REVIEW – I created a video review of Bastion’s Bolt-Action pens earlier this year, and now I’m back with a new review of a much smaller version of the same pens. Let’s check it out!
What is it?
The Bastion Bolt-Action MINI is a tiny bolt-action pen made of 100% 6061-T6 grade aluminum with a smooth satin finish.
What’s in the box?
- Bastion Bolt-Action MINI pen
Design and features
The Bastion Bolt-Action MINI is available in 3 colors, including black, purple, and the blue version that you see here. And at only 3.54 inches long, it’s genuinely a mini pen. Compared to my favorite regular-sized pen, a Uniball ONE 0.38 gel pen, you can see just how mini the Bastion MINI really is.
Besides being small enough to fit into anyone’s EDC, the Bastion Bolt-Action MINI features a bolt-action mechanism to extend and retract the writing tip. The action of this mechanism has a strong spring, giving it a very satisfying snap when you use it.
The only issue I noticed with this pen is that due to the size, it can feel a little awkward to activate the bolt without dropping the pen. It takes a little getting used to. But after using it a few times, you won’t want to stop, making this pen a fun fidget toy you can write with.
Although the bolt might take some time to get used to, writing with the Bastion Bolt-Action MINI feels comfortable even though it’s a really short pen. I think the pen’s regular diameter really helps to make this pen feel “normal” in hand.
The pen barrel unscrews so that you can replace the ink refill when needed. Instead of using a D1 refill like we see in so many other mini-sized pens, the Bastion Bolt-Action MINI uses a Bastion-branded black ink fine-tipped refill. I think it might be a pressurized refill but I’m not 100% sure about that and will edit this when I get clarification.
See it in action
What I like
- Very well made
- Satisfying bolt-action mechanism
What I’d change
- Offer a pocket clip option
Final thoughts
The Bastion Bolt-Action MINI pen is a well-made ultra-compact EDC pen that won’t take up much space in your pocket or bag, and it should serve you well for years and decades to come.
Price: $35.88 ($30.00 on Amazon)
Where to buy: Bastion and Amazon
Source: The sample for this review was provided by Bastion.
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The Olight O´pen Mini is very much alike and only USD 12.95.
True about the Olight Open mini. I have one and like it but although I am a fan of bolt action pens I’m not a huge fan of most ‘mini’ versions I’ve tried. Full or at least medium size pens work best for large hands.