Pinched Tip

What is a Pinched Tip?

A cosmetic manufacturing defect where the tip of a silicone toy becomes compressed, squeezed, or deformed during the demolding process.

How Does a Pinched Tip Happen?

A pinched tip occurs during demolding — the step where the finished, cured toy is extracted from its production mold. The tip of the toy is usually the deepest point inside the mold cavity and the last section to release. If the maker pulls too aggressively, grips the tip with too much force, or if the release agent was insufficiently applied at the bottom of the cavity, the soft silicone at the tip can compress, fold, or permanently deform before the material fully stabilizes. The result is a tip that looks squeezed, slightly wrinkled, or asymmetrical compared to the master sculpt's intended shape.

Which Toys Are Most Susceptible?

Not all designs are equally prone to pinched tips. Models with long, narrow, tapered tips are the most vulnerable because the thin silicone at the apex has less structural mass to resist compression. Extra soft firmness compounds the problem — the softer the silicone, the more easily it deforms under the mechanical stress of extraction. Conversely, toys with bulbous tips or wider profiles at the top are far less susceptible because the thicker mass of silicone resists deformation. Longer toys with deep mold cavities also carry higher risk because the extraction force must travel through more material before reaching the tip.

How Do You Identify a Pinched Tip?

A pinched tip is usually visible to the naked eye without any special inspection. The tip appears slightly flattened, pinched inward on one side, or wrinkled in a way that does not match the sculpt's design intent. Comparing the tip to product photos of the same model reveals the distortion immediately. In some cases the pinch is subtle — a slight asymmetry that only becomes apparent under direct comparison. In more severe cases, the tip is visibly crushed or folded. The defect is purely cosmetic in most instances and does not affect the toy's structural integrity or safety, but it does alter the visual presentation and insertion profile of the piece.

How Does a Pinched Tip Affect Value?

Toys with pinched tips are almost always classified as seconds and sold at a discount rather than listed at full price. The degree of the discount depends on severity — a barely noticeable pinch might warrant a 10-15% reduction, while an obviously crushed tip could drop the price by 30% or more. For collectors who prioritize aesthetics and display, a pinched tip is a dealbreaker. For users who prioritize function over appearance, seconds with pinched tips represent one of the best value opportunities in the market. Many savvy buyers specifically hunt for pinch-tip seconds because the functional experience is identical to a full-price piece. Browse the current inventory at LustMonster and keep an eye on seconds drops for these kinds of deals.