Schmidt P8126 Roller Ball Pen Refill Review

It is not often that I review just a pen refill, but in the case of the Schmidt P8126 it is warranted. Why is it warranted? In simple terms, it fits the Retro 51 Tornado.

If you are unaware of the Retro 51 Tornado (review), it is one of my most recommended pens for people looking for a high quality, great looking, affordable pen. It fits a need in the $20 price range for people wanting to treat themselves or give a gift to others. I love it too, but there is one thing that has held it back ever so slightly in my personal rankings - the refill is too wide.

The Tornado ships with a Retro 51 branded Schmidt 8127 roller ball refill, which has an 0.7 mm tip. In the search for a finer tip, Schmidt's own 8126 model and its 0.6 mm tip has been the most recommended replacement. I finally received a couple now that JetPens is stocking them and I couldnt be happier.

I did a simple writing sample above and the difference is clear. For those of you wanting a finer refill for your Tornado that has the same qualities as the stock refill the Schmidt 8126 is the answer.

Hacking a Pilot Hi-Tec-C Refill into a Retro 51

Podcast listeners have heard Myke and I discussing the Retro 51 Tornado ad nauseum for months now, and one of the recurring themes on my side of the ledger is the fact that I would prefer a finer tip than the provided 0.7 mm. There is nothing wrong with that refill - it is one of the best in that size range I have used - but as you know, my preferences lie in 0.5 mm tips and smaller.

Admittedly, I have been lazy in finding substitute refills for my Tornado. The provided refill is manufactured by Schmidt (one of the largest and best cartridge manufacturers in my opinion) so if nothing else I should be able to find a suitable replacement. I just haven’t made the time to research it properly.

Enter @Joe_Austen. Joe is a Twitter follower and was kind enough to share his pen hack involving a Pilot Hi-Tec-C Coleto refill and a Retro 51 Tornado barrel. Here are his instructions:

So, you enjoy the body and mechanism of the Retro 51 Tornado, but can’t get along with its fat Western refill? Too many years of Japanese gel pens preventing you from loving the 51 like you should? Want a pretty, but durable, home for your Hi Tec C obsession? Tired of ridiculous questions?

Convert your Retro 51 Tornado to take Pilot Hi Tec C refills in several easy steps.

1. You need to start with a Pilot Hi Tec C Coleto refill:

2. Cut the coloured plastic end cap down to size. The trick here is to start by making it too long, and taking off small amounts until it’s the correct size (don’t worry, this is a one off procedure per pen you want to convert). To gauge the correct size, you need to put the refill into your Retro 51 body without the spring ( and with the rollerball refill removed). When the tip is retracted you don’t want to see it:

and when it is extended you want about this much showing:

When your end piece is about the correct length it should look something like this:

(I reiterate, start too long and work down).

3. Place the spring from the Retro 51 over the tip of your shortened Coleto refill, so that the wider end of the tapered spring goes over the tip first:

Stop when the smaller end of the spring is just covering the tip.

4. Make a shoulder for the spring to rest on at this position, using tape:

5. Slide the spring back onto your refill (again, wide end first).

Your completed refill should look like:

6. Stick the refill into your Retro 51 and test.

7. Do the same for all of your Retro 51s:

To change the refill:

1. Take plastic end piece of your empty refill and stick it on your new refill.

2. Use tape to make a shoulder for the spring to rest on the new refill.

3. Put together and enjoy.

Thank you so much for putting this together Joe! While this may be more of an advanced hack it goes to show you that there are other options out there for the Retro 51 Tornado.

Be a King for Father's Day - Retro 51 Giveaway Winner

Thank you to JetPens for providing the awesome Retro 51 Fit for a King Roller Ball for giveaway and thanks to everyone who entered! And the winner is …

Congratulations Brian! Here is what I need you to do:

1. Leave a comment on this post.
2. Email your shipping address using the Contact button at the top right of the page.

Thanks again, and stay tuned for the next giveaway!