I decided to test drive write a dozen different types of pens to find the one(s) that I absolutely cannot live without. My "official scientific" results may (or may not) surprise you! Although these come in different colors, I used purple exclusively. Because honestly, I really don't care about the other colors.
NOTE: This post contains affiliate links. I get a few cents if you purchase, but using these links doesn't add to what you would pay.
Pilot FriXion
NOTE: This post contains affiliate links. I get a few cents if you purchase, but using these links doesn't add to what you would pay.
Pilot FriXion
Ink: Gel
Thoughts: My students thought that I was committing some sort of sorcery when I was writing a math problem and erased a mistake. It is not 100% erasable, but it's close enough to be a really awesome thing. Doesn't always have the smoothest ink flow with the ball point, especially when you start writing.
Pilot B2P
Thoughts: My students thought that I was committing some sort of sorcery when I was writing a math problem and erased a mistake. It is not 100% erasable, but it's close enough to be a really awesome thing. Doesn't always have the smoothest ink flow with the ball point, especially when you start writing.
Pilot B2P
Ink: Gel
Thoughts: I like how this is made from recycled water bottles. Purple ink is more of a violet. The textured barrel gives you somewhat of a grip, but I found my hand still slipping a bit after a lot of use. I will probably gift these to our social worker since they're her favorite.
Pilot Precise V5 RT
Pentel EnerGel
uni-ball Signo
uni-ball Vision Elite
Paper Mate Flair
Paper Mate InkJoy
Paper Mate Profile
How did I do? Did I try your favorite? Let me know in the comments!
Thoughts: I like how this is made from recycled water bottles. Purple ink is more of a violet. The textured barrel gives you somewhat of a grip, but I found my hand still slipping a bit after a lot of use. I will probably gift these to our social worker since they're her favorite.
Pilot Precise V5 RT
Ink: Ink
Thoughts: This particular pen might be a little too fine for my everyday writing. Ink flow seems to be decent. I like it for doodle notes and other detailed doodling.
Bic Intensity
Ink: Marker
Thoughts: I love how this pen writes. However, the barrel is too slick in my opinion.
Sharpie Pen
Thoughts: This particular pen might be a little too fine for my everyday writing. Ink flow seems to be decent. I like it for doodle notes and other detailed doodling.
Bic Intensity
Ink: Marker
Thoughts: I love how this pen writes. However, the barrel is too slick in my opinion.
Sharpie Pen
Ink: Marker
Thoughts: This used to be my favorite pen, but I don't find myself reaching for it as much anymore. They are thin and don't have a grip. They aren't as comfortable for writing over a longer period of time. But I really do love the smooth writing and color.
Thoughts: This used to be my favorite pen, but I don't find myself reaching for it as much anymore. They are thin and don't have a grip. They aren't as comfortable for writing over a longer period of time. But I really do love the smooth writing and color.
Pentel EnerGel
Ink: Gel
Thoughts: Purple color is more violet. Nice grip. Also fun for doodling. Another one I reach for regularly.
Thoughts: Purple color is more violet. Nice grip. Also fun for doodling. Another one I reach for regularly.
Ink: Gel
Thoughts: Nice grip. Ink flow isn't as smooth with the ballpoint. Not in my regular rotation at the moment.
Thoughts: Nice grip. Ink flow isn't as smooth with the ballpoint. Not in my regular rotation at the moment.
uni-ball Vision Elite
Ink: Ink
Thoughts: Very deep purple... almost hard to tell that it is purple. Lots of ink comes out to make a wider line. It takes a while to dry. Overall, not a fan.
Thoughts: Very deep purple... almost hard to tell that it is purple. Lots of ink comes out to make a wider line. It takes a while to dry. Overall, not a fan.
Paper Mate Flair
Ink: Water-based ink
Thoughts: You can't go wrong with a Flair.
Paper Mate InkJoy
Thoughts: You can't go wrong with a Flair.
Paper Mate InkJoy
Ink: Gel
Thoughts: Smooth writing (although sometimes a little globby), pretty deep purple color. It makes me want to doodle and add swirls to my writing. I find myself reaching for it the majority of the time... even over my Flairs!
Thoughts: Smooth writing (although sometimes a little globby), pretty deep purple color. It makes me want to doodle and add swirls to my writing. I find myself reaching for it the majority of the time... even over my Flairs!
Paper Mate InkJoy
Ink: Ink
Thoughts: Triangular barrel with no grip makes it a little tricky to keep from sliding around in my hand. Another ball point that is just okay.
Thoughts: Triangular barrel with no grip makes it a little tricky to keep from sliding around in my hand. Another ball point that is just okay.
Paper Mate Profile
Ink: Ink
Thoughts: Violet color and standard ink ballpoint, which means that the ink flow isn't as smooth. I put these out for my students to "borrow".
Thoughts: Violet color and standard ink ballpoint, which means that the ink flow isn't as smooth. I put these out for my students to "borrow".
How did I do? Did I try your favorite? Let me know in the comments!
I absolutely love the InkJoy Gel pens. They are my favorite!! I have them in my backpack, my Bible study bag, on my desk at school, on my desk at home. I, obviously, have a problem.
ReplyDeleteI'm going to say something blasphemous here, but I HATE Flair pens. With a passion!! I know that's not kosher, but I really don't like the way they drag when I use them. I'll take my InkJoy Gels over those ANY day!! ;)
That's a very strong reaction, but I respect your opinion and I know what you mean ;) I like my flairs for some things (mostly when I want to use other colors than purple), but not for everything. The InkJoy Gels are a definite winner!
DeleteSo which was your favorite?
ReplyDeleteWell, I couldn't narrow it down to one, but I liked the InkJoy Gel, FriXion, and the EnerGel the best.
DeleteEnergel all the way- I keep a stock of refills
ReplyDeleteI'm a self-proclaimed pen snob. : ) You need to check out Papermate Liquid Flair medium point. Absolutely hands down my favorite pens to grade with! Best of both worlds between flair pens and the InkJoy Gel.
ReplyDeleteI'm in! Off to Amazon!
Delete