This is probably going to be the most in-depth review I have ever wrote on Amazon. I am doing this because I feel like it is important for when you are shopping for 3D pens. This will cover the PLA that the pen comes with, and also PLA I bought elsewhere and why I have chosen what I have.-------------------My first impressions: I am surprised at how light the pen is. I have small-ish hands for a 5'1" woman and it felt very comfortable to hold. After reading the instructions, it states that if the PLA crackles or bubbles while the using the pen, to lower the temp. Sure, no problem right? Not really. I use wax paper to trace my designs on, I use this due to a youtube video which suggested it, and its a lot cheaper than the mats. I also prefer it over mats because it is paper thin, which gives me the most accuracy of my tracing which is important to me. I started using the pen at the default 190f. As I was using it, I noticed that the PLA did crackle in the pen, and it did form bubbles. As advised by the instructions I turned it down lower. The lowest point for PLA is 160f according to the instructions, however, it would not stick to the wax paper at all. I then tried 170f and again, the PLA would not stick to the wax paper as well as it had with the 190f. Once more I turned it up to 180f, it stuck, not as well as I would like but it was a lot better than the other settings. Also, at the lower settings it gives no time at all to adjust the plastic if you need to nudge or squish down a bump.Changing the PLA: After using most of the PLA given in the kit, I went out and bought from a local small buisiness (SUPPORT THEM!) which uses locally sourced PLA. Once more, I tried the 190f temp setting. Not only does the PLA come out much smoother, it sticks to the wax paper perfectly, and I am noticing my pen does not get near as hot using it. I can use it for much longer before deciding to give it a break. This means I can nudge the PLA, and bend it and it sticks well to my wax paper so it does not shift on me while working. I also notice that it is much less stringy than the PLA the pen comes with. PLA brand matters, and it is good to research into a good PLA, I am just glad our local PLA works this nicely.TIPS: Bonus, a tip to enjoy your pen even more. You can get a lot more use out of your pen with various other tools. A wood burner with temp control and multi tips is wonderful for shaping and smoothing your project after you had made it. Use aluminum foil covered in painter's tape to fill in big gaps to use less PLA. A course sand-paper followed by a smoothing sand paper also helps in finishing off the nice smoothness of the PLA. As stated before, Wax Paper is a wonderful material to work on. It could be used repeatedly until it eventually tears and painter's tape peels off it nice so you can adjust and move it. Look for some good youtube videos to get you started on techniques to best build your 3D Pen creations!Overall: This is a very nice pen for its cost, you can adjust the temp, its light and comfortable, also easy to use. Pictures provided show the projects I have made with this pen for my D&D sessions. The PLA that I bought works wonderful for being painted right on without any primer. If you are curious, I use 3D Fuel PLA. Someone suggested not to work it too hard, giving it a break every 30min or so, I think some times I do go closer to an hour. Always press the up button and get your PLA fully out before you turn it off (by unplugging it). Always trim the tail off the PLA. I have yet to run into any of the issues of it clogging or just turning off. Only twice did it seem to "turn off" and I think my PLA had nudged the cord since it curls, because it would auto go back to temp after.

1st one didn't work well. Had a replacement same day I sent the defective one back. A++ seller. Provides hours of fun for granddaughter! Only drawback is the filament that comes with it doesn't last long. Order refill when purchasing. And there are 2 sizes of filament. Read sizes carefully as they do not interchange.