How important is conductive gel?

As above, how important is it? Can you use normal water based lubes too? Whats the difference?

Normal water based lubes work just fine and that's what we use.

USE CONDUCTIVE RUBBER

USE CONDUCTIVE RUBBER

That still need a gel for good contact with the skin.

Some conducting oads already have a gel applied. But if your pads or probes don’t have gel, they need gel applied before using. The gel assures a wide base for yhe current to pass through. Otherwise, if the electrode only touches skin in a small area, the current could be concentrated at the contact point and cause a skin burn. A water based lubricant works fine. Petroleum based lubricants are not good conductors.

So a dab of KY jelly on the pad will ensure better conductivity? Or cover the whole pad?

Most water based lubes will be a very effective conductor and you do NOT need a lot.

Conductive pads do not need additional gel.

So a dab of KY jelly on the pad will ensure better conductivity? Or cover the whole pad?

If the pads are self adhesive you don't need to use gel, it will make them not stick. If the pads have been used a few times and are no longer sticky you could use a dab of gel as it will spread out under the pad then use some hurt-free tape to hold it in place.

SHAVING or waxing is very good for e-stim because it enables good skin to pad contact.

Susie's recommendation to shave the area is spot on. Much better conduction and pad adhesion on bare skin vs hair.

One other item to note with regards to using water based lube: if you use thin lube, such as Astroglide or KY Liquid, it can run if you over apply (duh, right?!). This can spread the conductivity over a larger area and diminish the intended effect, or simply alter how the stim feels. I've had this happen with a short urethral electrode applied and covered with a condom. Too much lube, or even precum during the session, will change the feeling. That said, it isn't necessarily a bad thing at all!

@waldowheres there is a product called Tensive (yes you can buy it on amazon) it is conductive gel and adhesive all in one lets you reuse disposable electrodes or use reusable electrodes minus the velcro strap.