Review: Yoropen Ergonomic Ballpoint Pen @YoropenInc

ABOUT

Body Material: Zinc & aluminum alloy, copper, carbon fiber, silicone
Length:161.0 mm/6.33''
Length (uncapped): 146.00 mm/5.75''
Diameter: 20.0 mm/0.79''
Weight: 26.0 g/0.91 oz
Fill type: Takes proprietary refills or generic refills with Yoropen mold
Price: $64.99USD
Where to buy: Yoropen

PACKAGING

The Yoropen arrived in a black cardboard box. There is a black outer sleeve around the box. On the box, there is the Yoropen logo. Inside,in a bed of firm felt,there is a pamphlet about the pen, along with the pen and an additional refill. It isn't thrilling, but most packaging isn't. It does keep the pen and refill safe, although it could probably have been a little smaller and more efficient.

APPEARANCE

The Yoropen is a funny looking thing. The front end has a tiny cap with a long clip, set to the side. The pen angles upwards then turns into a large, tri-faceted, rubbery grip section. Beyond this, the pen is brushed silver like the cap and tip, and tapers to a point, with a notch at the end.

The appearance is hard to describe because it is strange, so it must be accompanied by pictures.

PERFORMANCE

The included user guide includes information on how to hold the Yoropen properly, how to close the cap (remember the side-set clip), how to adjust the grip, how to replace the refill, as well as refill/Yoropen information.

My first usage was almost hilarious. I tried to grip the pen in a way that felt comfortable and natural. Um... that didn't work because I was basically holding the tip and not the grip. I had to read the instructions to understand how I was supposed to grip the thing. Maybe I should have done that in the first place. I was hoping it would be an instinctive experience. I tried adjusting the grip but then I couldn't grip it without ''curving'' my index finger. I think some more instructions and images may have helped me out a bit. I spent quite some time tinkering around with this.

In the preset grip conformation, I can settle my index finger on the top of the pen neck ''acting as an extension of the pen tip''. Even after awhile, I still didn't feel like this was comfortable, despite the guide warning me that it could take about five minutes to adjust. I think I just have a freakish grip on pens, or the benefits of the ergonomic design are lost on me. Why not both?

The ballpoint refill left something to be desired. I found the benefits of the ergonomic design were negated by the fact that I had to apply more pressure to get the ballpoint tip to write uniformly. It did flow, but I wanted a darker, more intense line than what I was getting. That was annoying, considering the refill was made for this pen.

PROS

• Grip can be rotated to accommodate a left- or right-handed user.
• Long tip offers improved visibility.
• Grip is soft - no finger bumps! (Assuming you use it correctly, which I do not.)
• Works for right- and left-handed writers. 
• Solid, robust feeling to this pen.

CONS

• Needs some more clear instructions.
• Difficult to hold if you have long fingernails (I don't, and I still had to readjust a little).
• Takes proprietary refills (although now generic refills with supplied mold, which I don't have).
• The pen/grip smells really weird for a few weeks - the silicone. It was an unpleasant, very strong smell.
• I had to apply a fair amount of pressure to the tip to get the ink to flow dark enough.
• Looks funny posted.

OVERALL

This is an interesting pen. I think it's a little on the expensive side, and all its benefits seem to be totally wasted on me. I think the ballpoint refill takes away some from the ergonomic benefits - a smooth gel ink, or even a fountain pen, might be better? However, for those who have difficulties gripping pens because of pain or discomfort, it may well be worth giving an ergonomic pen a shot. If it alleviates your pain and discomfort even a little, I'd say that's worth it. 

I received this item free of charge for the purposes of this review. I was not compensated monetarily for my review. Everything you've read here is my own opinion.