The tips of BOMApens are machined from medical grade 316L stainless steel. They do two jobs: they hold the pen cartrige tip very closely and they try to protect the tungsten body from unhappy accidents.
The precise feel of BOMApens is the result of high precision machining. Most ballpoint pens have their cartridge tips coming out of holes that are typically bigger by 5 to 10 thousandths of an inch (.005" to .010"). Depending on the writer, small features like the hole in the letter 'e' can easily be as little as 15 thousandths tall. So the slop in a regular pen is not insignificant. BOMApens have tip holes matched to the cartridge tip within one thousandth of an inch. They feel precise because they are precise. We hope you like that.
Few cartridges maintain the level of precision required to accurately fit BOMApens. Please don't bother with Brand X refills. Stick with genuine Cross® refills. While a fine point cartridge is standard, please note that fine points are most precise, not the smoothest writing. Larger points have bigger balls which move over paper texture with less friction. The tradeoff is that the bigger points obviously leave a wider swath of ink that makes letters less legible. BOMApens also fit larger point cartridges if you prefer.
Protection from accidents is not a subject often broached. It's unpleasant. Drop a fountain pen on the floor and be prepared to kiss your beautiful nib goodbye. BOMApens are heavy enough and their tips are fine enough to ensure that no tip material could ever survive a direct hit on a concrete floor. The expression "pile-drive" comes to mind. Instead, BOMApen tips are designed to absorb impact and be replaceable. With any luck this should prevent damage to the tungsten body of the pen. Accidently drop a BOMApen on the floor and be prepared for a little inconvenience and a small replacement fee. Please call or e-mail for instructions if this happens to you.
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