UPSB v3
Regular Pen Discussion / Pentech Spinz - Ronin
Reviews
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Date: Fri, Apr 11 2008 18:38:50
Now that the Spinz pens are actually out, we may as well have threads about the pens for reviews. Since they are meant to be modded, we'll keep all modding specific to the original pen parts in this forum. Once people start incorporating other pens, we can move to the Pen Modifications forum.
I bought a Ronin from Walmart (Arizona FTW), I went with the Black & Orange set.
What's included
Bodies- Clear - think: RSVP body
- Black - think: Smokey Grey Razzle Dazzle
Caps- Orange - think: Orange Sizzle Razzle Dazzle
- Black - same as body
Insert- Orange with black designs, slightly interesting, plastic material
Grip- Grey - think: darker than RSVP Moonz
- Black
Clip- Black with white tool attached to the end
Ink- Black
Sticker strips- Clear
Trick Booklet- Charge (Normal 23)
- Thumbaround (Normal T2-T1)
- Reverse Sonic (12-23)
- Fingerpass (Normal 12-12)
- Infinity (Normal T12-T12)
- Thumbspin (Normal) 1.5 (T2-T1)
First impressions
The package first presents the clear barrel with orange cap (why not orange body, similar to the Orange Sizzle Razzle Dazzle?). There was an orange & black insert in the clear body. The top of the orange cap unscrewed to allow for easy removal of the clip, nice touch. The end of the clip has a removable tool to help unscrew the plugs, but it's much easier to just use your fingers. :/ The tips of the plugs (cap plug and back plug of the body) have a slot which is supposed to be used by the tool to help unscrew them.
The clear body & orange cap both have orange plugs. Black ink tube is inside, grey grip is outside. The orange cap has a removable clip with a white tool attached to the end, easily removed by unscrewing the tip of the cap. Not a big fan of orange, so I went for the black body and cap...
Modifications so far
The extra parts include the black-tinted body & cap. The grip and plugs are all black. I switched the ink tube over to the black body & pushed on the black grip. With the cap on the front, the pen is really front-heavy. After placing the cap on the back... it's still really front-heavy
. I thought it was pretty funny considering the RSVP MX's well-known back-heaviness. I immediately looked to make a RSVP MX sub and I was hoping that the back plug could be punched and the ink tube reversed...not so much. The back plug is not shaped well for ink reversal. The plugs (orange & black) all have slots at the top (again, the tool attached to the clip is supposed to be used to unscrew the plugs 
). I threw the clip and tool in the trash.
Ronin with extra grip in the back
I don't like spinning with an exposed ink tip, both for hand protection and ink preservation reasons. :/ I hope someone (hint, hint, nudge, nudge) can suggest that the uncsrewing tool be replaced by plugs that are better suited for ink reversal, with a plain shape.
Edit: In regards to the back plug: I just took my x-acto knife and cut off the slotted part.
After removing the slotted part of the back plug, you can punch a hole in it and reverse the ink tube just like the RSVP MX.
I took out the black barrel (look like a not-so-dark Smokey Grey Razzle Dazzle) and placed the black grip on the front. I took the grey grip off of the original, clear body and shoved inside the cap. With the reversed ink tube and the grip in the cap on the back of the pen, it's still not quite balanced, but pretty good for spinning. There is not a lot of weight to it, which is probably good for beginners.
I went for the sticker strips (really skinny strips, assume to be used for marking the COP). Upon pulling off a strip, I find that it is not yellow, like the backing paper but... CLEAR (WTF). Anyone who can tell me the usefulness of clear sticker strips gets 2 (!) cookies. I threw the stickers in the trash.
Booklet
The booklet has an odd assortment of trick listed. The Ronin is said to be the intermediate-level pen but has most of the Fundamentals listed (without the Sonic Normal >_<). The tricks are easy enough that the short step-by-steps should be okay for beginners. There are illustrations to along with the text descriptions. I wonder what the Xero's booklet holds.
Stickers
Not only are they clear, they are plastic. You can only use permant marker if you want to color them yourself. At least use more paper-like material if that's the point. >_< -
Date: Fri, Apr 11 2008 18:56:15
i heard people say that spinz is a dumb idea, i dunno. personally if it cost less than 10 bucks imma try it out, (why not?)
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Date: Fri, Apr 11 2008 18:58:45
Oh yeah, the pen costs ~10 USD. >_< Not real cheap, but it's really more of a toy than a normal pen, so it makes more sense to think in those terms.
Edit: Removed stuff about the Signo-tipped version. Kept content to what' included in the package. -
Date: Fri, Apr 11 2008 19:56:43
The only thing that would make this review better are pics. I'm rating this thread 5 stars.
Now, what makes it so front-heavy? Is it the metal tip? Or is it because the cap is lighter and thinner than, say a RSVP cap? -
Date: Fri, Apr 11 2008 20:06:35
The metal tip is quite heavy, yes. The plastic overall is lighter-weight than the plastic used in the Pentel RSVP and the cap is not as wide, so adding the cap to the back does not have as much effect as adding an RSVP cap to the back.
Edit: I added a few photos to the first post. -
Date: Fri, Apr 11 2008 20:28:19
Can an rsvp cap fit onto the Ronin body? If so, that may help with the balance problem.
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Date: Fri, Apr 11 2008 20:40:19
You'd have to wrap a lot of tape around the barrel, the RSVP cap is larger.
Oh, by the way...I ended up stretching the cap a bit and it didn't fit as well around the back of the barrel anymore (already?!). I wrapped some tape and ended up cracking the cap a bit. It was already cracked from a modding mistake, but the plastic is just not that great of quality. I'm wondering if the pen will hold up to any real drops on a hard surface. So far, I would wager a "no". -
Date: Fri, Apr 11 2008 20:43:53
Heh, we got the same Ronin model.
So out of 10, 10 being the best mod ever made, how would you rate this pen? -
Date: Fri, Apr 11 2008 20:47:27
the pen looks alright, maybe some more extra modding could be done about looks and weight. i still want to try it out
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Date: Fri, Apr 11 2008 20:49:30
Ease of modding: 10 (everything fits
)
Durability: 4-5? (I've already cracked the cap, no even by spinnng)
Looks: 4 (fairly boring, blah insert design)
BTW: I suck at ranking, that's why I don't have one in the first post.
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Date: Fri, Apr 11 2008 20:54:38
In all fairness when/if Spinz comes to the UK, i plan on buying a few at least
Just to test them out
But yeah, the easily breakable part kinda put me off a bit
and the whole weight issues... meh, i dunno, I think i'll stick with the double-sided one -
Date: Fri, Apr 11 2008 20:59:35
I wish I had some weights, to compare to the RSVP MX (the main reason I bought the Ronin was because it looked to possibly be most similar the MX). Oh well. It'd be nice for everyone to go and buy atleast one of these pens, if not one of each model, just to try out the first widely-available, commercial spinning pen. It' still pretty cool to see a spinning pen sitting in a store isle.
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Date: Fri, Apr 11 2008 23:03:57
Try putting the extra backcap into the cap first. Then put in the extra grip. Then place that concoction onto the back of the barrel. Straight out of the package, this way can help with the balancing somewhat.
I will post a video of me reviewing this product. Look for it soon. -
Date: Fri, Apr 11 2008 23:15:28
If you dont push the cap past the lip when you put it on the back. It locks into place nicely. If you push on to hard then you can crack it.
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Date: Sat, Apr 12 2008 02:28:34
Nice review sketching,
Regarding the ink reversal...what was the main problem? I didn't have any trouble when I revered mine. But then I again I use an electric drill, so making holes on anything is usually not a problem
Regarding the balancing, there's already a solution in the works...but probably won't be out for another month or so. They're basically making the cap screw part metal, which counter balances the metal tip nicely.
Regarding the crack...I noticed that in the past and already told them about it. They should be working on a solution. -
Date: Sat, Apr 12 2008 02:41:27
I don't have any power drills, so I'm afraid if breaking the cap apart at the slot trying to drill a hole using my trusty x-acto knife.
Is the metal cap screw any larger than the original plsatic one?
Edit: I just solved the back plug, ink reversal problem. I just took my x-acto knife and cut off the slotted part. Doh! Should have thought of that to begin with. After removing the slotted part of the back plug, you can punch a hole in it and reverse the ink tube like usual. I'll update the first post.
I removed the content that talked about adding a Signo tip to the pen, this thread should be kept to the stock materials. -
Date: Sat, Apr 12 2008 17:00:07
maybe the clear stickers were supposed to be like tape so some parts will fit together more snuggly. If I'm right can I have my two cookies now?
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Date: Sat, Apr 12 2008 17:57:30
does it have any mod tuts in the package?
or is it just the pen and they leave it to you -
Date: Sat, Apr 12 2008 18:05:47QUOTE (iLLfOX @ Apr 12 2008, 01:57 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>does it have any mod tuts in the package?
or is it just the pen and they leave it to you
Umm they mde the pen so that it could be spun out of the box. mods are all done my the comsumer, they dont direct you......
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Date: Sat, Apr 12 2008 19:58:42
There are no mod tutorials included because you aren't really supposed to mod them. As shown in the first photo, there are extra parts included in different colors be to switched around.
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Date: Sat, Apr 12 2008 20:11:28
I think the stickers are to mark the center of pen. Prbobly clear so they wont mess with the graphics. I saw online a long time ago someone doing this when they were learning.
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Date: Sun, Apr 13 2008 02:06:58QUOTE (Jbiggie @ Apr 12 2008, 12:11 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>I think the stickers are to mark the center of pen. Prbobly clear so they wont mess with the graphics. I saw online a long time ago someone doing this when they were learning.
Yeah...I suggested them to include stickers to mark the COB/COG (whatever you call it these days ), but I was hoping they would be colored...not clear >_<
Oh well...I suppose you could use it to tape a piece of colored paper to mark the COG. Or you can keep it clear and find the COG by feeling. -
Date: Sun, Apr 13 2008 02:26:52
I took all of the sticker strips and stacked them, one over the other, on the COP of another pen mod. It has enough of a visual difference to see when spinning and a textural difference for feel when spinning. I would have been happier if the stickers were even the same color as the yellow backing paper they were mounted on. That would have been enough of a visual contrast, for both the clear and darker barrels with the orange & black insert inside, that only one strip would be needed.
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Date: Tue, Apr 15 2008 18:08:16
I balanced my Ronin and it works really well and you can turn the ink around
Buy a modz Ronin upgrade kit.
Remove the clip, take the extra metal cone(nib) from the upgrade kit and place it where the plastic cap is on the end of the barrel.
This really balances the pen and lets you reverse the ink! -
Date: Mon, May 12 2008 02:54:12
So I just got the Ronin and it's not as good as I thought it would be. The metal tip is really heavy so the pen is really front heavy, which is annoying. I bought the modz kit and put the extra metal tip on the end of the pen and it more balanced, but the whole pen is too heavy. There's too much weight in that short of a pen. I tried messing around but I couldn't get it to my liking.
I really liked the texture of the barrel though. It feels better to spin than an rsvp. I also like how you can screw off the end caps on the pen cap to allow for more color combos. Overall though, you're better off buying an rsvp. -
Date: Mon, May 12 2008 03:11:04
rsvp mx still >>>
maybe you should tell them to lik weigh mx, try to get a similar length and weight. get a cool barrel texture. get cool designs. balance the weight. then that would be awesome.
then again i like my rsvp mx weight feel and balance(even if its back heavy) and i can customize the inserts. sooooo ill jus make due and not spend 12bucks. -
Date: Tue, May 13 2008 02:33:02
Do comssa caps fit well on the tip?
why not just turn it into a slightly heavier mxsa? o.O -
Date: Tue, May 13 2008 02:59:30
I haven't used one, but I get the impression it is pretty thick, so I don't think a ComSSa cap would fit.
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Date: Tue, May 13 2008 04:37:53
A Sign Pen cap fits on the front, but that just adds even more weight to something that's front-heavy to begin with.
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Date: Tue, May 13 2008 16:36:14
I just got one today, and if you put a sign pen cap on the front and a signo tip in the back, I think it is much better balanced.
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Date: Wed, May 14 2008 13:16:04
Ok well i didn't buy the actual Ronin Package, but I bought the 15 piece modpack (which is essentially an entire pen anyway). I actually don't mind this pen. Seeing it in person changes some things. Problems are durability, balance, and definitely color scheme. First day I had it, split the cap a little bit. Glued it up and its fine. Balance was so front heavy it was impossible to do some tricks. Color scheme, well i bought the smoke gray body with the orange cap, and it doesn't look too bad. They need to match more than they do, because it's just silly. The packaging was creative, the fact that they spin inside the plastic was cool. The tips are really nice, because they are really heavy. I just stuck a g3 tip in the cap with some grip and boom its better balanced. I think that if you buy the original package, with a 15 piece mod pack you could have an acceptable pen. Overall not bad for the beginners who are just picking it up, but i would probably get one for a loaner pen for those who constantly harass you about that. Nice thing is that when someone asks you where u get your pens you can just say walmart, or CVS.
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Date: Sat, Jun 7 2008 14:39:10
Hey is it possible to take off the screwey parts on the cap and puts tips on maybe?
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Date: Tue, Jun 10 2008 01:59:04
Edit: wrong thread sorry.
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Date: Tue, Jun 10 2008 02:04:32
Theres already a thread on each one of those pens.
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Date: Tue, Jun 10 2008 02:06:09
trevor, wrong thread dude, that's the axis, not the ronin. go in teh axis thread
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Date: Tue, Jun 10 2008 02:55:34QUOTE (Zombo @ Jun 9 2008, 09:06 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>trevor, wrong thread dude, that's the axis, not the ronin. go in teh axis thread
I just realized that my info was out of date, I apologize then :\ -
Date: Sun, Jun 15 2008 03:28:00
Xero's SpinZ Ronin Review
I pointed out more of the negative aspects of the SpinZ Ronin and stuff I particularly didn't like with it.
Feel free to check it out. -
Date: Sun, Jun 15 2008 04:23:17
Nice review Xero. You should start doing mad reviews of crappy pens from now on.
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Date: Sun, Jun 15 2008 04:27:16
Honestly, we shouldnt really roast on the pens. SpinZ is yeah not suited for the pen spinners who are intellegent in the pen spinning field, buhh it's gonna create an interest. Soon, pen spinning will be renown. I personally find the Ronin, not bad actually. I expected it to be like an unmodded bic, buhh honestly, it's not bad. Dont be roasting on the pens cause it's not that bad. You can give reviews and all, buhh dont be all "ohh man this is helluh shitty just burn your money". Just respect it. Even thoo it doesnt fit you, it can fit someone else. I like my Ronin and you guys are looking at the glass half empty. This is only the beginning. Soon they'll create a better pen; and imagine if you keep your v.1 SpinZ pen for a long time, it'll be worth a lot; for the ps world thoo. lol. Soo good job Kam and SpinZ. Its not horrible. Its content =p
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Date: Tue, Jun 17 2008 02:36:20
Well you have probablly seen it in my signiture around here but might have been too lazy to click it (I know I would) but here's my version, I've already got some support of some old timers so I figure I'll officially release it? I guess idk here it is for the people who are to lazy to click my signiture
Yea I did make some outlandish remarks on what these things can do but try to take it in as a whole
. -
Date: Tue, Jun 17 2008 03:01:18
i picked one up today. with a signo tip in the back, its not horrible. i still dont like it very much, but its alot more spinnable. i also have profile grips on the cap (not pictured)
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Date: Tue, Jun 17 2008 13:45:36
looks like an insanely overpriced RSVP MX knockoff.