Review - Pen - Technical Pen - Staedtler MarsMatic 700

Staedtler MarsMatic 700 technical pens are fairly difficult to find outside of eBay, where I frequently find them used and not nearly as sought as their much-easier-to-find counterparts, Koh-I-Noor Rapidograph technical pens. Being used does not pose a problem for these or other technical pens; even hideously clogged pens with years-old ink can be cleaned and made good as new. The biggest danger in buying Staedtler MarsMatic 700 technical pens is that, because they are not so commonly sold, spare parts -- in the event of a break, loss, or incomplete set -- are tough to find.

These pens are reusable and the part that most often needs replacing, the nib, is available separately, though hard to find. They come in a good range of sizes. I know that they can come in sets of four and seven from my eBay shopping; I am not sure beyond that. The sizes are conveniently indicated by color and by number on the cap and pen nib, with the color also on the bottom of the pen holder.

The pens come apart easily for cleaning and hold together well when assembled for drawing. I do not miss the color ring on the Koh-I-Noor Rapidograph technical pens when I use the Staedtler MarsMatic 700 technical pens.

I like technical pens better than disposable pens, but technical pens definitely take more work. However, Staedtler MarsMatic 700 can be shaken to start without fear of leak. If they stop after some use, they need to be tapped gently to restart. Overall, they involve far less maintenance than Koh-I-Noor Rapidograph technical pens and yield results that are equal in quality. So far, these are my favorite technical pens.

BUY AGAIN? Yes.

Note: This post was migrated from its original location. The following are the comments in response to the post in its original location.

1. Donna Says:
December 28th, 2006 at 11:13 AM

I have a set of Marsmatic 700 pens which I haven't used in years. Unfortunately they are pretty dirty. What's the best method of cleaning them? I've had them soaking in white vinegar and water but I don't think it's going to work. thanks!

2. Sheryl Says:
December 28th, 2006 at 4:55 PM

Hello and thank you for asking. You inspired me to post an old entry about pen cleaning; it is backdated to reflect its writing.

3. Milton Trajano Says:
June 17th, 2007 at 9:01 AM

Mars pens rule! Of all the other technical pen brands I've used, Staedtler is by far the best!

4. Sheryl Says:
June 17th, 2007 at 10:42 AM

Milton Trajano:
Of course, now you have me curious as to what other technical pens you have used!

5. Milton Trajano Says:
June 29th, 2007 at 12:59 PM

Hi Sheryl!
I've tried Rotring and Koh-i-noor to name the top brands. Hope this helps. :)

6. Sheryl Says:
July 1st, 2007 at 2:52 PM

Milton Trajano:
Like you, I have also used Rotring (Isographs) and Koh-I-Noor (Rapidographs). I have not used the Rotring Isographs enough to form an opinion, but I like Staedtlers much more than the Koh-I-Noors.

Thank you for sharing which ones you used!

7. XTL Says:
July 20th, 2007 at 8:23 AM

I have a nearly thrown away Marsmatic 700 and a 0.35 tip (as well as another, I forget which) plus bottled ink. I also have some refills that can't possibly fit inside this. I wonder if there's really some sane filling procedure for this. Exactly where and how can ink be added and am I missing some kind of piece from between the nib assembly and the body?

The nib assembly as it comes seems to be three pieces: body, needle and threaded cap with three holes that keeps the two together. There's no reservoir, converter or cartridge (mount) that I'd recognize.

8. Sheryl Says:
July 22nd, 2007 at 12:15 PM

XTL:
You might be missing a piece of your pen. To help with your question, I provided links to pictures of what a Staedtler MarsMatic 200 technical pen should look like when dismantled.

9. XTL Says:
July 23rd, 2007 at 4:04 AM

OMG it goes to more pieces! :-D That's brilliant, thank you. It took not inconsiderable amount of violence to twist the parts marked "holder" and "body" apart. Now I have a place where the refills fit, too, obviously. Sweet.

10. Kevin Says:
July 26th, 2007 at 3:08 AM

I have a Marsmatic 700 "00" size pen that I've used for over 21 years with no problem. I got it in 1986 as part of a drafting kit when I started college. It's literally older than some of the people I work with.

11. Sheryl Says:
July 29th, 2007 at 8:44 AM

Kevin:
There you go; your comment says everything anyone needs to know about these wonderful pens.