What a title.
Aaaand it's another ballpoint review! (Ducks to avoid flying objects).
I know, I know. I'm supposed to have converted to fountain pens! I did and they are still my favourite writing instruments, but after being a stationery blogger for over five months, I've found out that there actually are some very good ballpoints out there. Before my enlightenment, I thout there were only the uncomfortable and unreliable cheap plastic disposables, apart from my lovely pink Parker ballpoint pen, and apart from said pink pen I was going to happily forsake ballpoints forever.
But then I found out that good ballpoints really do exist - Retro 51, Wingback, Tuff-Writer - all pens with solid build quality, designed in such a way that my hand doesn't cramp or hurt from less than five minutes of writing. There are also many fascinating mechanisms such as the standard clicky button, to more fun ones like bolt-action or twist mechanisms.
Don't get me started on magnetic caps. Oh, how I love those things...
In conclusion:
You're getting another ballpoint. My apologies, but I never said I'd only be reviewing fountain pens!
The TiScribeGo arrives in a simple presentation box with 'Urban Survaval Gear' printed on top. A ribbon on the right of the box allows you to pull out the inner section, where you find the pen kept neatly in place by firm black foam. Though the presentation is no-nonsense, I think it is perfectly adequate as it keeps the pen protected from bumps and scuffs.
The pen is titanium so when you pick it up you may be surprised if you have used other metal pens and found them heavy. While titanium does still have some weight to it, it is lighter than you may expect to look at it, and the pen is a a reasonable 26g. This a good weight for my hand, and I can write just about as long as I want without experiencing any fatigue.
Don't let the lightweight metal fool you though. Military-grade titanium is tough stuff and you'll have a hard time damaging this pen! I haven't actively tried to scuff or damage it, because I really prefer to not destroy my writing instruments on purpose, but I'm quite sure that you don't need to worry about throwing the TiScribe in a bag or pocket with other metal items.
The pen looks good too. The finish is shiny, clean and smooth, the clip design is simple yet effective and the bolt-action mechanism is seamlessly integrated. Five silver rings form a good grip for your hand and give the pen a nice contrasting accent. Urban Survival Gear only etched their logo into the pen once, on top of the button. There is some etching on the underside of the clip, but this reads 'Made 'n Texas' (Texas being represented by an outline of the state)' I believe that branding should be kept to a minimum, so I like their strategy here.
This is my first experience with a bolt-action mechanism and it is definitely a good one. It is very solid, and so smooth that you can advance the refill with just one clockwise flick of your thumb. The top of the clip is textured so your thumb can get a good grip, and it is also designed to prevent scratching of the barrel at any time, but it is still firm enough to firmly grip a shirt.
The refill is a blue Pilot G2 and I've never had a bad experience with one of these. I had a black one with another pen, and I loved the steady, dark line it produced. This refill has almost got a needle tip, but writes just as well if not better. It is a good blue, but best of all the line is perfectly smooth and consistent, no skipping at all. Even though I am writing with a very fine nib, it still feels comfortable and doesn't dig into the paper at all.
Note: take off the little plastic ball at the end of the refill before writing!
It is also pleasant to grip - I hold it below the rings, pretty much at the bottom of the nose cone, but since the join between the cone and barrel is smooth, this grip is pleasant.
Finally, disassembly. There are only four parts, the nose cone, barrel, spring and refill.
Some may argue that £94.58 ($119) is a hefty price for a ballpoint, but any product of this quality is going to have a price tag to match, and the other titanium or brass ballpoints I have reviewed are in a similar price range. If you're after a ballpoint that will serve you for many years to come. It is well worth investing your money in the TiScribe.
DISCLAIMER: Urban Survival Gear sent me this pen for review purposes. All opinions expressed in the article are my own.
Comments