Hero 616 - Yet Another Review

[FunkeyMonk]

Here's another handwritten review of a cheap Chinese pen I bought off eBay for less than five bucks. I'm really enjoying ordering these super-inexpensive pens from China----they're relatively risk-free, and often come with free shipping. Plus, the China Post shipping is so randomly fast or slow (I suspect it's really a US customs issue), it's always a surprise when another little package arrives.

 

 

 

Here it is next to my Guanleming 2001 and a LAMY Al-Star.

 

 

 

 

 

(Edited to add a few more pics.)

Edited May 8, 2012 by FunkeyMonk

[Uncle Red]

Nice review, I bought a 10 pack of these and gave most of them away as gifts. My niece's mother may forgive me, someday. Did you see the thread about converting one of these to a button filler?

[FunkeyMonk]

A button filler? Sheesh, that's a lot of work. But at least it's a cheap pen --- no problem with experimental failures.

 

Also, sorry about the second photo---writing pen reviews at work doesn't lend itself to using my fancy camera.

[Penman222]

They are fine pens for the money. I have given away 10 at least, and I keep a 616 Jumbo in my collection. Hero quality control is really very poor.

[mik86]

I got my 616 from ahai006 and the cover for the bulb is black plastic and the button is metal. The stamped feather lines also cover 2/3 of the clip and the clip attachment is loose. I wonder if hero changed their pens.

[goldiesdad]

I bought the 616 a week ago and it has been my go to pen as of late ... smooth with no issues ... Thanks for the review

 

Scott

[Flounder]

Yet another review? Maybe but I still love reading them, even after getting a few 51s. I don't usually read handwritten reviews as much, yours is nice and clear :-) Much appreciated.

 

I got my 616 from ahai006 and the cover for the bulb is black plastic and the button is metal. The stamped feather lines also cover 2/3 of the clip and the clip attachment is loose

 

That sac guard does sound a bit bogus. If the cap isn't a riveted together copy, you can tighten it up the clip with a screwdriver up the inner cap's backside and a piece of rubber on the jewel (which screws directly into the blindcap). Remember, metal into plastic, so tight enough is tight enough!

 

FunkyMonk, if your 616 is for throw in the bag type usage, you might want to tinker with the cap, it will be more secure on the pen, put less stress on the plastic hood, and give you that 'satisfying click'. 2 of my 616s were the same as yours, the lip of the inner cap wants a little sanding. As bhbarto says, there's no quality control on these pens, but all the ingredients are there for a tasty wee writer.

 

Hero 616 cap fix : http://flounders-mindthots.blogspot.com/2011/11/hero-616-cap-fix.html

 

It's funny how tastes vary in re: heavy and light pens. I sold my beautiful, wet, smooth Targa 1003 in the end, I found the brass body too heavy for extended use.

[teketeke]

I was using my 616 this very evening. I bought a pack of these with mixed QC, but definitely worth it on the whole. Great review! I'm really wondering about this button-filler business...

[John the Monkey]

I bought a pack of 3 Hero 616 "Jumbo" pens a while ago - I found them all very reliable, and quite smooth writers.

 

The one I keep at work (loaded with Rotring Brillant Ultramarine) has been left for a week at times, & always started up without problems.

[kp288908]

I received this pen as a gift from a fellow pen friend. I really enjoy mine and use it all the time. It's always inked. It's a pretty good quality pen for only a couple of bucks.