*(Info on spring issue below) 1st of all, if you never used any type of Fisher Space Pen, a negative review would be like comparing apples to oranges, Fisher to other brands. That said, I have only used fisher bullet pens for the past 15 years or so. Love their quality and performance but lost a few from my pants pocket until I came up with a 'system' (bullet pen sheath). This pen, the Original Astronaut Space Pen' (AG7). Inside: uses the same ink cartridge as my bullets. Outside and mechanics: When I put the cap on the bullet pen and hold it side by side with this one, they sort of look alike, in length and how they taper to the point unlike the newer Fisher Shuttle Space Pen which does not taper. Some people like that but I prefer the taper. The AG7 is a 'plain' pen. The chrome is a nice touch, it writes like a Fisher space pen should and, perhaps it's a bit on the light side but it has enough weight for me. The price is what it is, can't compare it to other brands because it has that Fisher 'uniqueness' factor. So, with the correct spring, 5 stars but as sold with the weak spring, 2-3 stars. See following. *So, WHAT IS WRONG WITH IT? First, understand that it has a 'different' point load and release mechanism than many similar pens. I like that it has a side release button. But, as many reviewers have mentioned, the spring point load and release spring is too weak. The one I purchased 'had' this issue. I read many reviews and learned that there was a different and stronger spring originally and fisher decided weak is better. Maybe for the astronauts, but not here on earth where you could load the ink point with a flick of the wrist or in your pocket. I doubt that if you decided to take your chances on getting the original spring, YOU WILL NOT. I saw that another reviewer had called Fisher directly and after a little hassle, they sent a new 'barrel' with the 'original spring'. They have them sitting around and obviously know of the issue. I did the same, my pen is now PERFECT, the spring is strong, just right. (They send a new barrel because they say it is difficult to remove and install a new spring.) Another easier fix is to add a 2nd spring from another pen to the current barrel, one that fits. I tried it and it worked too. But hey, since Fisher sent me a new one, why not? Read more
This pen is great. I use a pen constantly during my work, estimating and adjusting homes. I draw often, and also write and fill out a lot of forms and notes for homeowners. I think using a nice pen is great for improving my attitude and experience at work, and I believe it also helps if you are trying to get someone to sign either a contract or a check. Having a nice pen sitting there makes a difference. Anyway, I have quite a few spacepens, including the AG-7, this CH-4, a few of the bullet pens, and a couple cap-o-matics as well. I do not have experience with either the MARS or Millenium II, because they look uncomfortably thick to hold. I'm going to start with what I think is the CH-4's main competitor... The AG-7 is a great pen, I think you should own one. The only problem, is that during extended use the pen begins to feel a bit top-heavy because of the taper and the thickness. The pen's weight is a great quality, but if it's hot and your hand is sweating, the grooves can be insufficient for easy gripping. I think the mechanism makes up a significant portion of the weight. The clicks are smooth and satisfying - I find myself clicking it while I am not writing, but just walking and holding the pen. The CH-4 is a fantastic pen! You need to own one. There is no problem with this pen. After using and loving the AG-7 for months, I tried the CH-4 because of the cooler pen-clip imprint (SPACE w/orbit logo, contrasted with AG-7). The barrel of the pen is straight and only begins to taper at the proper point. The pen itself is still pleasantly heavy, and the mechanism is very satisfying as well. It does lack some of the click down pressure, compared to what is required with the AG-7, as well as some of the release power. This small deterioration in mechanism potency (I surmise 15%) is a small concession to make. The bullet pens are nice for pockets, and the cap-o-matics are ok - but a little light-weight for my taste, and more suited for purses. I suggest owning a few different styled spacepens if you need multiple colors while working, as I do. I can grab my AG-7 to do red corrections, my turquoise pocket bullet for notes, and my trusty and irreplaceable CH-4 in black for the bulk of the work. I also bought one for my Dad for father's day with engraving (order from the real site to get the best, it costs more - but it's official) Happy writing! Read more
A real great pen!!! It has a nice flow when you write. And it is high quality pen. A great pen as a gift. This will last you a long time Read more
Pen always writes immediately, the ink never seems to get stuck, and the pen itself feels outstanding to write with. Gets heavy use at work and I will probably buy another as a spare. Love the click and release mechanism, too. Read more
This is an excellent pen. The pen is durable and it writes very well. In case you are curious about what appears as a little button on the side near the clicking mechanism, this feature is how you retract the pen. This pen is suitable as EDC or in business. Read more
