Posts filed under Zebra

Zebra DelGuard 0.5 mm Mehanical Pencil Review

The Zebra DelGuard introduces a new lead breakage prevention mechanism to the market by absorbing some of the writing pressure within the internals of the pencil. As with all new products on the market that introduce new features, it boils down to does it work as intended. In the case of the DelGuard, it does.

When I first saw the DelGuard I assumed by the similar looks that Zebra was going for a Kuru Toga type mechanism, but that is not the case. Instead, they built in cushioning inside barrel in the form of a spring and lead pipe that adjusts as you write.

My concern with the DelGuard is that I would feel the mechanism working as I was writing, but that wasn't the case at all. I prefer firm mechanical pencils and it felt as if I was writing with any standard pencil. That's good design. Do your job while not interfering with the expected experience.

I'm a medium to heavy pressure writer and never once broke the lead writing normally. When I increased my writing pressure gradually the lead stayed intact as well. Of course you could push it to the breaking point with extreme pressure or extending the lead too far, but the DelGuard handles everything else admirably.

If you enjoy mechanical pencils and lead breakage is holding you back, then give the Zebra DelGuard a try. At $7.50 it's not exactly cheap but if it can eliminate frustration it may be worth it.

(JetPens provided this product at no charge to The Pen Addict for review purposes.)

Posted on February 2, 2015 and filed under Pencil Reviews, Zebra, Mechanical Pencil.

Zebra Sarasa Push Clip Gel Ink Pen Red Orange Review

One of the staples in my vast pen arsenal is the Zebra Sarasa Push Clip. Many of you have seen a Zebra Sarasa at your local big box retailer, and while it is a good pen, it is not the same as the Push Clip model.

The primary difference between the two pens is the sharpness of the refill. For some reason, the refills in the Push Clip model lay down a sharper line than similar sized standard Sarasa models. The edges of the line are cleaner, and that is important to me. It makes for better looking handwriting for sure.

Secondarily, there is more everything in the Push Clip line. The recent stocking of the 0.4 mm Red Orange model at JetPens is a prime example. The full lineup includes tip sizes at 0.3 mm, 0.4 mm, 0.5 mm, 0.7 mm, and 1.0 mm AND in a rainbow of colors for each size. On top of that, they are retractable, have a nice rubber grip, and a binder-style clip that can fit on small or large items. So, if you want to grab a red orange 0.4 mm retractable pen with a clip, Zebra has you covered.

0.4 mm is the sweet spot for me in the Push Clip lineup. I keep several colors handy in every spot I write at, including both my home and work desks. Red orange gets heavy use at work marking up documents along with blue black, which is one pf my primary writers. I can't say enough positive things about this pen and for about two bucks it is well worth checking out.

(JetPens is an advertiser on The Pen Addict and I received this product at no charge.)

Posted on September 29, 2014 and filed under Zebra, Sarasa, Pen Reviews.

Zebra Sarasa 3 3 Color Gel Ink Multi Pen Review

The Zebra Sarasa multi pen line has been around for a while and their latest release brings the solid barrel Zebra Sarasa 3 3 Color Gel into the fold. Previous versions have included a pencil component or a translucent barrel, but Zebra has gone back to the basics with this model.

While there is no new functionalilty in the Sarasa 3, this multi pen continues to be one of the best values on the market. For under $6 you get three high quality ink refills - black, blue, red - in 0.5 mm, solid knock mechanisms, and Zebra's famously strong binder clip. The pen is lightweight, balanced, and has a solid rubber grip too. What more can you ask for?

If you are new to the gel ink pen world you should know that Zebra's gel inks are fantastic. All the colors are rich and solid, with the blue gel ink being the standout. It is a little deeper and darker than most other brands stock blue inks, which I enjoy. I even went with the Navy barrel to match the ink. Not really.

When you have a dead-solid product like the Zebra Sarasa Multi Pen it makes for an easy review. While it's not a pen that is a mandatory carry item for me, it has proven to be a great pen to have hanging around the house for quick notes or at work for some quick color coding. Definitely a keeper.

(JetPens is an advertiser on The Pen Addict and I received this product at no charge.)

Posted on August 8, 2014 and filed under Multi Pen, Pen Reviews, Zebra.