10Best.Guide

Pen

Top Picks

Last Updated: April, 2023
Pros
  • Great value for the price
  • Smooth writing experience
  • Comes in a large quantity
  • Good for donating to schools or group homes
  • Easy to hold and don't smear
Cons
  • Poor packaging from Amazon
  • Ink may dry out over time
Bottom Line
The BIC Round Stic Ballpoint Pens are a great value for those who need a large quantity of pens for work or school. They write smoothly and are easy to hold, but may have issues with packaging and ink drying out over time.
Pros
  • Comfortable to hold
  • Refillable
  • Writes smoothly
  • Easy to use for arthritic hands
  • Durable
Cons
  • Ink cartridge can skip
  • Ink can run out quickly
Bottom Line
The Dr. Grip pen is a comfortable, durable, and refillable pen that writes smoothly and is easy to use for those with arthritic hands. However, the ink cartridge may skip or run out quickly, and the silicone grip could be softer. Overall, it's a good choice for those looking for an ergonomic pen.
Pros
  • Versatile and convenient to use.
  • Smooth ink flow.
  • Dependable and consistent.
  • Refillable.
  • Bold and visible ink.
Cons
  • Ink can skip or smudge.
  • Ink may run out quickly.
Bottom Line
The PILOT G2 Premium Refillable & Retractable Rolling Ball Gel Pens are a versatile and convenient option for those who value smooth ink flow and dependability. While some users may experience issues with skipping or smudging ink, the pens are refillable and offer bold and visible ink. However, users should be aware that the ink may run out quickly and may smear if not given time to dry.
Pros
  • Well-designed pen with a lovely unboxing experience.
  • Writes smoothly and reliably.
  • Good for fine details and shading.
  • Solid and well-balanced with a nice weight.
  • Holds enough ink to last a while.
Cons
  • Extra fine point nib may not write well.
  • May require some effort to get ink flowing initially.
Bottom Line
The Hongdian Fountain Pen is a well-designed and reliable pen that writes smoothly and is good for fine details and shading. It has a solid and well-balanced feel with a nice weight, but may require some effort to get ink flowing initially and may not be the most comfortable for extended writing sessions.
Pros
  • Smooth writing experience
  • Ink dries immediately
  • Good for signing credit cards
  • Provides a deep color of ink
  • Writes smoothly and thickly
Cons
  • Scratchy nib
  • Inconsistent ink flow
Bottom Line
Sharpie pens are a good option for those who prioritize smooth writing and quick-drying ink. However, they may not be suitable for those who need consistent lines or a precise writing experience.

The Ultimate Buying Guide for Pens: How to Choose the Best Pen for Your Needs

Overview

Pens are an essential tool for everyday use, whether you're writing a letter, taking notes, or signing a document. With so many different types of pens on the market, it can be overwhelming to choose the right one. In this buying guide, we will explore the different types of pens, key considerations to keep in mind, features to look for, and tips to help you make the best decision for your needs.

Types

1. Ballpoint Pens: The most common type of pen, ballpoint pens use a small ball bearing to distribute ink onto paper. They are reliable, affordable, and come in a variety of colors.

2. Rollerball Pens: Similar to ballpoint pens, rollerball pens use a rollerball to distribute ink. They are smoother and produce a more fluid line than ballpoint pens.

3. Fountain Pens: Fountain pens use a nib to distribute ink, producing a unique writing experience. They require more maintenance than other pens but are favored by many for their elegance and precision.

4. Gel Pens: Gel pens use a gel-based ink that produces a bold and vibrant line. They are great for artwork and come in a variety of colors.

5. Marker Pens: Marker pens use a felt tip and are great for writing on non-traditional surfaces like glass or plastic. They come in a variety of colors and tip sizes.

Key Considerations

1. Use: Consider what you will be using the pen for. Will you be writing for long periods or just signing documents? Different pens are better suited for different tasks.

2. Grip: Look for a pen with a comfortable grip that fits your hand well.

3. Ink Type: Consider the type of ink the pen uses. Do you prefer a bold or fine line? Do you want a pen with waterproof ink?

4. Refillable vs. Disposable: Decide if you want a pen that can be refilled or if you prefer a disposable pen.

5. Price: Determine your budget and look for pens that fit within it.

Features

1. Ink Color: Look for pens that come in a variety of colors if you need to use them for different purposes.

2. Ink Flow: Consider the ink flow of the pen. Do you prefer a smooth or bold line?

3. Tip Size: Different pens have different tip sizes. Consider what size is best for your needs.

4. Clip: Look for a pen with a clip if you need to attach it to a notebook or shirt pocket.

5. Ergonomics: Look for a pen with a comfortable grip and a balanced weight distribution.

Prices

Pens can range in price from a few cents to hundreds of dollars. Ballpoint and rollerball pens are typically the most affordable, while fountain pens and high-end gel pens can be more expensive.

Tips

1. Try Before You Buy: Test out different pens before making a purchase to determine what feels best in your hand.

2. Consider Refills: If you prefer a particular pen, look for refill options to save money and reduce waste.

3. Consider the Environment: Look for pens made from eco-friendly materials or those that are refillable to reduce waste.

4. Buy in Bulk: If you use pens frequently, consider buying in bulk to save money.

5. Research Reviews: Read reviews from other purchasers to see what they liked and disliked about a particular pen.

FAQs

Q: What type of pen is best for everyday use?

A: A ballpoint or rollerball pen is best for everyday use due to their reliability and affordability.

Q: Are fountain pens difficult to maintain?

A: Fountain pens require more maintenance than other pens, but it is not difficult to do so.

Q: Can marker pens be used on all surfaces?

A: Marker pens can be used on most surfaces, but it is important to check the label to ensure they are suitable for the surface you will be using them on.

Runner-Ups

Pros
  • Smooth writing
  • Dark ink
  • Long-lasting
  • Doesn't smudge
  • Good for journaling and letter writing
Cons
  • Quality is uneven
  • May bleed through paper
Bottom Line
The Uniball Vision 0.7mm fine point pen is a reliable and smooth writing pen with dark ink that is long-lasting and doesn't smudge. However, the quality can be uneven and it may bleed through paper. It is a good choice for journaling, letter writing, and sketching.
Pros
  • Affordable bulk amount
  • Easy to hold and use
  • Great value for a lot of pens
  • Quality writing instruments at a great price
  • Sturdy and easy to grip
Cons
  • Many black pens don't last
  • Some pens don't work straight out of the box
Bottom Line
This bulk box of BIC pens is a great value for those who need a lot of pens for day-to-day activities, donation drives, or school supply kits. However, some pens may not work straight out of the box and there have been issues with the black pens not lasting.
Pros
  • Comfortable to hold and write with
  • Smooth writing experience
  • Comes with extra ink refills
  • Attractive design and colors
Cons
  • Ink quality is not consistent
  • Some pens may have issues with the cap or clicking mechanism
Bottom Line
These pens are a good choice for those looking for a comfortable and attractive writing experience, but may not be suitable for those who are very picky about ink quality or have issues with the pen's design.
Pros
  • Smooth writing
  • Fine point
  • Stylish design
  • Affordable price
  • Stainless steel material
Cons
  • Some pens stop writing midstream
  • Some pens are not assembled well
Bottom Line
The Zebra F-301 Fine Point Pen is a smooth writing, stylish, and affordable pen made of stainless steel. However, some pens may have quality issues and tend to break easily.
Pros
  • Great weight and feel
  • Writes smoothly
  • Soft to touch
  • Durable metal barrel and pocket clip
  • Variety of colors
Cons
  • Assembly issues
  • Ink can become bold and develop buildup
Bottom Line
The UBrands Monterey pens are a great choice for those who want a quality pen at a reasonable price. They have a solid weight and feel, write smoothly, and come in a variety of colors. However, there are some issues with assembly and ink buildup, and the decorative ink can wear off quickly.
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