this baliYo ive heard of..is it worth it?

spyderHS08 · #1

Ive seen some pictures and videos of this awesome :spyder: pen. it looks like alot of fun. but i cant believe the price on its head! wow :eek: is it really worth it?? and where should i order one? baliyo.com where all of you guys have got yours?

thanks for the help all! :)

THG · #2

I would imagine they COULD be cheaper... But I went ahead and ordered one because I really want to learn the balisong, but I don't want to dish out $100+ for a good trainer. Plus, I can take this thing to school without problems and impress people :cool:

It does write well. Every pen I've ever had (I've never paid for a pen; all "complimentary") skipped. Not this one.

Hours and hours of fun, for sure. I love it.

Anyone know how to remove the cartridge when it needs to be replaced? I saw the instructional picture in the video, but mine doesn't come out when I twist it either way, and I don't want to overdo it and break it.

The Deacon · #3

THG wrote:Hours and hours of fun, for sure. I love it.

Anyone know how to remove the cartridge when it needs to be replaced? I saw the instructional picture in the video, but mine doesn't come out when I twist it either way, and I don't want to overdo it and break it.

That about sums it up for me. I don't find it very comfortably to use as a pen, would not want to take notes at a lecture with it, but it's ok for signing a check or jotting down a phone number. But it sure is fun to play with. :cool: :D

As for dis-assembly. I hold the pen tip up, grasp the metal band and rotate the body/handles of the pen counter clockwise until the plastic tip comes loose. After that, I grasp the exposed portion of the ink cartridge and pull straight out. It's a friction fit in the plastic body and quite a tight fit. If it's empty you could use a pliers to grasp it. Mine wasn't, I was just curious, so I used the rubber thingie I use to help with uncooperative jar lids.

The BaliYo literature is a bit confusing, in that the ink cartridge it uses is in NOT a Fisher "Space Pen" refill. it's a Fisher "Universal Ballpoint" refill. Works the same way, writes upside down and underwater, but it's thinner. That's the reason I took mine apart. I looked at a Space Pen refill, looked at my BaliYo, and said :confused: "No way". So I had to peek under the hood. :o :D

butch · #4

i hope to order one soon (gray) just to have and use for filling out little stuff here at my desk

Mr Blonde · #5

I have paid for pens before, and with that in mind the price of the Baliyo is very reasonable. Especially when you get more than 'just a pen'. My Baliyo is still giving me lots of flipping fun. I hope the spydercrew wil add new techniques to their youtube channel.

Wouter

kukoka · #6

Hi spyderHS08,

Yes, it is worth it. It functions as a pen and gives you lots of flipping fun. IMHO it is not the best tool to learn bali manipulation because it flips quite differently, but it is fun on its own right. I bought mine (probably one of the firsts in Hungary :D ) from baliyo.com and had it transported here by a friend. If you like the looks, get one!

Bests,
Akos

THG · #7

kukoka wrote:IMHO it is not the best tool to learn bali manipulation because it flips quite differently

Well so far, I've been easily able to translate Bali-Yo moves onto an actual balisong. I learn them on the BaliYo, practice them, and then I can get the same move on my dangerous balisong in a few minutes.

kukoka · #8

THG, I'm glad that it works well for you. I have found the moves involving ricocething more difficult on the BaliYo and attributed this to the lighter and shorter handles than the ones I'm used to on a bali. Of course it is also quite possible that it has more to do with my so-so bali skills :o

That does not keep me from enjoying the BaliYo though. I keep playing with it in class - embarrassing sometimes since I'm actually teaching those classes... :D

THG · #9

kukoka wrote:attributed this to the lighter and shorter handles than the ones I'm used to on a bali.

I was actually thinking about getting metal handles machined... What do you think about that idea?

kukoka · #10

THG wrote:I was actually thinking about getting metal handles machined... What do you think about that idea?

Sounds like an interesting project. I myself would not go this far in interfering with Eric's design, but that's just me. Please do post pics and your experiences if you actually do this.

Bests,
Akos

THG · #11

kukoka wrote:Sounds like an interesting project. I myself would not go this far in interfering with Eric's design, but that's just me. Please do post pics and your experiences if you actually do this.

Bests,
Akos

If I did, I'd probably have to get someone at a shop to do it or something, because I don't have that kind of equipment. I'd only do it if the handles on mine somehow broke, anyway, but I'll let you know if that ever happens.