I have wanted to review the Swan Neck Pen for sometime now. Ever since I reviewed the Yoropen and several readers commented that they really preferred the Swan Neck Pen over Yoropen because they said it is constructed more specifically for the left hand writer. So I was curious why there was such loyalty to this particular writing instrument.
So I emailed M.A.D. Associates, Ltd. in the U.K. and asked for a sample to review. I soon received a reply from Heather, a M.A.D. Associate, who agreed to send me a Swan Neck Pen for review.
Well, I have been using the Swan Neck Pen for over a week now and have some interesting results to share.
First, let me thank Heather and the M.A.D. Associates, Ltd. for sending me their latest version of the Swan Neck Pen in both the yellow plastic variety, and the chrome plated aluminum model.
The aluminum model came in a very lovely black presentation box, complete with white satin lining inside. The M.A.D. Associates, Ltd. emblem and web address was stamped on the upper lid. The two plastic versions I received came adhered to a promotional ad which bills Swan Neck as "the logical writing solution." Swan Neck employs a patented "S" bend tip and rubberized ergonomic grip. This gives the pen an angle and holding advantage, allowing the writer to see his / her writing in real time. Swan Neck inventor Anthony Hemmings developed this innovation as a result of his left hand daughter Amy's hand-writing challenges. After years of hard work and investment, Anthony and friend Mike, along with Dillion and recent M.A.D. Associates addition Heather, have brought to fruition Swan Neck Pen's worldwide launch. So, let's take a look at this innovative, left hand friendly writing tool.
The chrome plated aluminum model of Swan Neck has an industrial, minimilistic appeal and is thin and stealthy looking in appearance. The pen measures 14 cm capped, and is not of substantial weight. The cap is constructed of black plastic, and has a somewhat delicate pocket clip attached. The tip of the pocket clip comes to an open end, undoubtedly for child safety reasons. At the lower barrel portion, lies the rubber grip sleeve which is well made and is ribbed for extra holding potential. Below it lies the "S" bend that extends to the ink cartridge tip. What is interesting about writing with this pen is its learning curve. That mainly has to do with how the writer HOLDS the pen. That said, writing with it is pleasurable, and not at all a chore. As a left hand writer, I really appreciate Swan Neck's ability to allow me, the writer, visibility of my written text during the writing experience. The ink cartridge is a ballpoint, but is smooth, and not at all scratchy when putting pen to paper. However, if I had my druthers, I would employ a gel ink cartridge for this pen type, including a darker, more striking black ink color as well.
So, how does Swan Neck stack up with Yoropen? It's the "S" bend versus the "Z" bend in the Yoropen. It's also the tightly fitting rubber grip with ribbed sides on the Swan Neck versus the thick rotatable rubber grip of Yoropen. These seem to be the main deciding features of commonality that each share. Well in my humble opinion, it's really a matter of individual preference, based on comfortability. I can see how the average 12 - 13 year old left hand writer may feel more comfortable holding the Swan Neck, as it has a smaller diameter at its grip section. While an adult with larger hands might enjoy the thickness Yoropen's grip possesses.
I personally find Swan Neck enjoyable and comfortable to use on a regular basis, especially when writing narratives, as the fatigue factor is minimalized. It will definitely have a well deserved place in my collection's daily rotation. I highly recommend the Swan Neck Pen.
So I emailed M.A.D. Associates, Ltd. in the U.K. and asked for a sample to review. I soon received a reply from Heather, a M.A.D. Associate, who agreed to send me a Swan Neck Pen for review.
Well, I have been using the Swan Neck Pen for over a week now and have some interesting results to share.
First, let me thank Heather and the M.A.D. Associates, Ltd. for sending me their latest version of the Swan Neck Pen in both the yellow plastic variety, and the chrome plated aluminum model.
The aluminum model came in a very lovely black presentation box, complete with white satin lining inside. The M.A.D. Associates, Ltd. emblem and web address was stamped on the upper lid. The two plastic versions I received came adhered to a promotional ad which bills Swan Neck as "the logical writing solution." Swan Neck employs a patented "S" bend tip and rubberized ergonomic grip. This gives the pen an angle and holding advantage, allowing the writer to see his / her writing in real time. Swan Neck inventor Anthony Hemmings developed this innovation as a result of his left hand daughter Amy's hand-writing challenges. After years of hard work and investment, Anthony and friend Mike, along with Dillion and recent M.A.D. Associates addition Heather, have brought to fruition Swan Neck Pen's worldwide launch. So, let's take a look at this innovative, left hand friendly writing tool.
The chrome plated aluminum model of Swan Neck has an industrial, minimilistic appeal and is thin and stealthy looking in appearance. The pen measures 14 cm capped, and is not of substantial weight. The cap is constructed of black plastic, and has a somewhat delicate pocket clip attached. The tip of the pocket clip comes to an open end, undoubtedly for child safety reasons. At the lower barrel portion, lies the rubber grip sleeve which is well made and is ribbed for extra holding potential. Below it lies the "S" bend that extends to the ink cartridge tip. What is interesting about writing with this pen is its learning curve. That mainly has to do with how the writer HOLDS the pen. That said, writing with it is pleasurable, and not at all a chore. As a left hand writer, I really appreciate Swan Neck's ability to allow me, the writer, visibility of my written text during the writing experience. The ink cartridge is a ballpoint, but is smooth, and not at all scratchy when putting pen to paper. However, if I had my druthers, I would employ a gel ink cartridge for this pen type, including a darker, more striking black ink color as well.
So, how does Swan Neck stack up with Yoropen? It's the "S" bend versus the "Z" bend in the Yoropen. It's also the tightly fitting rubber grip with ribbed sides on the Swan Neck versus the thick rotatable rubber grip of Yoropen. These seem to be the main deciding features of commonality that each share. Well in my humble opinion, it's really a matter of individual preference, based on comfortability. I can see how the average 12 - 13 year old left hand writer may feel more comfortable holding the Swan Neck, as it has a smaller diameter at its grip section. While an adult with larger hands might enjoy the thickness Yoropen's grip possesses.
I personally find Swan Neck enjoyable and comfortable to use on a regular basis, especially when writing narratives, as the fatigue factor is minimalized. It will definitely have a well deserved place in my collection's daily rotation. I highly recommend the Swan Neck Pen.
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