... 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.
I bought a few "tactical" pens from Surefire, Benchmade, and Tuff-Writer when developing the Night Vision Pen. Only one came in a cardboard box, the other two were in packaging like mine. I have also bought several parts for my 1911 from $20 to $100 and they all came in exactly the same type of packaging. Design, prototyping, molds, and initial manufacture ate up several thousand so I felt fancy packaging could wait. In the future I hope to do it, but at this time the expense was not worth it.
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.
Excellent point. I will create one and incorporate it immediately.
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:
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.
Thanks for the initial review. Please post more after you use it at Camp Lejeune. The Night Vision Pen throws about the same amount of light as a fingerlight, but in a broader pattern. I think you'll find it just right for night ops, with or without goggles.
Oh, and the ASA pen? I used to own one (way back), and they're not that good...
I'm not even going to go there ...