Over the years, as a Private Investigator, Amateur Radio operator, and well known “techie”, I have been asked to review various products one would find helpful and useful to a working PI in the course of their normal business activities.

Today, I am reviewing a new spy pen, capable of both audio and video recording, while inconspicuously being worn in a pocket or being used as an actual hand-held working ball point pen. This device is simply known as the iSpyPen Pro available at PIGEAR.COM

 When I unpacked the very well-made protective packaging and box, the standard size black pen was visible. 

I removed it and was impressed that this wasn’t a cheap plastic pen with some electronics inside, but a rather heavy and well-constructed aluminum pen that in my opinion, would easily double as a protective device if held in hand during an altercation! Recognizing that wasn’t the primary intent of the pen (maybe it was a secondary feature), I unscrewed the top section from the bottom section and a USB connector was visible. Upon examination, I saw the camera lens as a pinhole located directly above the pocket clip. The on/off button sits on top,and is readily accessible without any difficulties. 

Putting the two sections aside, I picked up the instruction sheet and was pleasantly surprised to see not only was it in English, it was clearly written with only five steps to follow with the type actually being large enough to read. (Yay for them- and me)!  The tri-fold booklet also had clear demonstrative photo’s showing each step to charge and use the pen. The manufacturer claims it is the easiest to use camera pen, and I admit that it was, having played with other similar products that I have purchased which I found to be greatly inferior.

Of particular note when compared to some other pens I have used over the years, was the lack of “special” cables, wires, plugs and other accessories.  When the pen is unscrewed, there is a USB plug allowing the user to plug the pen directly into a standard USB plug on your computer to both charge the pen and download the files.  No special wires and no special software needed. 

For those techies who want the tech info: 

The iSpy Pen comes in three different color or finishes making it customizable to the individuals taste or to match situational use, with black, silver and my preference, a very nice gold finish.   The memory is an internal HD, no cards to change or lose, with memory configurations from 32 GB all the way up to an unbelievable 128 GB’s!  The video is an outstanding 1080p HD resolution being stored in standard AVI format.  The battery is a state of the art 200mAh li-ion polymer high capacity battery with a life of about 60-75 minutes of continuous recording time per session before recharge.  The iSpy pen has a time / date stamping feature that can be hidden if need be.  The audio recording quality is very good, but as with all covert devices recording audio, placement on one’s person is important, and “tests” should be done to see where the pens is best placed related to clothing and personal accessories. 

The only caveat of course as with any similar voice / video product, is to check with your attorney, law enforcement and local and state laws in regard to surreptitiously recording voice and video prior to using this device.

 Without question each of my tests were very easy to do, the quality was excellent, and I feel this pen should be a part of every PI’s arsenal of tools providing the law permits its use. I found the pen was all it claimed to be.  A well-constructed, a very good professional appearance with minimal “buttons” making it above all, easy to use!  The cost of less than $80.00 for the 32 GB pen makes this a no-brainer for every PI and is available now at PIGEAR.COM 

Harvey E. Morse, BAI, CMI, CII

Private Investigator 

Harvey is the President of LOCATERS INTERNATIONAL, INC. and a long time Florida PI. He is Founder of the Florida Association of Private Investigators and has been active during his career mentoring new investigators and as an advocate for legislative change.  Harvey has appeared on numerous radio and TV shows, appears in the written media, has authored books has appeared on national TV. He serves as an Expert Witness regarding missing heirs to estates, and Investigative techniques.