CommunityInjection Technique

First time pen user - help with recs

28 replies16 peopleJun 26, 2026☆ Follow
Summary

Recommendations for first peptide pen setup including manual vs auto options, cartridges, filters, sterility, and dosing accuracy

What this discussion establishesWhere people disagree

Whether V4 pens are reliable or should be avoided due to past video issues with similar shiny models; some found theirs accurate while others favor autos or older V1 versions instead

Nothing here is advice.

28 replies · 16 people
SharpMeadow70archiveopening postJun 26

Hi, first time getting a pen and filter setup. Are these decent choices or are there better ones? Fine with manual for now since I'm running two peptides at the moment. Thanks!

LevelAlder34archiveJun 26

Remember to grab Luer Lock syringes plus needles. The longer ones help pull everything out of the old vial, then swap to a shorter one for the filter step before filling the new cartridge.

AmberBeacon78archiveJun 26

The V4s might be worth skipping if they match the ones in a certain video. The earlier versions seem to have a stronger track record though I've only tried autos myself.

IronLantern24archiveJun 26
↳ replying to @AmberBeacon78

Darn, I went ahead and got one of those already.

AmberBeacon78archiveJun 26
↳ replying to @IronLantern24

That's the issue with many of these models, other pens also called V4s seem okay but the shiny ones in the video looked unreliable.

IronLantern24archiveJun 26
↳ replying to @AmberBeacon78

I'll check mine tonight using an old cartridge and some colored water to verify the dosing.

PatientAlder89archiveJun 26
↳ replying to @SharpMeadow70 (opening post)

I have the same ones and the V4s feel really smooth. We also tried their other model but still like the V4 best so far.

SharpMeadow70archiveJun 26
↳ replying to @PatientAlder89

Did you check if it dispenses the right amount each time? Thanks.

ClearMarble44archiveJun 26

Spending more on a good auto model is worth it, no regrets here.

SharpMeadow70archiveJun 26

Any thoughts on the 3ml cartridges from that place? Can they be trusted as sterile and do they come individually wrapped? Thanks.

GreyCompass76archiveJun 26
↳ replying to @SharpMeadow70

I ordered some and they arrive in groups of five with packaging that looks solid enough. For pens I'm currently using three of their auto models and they perform well.

IronLantern24archiveJun 28
↳ replying to @IronLantern24

Tested the V4 at several settings and it matched up fine. Still prefer my auto because it pushes easier for bigger amounts, so I'll keep the V4 for smaller doses only.

SlowBramble67archiveJun 28
↳ replying to @AmberBeacon78

The cartridge itself seemed to be the culprit in that video, not the pen, since the button became hard to press in the last try.

GreyAlder39archiveJun 28
↳ replying to @IronLantern24

Hadn't noticed these yet. They cost about the same as the previous ones but resemble the first style. Things change quickly so maybe the next version will be even better.

GreyAlder39archiveJun 28
↳ replying to @AmberBeacon78

Out of six of the earlier models only one worked almost right. They only handle one full dose reliably or two if you mark the cartridge since there are no markings. The cap design also leaves the septum exposed through a hole.

SharpMeadow70archiveJul 3

Appreciate all the input. Last week I joined my first group purchase and got my initial pens, cartridges, filters and needles. Couldn't have figured it out without the group.

PlainTimber26archiveJul 4
↳ replying to @SharpMeadow70

Nice! I have several of the first version pens arriving from a group order placed months ago. While waiting I picked up an auto and really like it for daily use. Was advised to avoid most manuals except the earliest version due to dosing problems on the next ones, so didn't want to risk it.

LevelAlder29archiveJul 4
↳ replying to @SharpMeadow70

Yes they are sterile. They arrive in small groups inside autoclave bags that have both internal and external indicators. The site explains their steam process so the gas indicator color doesn't matter, just watch for the dark mark on the upper right. New to pens myself but the auto model feels incredibly smooth and the auto feature helps with arm and glute shots. Also got one of their manual versions based on suggestions here but haven't used it yet. The included travel case is handy.

SteadyQuill55archiveJul 4
↳ replying to @IronLantern24

For a second I read that as old cat and nearly panicked.

KeenMarble16archiveJul 4
↳ replying to @LevelAlder29

Let me know how the manual one feels once you try it. I'm curious because of the plastic construction and whether it glides as well as the other model, though the lighter weight appeals.

LevelAlder29archiveJul 4
↳ replying to @KeenMarble16

Will do, planning to test in a couple days.

LevelAlder29archiveJul 4
↳ replying to @KeenMarble16

Tried it today and it feels good in hand. Used it for a glute shot and could push the plunger with my pinky easily. Checked accuracy first and it was spot on. The case is useful too and holds three needles. Would suggest it.

QuietThistle70archiveJul 4

This spot keeps tempting me. Just ordered a couple of the auto models they carry. Already have a couple autos I enjoy. Wondering if the new ones are just rebranded versions of what I already like but cost more. Will find out soon.

KeenMarble16archiveJul 5
↳ replying to @LevelAlder29

Glad it worked out and thanks for the follow up. Sounds smooth if you could push with just your pinky, now I'm looking forward to mine. They look nice too.

LevelAlder29archiveJul 5
↳ replying to @IronLantern24

Thanks for the colored water idea. My new second versions arrived with non-sterile cartridges so I used one for the water test and it went well. The pink color means I won't mix it up with anything else.

LevelAlder81archiveJul 7

Received my new box recently and plan to use it as my work kit, it's a bit large but I like it.

SharpMeadow70archiveJul 21

Quick question on the 13mm filter. How do others deal with the peptide loss during filtering? Seems like around 25 units or 0.25 cc. Should I air purge or add 0.25 cc of BAC at the end?

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