Not counting the Star Wars collection, two of AT Cross' flagship limited editions that are slated for 2015/16 involve a Monkey and Skyscrapers, so I couldn't help but combine the two together in my mind, and it makes me smile.
Cross Chinese Zodiac 2016 Year of the Monkey Special Edition
Firstly, the latest release in the Chinese Zodiac Series, the 2016 Year of the Monkey takes the curvaceous, Cross Sauvage body style and compliments it with a decorative engraving of a snub-nosed monkey. Indigenous to the mountainous forests of Southwest China, this majestic, endangered species represents the 9th sign of the Chinese Zodiac. The monkey symbolizes status, magical power and good fortune.
Left to Right : Tibetan Teal & Brushed Platinum Plate
The Year of the Monkey will be offered in two colorways - a vibrant Tibetan Teal lacquer with gold plated appointments and a Brushed Platinum Plated silver, also with gold trim. As you can see in the detail shots, both finishes appear to have a textured feel to the barrel and cap,. The playful monkey can be seen engraved the full way down the barrel and cap. The engraving is more contrasted in the Teal version, as it is filled / plated in gold to stand out from the blue.
This limited edition collection will be available October 1st and will be offered in 3 modes : twist-action ballpoint pen, selectip rollerball and fountain pen fitted with an 18ct gold nib. Each pen is accompanied by special edition packaging unique to the Year of the Monkey theme.
Cross Peerless Citizen Special Edition
The grandiose Peerless 125 collection is being expanded with a special edition of three finishes that are crafted after architectural motifs related to three major cosmopolitan centers of world culture : London, New York and Tokyo.
The London's 23ct gold plate engraved finish is inspired by the Gothic Revival architecture of London's Elizabeth Tower. New York City is engraved in platinum plate and borrows design elements from the iconic Art Deco of New York's Chrysler Building. Tokyo's steely, satin black takes its design cue from the Neo-Futuristic architecture of Tokyo's Skytree Tower.
From left to right : Tokyo, London, NYC
Each Peerless Citizen has a brilliant Swarovski crystal set in the top of the pen's crown. The city's name and the latitude / longitude of the city are engraved on the ring right below the crystal. This monumental collection is available as either a twist-action ballpoint pen or a fountain pen with an 18ct gold nib. Coming February 2016.
Do you collect the Cross Chinese Zodiac pens? Are you excited for this new Year of the Monkey edition? Have you tried the Peerless? Let us know if you're excited about these new pens from Cross. If you would like to place a pre-order, be sure to call us at 800-963-7367. If you would like to be notified when these pens will become available on our website, please SIGN UP for our E-MAIL NEWSLETTER LIST.
Coming soon from Germany, the Pelikan Stola III is a new line of professional writing instruments that rivals the Lamy AL-Star and Pilot Metropolitan in contemporary style and affordable luxury.
Did I miss the Stola I & II? What was it about?
The Stola III is part of a trilogy of pen designs from Pelikan that are similar in model with some minor design differences. Chartpak, Pelikan's US distributor, is only going to bring in the Stola III at this time to test the market. Although Pelikan's website does have information and images of Stola I & Stola II for you to check out, we're going to focus on the third act, since that is the one we are going to have in our hands shortly.
Acting as an entry-level point for emerging professionals and students who are looking for a high-quality and sharp-looking writing instrument, the Stola III has the weight, finish and writing quality to compete with other well-known pens in the $30-$45 price range.
The Stola style has an elegant, contemporary look. Sleek, polished and well-designed with a high-degree of utility in mind. Multiple layers of silver coating give the impression of a metallic, automotive paint finish. The black, stainless steel clip is outlined in the shape of the iconic Pelikan beak with a modern twist. The pen's cap sits flush with the barrel, creating a streamlined look to the pen body. The rounded, black end of the barrel has an "Apple"-esque flair.
The Stola III Fountain Pen
The Stola has a significant weight in hand that feels more luxurious, thanks to a brass-lined barrel and front section. The fountain pen comes with an ink cartridge to start, but also accepts a Pelikan converter (sold separately). The German-made, stainless steel nib writes fluidly and smoothly from the get-go, with excellent flow. The Stola III is only available in medium point, which is the most common nib size for fountain pen newbies.
The snap cap fits securely over the front end when the pen is capped. The cap itself is made from aluminum, and doesn't add much weight when posting it to the backend of the pen while writing. Posting the cap is a tad difficult, as you have to be quite forceful to get a secure fit.
Fountain Pen Specifications : 4.625" length open, 5.313" closed, 6.188" cap posted, 0.438" width at thickest point, 1.2oz, 0.375" diameter at section.
The Stola III Rollerball Pen
With the free-flowing, Pelikan rollerball ink cartridge installed, the Stola rollerball provides a smooth and liquid writing experience. Similar to the fountain pen, the rollerball also has a brass-lined barrel and front section to give forward weight-in-hand while the cap is a lighter aluminum. The cap snaps over the front send with a satisfying CLICK between writing sessions.
Rollerball Pen Specifications : 4.625" length open, 5.313" closed, 6.25" cap posted, 0.438" width at thickest point, 1.2oz, 0.375" diameter at section.
Pelikan Stola III Ballpen - I am not a hand model :-)
The Stola III Ballpoint Pen
The twist-action ballpen has a unique design characteristic in the front end grip area. The section flares out to 0.438" in diameter, which provides finer balance and more comfort for your grip. The Pelikan ballpoint refill that is included can be replaced with any Parker-style type ballpoint or gel ink refill, which makes it very easy to find refills for your pen, since you aren't tied down to a particular manufacturer.
Ballpoint Pen Specifications : 5.438" length open, 5.313" closed, 0.438" width at thickest point (grip section), 0.9oz.
Comparing the Stola III with the Lamy AL-Star & Pilot Metro Fountain Pens
It is hard not to immediately want to compare this new Pelikan model up against some of its tried and true competitors that dominate the entry level pen arena. The closest analog (especially since it's also made in Germany) is the Lamy AL-Star. The aluminum-bodied AL-Star has a more utilitarian look, as most Lamy pens are designed in the Bauhaus style. It is also larger in size, as you can see from the comparison photo above. The brass-lined Stola fountain pen is 55% heavier than the AL-Star at 1.2oz versus 0.77oz. The retail price points are nearly the same, with the Stola winning out by a few dollars less than the AL-Star.
The Japanese-made Pilot Metropolitan is similar to the Pelikan Stola III in its streamlined profile, sleek design, metallic barrel and black front sections. The Metro fountain pen is lighter by a third of an ounce, while being only slightly longer. The Metro comes with a converter to start with and is priced under $20, which is half the price of the Stola. However, I felt (and this is my opinion) that the nib on the Pelikan was much smoother than the Metro.
I can see the Stola III being a great option for an entry-level Pelikan that has more style and elegance than a kid-friendly Pelikano. Will it be in the conversation for "best beginner fountain pens?" One could certainly argue that such a well respected fine writing brand like Pelikan should have their name in the mix, but only time will tell. One thing I would suggest for Pelikan is to offer this pen in multiple nib sizes.
The Stola III ballpoint is really intriguing and I think will be a pleasant surprise for Pelikan fans and those who need a solid, everyday carry ballpen. The engorged front grip area and brass-lined barrel is great to experience and comfortable to hold.
We expect to have the Pelikan Stola III line available within the next few months. If you would like to be notified of when these pens will be available for sale on our website, please SIGN UP to our E-MAIL NEWSLETTER to be the first to know.
The past two years have cultivated a sense of revival within the brand's aesthetic motif. During that time, the Duofold line added 3 colors based upon historical favorites like the "Big Red." Parker's IM & Urban lines added a "Vacumatic" set of colors that took its design cue from the layered, pearled striping of the Vacumatic pens initially released in the 1940's. Since the introduction of the Parker Ingenuity 5th mode in 2011, there really hasn't been anything "new" to talk about within the brand.
Until now.
The Parker Sonnet line is expanding with the "Great Expectations" Editions of contemporary design pens. The model itself is the same, reliable, balanced - yet weighted pen profile that many writers enjoy as an everyday luxury pen.
The core Sonnet line features classic color combinations - black & gold, black & silver, stainless steel and a red with gold trim. The "Premium" line of Sonnets become more adventurous with grid patterned designs, sterling silver pens, rose gold and pearl white. Parker's new Great Expectations designs seem to fit more with the higher-end, premium models, featuring some stylish, yet sophisticated designs.
The aesthetics of the pen finishes are a departure from the conservative, appearing more European in the fashionable and stylish sense. Each design combines an unconventional color or pattern with the traditional to create a contrast within the pen's appearance.
Parker's preview of the line includes six finishes :
Sonnet Contort Purple Cisele - Plum violet cap and front section paired with an ivory pearl barrel. Cap is patterned with a rose gold grid and complimented with rose gold trim and clip.
Sonnet Subtle Pearl and Grey - Pearl grey cap and front section paired with an ivory barrel. Trimmed in rose gold with a rose gold Parker arrow clip.
Sonnet Secret Black Shell - Matte black cap and barrel with a dark ruthenium grey trims and clip. The metal front section is patterned with a herringbone engraving.
Sonnet Subtle Big Red - Glossy black lacquer cap, barrel and section with an anodized red cap band and trim ring toward the front section.
Sonnet Contort Black Cisele - Matte black barrel and cap with silver trim and grid-patterned cap design. Silver metal front section on the fountain pen and rollerball.
Sonnet Secret Blue Shell - Blue lacquered cap and barrel with silver trim and clip. Front section on the rollerball and fountain pen have a thatch patterned metal section.
Each pen color and design combination have a distinct look and personality unique to each style. The "Contort Cisele" styles seem to be the most high-end and distinguished. The Black Shell and Blue Shell are more conservative, with exception to the front section of the rollerball and fountain pen. I'm drawing the conclusion that the "Secret" is in reference to the intricately engraved section that would be revealed when the cap is removed. The Subtle Pearl and Grey and Subtle Big Red utilize interesting color combinations to create an elegant and professional-looking look.
Since we have yet to receive definite information here in the States regarding this collection, some of the details may change and we may not see all six finishes here in the states. As it has happened in the Past with Parker, some pen variations were kept only to the European market. We'll update our blog when the pens are released to reflect the pens will be available to the US market. **EDIT** 10/06/2015 - All 6 finishes are available in the USA.
I know many fountain pen fans will be wondering about the nib. The nibs are crafted with 18kt solid gold that is either plated in gold, ruthenium or rose gold to match the trims of the pen. The rollerballs will use the standard Parker rollerball cartridge and the twist-ballpoint pens will use the ever-popular Parker-style ballpoint pen refill.
These designs are certainly intriguing and call for another look at the modern Parker brand. We hope that this is just the beginning and Parker returns to its roots as an innovating company that creates a fine writing instrument with mass appeal that is both affordable and durable. What do you think about these new designs? Looking forward to ordering them or seeing them in the flesh? Or do you think that this is just another re-hash of the same product?
Waterman, Paris introduces the 2015 special edition Ombres et Lumieres to follow up their 2014 Blue Obsession line extensions of their most popular pen models. This time around, the Carene, Perspective, Expert III and Hemisphere get a noir makeover inspired by the chic Parisian fashion trends that focus on the interaction of light and shadow.
The glossy black lacquer seems to dissolve into the matte white, silkscreened with dots that scatter down the end of the pen. It can remind one of the glittering lights of Paris against the dark or the bright lights reflecting on the rippling waters of the river Siene.
The Ombres et Lumieres is an elegant and tasteful finish that fits well with Waterman's European fashion sensibilities.
The Carene Ombres et Lumieres is the lone fountain pen in the group that sports an 18k solid gold nib in either medium or fine and is rhodium plated to match the palladium silver finished trims.
All other fountain pens in the collection use a stainless steel nib. Nibs will be available in fine or medium point sizes and fill using ink cartridges or converter.
Matching ballpen and rollerball pens are also available in every Ombres et Lumieres model. Each pen is gift boxed and wrapped with an exclusive themed sleeve.
The arrival timeline for the Ombres et Lumieres is early April. We will be adding them to the current Waterman lines on our website and will accept pre-orders soon.
---Edit : May 29th, 2015 - Ombres et Lumieres is now available and we have stock on sale at Goldspot Pens.
Ok Guys, so I've always taken a fancy to the Pilot Frixion Pen. You can make a mistake and, just like a pencil, erase and rewrite like you never made it. But unlike the pencil, the Frixion ink never smudges and you always get a fine point without ever having to run to a sharpener. Best part is, no pencil shavings.
Yesterday, I received the best early Christmas present ever. The New Pilot Frixon LX Pen in my favorite color "Blue". Unlike it's inexpensive counter part the Pilot Frixion Clicker, this pen is solid and extremely well made with a beautiful matte sheen. It holds comfortably in the hand and has a very nice weight to it, giving the impression of higher quality and reliability.
As with most high-end pens, my first instinct was to twist the pen to deploy the tip. No luck. After a few seconds of fidgeting I'm delighted to realize the pen simply opens with a click from the precision crafted chrome clip. And like you'd expect from Pilot, this pen writes like a dream. Smooth and Flawless! Removing the top cap allows you easy access to the Frixion "eraser," which is actually a plastic nub that creates the friction necessary to remove the thermo-sensitive ink.
Pilot is synonymous for quality and writing innovation and this Frixion LX does not disappoint. It is great to see the concept of the Frixion jump from the office supply line into the fine writing category with this high-grade version. This is a useful pen that you will be excited to take with you to the big meeting, that is for sure.
Last Week, we kicked off a new format for our monthly giveaway and, oh boy, did the pen-loving public respond. We had over 100 facebook likes, tweets and comments on our giveaway blog post. I know this may not be a lot to some bloggers with a larger following, but seeing all the nice comments and notes of thanks from all of you really put a smile on our faces.
The lucky winner is @dangold from Twitter. Congrats! We'll be contacting him shortly to get his pen selection and address to send his prize out. This month's awesome pen giveaway is the Goldspot Exclusive Monteverde Invincia Grand Prix Ballpoint Pen, with any choice of color ($95 retail value).
Thanks to everyone for participating! Stay tuned for more updates and our next giveaway shortly.
We've decided to host the monthly giveaway here on our blog. Since most of our subscribers are also fans and followers on social media, we wanted to make the giveaway more interactive and exciting for those who are participating. We will still use our newsletter to inform our e-mail subscribers about the giveaway, but we are going to choose our winner differently.
You have (3) possible entries for this giveaway. One is by simply commenting on this blog post. The second and third entries can be obtained via Facebook and Twitter. If you have an account with either social network, simply find our page (details below) and Like or Re-Tweet the giveaway post link. This month's awesome pen giveaway is the Goldspot Exclusive Monteverde Invincia Grand Prix Ballpoint Pen, your choice of color ($95 retail value). We've recently dropped the price on these excellent collectible pens because, to be honest, we have way too much stock and need to clear the shelves for back to school inventory.
Find the link to this giveaway post. It should be the most recent link.
"Like" or Re-Tweet the link (1 Entry per Twitter and/or Facebook Account).
...and that's it! We'll keep track of all the entries and then choose a fan using a random number generator to select one lucky winner. Deadline for Entries is Wednesday, July 23rd at 2p ET.
We will contact the winner directly through either Facebook or Twitter to obtain the shipping information and send out your Monteverde Invincia Grand Prix Ballpen!
In 2014, Parker & Waterman, both owned by the Newell Rubbermaid Company, are both not looking to shake the boat this year with all new pen designs or innovative writing modes. What we have this year is a simple add-on of color in several Waterman Designs and the Parker Jotter.
Harkening to the brand's blue color scheme and style, Waterman is offering all of their popular, upscale lines of Hemisphere, Expert Deluxe, Carene Deluxe and Perspective in a rich, cobalt blue.
Last year, Parker had released a set of colorful Jotters for their 125th
Anniversary. This year, we see another set of colors in white, hot
pink, fluorescent orange and teal. True to the jotter design, the top
section with clip and clicker are all brushed metal while the color
barrel is plastic.
We expect to have inventory of these new pens by the end of April. We will have them available for pre-order soon on the website and you can sign up for our mailing list to be the first to know. Thoughts? Feel free to share your comments below or tweet us @goldspotpens.
From ACME Studios in Hawaii, we are excited to welcome a new addition to the ever-popular, whimsical #2 Pen. Now, with the retractable, twist-action rollerball pen and mechnical pencil, you can write your #2 in a click-top ballpoint pen!
Produced by ACME Pens, here is a video of the #2 line, including the new ballpoint.
Available to ship in time for Father's Day and Graduation (May 2014). Just imagine giving your graduate, who aspires to become a teacher, a nice pen that looks like a gratuitous, yellow #2 pencil. It's a perfect, fun gift for all ages!
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Whether you're into Ed Hardy, Harley Davidsons or the macabre themes of Halloween, the new Montegrappa Fortuna Skull Pen Design should be right up your alley. Due to arrive right around All Hallow's Eve, this Montegrappa pen gets dressed up with a pattern of engraved skulls around the acrylic resin barrel of the pen, and a large skull emblazoned on the top cap portion, positioned 180 degrees from the location of the clip. The cap band, trim and clip are all dark gunmetal colored to match the "black" theme of the pen.
The Montegrappa Fortuna Skulls design will be available in three standard modes : twist-ballpoint pen, screw-off capped rollerball pen and fountain pen fitted with a black, stainless steel nib that fills via cartridge converter.
We were just informed by our Montegrappa US distributor that the prices on these pens will come in significantly less than originally anticipated at the $600 level (fountain pen). Prices are not official yet, but we are being told the price of the fountain will be in the high $300 range, which is far more reasonable.
As Summer comes to a close, new colors are usually brought to us by the changing of the leaves. In the pen world, new colors take the form of new pen designs. Parker has brought to us the first bushel from the harvest with a new extension from their popular and affordable IM and Urban collections.
The Parker IM and Urban collections are known for their contemporary design that honors the prestige of the Parker brand for a new generation of writers. The new Premium extension of the IM and Urban pens accomplish this goal with vibrant color and style. The cap and barrel are finished in anodized aluminum to provide a satin-like tactile feel to the metallic surface. Each color was chosen as an homage to historical Parker Pens.
I'll let our readers guess the names of each of the colors. The hint is each one of them are named after a popular, historical Parker Pen.
These will be available at our store Goldspot.com at the beginning of November. We will begin to add them to the site soon to allow pre-orders.
The Urban Premium will be available as a twist-action ballpoint pen, capped rollerball and fountain pen (in medium point only, stainless steel nib). Prices will range from $37 for the ballpoint, $46 for the rollerball and $60 for the fountain.
The IM Premium will be available as a click-top ballpoint pen, capped rollerball and fountain pen (in medium point only, stainless steel nib). Prices range from $45 for the ballpoint, $57 for the rollerball and $75 for the fountain pen. Prices indicated are MSRP. Final sale prices have yet to be determined.
In case you were wondering, these new finishes engrave fantastically and make great gifts. Below is an example of our laser engraving on the Urban fountain pen.
Lamy follows up the release of the AL-Star Pearl with the new Matte Black AL-Star that is estimated to arrive in the US within the next few weeks. With the Pearl being such a quick sell out (fountain pens are all but gone), Lamy looks to satisfy its fans with a black-on-black, "stealth" model of its renown, aluminum bodied AL-Star design.
The AL-Star's black matte aluminum barrel and cap is matched with the black wire clip and a black stainless steel nib fitted to the fountain pen. Each mode has a translucent front section that is signature to the AL-Star collection. Click top ballpoint pen uses the M16 ballpoint refill while the capped rollerball uses the M63 rollerball ink cartridge. The fountain pen is supplied with a Lamy T10 ink cartridge in blue.
Be sure to sign up for our New Pen E-mail Newsletter List to get notified when the AL-Star Black will be available for sale on Goldspot.
The dollar amount revenue of a major corporation? The number of citizens in a densely populated country? The gallons of gas we consume in a year? The number of stars you are gazing at in the night sky?
No, this is the amount of ballpoint pens that are disposed of, by Americans, each year. (source)
Think of all the Bics, promotional pens and bank pens that are carelessly tossed aside when they have exhausted their ink supply. Since the majority of them are not intended to be refilled, they are simply thrown away. People who receive these pens for free treat them as such and throw them away on a whim.
Be a responsible, Eco-friendly pen enthusiast and always carry your fine writing instrument with you. That way, you can always be sure you will never have to take another promotional or disposable pen for your writing needs.
The infamous click-top Parker Jotter is getting a few new colors for 2013 and Goldspot has an exclusive sneak peak preview just for you. This is the first time in a few years that Parker has released a new, colorful edition of their ever-popular Jotter ballpoint pen. This limited production set of pens are said to be blistercarded and due out on the (digital) shelves in April, so you won't have to wait very long to get your fingers on these pens.
As you may notice in the above photo, each color is a metallic, anodized aluminum finish with a chrome clicker mechanism and clip. On the chrome silver top section, there is a subtle pattern of line engravings, along with the updated Parker Pen arrow logo. Each pen will be accompanied by with a genuine Parker-style ballpoint ink cartridge installed in the pen. The predicted MSRP on each pen will be $25, which is a bit on the high side for a Jotter. However, after considering the metallic construction and the engraved design on this limited production pen, it seems like a fair price for what will be a very popular collector's item amongst Parker Pen enthusiasts.
Fans of Lamy Pens know that their beloved ballpoint pens are only filled using the Lamy M16 (or M22 in cases of the mini-sized Pico and other mini- or multi- style pens) refill. These types of refills have been traditionally made proprietary by Lamy, Germany, meaning that a common Schmidt or Parker-style refill would not fit inside of a Lamy Safari. That means Lamy fans are at the mercy of the manufacturer when it comes to the available choices of colors, point sizes and *gasp* the prices they set. In comes Monteverde to help by providing an alternative at a lesser cost and more variety.
Based out of California, Monteverde is the largest manufacturer of third-party refills that are made to fit pens like Lamy, Parker, Waterman, Mont Blanc, Pelikan and Sheaffer, to name a few brands. Their Lamy M16 ballpoint refill is engineered with Soft-Roll ballpoint technology, Swiss-made writing tip and low viscosity ink that produces excellent flow and smoothness.
Besides the usual Black and Blue ink colors that Lamy offers, Monteverde opens up the color palette with 8 additional hues, including turquoise, orange and blue-black.
The reputation of the Monteverde M16 refills grows with every piece of feedback we receive from our customers. The consensus has been overwhelmingly positive. Talk of the Monteverde M16 refill outperforming it's OEM competitor is apparent even on Fountain Pen Network. Have you made the switch? Please comment below. We'd love to hear your thoughts.
This week I am reviewing the Pilot Knight Ballpoint Pen. Immediately upon viewing this pen, my attention is drawn to the brilliant aesthetic quality of the matte barrel finish. This pen is available in your choice of navy, black, burgundy, or silver. The Navy (pictured below) was my pick for the review. The pen's slightly curved clip is an elegant trait that accentuates the gorgeous, modern look of the pen. The silver accents bring this image together, providing a pen whose appearance should be envied. The pen's continuously smooth texture is also noteworthy as it gives the hand a tactile sensation of extreme comfort and luxury.
After inserting a Pilot ballpoint pen refill, I picked up this fine writing instrument to find the pen's shape and size allowed a perfect grip. I noticed that, due to the fact that this pen offers an all metal cap and barrel, this pen was heavier than your average ballpoint pen. Combined with the pen's hefty nature, this quality provided for a writing experience that required minimal effort and supreme control. The ink continuously flows out while the pen coasts easily across the page and I am left to thoroughly enjoy the process.
Summary:
Writing Quality: This pen allows effortless control due to its unique weight, shape, and size. The pen feels well-balanced in the hand and provides a smooth writing experience. (Grade: A)
Aesthetic Quality: Metal body and cap with matte barrel finishes in black, burgundy, or silver in addition to silver accents and clip provide for an elegant appearance. (Grade: A-)
Utility: The large weight of the pen may be a hindrance in long periods of writing. The parts of the pen fit together well allowing the pen to remain in a good condition for a long period of time. (Grade: A-)
Price: This pen is offered for a retail price of only $37.00 (discounted for less at goldspot.com) and gives the user a high quality pen that will provide a great fine writing experience. (Grade: A)
Final Grade: A
The Pilot Knight ballpoint pen is a pen that can be put to everyday use. Those searching for a reliable, high caliber pen should quickly snatch up this ballpoint pen. Presented in a spectacular navy gift box, this pen would also make a great gift.
Every week, we're throwing a new pen at Chris, our summer intern, to do a short review on for the blog. He's a bit "green" when it comes to pens, but we won't hold that against him. Here's his first review on a pen that we currently have on sale for 40% special pricing, the Libelle Chromatic:
The Libelle Chromatic series offers ballpoint pens, rollerballs, and fountain pens in several different colors of lacquered metal which, through the magnificence of the smooth, unbroken color, provides high aesthetic appeal. Indents filled with wire mesh provide a comfortable dwelling for the fingers. The metal base causes this pen to feel weighted, giving it a sturdy feel and aiding in the pen's superb writing ability. These qualities give the pen a unique feel and appearance.
This Racing Red ballpoint pen is presented in a flawless container that is to be admired for its creative design and superior quality. Inside, the pen lays bound to the white cushion beneath by a string. A white ribbon sash finishes off this picture as it crosses over the pen. Truly, this pen sits in a throne fit for a king.
I could not resist any longer. The pen was soon resting comfortably in my hand, engines started, ready for the green flag. The twist-action pen is armed with a Parker-style ballpoint ink cartridge and I was primed to go. I found the pen was extremely easy to write with and seemed to flow across the page in a fluid motion. This pen feels natural and stable in your hand as you glide across the page.
Summary: -Writing Quality: Sturdy weight and easy control allows for a smooth, steady flow across the paper. (grade A-) -Aesthetic Quality: Brightly colored lacquer and wire mesh combine to create an admirable appearance. The pure red color flows simply, yet brilliantly across the pen. (grade A) -Utility: Above average weight causes a slight drop in writing comfort after a long period of time. Good stability in the hand. (Grade B+) -Price: This is certainly a high quality pen and it is available for a retail price of $65 (currently on sale for 40% off atgoldspot.com). (Grade A-)
FINAL GRADE: A-
This will be the first-ever review on this blog done by someone else in the Goldspot office besides Tom. Jess decided that she loves her "Peacock" so much, she had to let everyone know! This is her first-ever pen review :
The Masquerade Peacock ballpoint pen by Cross is inspired by mystery and romance of a masked ball from the Art Nouveau era. The swirling peacock feather pattern shimmers over the pearlescent ivory lacquer, while the silver engraving adds dimension to it. It’s an overall elegant pen and has a graceful curved clip that goes right along with it. The feature I love most about this, besides the smooth writing cross refill is that it can go from a ballpoint pen to a pencil just by converting the refill.
Pictures of this pen do not do it justice, once you are physically holding the pen; you can see all of the detailed work that went into it. The overall pen is slim, so if you are someone that likes thicker pens, this isn’t for you! Also, Cross backs their product up with a lifetime mechanical guarantee, so I will never be without my peacock =)
Summary:
Writing Quality: This pen would be more comfortable for writers who prefer slimmer pens over thicker.
Aesthetic Quality: The swirl of the peacock feather as well as the colors really makes this pen stand out.
Utility: The Masquerade Peacock pen is 5.47 inches long and the width is 0.36, so I can easily fit this in even my smallest purse no problem. The Cross refill writes flawlessly every use for me.
Price: The Cross Masquerade Ballpoint is available at www.Goldspot.com for $55.95, which I think is a reasonable price being that it’s so elegant and is a pen that can be converted to a pencil with the Cross Switch It converter.
Git yer motor runnin'. Retro 51 presents their licensed Harley Davidson line of pens, which are inspired by the brand's motor-head aesthetics. Don't take it for granted if you're not a fan of the motorcycle, these pens are much more than just a renown name. Take the Flathead pens for example. These compact ballpoint pens go beyond the biker appeal.
The Flathead is a great take-along pen. Small enough to fit in the palm of your hand, yet has the weight of a solid writing instrument with its metal base. The push-top plunger ejects and retracts the mini D1 size ballpoint pen cartridge with a satisfying click.
The rugged, hinged clip is a great feature that helps the pen clip on to thicker materials like a stack of papers or a leather jacket.
Summary:
Writing Quality : Odd shape to that flat grip doesn't make it very ergonomic. (grade B)
Aesthetic Quality : The Harley licensing doesn't make this pen look cheesy. The design is actually very nice on its own without the Harley name. (grade A-)
Utility : Pocket sized, go anywhere type of pen. Clip is resilient and opens wide. (grade A-)
Price : Available for $23 on Goldspot.com and other competitor websites, the Harley Flathead is a fantastic price for a licensed pen that has great function style to boot. Great gift for the biker in the family. (grade A-)
Final Grade : A-Retro51 has been developing pens with the Harley and Disney license for well over a year now and have been leading the way for the rest of their brand with these new releases. Expect more exciting licensed Disney coming soon in the fall.
We are officially celebrating the crossing of the 500-fan threshold on our Goldspot Facebook Fan Page with a giveaway and a discount!
The prize will be one (1) of our new, exclusive Monteverde Formula Red ballpoint pens (Retail Value $80). We will randomly select one of our Facebook Fans on Tuesday, September 7th (in observance of Labor Day). We will announce our selection and contact the fan directly for a shipping address.
So, if you're not already a fan of Goldspot on facebook, here is where to find us : http://www.facebook.com/GoldspotPens
For a special Labor Day Discount, please use promo code FALL10 during check out to get FREE UPS shipping for orders of $75 or more (US shipping addresses only). Our free shipping is done through UPS so we can still provide fast, insured and traceable shipping to our customers. This is a limited-time offer that will expire soon.
Good luck and have a great Labor Day Weekend!
