Bastion Bolt Action Pens sent me a beautiful pen to review. The Bastion Bolt Action Pen in Aluminum effortlessly blends a clean, sexy silhouette with functionality, creating an instantly recognizable and aesthetically pleasing writing instrument. The packing is done well, and it’s an indicator of how good the pen will look and how nicely it performs. I instantly liked the pen even before I pulled the pen out of the box, because it looked so refined online. I like elegance and I like practicality too.
This pen is a testament to the marriage of classic style and modern design, making it an exceptional choice for various writing tasks. Pens can be a form of art, and style too not unlike clothing or accessories such as ties and shoes. Your choice of pen might say a lot about you. I tend to be frugal when it comes to certain purchases, but I spend quite a bit on shoes, and clothes because I want them to last, and perform well for me. As a writer, I journal quite a bit and I want what I write to look smooth and I don’t want my ink to bleed. The ink distributes upon paper nicely and dries quickly. There is so much to like about this pen.
This pen is crafted from 100% 6061-T6 Grade Aluminum. The pen exudes a robust yet lightweight feel, striking a perfect balance between durability and comfort. The matte finish adds a touch of sophistication, making it a stylish accessory for any professional or personal setting. Bastion sent me a blue pen, and I am glad that they did rather than black or another color. The pen is available in 6 colors, including black, red, blue, purple, seafoam, and pink. This elegant pen looks so smart on my desk. I feel less like a pauper, and more like an urbane writer who doesn’t just use black Pilot pens to write.
The pen has a weight of 1.3 ounces (including the ink refill). The Bastion Pen feels substantial without being cumbersome. The 5.25-inch length and a slim profile of 0.47 inches make it an ideal companion for those who appreciate a pen that is both portable and sleek. The girth is not dissimilar to the size of a small Sharpie, but this won’t prevent you from writing with ease.
The coolest feature is the retractable Bolt Action closure. The mechanism adds a tactile and engaging element to the writing experience. The mechanism operates smoothly, offering a satisfying click when activated. This feature not only enhances the overall user experience but also adds a touch of novelty to the traditional pen design. It does take some time getting used to using the mechanism if you are not familiar with it. The bolt will not ‘unclick’, once it is engaged into the write position.
Equipped with a fine point, the Bastion Pen delivers precise and consistent lines, making it suitable for various writing tasks. The ink color, a classic black, is both professional and versatile, making this pen an excellent choice for daily use. The ink cartridges are fine tip and available in the following colors and ink styles:
- Standard ink – Black, Blue, Red
- Gel ink – Black, Blue, Red
Bastion notes on their website description that the cartridge is expressed as, “a particular type of Parker refill, which is the G2 ISO 98mm length, 5.8mm width, fine tip (.05 mm) version.”
One notable aspect is the attention to detail in the design. The pen’s construction is solid, and the fine craftsmanship is evident in every aspect, from the seamless integration of the Bolt Action mechanism to the ergonomic grip that ensures comfort during extended writing sessions.
In conclusion, the Bastion Bolt Action Pen in Aluminum is a remarkable writing instrument that seamlessly combines classic style with modern functionality. Whether you’re jotting down notes, drafting letters, or adding a touch of sophistication to your journal entries, the Bastion Pen proves itself as a reliable and stylish companion. With its durable aluminum construction, smooth Bolt Action closure, and fine point for precision, this pen stands out as an excellent choice for those who appreciate quality and design in their everyday writing tools.
This pen should serve you well for years.
Functionality: 5/5
There is a lot to like here because Bastion put effort into the product. There is attention to detail in the construction, including smooth finishes, well-aligned components, and tight tolerances.
The ink should flow smoothly and consistently without skipping or clotting. Quality pens often use well-formulated ink that dries quickly, reducing the chances of smudging. Quality pens often allow for easy replacement of ink refills. This feature enhances the pen’s longevity and usability, allowing users to keep their favorite pen for a more extended period. As I noted earlier in my post, the ink ejects smoothly and dries quickly.
Weight: 5/5
An aluminum pen is the way to go; light and strong. You can even use this pen as a weapon for self-defense, if necessary!
Price Point: 4/5
A good quality pen doesn’t necessarily have to be the most expensive, but it should offer value for its price. Consider the materials used, craftsmanship, and features in relation to the cost. I thought that the price is quite good. They are listed on Amazon for $39.00. Please consider the overall quality and features that you get for under $100.00. I think $100 is the ceiling for me, and maybe for many buyers for a quality pen.
Durability: 5/5
These pens are made of tough metals. Clearly, this is a durable pen. High-quality pens are often made from durable materials such as metal alloys (aluminum, stainless steel) or high-quality plastics. This ensures that the pen can withstand regular use without easily breaking or wearing out.
Comfort (If Applicable): 4/5
A comfortable grip ensures that the pen can be held for extended periods without causing discomfort or fatigue. Different users may prefer different grip styles (rubberized, contoured, etc.), so pens with ergonomic designs tend to be more popular. You’ll probably like this pen. A well-balanced pen with a suitable weight feels comfortable and natural in the hand, contributing to a smoother writing experience. I gave it a 4/5. I think the thick girth may be a turn-off for some writers who need a thinner girth, for better control. The bolt enhances the writing experience. There is an aesthetic appeal here; while subjective, the overall design and appearance of a pen contribute to its quality. A well-designed pen often combines functionality with an appealing aesthetic, making it a pleasure to use and display.
Overall Rating: 4.5/5
Poor/unacceptable (1): Worse than expected, or desirable; of a low or inferior standard or quality.
Fair (2): In conformity with reasonable expectations, but in comparison to competitors is may be deficient
Average (3): Common item; item neither lacks from or is superior than a competitors item.
Good (4): The item is desirable and has qualities that excel in comparison to a competitors item
Excellent (5): Outstanding, possesses superior quality; remarkably good
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