What are pen mods?

Pen modifications (mods for short) are objects specifically designed for pen spinning. They aim to lengthen the pen, balance it, and add weight to it in order to make spinning easier. Mods are usually constructed using pen, marker, and pencil parts.

How much do mods matter? Do I really need one?

Technically you don't need a mod and there are spinners who have found great success without using them. If this is something you're considering just remember that forgoing a mod is a handicap and you'll need to put in some extra work. Something I would like to stress going forward is that mod choice does not matter as much as most beginners think it does. You do not need a certain mod to do certain tricks. You do not need to be able to do certain tricks in order to use a particular mod. Get a mod that you think looks good and feels good to spin, that is all you need to worry about when selecting a mod.

The mods I've seen don't resemble pens in the slightest, is this really "pen spinning?"

It is and it isn't. The community as a whole has come to the consensus that the use of mods is so beneficial that it outweighs any argument about the semantics of what is and isn't a pen. If you feel passionately about this topic feel free to not use mods, there are spinners who have found great success without using them. In fact there will be a few recommendations below for 'regular' pens that are decent for spinning. Just be aware that mods make spinning significantly easier and forgoing them will be a handicap.

I'm a beginner, what mod should I get?

Short but unhelpful answer: It really doesn't matter. For the rest of this discussion keep in mind that there are no "best" mods. Everything comes down to personal preference.

Longer and more helpful answer: get something cheap, easy to make, easy to find parts for, and not excessively heavy. That last point is where you'll see the most bickering and it's because people recommend "light" mods instead of "not-heavy" mods. There have been a million discussions on light vs. heavy mods for learning both here and on UPSB and the point is just beaten to death. Bottom line: my personal recommendation would be to be cautious of mods upwards of 20 g when you're first starting out. Again, it really doesn't matter that much. If you see a mod that catches your eye and you really want to spin it then go for it, it's fine. Don't let anyone tell you learning on a heavy mod will ruin style or anything like that. You'll be fine.

So let's actually provide some useful recommendations. These are not gospel, they are simply a few recommendations to get you started. There are tons of other perfectly fine options besides these.

• BICtory - Number one beginner pen mod hands down. It's dirt cheap, and almost every country has access to Bic Round Stics. The tutorial I've linked recommends Signo grips, but the beauty of this mod is that literally any grip that fits on the caps work. All you need is one body, two caps, and whatever grips you have lying around the house and you're set. However, keep in mind no one really spins Bics past their beginner phase. It is a great beginner mod because of how easy it is to find parts (which are cheap!) and build, but in the grand scheme of things is not a great mod. It is perfect to see if spinning and modding is something you want to continue with, but will most likely not be something you use for more than a few months.

• Metal Comssa - There's really not much to say, it's a solid mod that looks clean. Easy to customize colors since comssa caps come in most colors and pretty much any grip will work with comssa caps. Additionally, you can pop some tips inside the caps as well and make something similar to a Ryo Cheat Comssa. In general, most comssa variations you find tutorials for are good candidates for a first mod.

• Waterfall - A very middle of the road mod, this is heavier than the other two we've talked about. It has average weight, length, and momentum so it's a good place to start trying to figure out what you like. Customization is limited due to the nature of the barrel and caps, but some sites will sell colored subs if you really don't want the all white look. Since the majority of the weight comes from the grips on the end it is easy to tweak the weight by cutting some off if the mod feels a little too heavy. Conversely you can cut your grips longer to add some weight if you like heavier mods.

• Energel ST - Another mod that's recommended for it's ease of access (especially for westerners). It spins similar to a Waterfall but with slightly more momentum. Be careful with what DrGrips you get, the ones sold in the states will not be as firm or as clear as Japanese Shaker DGGs (the ones always used in modding). You can sub out the Signo tips for Zebra F-301 tips if you need to as well. Both of these points can be applied to Waterfall construction as well.

• RSVP MX - Really this shouldn't be on the list but I feel it's important to mention arguably one of the most iconic mods in spinning. MX's are cheap and easy to make, but they really don't spin well. They're short, unbalanced, and light. However, they look kinda like a normal pen (they also write), inserts are cool, and they look great when spun well. Understand that MXs are more of a style choice than a practical one.

Are Zhigao pens good?

Not really. They tend to be heavy with a weird body texture. Their paint rubs off after a while and they aren't modular like every other mod. I think it speaks volumes that no big name spinners use them. If you're ordering a mod just get a 'regular' one, you'll probably be happier with it. This goes for most manufactured mods.

Is ____ a good mod?

There is no definitive answer to this. Mods are personal preference so this answer will vary from person to person. Honestly if you like the way a mod looks get it and try it. Worst comes to worst take it apart and make something else with the parts.

What's a mod that can write?

Honestly it's easier to just have pens for spinning and pens for writing. Ink tubes often rattle while spinning and having to have removable caps limits options. If you're dead set on a writable mod look through TheSpyre's RT section, Penwish's RT section, or maybe just spin unmodded. In addition, many comssa mods can write just be sure to check their construction to see if you need to cut the tips.

What are good regular pens to spin with?

• Nitoms Stalogy (not the mechanical pencil version of this, they are very different)
• Japanese Shaker Dr. Grip (not the DrGrips you can find in American stores, they are very different)
• Unmodded Pentel RSVP with cap on the back

What can I make with ____?

Probably nothing 'official' but almost certainly something. The chances you've pulled out the parts to create a named mod is slim to none, but almost all pen mods follow the same basic formula: marker barrel, two caps, grips, and tips. Try to follow that blueprint and you'll get something spinnable. Be creative!

I live in ____ what can I make?

Only you know what you have access to. The two Walmarts in my town have different inventories, which are both different from the Office Depot, and all three are different from the art supply store. My point is even knowing what country, state, or city you live in is not always enough for strangers on the internet to be able to tell you what you have access to. Look through some tutorials, try to spot the common parts in mods, and then take a trip to the store and be on the lookout for those. Look for heavy metal tips, long and smooth marker bodies, and good looking grips. All of those can be useful for modding. My recommendation is to just skip the store and order online, it's almost always cheaper on Amazon and if you need rare parts it'll be easier to find them on a PS specific retailer.

#Resources

Where do I buy stuff?

• Penwish
• Pensfactory
• Eno
• +Spin
• Amazon
• Trade with people on UPSB or your local board. This is usually the best way to find rare/authentic parts.

Where do I learn stuff?

• Wiki
• Modder's Handbook by Lost Angelus
• English Tutorials
• French Tutorials (just use Google Translate)
• Russian Tutorials (just use Google Translate)
• YouTube
• Google

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A quick note: At the time of creating this UPSB is dead and it is unknown if it will be revived (including the wiki). A lot of the material on the site can still be accessed using archive sites and is linked in this post as such. For trading purposes don't be afraid of checking out other boards with a more active trading scenes.