What Does “Shore 00-30” Mean? Understanding Firmness
Last Updated on May 25, 2026 by Nikita
Real Firmness Comparison Video
Watch how different fantasy dildo firmness levels bend, compress, and behave during real handling. This helps demonstrate why the same Shore rating can still feel completely different depending on size, structure, and silicone type.
Quick Answer
“Shore hardness” measures how soft or firm a fantasy dildo feels when squeezed, bent, or used. Lower numbers are softer, while higher numbers are firmer.
For most premium fantasy toys made from Liquid Platinum Silicone:
- 00-20 feels extremely soft and squishy, similar to a stress toy or warm egg white
- 00-30 is considered the “golden balance” for many fantasy dildos because it combines softness with structural support
- A10 feels significantly firmer and more rubber-like, offering stronger thrusting support but less softness
If you want to better understand premium silicone materials, check out our guide on What Is Body Safe Silicone?
In reality, the same Shore rating can feel completely different depending on:
- toy size
- wall thickness
- dual-density structure
- curing process
- finish texture
- and material type
That’s why one 00-30 toy may feel soft and plush, while another feels surprisingly firm.
What Does Shore Hardness Actually Measure?
Shore hardness is a standardized way to measure how resistant silicone is to pressure or indentation.
A special tool called a durometer presses into the material to calculate firmness.
| Scale | Feel Type |
|---|---|
| Shore 00 | Soft, squishy, gel-like |
| Shore A | Firmer rubber-like silicone |
A toy labeled 00-30 is MUCH softer than A30, even though both use the number “30.”
Why the Same Shore Rating Can Feel Completely Different
But experienced collectors know that is absolutely not true.
1. Size Changes Perceived Firmness
A larger toy naturally feels firmer and less flexible even when made from the exact same silicone.
- a small 00-30 toy may feel soft and floppy
- a giant 00-30 dragon dildo may still feel dense and powerful
Explore more oversized and textured Fantasy Dildos to see how size changes perceived firmness.
2. Liquid Platinum Silicone Feels Different
Most premium fantasy toys use Liquid Platinum Silicone, which tends to feel:
- denser
- smoother
- more elastic
- and more flesh-like
compared to cheaper silicone blends or TPE.
You can also read our breakdown of Liquid Silicone Dildos That Actually Feel Real to compare different firmness styles and realistic textures.
3. Dual Density Changes Everything
Some high-end fantasy toys use:
- soft outer silicone
- with a firmer internal core
This is called dual-density construction.
It allows the toy to feel soft on the outside while still maintaining thrusting support internally.
Because of this, a dual-density 00-30 toy may actually feel firmer during use than a fully solid 00-30 toy.
Browse our collection of Dual Density Dildos to see how internal core structures affect realism and support.
4. Surface Finish Also Affects Feel
Many experienced users report:
- glossy silicone often feels firmer
- matte silicone often feels softer and more skin-like
even at the same Shore rating.
What Different Shore Ratings Actually Feel Like
Shore 00-20 — Ultra Soft
- soft marshmallow
- warm egg white
- stress relief squishy toy
- thick cotton candy texture
Without internal support, large 00-20 toys can:
- collapse during thrusting
- bend under their own weight
- fold during insertion
Some oversized 00-20 toys behave almost like a cooked noodle when pushed too aggressively.
Shore 00-30 — The “Golden” Fantasy Firmness
- thick gummy candy
- relaxed muscle
- dense jelly
- soft but supported flesh
00-30 is widely considered one of the best firmness ranges for premium fantasy dildos.
- soft enough to compress comfortably
- firm enough for thrusting
- maintains texture detail
- less floppy than 00-20
Shore A10 — Firm and Supportive
- rubber tire tread
- solid rubber ball
- dense athletic shoe sole
Unlike OO-series silicone, A10 already feels more like structured rubber than soft flesh.
Why Softer Is Not Always Better
This is one of the biggest myths in the fantasy toy community.
- collapse during thrusting
- lose texture definition
- feel difficult to control
- bend during insertion
- struggle to support their own weight
This is why many experienced collectors eventually prefer balanced firmness instead of ultra-soft silicone.
General Recommendation Guide
| Goal | Recommended Firmness |
|---|---|
| Maximum softness | 00-20 |
| Balanced realism and support | 00-30 |
| Strong thrusting support | A10 |
| Oversized fantasy toys | 00-30 or dual-density |
| Beginners | 00-20 to 00-30 |
| Aggressive thrusting | 00-30 to A10 |
FAQ — Fantasy Dildo Firmness Explained
Is Shore 00 softer than Shore A?
Yes. Shore 00 is significantly softer than Shore A, even if the numbers look similar.
What does 00-30 feel like?
Most users compare 00-30 to thick gummy candy, relaxed muscle, or soft flesh with internal support.
Why do two 00-30 toys feel different?
Size, silicone type, dual-density construction, wall thickness, and surface finish can all change perceived firmness.
Is softer silicone always better?
Not necessarily. Extremely soft toys may bend, collapse during thrusting, or feel difficult to control.
What firmness is best for large fantasy dildos?
Many experienced users prefer 00-30 or dual-density Liquid Platinum Silicone because it balances softness and structural support.
