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Mesh-It fidget pen review

REVIEW – Remember when fidget spinners were all the rage? Since that time, fidget toys have become popular gadgets for people who need a way to destress, focus, or just waste time. The only problem with most fidget toys is that they obviously look like toys. That means that a teacher might confiscate them and coworkers might become annoyed by them if used in meetings. Today I want to show you a fidget toy that isn’t really a toy at all, it’s the Mesh-It pen with covert fidget powers. Ready, set, fidget!

What is it?

Mesh-It is a ballpoint pen designed by a teacher and inventor from Texas that has a built-in fidget feature that is silent while remaining tactile and satisfying to use.

Design and features

Available in 3 colors, I was sent 3 Mesh-It prototype pens to test. The pens are made of a soft-touch plastic and have a twist mechanism that extends and retracts the pen tip.

The lightweight Mesh-It pens are a little longer than a standard Bic pen at XX inches long, but they don’t feel uncomfortable to hold and use.

The end of the barrel unscrews so you could easily replace the refill, but I’m hearing that refills won’t be offered which means that the pen is designed to use and then toss which is unfortunate.

How do you fidget with it?

At first glance, you might wonder how you can fidget with a pen other than twirling it or flipping it between your fingers. The Mesh-It pen is not that type of pen. The fidget feature of the pen is the nylon braided slots at the top of the pen barrel that provide your thumb and index finger a tactile area to rub. At least that’s all I thought the pen was good for until I actually got one and discovered that there’s a surprise “toy” inside.

Under the braiding, there’s a small round bead that you can slide back and forth in the tube by pinching it between your thumb and index finger.

It might not sound like the simple act of sliding a bead from one end of the pen cap to the other end would be that enjoyable, but it actually is. And the great thing about it is, that you can fidget with the Mesh-It pen and no one will notice because it doesn’t make any noise to cause a distraction. Well, let me take that back. There is one thing about this pen that does make a little noise. That’s the mechanism that extends and retracts the pen tip when you twist the barrel. It does make a clicking noise, but it’s not too loud.

What I like

  • Silent fidget toy

What I’d change

  • Offer ink refills

Final thoughts

Both kids and adults will like the Mesh-It pen because it will scratch their fidget itch to help with anxiety and stress, without causing a distraction to those around you.

Where can I find more info?

The Mesh-It pen campaign ends on 10/07/19 they are just getting started towards their funding goal of $5,000. You can pre-order a set of 3 Mesh-It pens starting at $18. After the Mesh-It pen campaign ends, rewards are estimated to start shipping in December 2019. Visit their Kickstarter page for all the details.

Source: The sample for this review was provided by Mesh-It.

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Mesh-It fidget pen review originally appeared on The Gadgeteer on September 4, 2019 at 9:00 am.

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Wingback Pen review

CROWDFUNDING REVIEW – Here at the Gadgeteer, we love our pens. The more unique that they are, the better as far as I’m concerned, and the Wingback mechanical pen fits that criteria just fine. This pen is currently seeking funding on Kickstarter and they sent me one to check out. Let’s take a closer look.

What is it?

The Wingback is a mechanical pen that has been designed start to finish and manufactured in the UK to reduce the product’s carbon footprint. The pen is available in either brass and stainless steel and it can be pen is customized using cutting edge rotary fiber laser engraving of up to 50 characters.

Design and features

As you can see, I was sent the European brass version of the pen which has a gorgeous fine satin finish that will only get better looking with time and use. The one they sent me is also one of their limited edition pens with a cool vampire wolf engraving.

The Wingback has a knurled grip on the lower barrel and a matching knurled twist knob at the top which extends and retracts the writing tip. Each pen is turned from a solid bar of material, knurled, milled and laser engraved before being assembled by hand.

They have partnered with select illustrators, tattooists and graffiti artists to bring their designs to life on Special Edition pens running throughout the campaign.

With a wide 10mm diameter, the Wingback pen has some weight, but it’s balanced and comfortable to use.

The Wingback pen is designed to use a Fisher Space Pen pressurized ink cartridge which will allow the pen to be used in any environment, from wet to dry and cold to hot.

The knob at the top is smooth to turn when extending and retracting the writing tip and makes for a fun (and silent) fidget toy.

What I like

  • Handcrafted attention to detail
  • Small size

What I’d change

  • Allow it to work with other ink refills (hint: Pilot G2!)

Final thoughts

The craftsmanship, style, and size of this pen make it a worthy addition to any pen lover’s EDC and the fact that you can customize it with an engraving of your name or short quote make it a one of a kind writing instrument.

Where can I find more info?

The Wingback campaign ends on 10/01/19 and they have already passed their funding goal of $2,435. You can pre-order a Wingback pen starting at $82. After the Wingback campaign ends, rewards are estimated to start shipping in December 2019. Visit their Kickstarter page for all the details.

Source: The sample for this review was provided by Wingback.

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Wingback Pen review originally appeared on The Gadgeteer on August 30, 2019 at 8:13 am.

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Wingback Pen review

CROWDFUNDING REVIEW – Here at the Gadgeteer, we love our pens. The more unique that they are, the better as far as I’m concerned, and the Wingback mechanical pen fits that criteria just fine. This pen is currently seeking funding on Kickstarter and they sent me one to check out. Let’s take a closer look.

What is it?

The Wingback is a mechanical pen that has been designed start to finish and manufactured in the UK to reduce the product’s carbon footprint. The pen is available in either brass and stainless steel and it can be pen is customized using cutting edge rotary fiber laser engraving of up to 50 characters.

Design and features

As you can see, I was sent the European brass version of the pen which has a gorgeous fine satin finish that will only get better looking with time and use. The one they sent me is also one of their limited edition pens with a cool vampire wolf engraving.

The Wingback has a knurled grip on the lower barrel and a matching knurled twist knob at the top which extends and retracts the writing tip. Each pen is turned from a solid bar of material, knurled, milled and laser engraved before being assembled by hand.

They have partnered with select illustrators, tattooists and graffiti artists to bring their designs to life on Special Edition pens running throughout the campaign.

With a wide 10mm diameter, the Wingback pen has some weight, but it’s balanced and comfortable to use.

The Wingback pen is designed to use a Fisher Space Pen pressurized ink cartridge which will allow the pen to be used in any environment, from wet to dry and cold to hot.

The knob at the top is smooth to turn when extending and retracting the writing tip and makes for a fun (and silent) fidget toy.

What I like

  • Handcrafted attention to detail
  • Small size

What I’d change

  • Allow it to work with other ink refills (hint: Pilot G2!)

Final thoughts

The craftsmanship, style, and size of this pen make it a worthy addition to any pen lover’s EDC and the fact that you can customize it with an engraving of your name or short quote make it a one of a kind writing instrument.

Where can I find more info?

The Wingback campaign ends on 10/01/19 and they have already passed their funding goal of $2,435. You can pre-order a Wingback pen starting at $82. After the Wingback campaign ends, rewards are estimated to start shipping in December 2019. Visit their Kickstarter page for all the details.

Source: The sample for this review was provided by Wingback.

Filed in categories: Reviews

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Wingback Pen review originally appeared on The Gadgeteer on August 30, 2019 at 8:13 am.

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Hoverpen – Notable crowdfunding campaign


CROWDFUNDING NEWS – We sure do like our pens here on the Gadgeteer. Just do a quick search on “pen review” and you’ll see a bunch of them. But guess what? I don’t think we’ve ever reviewed a pen that hovers like the Hoverpen.

What is it?

The Hoverpen is a pen that… well… hovers! Well, that’s not exactly true. It doesn’t hang in mid-air as much as it stands on its tip without falling over. Here, watch the campaign video to see what I mean.

The Hoverpen is a pen that is made of aluminum or titanium with a steel cap and comes with a special stand that keeps the pen from falling over. It’s like magic if magnets are magic, which I think we can agree that they are.

Why do I like it?

What’s not to like? It’s a pen. We like pens. It’s a magic pen that doesn’t fall over. We like magic. Is there really any downside here?

Seriously though, they sent me a pre-production Hoverpen to try out and by itself, it’s a nice enough pen. It’s made of lightweight titanium and it has a steel cap. But then when you add the zinc alloy magnetic base and it really kicks my interest up a notch.

Placing and removing the pen from the magnetic base takes a little practice, mainly the placing part. Removing it is easy. But placing it back in/on the base requires a little finesse as the base wants to push the end of the pen towards one of the magnetic posts. You have to fight the pull of the magnets to poke the pen right into the center. Use the Force Luke!

Once the pen is freestanding/hovering in the base, you can wobble it back and forth and you can also spin it in place like a fidget toy while it defies gravity.

Things to consider before pledging

The magnetic cap can not post on the back of the Hoverpen which means it’s a prime candidate for loss unless you “stick” the cap to the magnetic base.

The Hoverpen also uses Cross brand refill cartridges which is something to consider if that isn’t your favorite type of refill.

Where can I find more info?

The Hoverpen campaign ends on 5/26/19 they are working towards their funding goal of $5,000. You can pre-order a Hoverpen starting at $59. After the Hoverpen campaign ends, rewards are estimated to start shipping in October 2019. Visit their Kickstarter page for all the details.

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Hoverpen – Notable crowdfunding campaign originally appeared on The Gadgeteer on April 16, 2019 at 11:00 am.

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Organize your favorite pens, pencils, and other writing gear in this gorgeous wooden box

NEWS – The Writing Box from Galen Leather takes you back to an era where there were no smartphones, laptops, or email. Back when the main form of communication was done by putting pen to paper. Back when your EDC consisted of a wooden box to carry your favorite pens, paper, and other stationary items.

Galen’s writing box is a solid box made of walnut with a leather insert to help you organize your pens, pencils, and more.

The box can even become an ergonomic writing surface when you use pegs to prop the lid at an angle.

If you want to travel back in time, you can order one for $125 from Galen Leather. The pens, pencils, notebooks, and other writing gear pictured are not included.

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Organize your favorite pens, pencils, and other writing gear in this gorgeous wooden box originally appeared on The Gadgeteer on March 17, 2019 at 12:00 pm.

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