The Pen Addict

Review: Pentel Hybrid Gel Grip DX Craft Pen 1.0mm Metallic Red

The Pentel Hybrid Gel Metallic is not a pen I would normally purchase or use frequently, but after recently reviewing the Pentel Slicci Metallic Gel Ink pen, I figured what the heck.  I really didn't spend much time with it prior to doing the written review, nor have I spent that much time with it after, but even during that short time I could tell this is a nice pen.

The metallic pens are definitely a niche item, targeted at scrapbookers and other crafty types, so I'm definitely not the target market for this pen.  What I can tell you is that this is a well made pen that performs exactly as it should.  The barrel design is very solid - quite similar to the Pentel Energel.  In fact, this pen is just like a more glittery Energel, and that is a big compliment.

While I may not get a lot of use out of this pen, my wife will be all over it, especially come Christmas this year.

Click here for the XL review.

Product Links:
Pentel Hybrid Gel Grip DX Craft Pen 1.0mm Metallic Red from JetPens
Doane Paper Writing Pad from Doane Paper

Pentel Slicci Metallic Gel Ink Pen - 0.8 mm - Blue

The Pentel Slicci Metallic gel ink pen is not a pen I was super anxious to try, but color me impressed, in a crafty, glittery kind of way.

I'm generally a fan of all things Slicci as it is, and the metallic Slicci's are built just like the regular ones.  The barrel is the same shape, size, and weight, with the only difference being a few additional graphics around the label and the end of the pen.  My one concern prior to using this model was the 0.8mm tip size.  I reviewed a regular 0.7mm orange Slicci earlier this year, and didn't like the bluntness of the pen and how the ink transferred to the paper.  I felt I couldn't get as sharp of a line as I wanted.  The metallic gel ink Slicci does a better job when writing, and I wonder if the tip is slightly different.  I'll need to break out the magnifying glass one day to check them out.

The blue glittery gel ink wouldn't play too well in my office, but it is a really fun color and I am surprised at how much I like it.  The line is solid, almost like you would get from a felt tip pen.  I was worried that the color would be washed out and watery, but it is not in the least.  The gel ink also doesn't bleed through the page, so it would be perfect for scrap booking and craft projects.  My good pen friend Alberto at Lung Sketching Scrolls did a great review of all the available colors on his blog, so be sure to check it out.

Click here for the XL review.