Oieffur describes firmness in four feel tiers instead of a Shore hardness number. This page explains what the tiers mean and why we do not publish Shore values.
The four tiers
- Soft — yields easily under a fingertip; the shaft flexes under its own weight. Forgiving on entry, less directional control.
- Standard — gives under firm pressure and springs back; holds its shape when held horizontally. Our default for most realistic designs.
- Firm — little give under a fingertip; the shape stays defined through use. Clearer feedback from knots, steps and heads.
- Very firm — minimal flex; the form leads. Best for experienced users and depth-focused designs.
Each product page states its tier. Two constructions use two firmness levels in one piece. Dual-density is a softer outer layer over a firmer core: Strong Bow in every size, Hot Surge in M and L. The other is a split along the length, a softer upper half over a firmer lower half: Vargrahl and Mirror. Neither is a grade of quality; each is chosen for what the shape has to do.
Why not a Shore number
Shore hardness measures how far a probe presses into a flat piece of material. It does not measure how a shape behaves. Bending stiffness rises steeply with diameter, so two pieces cast from the same silicone can feel like different materials once one is thick and the other is slim. A single number attached to both would suggest they feel the same. They do not.
Our products are not sold in multiple hardnesses and cannot be custom-poured, so a Shore figure would also give you nothing to choose between. The tier, the girth and the profile together tell you what the piece will do. That is what we publish.
Choosing a tier
If you are new to a shape, start one tier softer than you think you want. Soft and standard pieces are more forgiving on entry and easier to warm up with. Move to firm or very firm when you already know the size and want more definition from the form.
Questions about a specific product: contact us, or see the size guide.
