BMS PalmPower Extreme vs Maia Nala Side-By-Side Comparison
Performance Ratings
Our Verdict
The BMS PalmPower Extreme and Maia Nala are both powerful, waterproof, rechargeable wands, but the PalmPower Extreme is the better choice for most people due to its superior power range and comfort. The Maia Nala is a good alternative if you want to save some money and don’t need gentle warmup settings.
The most significant difference is the power range. The PalmPower Extreme has a wide range, starting at a gentle 2 out of 10 intensity and building to an extreme 9 out of 10. The Maia Nala, in contrast, lacks any soft settings, starting at a strong 6 out of 10. While both have similar top-end power, the PalmPower is more versatile for users who need a gradual warmup.
The PalmPower Extreme’s angled head also makes it easier to apply firm pressure and maneuver, especially during sex. The Nala has a standard straight design. The Nala does have a unique feature, allowing it to be used cord-free or while plugged in, which means you never have to wait for a charge.
Choose the BMS PalmPower Extreme for its better power range and ergonomic, angled head. Choose the Maia Nala if you’re on a tighter budget and only need strong-to-extreme power.
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Vibrations: Power And Range
The BMS PalmPower Extreme is one of the most powerful rechargeable wand vibrators.
At a 9 out of 10 top strength, only a small handful of wands, like the Magic Wand Plus, Magic Wand Waterproof, and the Doxy Die Cast, are comparable.
I usually orgasm on the PalmPower Extreme’s second level, rarely using the third, and almost never the top power because it’s so immense. But power queens and kings will love these upper settings.
The lowest setting’s 2 out of 10 strength is excellent because I need these softer vibrations for a warm-up. I’m not ready for the second level’s strength immediately, so I spend considerable time on the first level. This setting is impactful, warming me up without feeling overwhelming. Then, I switch to the second level and usually finish there!
You can also access a broad range of power levels spanning between the 4 default settings by using PalmPower’s incremental control. By holding the plus or minus button, the wand’s power will slowly and gradually change power. When it reaches your desired strength, release the button.
With its wide power range from soft to extreme and the ability to gradually step through levels, most people will find something they enjoy.
The Maia Nala has an exceptional top strength but a mediocre power range. It’s best for those who prefer strong to extreme intensity.
First, there’s one odd aspect to note – since you can use the Nala cordless or plugged into the wall, its power range is slightly different depending on which way you use it. Plugged-in gives everything a slight power boost. I actually enjoy this oddity because I can choose whether to use it plugged in or not based on how much power I’m in the mood for.
When unplugged, the top strength reaches a 7.9 out of 10, which is plenty for me. I typically stick to the first couple settings. And it’s even stronger when you plug it into the wall, reaching a strength of 8.5 out of 10. Very few wands have more power, and very few people will need more.
The power range is mediocre though – it starts at a strength of 5.8 when unplugged or 6.2 when plugged-in. Although it skips over soft and moderate settings, I find its starting levels comfortable since they’re extremely rumbly. But if you’re especially sensitive to overstimulation, you may want a wand with a softer beginning setting, like the Magic Wand Plus, Magic Wand Rechargeable, or BMS PalmPower Extreme. But I find the Nala’s vibrations comfortable and effective.
In fact, if you look at the graph of the Maia Nala’s and the famous Magic Wand Rechargeable’s vibrations below, you can see the two wands provide a similar experience – the Nala is just missing the Magic Wand’s gentlest settings. So, if you don’t need those settings, the Nala is a cost-effective alternative.
With 5 settings spanning the power range, steps between levels are also gradual and comfortable.
Vibrations: Frequency (Rumbliness)
The BMS PalmPower Extreme’s frequency range is right in my sweet spot, ranging from extremely rumbly to neutral. The lowest level is extremely rumbly – part of what makes it an excellent warmup level that’s not overstimulating. And the second level (my favorite) is moderately rumbly. To me, this is the perfect combination of the comfortable, deep impact that comes from rumbliness, and the bit of a “zing” that extremely rumbly vibrations are sometimes missing.
As you increase power, a wand’s frequency always becomes less rumbly, and the PalmPower Extreme’s top two levels are neutral. But it doesn’t cross into the buzzy range as other comparably powerful wands like the Magic Wand Plus, Magic Wand Waterproof, and Doxy Die Cast do. But if you value a bit better rumbliness, you may enjoy the We-Vibe Wand 2 more.
Overall, the vibration feel and frequency of this wand contribute to it being one of my favorites!
We rate rumbly vibrations higher than buzzy ones because it’s what most people prefer. The Maia Nala has great rumbliness.
The first setting (whether plugged in or not) feels extremely rumbly. These deep vibrations feel more diffuse and travel deeper into your body than buzzy vibrations. I find rumbly vibrations are great for a warm-up, so even though the Nala’s first setting is strong, I still find it very comfortable.
The middle power levels feel moderately rumbly to neutral. And the top strength feels neutral when unplugged or moderately buzzy when plugged in. I happen to love neutral-feeling and buzzy vibrations since they carry more of a kick at the surface-level that I often enjoy. But if you prefer rumbly vibrations, you can stick to the Maia Nala’s first few settings or consider a more rumbly wand like the Lovense Domi 2.
But I like that the Nala gives you a lot of variety to enjoy.
Comfort & Ease of Use
Though this wand has the power and broad head of a full-sized wand, the PalmPower Extreme is more compact and lighter making it easy to maneuver like a mini wand. The weight feels balanced in my hands and the silicone-backed handle is comfortable to grip.
Most importantly, the angled head is not a gimmick, as I thought it might be before using this wand. It helps me leverage the wand more easily and apply pressure while keeping my hands in a comfortable position. I value comfort, so this was a major benefit for me.
Unlike the Magic Wand Rechargeable’s plush silicone, the PalmPower Extreme’s head is firm, yet still comfortable since the neck has some flexibility; But not too much that applying firm pressure becomes difficult. It’s an excellent balance.
The buttons are easy to feel and press without looking. There are separate buttons to increase and decrease power, so you don’t need to cycle through intensity levels. The incremental control is great for accessing power levels beyond the 4 default settings. Hold the plus or minus button to gradually change the power and release it when it reaches a level you enjoy.
And it’s the only wand this powerful that’s fully waterproof – so cleaning it is easy.
I reach for this wand very often, because it provides a great, comfortable experience, with excellent vibrations!
The Maia Nala is a comfortable full-sized wand that’s easy to use.
The controls are easy to use – two buttons allow you to increase or decrease strength, and a third lets you cycle through patterns. You can even adjust the intensity of each pattern. The vibrations start on the constant setting every time you turn the wand on. So if you accidentally switch to a vibration pattern and don’t want to rotate through all the others, you can just turn the Nala off and back on – this is one advantage it has over the comparably-priced Viben Sultry.
I often have to look at the handle when I adjust the intensity because the buttons don’t have a distinct feel. But the level of control they provide is excellent, and they don’t take up too much space on the handle. So you have plenty of room for your hands to get a comfortable grip. I can feel the vibrations a bit in my hands, but they’re subtle, and I don’t find them distracting.
The solid, long handle is easy to leverage. This makes it great for applying pressure without wrist strain. And the Nala is lighter than most full-sized wands, so it’s easy to maneuver.
The large, firm head can bump into you a bit on the lower, more rumbly settings. However, the slightly flexible neck helps keep this comfortable unless you prefer very firm pressure. In which case, you may want a wand with a more plush head like the Magic Wand Plus.
Use During Sex
This wand is in my top two for use during sex (and my favorite to use with a wand mount for hands-free sex).
While its head isn’t tiny like mini wands, it’s slimmer and smaller than full-sized wands. So it still fits well between bodies and in tight spaces during sex. And since its vibrations have a substantial impact, precisely positioning this wand isn’t necessary to get the clit stimulation I need.
The angled head is especially helpful during sex. The head’s angle rests between my legs while the handle lies comfortably parallel along my body. So the handle does not stick out or get in the way, preventing me from leveraging the wand as a straight handle can – this is especially beneficial in positions facing each other like Missionary or Cowgirl.
The handle is also compact but still has enough length that you can rest the base on your bed to help support the wand in certain positions like Spooning or Doggystyle. If you plan to use your wand regularly with a partner, this is an excellent choice.
The Maia Nala is great to use during sex.
The large head makes it most comfortable and effective in positions where you’re not facing your partner, like spooning or doggystyle. In these positions, there’s plenty of space in front of you to get the head close to your clit, and the broad head stimulates your entire vulva. And there is plenty of space in front of you to maneuver and angle the wand’s handle however you’d like. I can also prop the handle against the bed if my arm gets tired.
In positions where space is more crowded, like cowgirl and modified missionary, you can’t fit the Nala’s large head in as close as you can with smaller wand heads. And it may bump against your pubic bone more during heavy movement. However, the strong, rumbly vibrations travel far, so you can still get great stimulation even without the Nala’s head in direct contact with your clit.
But if positions where you’re facing your partner are a priority, a wand with a smaller head like the Lovense Domi 2 or an angled head like the BMS PalmPower Extreme is better.
Noise
As an extremely powerful wand, the BMS PalmPower Extreme is not one of the quietest options. It’s discreet on its lower levels, remaining inaudible behind a closed door. But my partner could hear its middle and upper settings during our testing.
This is pretty typical for a wand this strong. If you plan to use its highest settings while others are home, you may need to play music to remain discreet. Though I typically orgasm on its lower levels which are quieter.
The Maia Nala has disappointing noise levels. My partner could hear it on every power level while standing on the other side of our closed bedroom door. Considering the strength, this isn’t too surprising, and you can easily drown out the sound by turning on a box fan or playing music.
I don’t personally find the vibration noise annoying. But if you live with housemates and need something more discreet, consider the Viben Sultry. It reaches a close strength to the Nala but was inaudible to my partner on all but the top couple settings.
Attachment Compatibility
The BMS PalmPower Extreme has limited compatibility with wand attachments. Its head is mid-sized, so it’s incompatible with attachments designed for full-sized wands like the Magic Wand Rechargeable. There is an insertable (G-spot, anal, or prostate) attachment designed specifically for this wand, but it’s a little flimsy.
However, attachments designed for the Le Wand Petite also fit the BMS PalmPower Extreme. These attachments cover a broad variety of stimulation and are high quality. If you want to explore wand attachments for this wand, I’d recommend Le Wand’s. Head to our full wand attachment compatibility table for the full breakdown of attachments we’ve tested.
The Maia Nala has reasonable compatibility with attachments.
The head is a tiny bit smaller than average full-sized wands and tapers down towards the base, which causes some attachments to slip off easily. However, I was still able to find a variety of attachments covering a broad range of stimulation types that fit the Maia Nala. Insertables were the most common attachments to fit, but you can review my wand attachment compatibility table here to see the specific attachments.
Mount Compatibility
I test all my wands with the Liberator Axis and Wanda mounts for hands-free play. The BMS PalmPower Extreme’s angled head makes it my favorite to use with both (solo and during sex).
The Axis holds the wand at a slight upward angle between my legs as I lie on my stomach across the mount. I can rest in this position and orgasm solo, or my partner can enter from behind – my favorite way to use this wand! Hands-free sex using the Axis and PalmPower Extreme combo has become a go-to move for my partner and me.
In this position, the head’s upward angle positions it closer to my clit than a straight wand and applies additional pressure. I don’t need to adjust my body to maintain contact as I do with other wands. The angle sets this wand apart and makes all the difference if you love firm pressure!
It also has the best versatility in the Liberator Wanda since I can face its angled head two different directions. One direction raises the head which is excellent when I’m on my hands and knees which requires greater height. This position works really well during sex. The other direction places the head just above the fabric. This lets me straddle the mount and sit directly on it, leaning forward or backward to vary the stimulation.
Overall, the BMS PalmPower Extreme is extremely versatile with mounts, and does a great job at keeping firm, consistent contact with my body for excellent stimulation. It’s my favorite for hands-free play.
I test my wands with the Liberator Axis, and Wanda mounts for hands-free stimulation. The Maia Nala has fantastic compatibility with both mounts.
In the Axis, the larger head provides good pressure for consistent contact to transfer the vibes well. And since the vibrations are so rumbly in the first half of the settings, they travel far and are really impactful.
The Wanda holds the wand at a great angle to kneel over during penetration from behind. The broad head comfortably distributes pressure, essential when you’re going hands-free. You can also sit directly on the mount since the head is positioned just above the fabric, which is a really comfortable position.
Battery Life
In our testing, this rechargeable wand lasted 108 minutes continuously vibrating on its max power. This is slightly above average, though there are longer-lasting wands like the Magic Wand Rechargeable if that’s a big priority.
Unlike many wands which use proprietary chargers, the BMS PalmPower Extreme simply uses a USB Type C cable, so it’s easy to replace if you lose it.
The Maia Nala is both a rechargeable wand and a plug-in wand.
When using it unplugged for our battery life test, it lasted 53 minutes vibrating on its highest power which is below average. However, for most people that won’t be a big deal because you can always plug it directly into the wall to power it instead. You never have to wait for its battery to charge.
The Maia Nala has an automatic shutoff after 30 minutes of continuous use to protect its motor from overheating. If you run into the automatic shutoff, it won’t let you turn it back on for 15 minutes which can be annoying. You could bypass this 15 minute rest period by turning the Nala off and back on before the 30-minute shut off is triggered, but the shutoff is in place to protect the wand.
Build Quality
This wand has an excellent build. The combination of a silicone-backed handle with a solid plastic front feels very sturdy and comfortable. The motor is excellent quality – the only one this powerful that does not become buzzy.
The head’s neck flexes a good amount without feeling flimsy – I can apply firm pressure without worry. And the silicone-coated buttons are easy to feel and comfortable to press. And its waterproof rating makes sure it won’t be damaged while cleaning.
The Maia Nala has a fair build quality. But it’s a mid-budget wand, so it doesn’t feel super luxurious. The handle is light plastic, which can feel a little cheap but still seems sturdy. And no extra weight in the handle keeps it easy to maneuver quickly.
I don’t typically like the pin-hole charging ports like the Maia Nala has, but it hasn’t caused any issues, and the wand is fully waterproof (when unplugged – never submerge it while plugged in). The slightly flexible neck feels sturdy, and I’m not afraid to apply pressure with this wand.
Maia Nala also has an impressive 10-year warranty when you register your wand here.
General Design And Specs
Note: The manufacturer’s website lists the PalmPower Extreme as “Waterproof.” Some retailers, including PeepShowToys and SheVibe list the wand as only “Splashproof” which is incorrect. We contacted BMS Factory directly by email and asked them to confirm the waterproof rating. They confirmed the BMS PalmPower Extreme is IPX7 Waterproof (submersible).