So I get home from work today, check the mail and there it was. The Night Vision Pen.
I don't waste money on fancy packaging that would just get thrown in the trash though.
He's
NOT kidding.
First impression? I understand the logic, and the economic concerns - especially with a start up. However, as consumers we're conditioned to expect nice things to come in nice packages. I would suggest that as you grow as a company to reconsider the packaging. Had I just signed an ECR card to pick this up from supply, then this packaging would not be surprising. After paying $85, I was expecting just a little more.
That little bit more would include some instructions. While it's fairly easy to figure out how to open it to put the batteries in, it took me a second or two to figure out that there was a small plastic rod underneath the batteries that had to be removed, and then you can remove the ink cartridge. I like the design (only one opening for the pen), but a small business card set of instructions that say "hey, dumbass - this is how you put the batteries in, and this is how you replace the cartridge" would be nice.
No way I would ever buy that bulky thing.
It's actually a lot less bulky than I thought. It feels about the same (in bulk and in weight) as the laser pointer that I bought as a 2P for briefs (that I still have almost 10 years later). Only better construction. Here it is in my hands:
"Well that's a crappy design" my 100 knot brain thought as I held it. The pen clip is in a weird place and won't feel comfortable. Oh, wait a minute - instead of pushing the button with my index finger, I can push it with my thumb. And if I do that, my index finger sits in a more natural position:
Sweet.
Lefties, you're screwed - you'll have to use your index finger:
The ones who already have the Breitling watch.
Yup, that last picture was for you. And so is this one. I'm THAT guy...
So as I pressed the button (in a fully lit room), I was thinking - not to bright. I shined it directly in my eye unaided - and the little diffuser tip made it seem not very bright. Impressive. So, it must suck at night... So, into the guest bathroom (that has no windows) I go.
As you can see, it's definitely bright enough to see what you're writing - as you can clearly pick out (ok, not so clear - but I had to turn the flash off and didn't have a tripod) the USPS logo:
Can I replace the chemlight I use to do startup and shutdown checklists? To check gauges when the peanut lights go out? I think so:
I can't stop looking at that pen for use in the field, on the hill overlooking G-10 during a TACP shoot. It would be perfect.
In about 3 weeks, I'll be down at Camp Lejeune - and I intend to bring the pen with me. I'll give some more feedback after I get back. But as I see it now, I think it will fit the bill.
So far, I'm impressed. I went to a Mont Blanc shop in Dubai, and this pen feels as well constructed as some of those pens. Only cheaper. And more rugged. Oh, and the ASA pen? I used to own one (way back), and they're not that good...
Here's some more detailed up close photos: