I'm ready for ridicule

[zethreal]

I've seen them on the 'bay and finally decided I'd give them a go. I ordered a 10-pack of Hero 616 pens to test out. I would have ordered just 1, but have heard that they have QC issues. I figure 10 will at least get me a few usable pens. If I hate them, I'm only out a few bucks. If they're even just "ok" I'll have a few truly throw-away pens that I can leave in the office.

I'll stop back here & give a quick post of how I feel about them once they get here ( 1-3 weeks from China ).

Has anyone else used these pens?

 

[maxman]

I had one once.
It broke, but hey, you get a lot of them for a good price.
All they really do is make you want a better pen.

That's OK. Some folk here love Hero pens.

 

[SmoovD]

The only issue I have with 616s is their propensity to burp ink. Other than this, I have found them to perform well enough. Great beater pens that are best matched with non-office work clothing.

 

[zethreal]

I had one once.
It broke, but hey, you get a lot of them for a good price.
All they really do is make you want a better pen.

That's OK. Some folk here love Hero pens.

I've got a Platinum Plaisir & a couple of Preppies. I was just looking for a slightly different style pen. Also, I know a couple of people that are interested in trying a pen, but don't want to buy one of their own. I'll take an extra one that works & fill it with one of my inks for them to try.

The only issue I have with 616s is their propensity to burp ink. Other than this, I have found them to perform well enough. Great beater pens that are best matched with non-office work clothing.

Thanks for that bit of info. I'll make sure to keep them away from valuable clothing

 

[Blooze]

Check out this thread:

http://badgerandblade.com/vb/showth...How-to-quot-tune-quot-a-Hero-616-fountain-pen

 

[the_edski]

I like 'em. Like Daniel said the only big problem is the burp ink. But that can be fixed with the link Blooze shared. They are piece of mind pens to me. Take 'em somewhere that I don't care if I drop it, bang it, lose it or whatever.

 

[syngent]

Yup they may not be great pens but they are pretty good... think of them a reusable disposables

 

[dcobranchi]

I've got three of them and like them enough that I ordered three for my Dad.

 

[the_edski]

That's about the best wording I can think of, nicely done James!

think of them a reusable disposables

 

[brianw]

I have no comment

 

[Blooze]

I have no comment

Oh yes you do, you're just to gentlemanly to say it

 

[the_edski]

Or too busy weeping out of pity for those who haven't yet held the grail that is the "51"

Oh yes you do, you're just to gentlemanly to say it

 

[Blooze]

FWIW, it was using a 616 that led me to want a "51". My wife on the other hand tried the 616 and hated the hooded nib, irregardless of how poorly or well it performed. I use my "51" on occasion, but I need to buy a cheaper, aerometric beater for everyday use as I'm afraid to bung up my nice one.

 

[the_edski]

Not a thread hijack, but I just found myself looking on Ebay for a "51" for the first time. Am I too far gone to save now?

 

[zethreal]

Or too busy weeping out of pity for those who haven't yet held the grail that is the "51"

I did hold a '51', didn't write with it though. I'm kicking myself now for not trying it out.

Not a thread hijack, but I just found myself looking on Ebay for a "51" for the first time. Am I too far gone to save now?

No, you have been too far gone to save since you joined this site.

 

[celestino]

Ed, by the '51 Grail, do you mean the Waterman?
Oh, oh, another pen to try. Are they that good?

 

[the_edski]

I'll let Brianw take this one, I have still yet to touch the grail...

Ed, by the '51 Grail, do you mean the Waterman?
Oh, oh, another pen to try. Are they that good?

 

[Legion]

I bought a three pack to use at work. They were all stolen before they broke. I think they are fine for what they cost. I'd rather write notes with one of them than a Bic.

 

[kirk 988]

i decided today i want the 10 pack im going to get a pack in the morning too ive got one and its not bad a little more scratchy than the cheap school pen im using.

 

[kirk 988]

Or too busy weeping out of pity for those who haven't yet held the grail that is the "51"

ah now thats evil i look in lust when ever i see a P51