The Ultimate Guide to Favorite Pens and Writing Instruments
Choosing the right pen can significantly impact your productivity and satisfaction when writing. Whether you prefer a sleek metal design, a smooth rollerball, or a reliable gel pen, there's a pen out there for every task. Join us as we explore some of the favorite pens among users and discuss the characteristics that make them stand out.
SSB Metal Pen: A Durable Choice
One of the most popular pens among office and school users is the SSB Metal pen. Known for its durable metal construction and smooth writing experience, this pen also boasts a sleek design. Its comfortable grip and long-lasting ink make it a go-to choice for daily use.
Stabilo Excel 828: My Ph.D. Companion
With over 20 years of experience testing various pens, I've developed a strong preference for the Stabilo Excel 828. This pen's perfect weight, balance, and flawless performance have made it my go-to for extended note-taking sessions. Whether you're writing a Ph.D. or taking detailed notes, the Stabilo Excel 828 is a reliable companion.
Office vs. Home: Preferred Pens for Different Environments
My choice of pen varies depending on the environment. In the office, the Jinhao X750 has become my favorite due to its nice weight and superior writing quality. Its unique shade of purple has outsold the Lamy Al-Star, which had previously been my favorite. At home, the Lamy Safari with a 1.1 stub nib reigns supreme, offering a smooth writing experience even for messy handwriting.
Fantastic Gel Pens: The Pilot Precise V5/V7 RT
When looking for a pen that can write on numerous surfaces without skipping or varying in darkness, the Pilot Precise V5/V7 RT is the best option. These retractable pens are guaranteed to write for 5280 feet before running out of ink, making them an essential tool. Plus, the V7 variant’s thicker writing is perfect for most cases, while the 1.0 mm version is a solid alternative, even if it's a bit too thick in certain scenarios. Despite minor drawbacks, such as occasional unscrewing in pockets, the Pilot Precise V5/V7 RT is a fantastic, reliable general-purpose pen. You can get a great deal at Walmart, and they offer many color choices, even in unusual colors like turquoise, purple, or orange.
Zebra Sarasa Grand: The Perfect Write
Recently, I discovered the Zebra Sarasa Grand, a pen that would receive a perfect 10-star rating. In a pearlized white finish, it's a stunning and professional-looking pen that also comes in other colors. Its gel ink tank lasts longer than regular ink, and the pen is durable, even after being run over twice. This pen offers a very dark, steady flow of ink and a comfortable grip, making it ideal for both professional and personal use.
Fountain Pens: Venerable Tools for Different Tasks
For certain tasks, especially when precise details are crucial, fountain pens like the Zebra set provide excellent writing quality. However, they can be messy, so if you write slowly, you might end up with ink globs on your paper. These pens are also pricier, ranging from $7.50 to $10 per pen.
Ultimately, the choice of pen depends on your specific needs and preferences. Whether you're looking for a durable metal pen, a smooth rollerball, or a reliable gel pen, there's a pen out there that will meet your every expectation.