Pilot Volex

[AndyHayes]

First Impressions

The pen arrived from a US seller well wrapped in bubble wrap with some cartridges, but with no sign of the convertor that I ordered with the pen. The pen looks strange as it is one of the short long pens. It is longer than I expected it to be in the short mode.

 

Appearance

Like an escapee from Frankenstein’s lab, this just looks weird.

 

http://i204.photobucket.com/albums/bb177/shetlink/VolexClosed.jpg

Volex in short mode next to a Pelikan M200 in normal mode

 

Design/Size/Weight

Described as a short/long pen it is more like a medium/long pen. Capped it is 120mm, uncapped 107mm and posted 150mm. The pen is surprisingly light for a steel bodied pen and is reasonably balanced.

 

http://i204.photobucket.com/albums/bb177/shetlink/VolexOpen.jpg

Volex in long mode next to a posted Pelikan M200

 

Nib

I chose the medium nib, but this is an Asian medium with no flex. It writes well enough and I will use it for form filling.

 

Filling System

Cartridge or convertor. Mine didn’t come with the convertor that I ordered so I am assuming that the pen will take a convertor.

 

Cost and Value

At just over $100 only the individual can decide whether this pen is worthwhile for them at that price. Its construction should mean that it lasts a long time.

 

Conclusion

It took 2 1/2 weeks for this pen to arrive. As the value stated on the package was $40 the UK customs put it to one side for 10 days to charge me duty on the pen, $7 duty and $16 handling charge. Had the value had have been $36 there would have been no charge to pay. Had it had have been a gift the limit would have been $72. A UK buyer needs to think hard about where to source their pens to avoid these charges and the value that their new pens should be.

 

This was the wrong pen for me, but that is entirely my fault for buying on an impulse. I really wanted a Myu 701 and with the extra customs charges added to the cost this pen I would have been a step closer. I should have got an all steel pen as the black and steel combination stops it looking like the special pen it should be. The nib just looks like an add-on like any other pen because of the delineation between black and silver.

 

Would I buy this pen again if I lost it? No.

 

Photos will follow.

Edited September 19, 2007 by AndyHayes

[AndyHayes]

Although I hated the pen on first sight, the experience probably soured by the lack of converter that I paid for and the customs charge, my better half loved it and gave me the Saporro Mini back in exchange for the Volex.

[burmeseboyz]

Nice review. From the photos, it doesn't look like the long cap saved any space. But an interesting pen never the less. I've always been interested by these 1970-80's Pilot pens.

[andyk]

Nice honest review, sorry you didn't like the pen, but at least you have been brave enough to experiment, luckily your wife liked it so at least one happy member of the family. I was looking at this type of pen but wanted to see/handle one in person before commiting myself.

 

Can only say ouch about the extra charges good job the value was underdeclared, but like others have said the whole thing is a bit hit and miss, although I still try to bid less than $40.

 

Andy

[Marlon]

I just ordered a 1977 Volex Fine Nib off ebay...

 

Should be shipped soon (i hope) as i just sibmitted the payment.

 

When it arrives i'll try to write a good review!