Nailed it.
That’s what I think of the Tactile Turn Stealth Bolt Action Pen. And that’s not always an easy task.
I’ve been a Tactile Turn fan and follower since day one, and seeing Will Hodges and crew continue to grow as a manufacturer has been a joy to watch. I’m a machined pen fan, of course, and Tactile Turn is one of the best.
The Stealth is the latest seasonal release from Tactile Turn. What do I mean by “seasonal?” Each quarter of the year they launch a special edition pen, which is limited only by the timeframe it is on offer. For example, when the Stealth launched you have three months to decide to order - right through the end of December. Once that ordering window closes, no more Stealth models will be manufactured. I think this is a good system for pen fans who like unique products, but don’t want to have to chase a small run edition, or have terrible FOMO.
This edition was built on the Tactile Turn Bolt Action base, which is a strong, refined platform. The bolt is snappy and solid, and the pen barrel itself feels great with Tactile Turn’s micro-ridges machined throughout the length.
For this seasonal edition, the barrel upgrades include a durable DLC coating, red cerakote bolt paint job, digi-cam clip engraving, and an optional tritium capsule that gives off a “safe, radioactive green glow without needing exposure to light.”
Say what now? Tritium is seen commonly on watch faces, and this is an interesting use on a pen barrel. I like the uniqueness of it.
The Stealth comes in all three Bolt Action barrel lengths: Standard (for Pilot G2 compatible refills,) Short (for Parker-style refills,), and Mini (for Pilot G2 Mini refills.) For this review, I chose the Standard length, and fitted it with my favorite G2 compatible refill, the Pilot Juice 0.38 mm Blue Black.
Feel-wise, the Standard is a big pen, but the Titanium base keeps it from being too heavy or bulky. I can write page after page with no fatigue, and get the satisfaction of a great bolt snap when I’m through.
The standard Tactile Turn Bolt Action pen (in Titanium, Copper, or Bronze) starts at $99, so is the Stealth worth the upgrade to $179, or $229 with the tritium finial? I think so. The non-tritium version especially. The pricing also shows how great of a deal the standard models are.
Tactile Turn brings something different to the table with each seasonal edition, and I appreciate the thought - and the extras - they put into each edition. I look forward to seeing what comes next, but not before I get a heck of a lot of use from the Stealth.
(Tactile Turn provided this product at no charge to The Pen Addict for review purposes.)
Enjoy reading The Pen Addict? Then consider becoming a member to receive additional weekly content, giveaways, and discounts in The Pen Addict shop. Plus, you support me and the site directly, for which I am very grateful.
Membership starts at just $5/month, with a discounted annual option available. To find out more about membership click here and join us!
