When I first saw this pen posted on Scription, I knew I had to have it. I have used and reviewed a traditional Pentel Tradio in the past, but I didn't totally fall in love with it like many hardcore Tradio users have. But this EnerGel model has changed the game for the better in my case.The overall design of the Tradio has not changed much from the original, but there are a few upgrades of note. First off, the barrel is now coated with a very thin layer of rubber, giving the pen a very nice feel to it compared to a standard smooth plastic barrel. Secondly, the grip area has changed over to the EnerGel swirl style, and while it is not a rubber grip, it does a good job. Even with those nice upgrades, the main selling point is the addition of the EnerGel ink cartridge. Widely regarded as one of the best writing gel pens, this is a great combination that Pentel has formulated.
For all of my fawning, there are a couple of things I want to point out. One, the cap of the pen does not like to stay posted. I normally write with the cap on, but as I write my hand bumps it and slides it around. So it is not really a tight fit, and is prone to falling off. I did order two more Tradios to see if it is just the green one I have, and it might be. The other two have a tighter fit, so your mileage may vary. Another item that may throw some readers is that these pens run $8.50 a pop at JetPens. For a glorified EnerGel that may seem a little steep, but I didn't think it was too bad for a unique pen.
Overall, if you like how the Pentel EnerGel writes and how the Tradio barrel looks, then this pen is an easy purchase. I am really enjoying mine so far.
Click here for the XL review.
Product links:
Pentel Tradio EnerGel Combo Pens from JetPens
Idea Journal from Doane Paper
