Pentech 47491 SpinZ Axis Pen Assortment

First off, this is a review of how well the Spinz Axis performs as a spinning pen--although it writes well too (with the inclusion of two refill ink tubes). "Spinz" totes itself as being the first commercially-available spinning pen (that's true at least for sales in the U.S.A.), and the Axis performs well right out of the box. In the past, avid penspinners resorted to modifying their own pens in order to make them more spinnable (for example rebalancing them or equipping them with better grips so they don't slip out as easily when performing routines). Here's how the Axis compares with some of the more popular penspinning modifications:

Length: The Axis is roughly the same length as a standard Bictory modded pen without tips (made with two Bic Round Stic pens). That's a good length for most practitioners.

Width/Thickness: The Axis is roughly the same thickness as an RSVP MX mod (made with RSVP and HGG pens), which makes it easier to manipulate.

Weight: The Axis is heavier than the average Bictory, but lighter than the Dr. KT mod, so it's of a good well-rounded weight. In addition, the Axis comes with three sets of screws for the end caps so you can adjust the weight of the pen to your liking.

Customizability: The Axis comes with two barrels, so you can choose between the two designs, and the ten colored weighted rings on the end caps can be moved around to create different patterns.

Cost: Some modded pens can cost over twenty U.S. dollars just for the materials (like the Dr. KT), so the Axis is not a bad buy--especially considering you don't have to scour for the pen parts or take the time to assemble a mod.


I noticed some of the other reviews, so I think I should address them here. One is by a self-proclaimed writer seeking to purchase a good writing instrument; the Axis is being marketed primarily as a spinning pen and not a classy writing implement (go buy a Mont Blanc if you wish to show off your pen). Other reviews are written by avid penspinners who already have their own favorite modded pen. It's like asking a street racer to compare their own modified racing machine to a store-bought dealership car--of course they'll prefer their own vehicle since they catered it to their own preferences. The Axis is a good well-rounded spinning pen which is perfect for newcomers to the hobby. The box even comes with a two-sided full-color mini poster with instructions on how to perform some basic tricks (which is helpful for beginners), as well as a link to the Spinz website with video tutorials. As an extra bonus it also comes with a wrist sweatband.

There are a few things which could've been improved upon. Many penspinners enjoy customizing their pens, and I would haved liked to have the Axis to have come with a translucent barrel so people could print their own designs and insert them into the pen. Instead, it comes with two barrels with stickers attached to the outside of them. Although the sticker designs are decent enough, there is an edge where the sticker ends, which you can feel as you're spinning the pen. This edge doesn't really interfere with the performance, but it is an unnecessary distraction which I think could've been dealt with in the initial design of the pen. However, these are only minor matters which did not warrant downgrading the Axis to a four-star review.

In summary, the Axis is a great for what it is--a ready-to-spin pen.

Brand Name:	Pentech
Model number:	47491
Color:	Black
Number of Items:	1