally, if you’re so inclined you can use the most intense settings in your most serious and exciting games.

Do I have any criticisms? No serious ones. The device is lightweight, works straight out of the box (batteries are included) and packs a punch that I defy even the most hardened masochist to endure at the highest settings. The niggles I do have is that the LCD screen could benefit from slightly larger text, and possibly a back-light for dark bedrooms and dungeons. Some of the buttons are a little small and fiddly to use too, that aside this compact little unit will be in use in our bedroom for a long time as we discover what else electro-stimulation can add to our lovemaking.

It’s a rather addictive little device …