Rotring Quattro Data Multipen

Last Updated on Wednesday, 07 April 2010 20:15 Written by Atticus Friday, 08 January 2010 15:08

This Rotring Quattro Data Multipen was my first quality pen.  Of course I knew this at the time when my father gave it to me for a birthday present but I didn't appreciate it.  Do you know what I mean?  At the time I was still young and didn't really understand that a good pen, taken care of, can last a long, long time.  As a result of this relative ignorance my Rotring Quatrro is a little worse for wear.  I haven't taken care of it but, testament to the pen's durability, everything about it is still in working order (apart from an empty black ink cartridge).

It stands to reason that my first mechanical pencil review would be on this multipen.  I have, after all, used it for years.  I need to proclaim my bias because not only is this multipen my favourite writing utensil but sentimentality is definitely a factor (thanks Dad).  Despite these emotional leanings, and another later version having been released, this multipen is still a quality instrument.

After all these years (10 or so? I can't be sure) I found it difficult to identify exactly what model this multipen was when I started to write this review.  I finally tracked down an image I believe depicts what I have at this website and here.  I know only too well the innacuracy of some websites so please correct me if I have falsely identified my multipen.

The features of this multipen are common in most multipens today but I was given the Quattro at a time when they were still exciting.  The pen provides a choice of four tools; an orange highlighter pen, black pen, 0.5 mechanical pencil, and a stylus.  Each choice is represented by a symbol around the top of the pen.  To select any of the options on the Quattro the pen needs to be manouvered so that it is roughly horizontal and the symbol representing your choice is facing up.  This feature still elicits oohs and aahs to this day from those not familiar with quality multipens.  Press in the end of the pen and your choice will present itself at the business end.  Pressing the hinge of the multipen clip retracts your selection.  When the mechanical pencil is selected a non adjustable stainless steel sleeve is produced.  Pulling the end button off reveals a small rubber for occasional use only.  This 'cap' still feels tight and hasn't losened with age.  Normally I lose the caps on my mechanical pencils very quickly.  I recommend not getting into the habit of using it anyway because the rubber itself is quite small.

Multipens have earned a bad rap among some users (anecdotal evidence from my online reading) for their small ink reserves and propensity for the leads to snap easily.  Rearming the pen with fresh leads and ink can be fiddly too.  The lead breaks appear to be a Rotring Quattro issue.  I experienced this repeated lead breakage but found that with some restraint during use the problem disappeared altogether.  Below you can see a picture of how crammed the barrel is.

Appearance wise the pen is uniform matte black with the symbol options for each utensil located at the end of the pen around the clip.  The length of the pen is 14.5 cm exactly.  The Rotring name is engraved into the clip length ways (see the first picture).  Finally, a red stripe rings the pen just below the top button press.  The pen can be unscrewed three quarters of the way down the barrel.  The excessive use and harsh treatment this pen has received has lead to scarring and peeling of the barrel paint.  What is interesting is that there is no silver metal showing through from underneath.

There have been newer versions of this multipen since the release of this model but I prefer the minimalist grip this has compared to its successors.  Newer models also have a retract button on the upper portion of the clip which I believe is unnecessary.  Hinging the clip is the better option in my eyes and the years have not weakened the strength or performance of the hinge itself.

The weight of this Rotring Multipen is only slightly heavier than other mechanical pencils in my collection.  I put the extra weight down to the metallic barrel which I suspect is aluminium?  This is pretty good considering it houses much more than just a pencil.  The multipen feels like a quality product and the matte black paint means the battering I have subjected it too is largely hidden from the casual observer.  Any inspection however shows the wear.  I suppose any other pen would be the same if not worse off.

This particular multipen may have been discontinued but if I were to see this pen appear again as 'new' on ebay or from any other retailer I would buy it immediately.  Or at least let my father know of its existence.  I would be much more appreciative of the Rotring Quattro second time around okay Dad?  In the mean time my daily use of the Rotring Quattro Data Multipen will continue.

---

Add this page to your favorite Social Bookmarking websites