I retail Pantone markers in massive quantities; mostly for university students majoring in both Interior Design and Fine Arts. For YEARS we have never had any problems with this marker. However, following the re-tooling and re-manufacturing of the new Pantone shank, markers are being returned to me en masse by the score! It is apparent that the problem lies with the caps. The internal tolerance between the marker nib and the inside surface of the cap has been reduced to a VERY narrow margin. So unless the cap is replaced VERY carefully and slowly, it will score the felt-nib damaging the surface and hindering smooth application. In addition, many caps just don't snap on securely, allowing the marker to dry out overnight. I will not continue to market a sub-standard product to my customers. I've been associated with the Pantone product for a long time and hate to see the standards for this product plummet. Makes me wonder just where manufacturing has been outsourced to and why quality oversight fails to exist. (dale@billsbookstore.com)