Hero 001 - 360 Degree

[arandur]

First Impressions (8)

This pen is sleek, and the concept is cool! The clip looks a little cheap, though.

 

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v299/morvaltur/Fountain%20Pens/Hero001-1.jpg

 

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v299/morvaltur/Fountain%20Pens/Hero001-2.jpg

 

Appearance (7)

The pen itself is slim, larger at the cap than at the other end. Aside from the cap looking cheap, the rest of the pen, including the chrome elements, look decent. There seems to be quite a bit of writing on the cap, including some characters that I assume are Japanese, “001” (for the model of the pen), “360” and the degree symbol, and “HERO.”

 

Design/Size/Weight (7)

Unscrewing the body from the section to get to the filling system is a bit rough. The metal does not thread together nicely. That aside, the cap fits snugly onto the body, and the grip feels comfortable in my hand, despite the slim profile, which is a feature that has been the downfall of other pens for me. The pen is light but has a core heft to it that reminds the user that this pen is made of metal and not plastic.

 

Nib (7)

The four-way, “360 degree” nib is partially successful. It does allow one to write from nearly any side of the pen, though sometimes it has to be rotated slightly so that one of the ink slits is in fully in contact with the paper. The nib is also slightly scratchy.

 

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v299/morvaltur/Fountain%20Pens/Hero001-3.jpg

 

Filling System (6)

I had some trouble getting the aerometric filling system to draw ink into the sac without ejecting it on the next squeeze. Eventually, it did fill. The sac is fitted into the pen, so removing it for cleaning is not an option.

 

Cost and Value (8)

For less than 3 USD, this pen is inexpensive and unpresumptuous. Based on its performance and design, it is probably worth a bit more than this.

 

Conclusion (7.5)

This is a solid little pen and a worthwhile purchase, especially for those who are interested in trying a “360 degree” nib at a very low cost. That being said, I cannot see myself reaching this over other pens for a daily carry, even if they are some of the other Hero pens.

 

Note: the four colors are black, navy blue, light blue, and teal. ALSO, this is (theoretically) the older version. The newer version of the 001 appears to have a hooded, non-360 degree nib.

 

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v299/morvaltur/Fountain%20Pens/Hero001-4.jpg

 

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v299/morvaltur/Fountain%20Pens/Hero001-5.jpg

 

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v299/morvaltur/Fountain%20Pens/Hero001-6.jpg

Edited December 4, 2012 by arandur

[mirosc]

Thank you for the review and your efforts. It's been an interesting read!

 

Why am I not surprised that the Chinese have been working at another knockoff of a famous idea...?

[arandur]

Thank you for the review and your efforts. It's been an interesting read!

 

Why am I not surprised that the Chinese have been working at another knockoff of a famous idea...?

Thank you! Check out my blog (link in signature) for more like this (shameless plug).

 

This pen certainly does seem to draw quite heavily from the Sailor Trident and the Parker 180.

[jartroane]

I bought one of these from Todd at isellpens a while back. Interesting pen that I would like to use but I never got it to write. It sits unused in my pen box

[arandur]

I found that the nib needed to be rinsed, after having filled it and not used it for a month.

[Harlequin]

 

Conclusion (7.5)

This is a solid little pen and a worthwhile purchase, especially for those who are interested in trying a “360 degree” nib at a very low cost. That being said, I cannot see myself reaching this over other pens for a daily carry, even if they are some of the other Hero pens.

 

Note: the four colors are black, navy blue, light blue, and teal. ALSO, this is (theoretically) the older version. The newer version of the 001 appears to have a hooded, non-360 degree nib.

 

Does that mean that this style is no longer available? I was really contemplating trying out that nib, especially at the price you mentioned. But that's the only reason I was interested in it, so if the nib has changed, it doesn't work for me, lol.

[nana_kathy]

I have one of these, also from Todd at isellpens (no affiliation, just a happy customer), but haven't used it yet. Maybe I'll flush and ink it over the New Years weekend, as there is little to do except watch football.

[arandur]

Does that mean that this style is no longer available? I was really contemplating trying out that nib, especially at the price you mentioned. But that's the only reason I was interested in it, so if the nib has changed, it doesn't work for me, lol.

 

Check out iSellPens.com's Hero page (page three of the Heroes) here, I think this old style is still for sale. Todd has a lot of NOS on pens from the Shanghai Hero Pen Company, including the old versions of some other models, as well, such as the Hero 323. (No affiliation, though I certainly wish that I was!)

[Harlequin]

I think I'll do that. I haven't ever purchased anything from ISellPens, does he answer questions on products only via the website, or does he also address things like that here if msged?

[alc3261]

I think I'll do that. I haven't ever purchased anything from ISellPens, does he answer questions on products only via the website, or does he also address things like that here if msged?

 

Todd will answer here if messaged. These 360 degree pens are somewhat odd!!

[arandur]

I think I'll do that. I haven't ever purchased anything from ISellPens, does he answer questions on products only via the website, or does he also address things like that here if msged?

Email has been my best way of contacting him, but I would assume that he is active here, as well.