Are Hairline Cracks Still Common In Aurora Nib Collars?

[Jezza]

I know at one time it used to be fairly common place to see hairline cracks in Aurora's demonstrator models. I just managed to snag an 88 Minerali, but stumbled across some older posts about the nib housing cracks. Is this still common--not just on the 88 demonstrators, but all? If so, does it seem to get worse or cause a problem?

[Jezza]

Well, I suppose I can answer my own question to some extent. This arrived today. No problem returning to the seller, or is it just normal? I dont remember having the same problem on my pilot custom 92.

The first two pics show the hairline crack. Its in the plastic nib assembly, not the section itself, so I doubt it would cause any problems. The third pic appears to be a scratch on the inside

My question is, would you keep it or send it back? As a practical matter, I plan to use the pen, as I do all my pens. Once filled with ink, the cracks and scratches will not be visible anyway, so perhaps it doesn't matter?

Edited April 8, 2018 by Jezza

[Omaslover]

Yes unfortunately. What I would recommend is to keep the cracked one ... since even if you receive a pristine one, it will develop a hairline crack after a few days/weeks BUT contact Kenro, and they will send you a replacement. That way you will have one to use, and one un-cracked spare, until you insert it in the collar

[Portia_of_Belmont]

My 88 Minerali developed a hairline crack within a couple of months of buying and using it. I found it unacceptable for such an expensive pen. Kenro, through my vendor, replaced the nib unit no questions asked. I had to send them the pen and I got it back a couple of days later. The whole repair took less than a week.

 

I'm sure this one will develop a crack eventually, as well. I'm just hoping eventually is still a ways away...

[Jezza]

I agreeit seems hard to swallow given the price of the pen. I decided to keep mine simply because it seems like its bound to happen at some point. Hopefully, it doesnt crack anywhere else.

[StrawberryJam]

Is the nib collar cracking limited to the demonstrators? I am just wondering since I have never heard cracking in the nib collars of the regular Optima line (or any other line), but those use a black plastic resin collar.

[Olya]

Is the nib collar cracking limited to the demonstrators? I am just wondering since I have never heard cracking in the nib collars of the regular Optima line (or any other line), but those use a black plastic resin collar.

 

Seems like it. I remember reading here that demonstrators are generally more prone to cracking, because the material is weaker than non-translucent resin/ plastic. Then again, other brands don't seem to have any cracking issues with their products...

[Tweel]

...And Aurora seems to have that issue.

 

Auroras Cracking?

 

Disintegrating Aurora Ipsilon Deluxe