Stage 03 vs Stage 04 vs Stage 05: Which Version Should You Actually Buy?
The Question We Get Asked More Than Any Other
"What's the difference between Stage 03, Stage 04, and Stage 05 — and which one should I get?"
It's the most common question we receive. And it deserves a straight answer.
The short version: every Stage uses the same mold, the same dual-density silicone core, and the same sculpt. What changes between Stages is the surface finish and color work — and that difference is more significant than it sounds.
Here's exactly what you're choosing between.
The Same Foundation, Three Different Finishes
All RealTouch Lab products share the same base construction:
- Dual-density silicone — soft outer layer over a firmer inner core
- 100% platinum-cured silicone — body-safe, non-porous, hypoallergenic
- Same mold, same dimensions — Stage 03, 04, and 05 of the same product are identical in size and shape
What differs is everything on the outside — the color, the painted detail, and the surface coating.
Stage 03 — The Purist Choice
What it is: The base silicone form, in its natural unpainted state. The sculpt and texture are fully present; the color is the natural tone of the silicone itself.
Who it's for: Someone who values the tactile and structural qualities of the product above all else, and prefers a simpler, more understated aesthetic. Also the right choice if you plan to use powder-based maintenance and don't mind the standard silicone surface feel.
What to know: Like all raw silicone, Stage 03 has a naturally grippy surface that can attract dust over time. This is standard silicone behavior — not a defect — and is easily managed with cornstarch or toy powder.
Best for: Budget-conscious buyers, minimalist aesthetic preference, or first-time RealTouch Lab buyers who want to experience the core product before upgrading.
Stage 04 — The Painted Version
What it is: The same product as Stage 03, with professional hand-painted color work applied. Multi-layer pigment is sprayed and built up to create realistic skin tones, color gradients, and surface detail that bring the sculpt to life visually.
Who it's for: Anyone who wants a realistic visual experience to match the tactile one. The difference in appearance between Stage 03 and Stage 04 is dramatic — the painted version reads as genuinely lifelike in a way that unpainted silicone simply does not.
What to know: Stage 04 retains the standard silicone surface beneath the paint layers. The color work is durable under normal use and cleaning, but the surface is still raw silicone — with the same tackiness and dust attraction as Stage 03.
Best for: Users who want the full visual realism of the product without the premium price of Stage 05, and are comfortable with standard silicone maintenance.
Stage 05 — The Complete Experience
What it is: Stage 04's full color work, plus RealTouch Lab's proprietary Velvet Shield™ surface coating applied as a final layer. The coating bonds to the silicone at a molecular level, transforming the surface feel from standard silicone to something closer to biological skin.
Who it's for: Users who want the definitive version of the product — where the tactile experience matches the visual one at every level.
What sets it apart:
- Zero tackiness — the surface is smooth and silky from first use to last
- Dust and lint resistant — no powder maintenance required, ever
- Color detail fully preserved — the Velvet Shield™ layer is transparent, so all the painted detail beneath it remains vivid and sharp
- Long-term surface stability — the finish doesn't degrade or change over time with normal use and cleaning
Best for: Anyone who wants the best version of the product, full stop. If you've ever been frustrated by sticky silicone toys or dust attraction, Stage 05 solves that problem permanently.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Stage 03 | Stage 04 | Stage 05 | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sculpt & dimensions | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Dual-density silicone | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Hand-painted color | ✗ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Velvet Shield™ coating | ✗ | ✗ | ✓ |
| Dust/lint resistant | ✗ | ✗ | ✓ |
| Powder-free maintenance | ✗ | ✗ | ✓ |
| Price | $ | $$ | $$$ |
The Visual Difference Is Real
The photo below shows a Stage 05 product (left) next to the same product without Velvet Shield™ coating (right), under identical lighting conditions. The left surface shows zero greasy shine — a true matte, skin-like finish. The right shows the characteristic glossy sheen of standard silicone. Same lighting. Same environment. The coating does exactly what it claims.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is Stage 05 worth the price difference over Stage 04?
A: If surface feel matters to you — and for most users it does — yes. The Velvet Shield™ coating eliminates the single most common complaint about silicone toys (stickiness and dust attraction) and adds a tactile quality that standard silicone cannot replicate. For many users, it's the difference between a good product and an exceptional one.
Q: Can I upgrade from Stage 03 or 04 to Stage 05 later?
A: No — the Velvet Shield™ coating is applied during manufacturing and cannot be added afterward. If you want Stage 05, you need to purchase it as Stage 05.
Q: Do all products in the RealTouch Lab range come in all three Stages?
A: Most of our core product line is available in all three Stages. Check the individual product pages for availability — some newer designs may only be available in select Stages at launch.
Q: Is Stage 03 or 04 a bad product?
A: Not at all. Stage 03 and 04 use the same dual-density silicone core and sculpt as Stage 05. The difference is purely in the surface finish. For users who don't mind standard silicone maintenance, Stage 03 and 04 offer excellent value.
Q: Which Stage do most people choose?
A: Stage 05 is our most popular. Once users understand what the Velvet Shield™ coating actually changes about the day-to-day experience of owning the product, most choose to go directly to Stage 05.
The Bottom Line
All three Stages are built on the same exceptional foundation. The question is how far you want to take the experience.
- Stage 03 — the core product, unadorned
- Stage 04 — the core product, brought to life visually
- Stage 05 — the core product, completed
View the Velociraptor Stage 03 | View the Velociraptor Stage 04 | View the Velociraptor Stage 05