FisherSpace Pen Black Grid Design Shuttle Space Pen, Ballpoint, Black Ink, Pocket Clip, Gift Box

I carried a Fisher AG7 with me for years because of it's reliability, but never liked that it was poorly balanced, with the top of the pen being substantially heavier that the tip.This one (B4 Black Grid Shuttle Pen), is not only perfectly balanced, but the precision of the grid pattern combined with its classical design elements gives the aesthetic an architectural quality that perfectly evokes the spirit of the Apollo program's engineering excellence.Be warned, you may be tempted to create technical drawings, use a slide rule, or annotate engineering schematics every time you look at it.The only consideration I feel the need to mention when choosing which design of the shuttle pen to purchase is that the striations on the barrel of standard edition pen are deeper, and more effective for grip in adverse conditions.The Black Grid edition, with the relief of the grid patterning, is by no means slippery, but if I were using one for outdoor work I would certainly prefer the utility of the standard design.I'm not sure if the matte black variant includes the standard milling of the striations on the barrel, but if so, that may be a nice compromise between aesthetic & functionality to consider.

The pen arrived as advertised. Its ability to write in subzero temperatures has yet to be tested, but its comfort while writing in normal, average human conditions has exceeded my expectations. I am not expected to depart for space in the next week or millennia, but should that change , i suppose this will be my go to for anti-gravity use as well.In underwater use, this pen could be slippery. The external surface does not appear to have taken viscosity into consideration. If you have sweaty palms, or fingers… this sir or ma’am… might not be the pen for you… get your own.

Taking a chance that this was the slimmer M5 version and it was. Unlike the Cap-O-Matic style, this model, with the button on the side to retract the ballpoint, has not disassembled itself when left in a pocket or purse. Purchased to replace the same style that has worn out.

Love it

Smaller diameter than expected. Check pattern is stamped on the pen body, vs. being etched in. Ink barrel was relatively small, necessitating buying additional ink cartridges in the future.

It seems like a pretty cheap, flimsy pen. You're really just paying for an incredibly cheap commemorate box.

What a great gift this will make in its attractive box. The pen, itself, is unusual in several respects. First of all, it's slimmer and lighter weight than I expected, which makes it nice for carrying in briefcase or purse as well as shirt or jacket pocket. The hatched grid design is not only handsome, it allows for a good grip even in a large hand, although some men might prefer more girth. The pen is standard length and has a good clip for security. The clip, too, is low profile and will allow the pen to fit in tight places.Its operation is entirely one-handed with an easy push down button on top to extend the tip and small separate side button to retract it. The ball is very smooth writing--better than my other space pen--even when held at an angle. Of course I love the instant writing ability of the space pens and am now spoiled about expecting that instant gratification so my other ball pens have fallen out of favor when they require some scribbling to get the ink flow started. These space pens never do need that.Because the packaging is a step up--a good-looking cardboard sleeve over a box which includes a little info booklet with refill ordering form--it will make a nice gift presentation. The packaging isn't excessive so as to seem wasteful, but is nicely wrappable and offers a moment of anticipation to the recipient as it's opened.Bottom line--this is a very practical pen and is meant first and foremost for that, but looking nice doesn't hurt so although I bought this one for myself, I'll be purchasing others as gifts.

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