OMG I have HAD IT. NONE of my pens write nicely. I HATE the scratchy gel ones. I HATE the skippy ballpoints. I HATE any pen that doesn’t make a smooth, even, consistent line. The finepoint permanents are lovely but they lose their fine points too soon, and also they soak through thinner papers.
HELP ME. Tell me which pens to buy. I don’t even CARE anymore what they cost, if they will just WRITE NICELY.
Sigh…I wish you still lived here. The WECU pens are the BEST!
I’ll send you two of them STAT.
I have loved these for well over a decade now–they don’t skip, don’t dry out, and they make your handwriting look purdy.
Pilot Precise V5 Rolling Ball Extra Fine (http://tinyurl.com/pl4ahv)
I big heart love 4ever the Pentel RSVP in fine point. In blue, because it’s my color.
https://www.pentelstore.com/index.php?grp=83&osCsid=1f63825d505a669c9a486e5f9993e086
The newish Sharpie Pens. LOVE THEM LOVE THEM LOVE THEM.
Sharpie Pens are awesome and write very smooth. Love them!
I second the recommendation of the Pentel RSVPs in fine point. They work beautifully for me. But maybe you’re pickier than I am and you have already tried and rejected them?
If you haven’t tried them, it’s worth a shot, because you can get a two-pack for like $1.
I hope you find a pen you love!
I’m pretty picky too… many fine point are too scratchy or too slow (important in debate judging :) ).
I like many of the TUL pens, although don’t buy too many at a time, as it seems like the ink gets stale… weird, but true.
I’ve also fallen in love with many a Z-grip medium and more than a few Pilot ‘better retractable fine’.
The sharpie pens are nice, but they tend to use ink pretty quickly — or, maybe I just use too much red ink while grading.
Uniball Vision is the pen of my dreams:
http://www.uniball-na.com/main.taf?p=2,3,2
(I like blue ink but there are other choices too.)
Lamy Safari fountain pens are wonderful, as far as smooth, even consistency. I like the fine or extra fine points. And these relatively cheap for fountain pens at ~$25. (isellpens.com) Buy a jar of ink and you are good to go for about forever. I could give you some more expensive suggestions, but I don’t think you want that.
And for those of you not yet on the fountain pen train, BIC’s Z4+ 0.5mm rollerballs are absolutely wonderful and smooth writers. They tend to use a lot of ink, but they’re wonderful! They don’t sell at Walmart (and I haven’t checked Target), but you can get them from Office Depot.
This sounds insane, but I have been addicted to Paper Mate medium point pens in blue since I was 14. That’s 16 years of pen obsession. They write smoothly and
beautifully.
Also, Zebra JIMNIE retractables 1.0
AWESOME pens. The little clippie thing at the top is spring mounted. Awesomeness for clipping to stuff.
slyzingl?? funny :)
Swistle! I read your blog all the time, but I never comment, because I generally don’t have anything important to add to the conversation. But this is my MOMENT! Because I am here to tell you the PERFECT pen. Are you ready? It’s the Pilot G2 retractable Gel Ink Rolling Ball pen. And it is amazing. AND IT COMES IN COLORS!!! There are two sizes, the 07 and the 05. I recommend the 05s, because the point is finer, so you don’t have any problems with leaking through pages. the 07s are a little juicier, and can bleed through, although I still like them better than most any pen out there. here is a link to the website so you can take a look, but I would buy them at Costco if you have one nearby, because you can buy them in bulk. Happy writing!
by which I mean HERE is the link: http://www.pilotpen.us/products/#anchor_g2
These are not fancy or particularly pricey but I like BIC Soft Feel Medium point retractable- they are our basic pens at work but I REALLY like how they write…usually, I am not a BIC fan. I also like free pens you can snag at doctor’s offices–they often write really smoothly. My mom works in a doc office, I can send you some!
Uni-Ball Vision Elite. Fine point. They are great. Perfect. No skips, not scratchy. Smooth and flowing.
Trust me. I went to law school and we all minored in being pen snobs.
Oh, you right-handed people with your juicy, flowy pens. I seethe with jealousy.
If smearing is a problem (lefties!) I highly recommend UniBall Roller Deluxe (http://tinyurl.com/ouk6za) and UniBall Onyx (http://tinyurl.com/dxrbvs). Both might feel a little “scratchy,” but they write well and smoothly, with no smear. Love.
I’m embarrassed to say that I only write with Pentel R.S.V.P. Ballpoint pens. At $7.50 a dozen it’s kind of an indulgence but they write SO WELL. I feel like I should mail you one so you can see how great they are for yourself. The fine point is key.
http://www.staples.com/office/supplies/p1_Pentel-R.S.V.P.-Ballpoint-Pens-Fine-Point-Blue-Dozen_17671_Business_Supplies_10051_SEARCH
I second the new Sharpie pens!! LOVE THEM!
I just discovered the Pentel Ener-Gel pens. Yes, they are gel ink but they dry fast and aren’t scratchy. They write like a dream!
Uniball Jetstream. IT WILL CHANGE YOUR LIFE.
Seriously. It writes fluidly and beautifully without writing through to the other side of the paper or getting caught up with the little ink floods or….or anything.
It will change your life. Your pen life, anyways.
Lefty here too. I love the Pentel Enger-Gel pens, and the new Sharpie Pens. Both have a nice, smooth, consistent line and absolutely dry lightning-fast so you can avoid smearing and getting ink all over your hand (if you’re a lefty like me that is).
Of course they’re perfectly suited to right-handed weirdos as well. ;-)
This is what you get for asking the internets!
Seriously though, I just pulled this pen out of my purse to get the full name. It’s the Zebra Zeb-Roller 2000 (space-agey enough for you?), in 0.7 mm. Apparently from Office Depot (http://www.officedepot.com/a/products/222261/Zebra-Zeb-Roller-2000-Liquid-Ink/) they’re twenty bucks for a dozen, but It’s Okay! I stole mine from work! Also, if you’re careful, that dozen will last forever because last month I drove away from the bank, realized my pen was gone when I got to Target and Drove Back To The Bank For It.
Yes, it is a good pen.
I am also a fan of the Pilot G2, but I prefer the bold point (1.0) over the extra fine (0.5) or fine (0.7). I like a bold pen stroke!
Wow, I didn’t think anyone else would have such strong opinions on pens! I thought I was the only one with Issues. : )
Here’s the deal. Don’t get G2s; they’re way too dark and make my handwriting look like crap. You need to buy a Zebra Z-Grip in blue, medium point. It’s dark without being scratchy or leaking through paper, a good blue color, and isn’t a gel pen but just normal, wonderful ink. It makes my handwriting look – well, decent, anyway. I LOVE these pens.
http://www.amazon.com/Zebra-Z-Grip-Retractable-Ballpoint-22220/dp/B001JCXJ06/ref=sr_1_10?ie=UTF8&s=office-products&qid=1244074048&sr=8-10
That looks like the right link.
…AAAAnnnnnd, you’re welcome.
Since I was in junior high I’ve sworn by Bic medium ball point – the crystal ones (clear). Recently I found out my cousin loves these too.
I also am a fan of the Sharpies!
I think good old Bics. But who knows. There is one kind of clicky black ink one that I really like. But am not sure of the brand, so am not at all helpful. Shouldn’t have bothered to comment this time, I’m thinking.
I love the Bic round stick medium pens (the ones that are a dark blue colour?). LOVE THEM.
Also just love the plain old Paper Mate medium pens, the ones in the “hospital plastic blue” as I call it (at least, our hospitals have cups and such with this particular colour, and nurses always seem to have these pens). Image: http://maxbuyer.officemax.com/shop/images/products/imgs_360/45671.jpg
Hi Swistle,
try the Staedtler triplus fineliner: http://www.amazon.com/STD334SB20-Staedtler-Fineliner-20-Color-Superfine/dp/B000KIEBD4/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=office-products&qid=1244078815&sr=8-1
Also available at office depot or hobby lobby.
Or, try Stabilo fineliners – they are the best and were my companion throughout school (I’m from Germany). You might be able to get them through google checkout. http://www.duall.com/store/product/116668.116688/stabilo-point-88-mini-fineliner-pen-set-18-color-wallet.html
Yours, Susanna
Omg I’m the biggest pen snob in the world. I am devoted to my Montblanc – but it never leaves the house bc if I lost it, I would cry. You must use it with actual Montblanc ink for the full, snob effect.
And before people get all “Go away, Marie Antoinette,” it was a gift. And for out-of-the-house purposes, I use montblanc refills with the awesome, smooth, pretty ink and force them into to a Pilot G2. I read about it on Instructables.com.
I also love my Waterman pen with Waterman ink. The Waterman was not a gift. (It was inherited.)
I buy generic groceries, toiletries, prescription drugs, everything else all day long. But when it comes to ink, I am hooked on the good stuff.
I would settle for being able to FIND a pen. ANY pen. In my house.
I second the Pilot Precise V5 Extra Fine recommendation. They’re my favorite. And you can find them at Target.
MissGrace is correct – the Uniball Jetstream is a life-changing pen. I don’t usually recommend them to anyone, because I want to keep them all for myself, but I like you.
I absolutely LOVE these ones: http://tinyurl.com/pt6odb. In case the link doesn’t work, they’re the PaperMate Liquid Expresso pens. They come in a bunch of colors and they are super awesome. They write very smoothly, they’re not gel or regular ink so they don’t clog up, and they don’t bleed through, which is amazing. They’re bright and pretty and usually fairly cheap. I’ve never actually paid the $20 for 8 of them that Amazon is apparently charging, but you are a much better bargain hunter than I am. :) Also, did I mention the many colors? They make me happy. I use them ALL the time, and they last for a long time, too.
I’ve tried every pen in the solar system.
These are my faves and I won’t use anything else (Pilot Precise v5). Another poster listed these as well
http://www.amazon.com/Pilot-Precise-Assorted-Rolling-26015/dp/B000J07E7I
I’m a Pilot Precise girl too, I like them because I can draw with them if my drawing pens aren’t near :)
I only have these pens:
http://www.megabrands.com/Shop/Brands/SRX/SRX_Retractable_Ballpoint_Black_2739/
But I buy them at Target.
I’m another one for fountain pens. I was given a nice Parker one as a wedding present and it is lovely. You do have to refill it from a jar of ink but with a bit of practice it’s not too messy. And my handwriting looks fabulous.
I can’t even FIND a pen in this house, so you’re way ahead of me.
Swistle, this is awesome! I got so excited to see this because I just found the best pen (at my workplace, even) and it’s the same one Hannah so enthusiastically endorsed: The Pilot G2 retractable gel ink rolling ball pen in the 05 size. Fantastic! A new smooth inkflow, no blobs and it just glides.
Love it.
And since Workplace bought it, I assume it’s c-h-e-a-p to buy.
I will not write unless it is with a Pilot Precise V5 Rolling Ball Extra Fine (http://tinyurl.com/pl4ahv) link stolen from above. They come in lovely colors, and I always have 4 or 5 of them on me.
I SERIOUSLY will not write. I’ll send myself a text message on my own phone if I don’t have a Pilot.
Before MUJI was available in the u.s., I’d stock up (and send orders with friends who were traveling) at any trip to UK or France. I think you can order the gel pens at muji.com. So many colors, such smoothe writing, and fun ’cause they’re just a little bit special.
I buy the Pilot Easy Touch ball point (fine point) pens by the dozen. They’re cheap and fabulous.
http://www.pilotpen-store.com/product_detail.asp?T1=PIL%20EZT-BLU%20F
Recommendation from August:
I would recommend pens using the refill Schmidt safety ceramic roller non-dry refill 888 F. Mom and Dad got them for me for my law school graduation, and they’re wonderful.
http://www.go-authentic.com/pens/schmidt-888f-non-dry-ink-refill-rollerball-pen.html
On an unrelated note, he got good feedback at work on a big project he’s working on, so sent me an email saying “Squeee! As Swistle would say.” Hope it doesn’t derail your day imagining August saying “Squeee!” :)
Here’s the link again. I had to split it up; don’t know if you can click on it directly.
http://www.go-authentic.com/pens/
schmidt-888f-non-dry-ink-refill-
rollerball-pen.html
I am a PILOT Precise V5, Extra Fine point gal myself. I get the pack with pink, purple, green, purple and boo–blue.
LOVE them.
For the “can’t afford to spend more than a couple of bucks on a dozen” days at Office Depot, I go for the Bic Ultra Round Stic Grip, but back when I could afford to spend a little more money on pens, I was a huge fan of the Bic Velocity Retractable pens. I loved them so much that people started giving them to me as gifts.
Oops, that Anonymous one was from me. I accidentally hit Enter before typing in my name/URL!
I’m a fan of the uniball gel impact (it’s a 1.0mm line though, a bit thick) or the uni-ball signo, (.7mm which, to me is the perfect size.
If you’d like to email me your address, I’ll send you a couple of the signo’s that I get for free at work
Man, you opened a can of worms…now I’m going to have to try all these that everyone recommended!
Personally, I like the new Sharpie pens for some things, and Uniball Jetstream 1.0mm for others. I also like the Paper Mate Flair felt tips, but I keep those away from the kids because they ruin the tips.
I can’t believe there are so many pen freaks (besides myself). At work I use Uniball micro fine points, but when a lot of writing needs to be done, Dr. Grip is the biggest and most comfortable. Plus when you misplace it, it’s fun to say “Paging Dr. Grip!”
Pilot Vball Extra Fine
I’m with Hannah. Pilot G-2. I prefer the 07. I don’t really have much trouble with smudging, but I would not recommend it for lefties. I find it to be very smooth, and find myself aggrivated if I have to use anything else.
Pilot Precise for sure. That’s been my favorite pen since I was about 14. Unless I’m writing something where it matters if the ink bleeds through the other side of the paper, then the Pilot G-2. It’s all about the Pilot.
Sharpies rule the world. Every other pen is dead to me.
I have been a Pilot devotee from an early age (when I wrote to thank them for donating to AmFAR, and they sent me 2 free pens). I like the extra fine V5 Precise that others have mentioned, but I have yet to be disappointed by any of their pens.
My favorite pen is a Zebra Jimnie rollerball — I don’t like the gel version of this pen but the rollerball is smooooth like butta. :)
I am a total pen snob. My absolute favorite is the Uniball vision Elite extra fine. It is beautiful! Feels wonderful in your hand and writes perfectly. My second favorite is the Pilot V5 precise extra fine, followed by the uniball vision (not elite) extra fine. I hope you find the perfect pen!!
I totally swear by Sharky pens by Schneider. You can buy them at Office Max and they’re refillable! Bonus: the Sharky logo has a little shark fin above the “a.” Too cute (and funny).
Sorry, I didn’t have time to read all the comments. But if you like fine-tip sharpies, you would love drafting or illustration pens. Like the sharpie only sharper! And lasts longer! And… a bit pricey and you would totally have to hide it from the kids, but I had to use them in college for several things and they are AWESOME!
http://www.artstuff.net/marvy_uchida_le_pen_markers.htm
I’m on the G2 bandwagon as well. I use the fine and the extra fine. Blue for normal writing and red or green for editing. I hate black pens. I also use the pentel RSVP’s, but I prefer the G2s. I love gel pens.
Round Stic Grip Ball Pen (http://www.amazon.com/BICGSFG11BK-Round-Stic-Grip-Ball/dp/B00006IE7B) These are the best and they are cheap too. They write consistently from beginning to end.
I’ve hesitated to comment again, because I don’t want to reveal how invested I am in this…but I get totally happy every time someone else recommends the G2. What can I say? I’m just a girl who loves a pen, and wants the world to know.
I believe it’s safe to assume you touched a nerve here, Swistle!
I have a really nice Shaffer (spelling?) ballpoint in blue that someone gave me as a gift – I know she got it at Office Max.
I love this topic!
I am a pen fanatic and I have found the pen that makes me a very happy woman. :)
I work for a bunch of pediatricians and I have gotten them all hooked on the same pen.
It’s the Dr. Grip center of gravity pen. Email me an address and I’ll mail you one. They’re about $10 but they use refills.
Hilarious how many of us are pen freaks! I’m one too. I have literally 40-50 pens in my drawer at work because I pick up and try every one I find in the supply cabinet. And yet, I keep coming back to the Uniball Vision. I like Fine because I find the scratchiness of the Ultrafine to be unpleasant. It offends my sense of touch and my delicate ears because I’m very strange like that.
I’m loyal to the Pentel Client (http://www.pentel.com/catalog_product.php?id=84). Everyone who borrows mine stops to tell me how great it writes. I make sure to keep tabs and make a point of telling them I buy my own. Somehow, they still manage to steal them.
I stole a lot of promotional pens from my preschool because I love them. I am going to be very sad when they have all disappeared. I am very particular about my pens. Unfortunately, this doesn’t help you, unless you come to my preschool and steal some pens too.
I love trying new pens. I was going to post sooner, but kept forgetting to look up the pens we love. My husband tried one and loved it. They are expensive, but we both love to use them. TUL pens. So nice. Their website: http://www.tul.com/. I think we found some at Walmart or Office Max/Depot.
Also, a fun pen that I just discovered is the Pilot FriXion. It is erasable with friction, by using the hard rubber tip on the end. Very cool!
I have pen issues as well – although I see that the recommendations I would have made have already been mentioned.
I’m glad I’m not the only one who is slightly obsessed.
OMG a whole, long comment thread about PENS?! I’m in heaven.
I’m late to this party, but if you like the Sharpie fine point, then you should really try out the “Le Pen” brand. They come in beautiful colors — Oriental Blue is gorgeous — and write smoothly with just the right size tip, IMO. (They are not permanent markers, however.) Here’s one place that sells them:
http://www.artstuff.net/marvy_uchida_le_pen_markers.htm
this journalist never takes notes without a uniball vision fine point pen. no skips, no leaks, fast writing. good dark ink. oh yeah.
Tacy and I went through over a dozen pens the other morning trying to find one that wrote well. They were all freebies though because I refuse to buy good pens (love Pilot – best for twirling) that will only disappear.
I’m way late to the party on this one, but I saw so many Pilot Precise people that I had to tell you that USED to be my pen of choice until I discovered the Uniball Jetstream. I am the third person to tell you that this pen will, in fact, CHANGE YOUR LIFE.
Sometimes I work late just so I can raid the supply cabinet on the floor that carries them. Shh don’t tell…
PaperMate Grip (the blue stick ones) with the grip. They are like 2 dollars for like a DOZEN. Super cheap, super easy on your hands. And have that PERFECT not-too-slimey-not-too-scratchy-thing. Sigh… That’s a sigh of contentment. :)
The ONLY pen I will write with is a Zig Ball 5mm. It’s smooth and black and I love it. Does that sound obscene? LOL.
Pilot G2 and Pilot G-knock, both in 07. They are great.