Dong-A Cronix Hybrid Ink Ballpoint Review

I’m not up on my Korean, but does Cronix translate to “Jetstream” in English? Apparently, Dong-A would like you to believe so because the Dong-A Cronix is awfully similar looking to the black Uni-ball Jetstream Basic Series. Turn the grey grip into black and adjust the markings a bit and you are right there. The should have just gone ahead and called it the Dong-A Jetcloud or Dong-A Rocketstream for goodness sakes.

Too bad they couldn’t mimic the writing performance - that would have been an impressive feat! The Jetstream is widely known for its smooth, solid lines and its hybrid ballpoint ink is a personal favorite of mine. I tested out the blue Cronix for this review and while it is not a terrible pen by any stretch, everything about it is a notch below the Jetstream.

The ink is smooth, but not as smooth. The lines are solid, but not as solid. The ink is blue, but not as blue. The barrel is sturdy, but not as sturdy. The Dong-A Cronix is a good pen, but not as good as the Uni-ball Jetstream.

Why not spend .40 cents more and get the best?

Schneider Slider Memo XB 1.4 mm Ballpoint

It is good to get out of your comfort zone on occasion. My happy place is with 0.4 mm gel ink pens, and when I wander too far to the left or right of that midpoint in my spectrum I increase the chance of being disappointed. So when I say that the Schneider Slider Memo XB 1.4 mm ballpoint is out of my wheelhouse you can see just how far out it really is.

I mention all of this because I often don’t give pens similar to the Memo XB a fair shake. Good pens come in all shapes and sizes and this is a very good pen. I have always been impressed with Schneider’s ballpoint ink and this one continues the trend. It is smooth, dark, skip free, and for a tip this wide, surprisingly clean.

The barrel design is equally as nice. I’m not sure who actually came up with the design first between Schneider and Stabilo (there have some awfully similar designs) but the Memo XB is well done. The slick plastic surrounded by a rubber coating gives it a great feel in the hand.

I picked this up at Office Depot for $3 a couple of months ago and I’m glad I did. While it won’t land on my Top 5 list anytime soon, it is a nice option to have.

What pen out of your comfort zone have you tried and liked?

Zebra Airfit LT Ballpoint Review

I reviewed the first incarnation of the Zebra Airfit many years ago and it is one of those pens that has stood the test of time. Granted, I don’t use it as often as some of my other more recent purchases but has a sturdy design and is great writer. It even takes Zebra Sarasa Clip refills as an added bonus.

The Zebra Airfit LT Ballpoint is the latest addition to the Airfit line. It is designed with the female writer in mind, but the way it is built it would suit anyone. The barrel diameter is noticeably smaller when compared to the original, but that just makes it normal-sized while the original is over-sized. I found it very comfortable to hold and write with.

Ballpoint ink cartridges tend to be all over the board performance-wise and this one has to be near the top of the list. I never expect ballpoint pens to perform well but the Airfit cartridge sports a tight, clean line that I compare to the Pilot Dr. Grip. I enjoy writing with it very much.

The Airfit grip features a cushion of air between the grip and the barrel for added comfort. I like it because it is not too soft (like the Uni-ball Alpha Gel can be) nor too firm like the Dr. Grip. It is just right.

If you are looking for a good quality, comfortable ballpoint pen then the Airfit might be just right for you too.