The Pen Addict

Zebra Sharbo X LT3 Multi Pen Review

It is a well known fact that I am a big fan of the Zebra Sharbo X multi pen. I first tried the ST3 model over two years ago when I bought it used from a Pen Addict reader. I was impressed by the build quality, functionality, and customization options available. It is a great pen, and has enjoyed high placement in many of my Top 5 Pens lists over the years.

The ST3 is just one of the many barrel styles of the Sharbo X, and I am happy to now get the chance to review the LT3 model. The primary difference between the ST3 and the LT3 is the diameter of the barrel. The LT3 is more of a normal width barrel at 9.3mm in diameter, while the ST3 is a wider body at 11.1mm. The barrel finish on the LT3 is also a matte style and comes various colors like Orange Flame and Azure Blue. The ST3 is smoother and comes in basic black, white, and silver. The functionality between the two is the same, with both containing one slot for a pencil cartridge, and two slots for gel or ballpoint ink cartridges.

When comparing the two side by side, I can tell a difference between the pens in how the pencil and ink cartridges are moved into the writing position. The twist mechanism works the same on each - you twist the top half of the barrel from station to station to expose the tip - but on the LT3 there is more or a “grab” on the inside of the barrel when moving from slot I to slot II.

Opening up the pen and looking at the issue, I think the gasket where the pencil cartridge connects is pushing against the pen cartridge in slot II causing it not to eject as smoothly. This doesn’t happen in the ST3 model, and I’m guessing the wider barrel is the difference. The cartridges have more room to move. It isn’t a deal breaker for me, but after using the ST3 for so long it is noticeable.

The one thing that doesn’t change between the pens is the performance of the ink cartridges. If you like how Zebra gel ink pens like the Sarasa Clip write, then you will love the Sharbo X refills. The lines are clean and sharp, and come in a ton of cool colors. The downside is the refills don’t last very long, and they are expensive to replace, so be aware of that commitment if you are going to take the plunge.

The Zebra Sharbo X is not a pen for everybody. Do you research, check out all the body styles, and decide if the barrel cost plus future cost of refills are for you. I love my Sharbos, but then again, I am a Pen Addict.

Top 5 Pens June 2010

I never seem to update this list frequently enough, but here is a quick snapshot of the five pens I have used the most over the last couple of months.  Any period of time longer than that becomes a blur, but at least this gives you an idea of what have been my go to pens recently.  Plus it makes me realize that no matter how much I use a pen, I may not have reviewed the exact model I am talking about, so I will work on that as well.

(Click on the photo for a larger view, and click here for the XL photo)

1. Pilot Hi-Tec-C 0.3mm Gel Grip Black

This is my everyday workhorse pen - as long as I have good paper to write on like Doane Paper or Rhodia.  This tip size doesn't perform as well on "normal" paper, but I always keep the good stuff handy like any addict would do.

2. Uni-Ball Jetstream 0.5mm Blue Basic Series

Where the Hi-Tec-C doesn't fufill my needs, the Uni-Ball Jetstream 0.5mm usually does.  Quick hit notes and a retractable tip are its specialty, and I love the 0.5mm width, which is admittedly not for everyone.

3. Zebra Sharbo X ST3

This pen really classes up the joint with its sleek barrel design and smooth functionality.  I have this white barrel model loaded up with blue black and mandarin orange 0.4mm gel ink cartridges, plus an 0.3mm pencil cartridge.

4. Pilot Hi-Tec-C Coleto Four Cartridge barrel

I haven't done a proper review of this particular barrel, but it is my new favorite Coleto style.  I love all things Hi-Tec-C, and I use this multi color model when I am working on projects or notes that I need to annotate more than with basic black.

5. Uni-Ball Signo 207 Micro Black

This pen is back in my good graces after falling out a year or two ago.  I felt the micro tip wasn't a consistent enough writer (especially in blue), but I've given it another spin and I find myself using it a lot.

Zebra Sharbo X Ink Samples

I was recently asked on Twitter by @dcernosek about the Zebra Sharbo X ink colors that I have, so I wrote a few lines on the page at left.  I have been using the black/mandarin orange combo in one of my Sharbos, and royal blue/carmine red in the other.  I also just received the limited edition cool gray and violet refills from JetPens, which are very nice as well.  The violet is especially dark, reminding me of the Uni-Ball Signo RT lavender black ink that is one of my favorites.

I'm not completely satisfied with how my photography/editing skills are representing the colors, so I may try to post some color swatches if I get the chance later today.  You can see them pretty well in the XL version of the photo though.

Big Two-Year Blogiversary Giveaway Winners

Another great contest is in the books!  Thanks to everyone who entered, and HUGE thanks for helping The Pen Addict grow by leaps and bounds over the past two years.  I'd also like to thank JetPens for sponsoring the great prizes for this giveaway - they have been a great supporter of this blog since the early days, and for that I am very thankful.

On to the winners!

The Grand Prize Zebra Sharbo X package goes to Craig with comment #101.  I think the picture below sums it up quite nicely:

The two First Prizes of a $25 JetPens gift certificate go to Alex with comment #131 and thevioletdragon with comment #165.  I absolutely loved reading each and every entry, and while I have reviewed a ton of pens from JetPens over the past two years, it is amazing how much stuff I didn't even realize was out there.

The three winners each need to leave a comment on this post, and also email me at the address on the sidebar so I can arrange getting your prizes to you.

Thanks again to everyone who entered, and look for more fun giveaways soon!

Top 5 Pens - Fall Update

It has been many moons and many pen reviews since I posted an update to my top 5 pens list.  There is a newcomer in the top spot, and some fresh takes on some old standbys, so there is a little bit of everything in this list.  For those who haven't seen this list before, here is what it is, and what it isn't:

The top 5 list is:  A snapshot of my current favorite pens.  This is not an end-all be-all list, but rather these are the pens I am using the most day in, and day out for the past weeks and months.  At home, at work - pretty much in any situation.  I like the variety that multi pens represent, so they will always have a place on my list, right along side of the finer point single cartridge pens.  This list is always in some state of flux.

The top 5 list isn't:  A one stop shopping list for what pens you should buy.  As anyone who reads this blog knows, pens are a very individual thing.  What is great for me may be terrible for you, and vice-versa.  If you ever have any question about what the best pen is for your situation, please shoot me an email and I can make some suggestions.

The Zebra Sharbo X - Top notch Danny!

1. Zebra Sharbo X

Number one with a bullet.  I have been very pleased with my first Sharbo X purchase.  So pleased that I have already purchased another one, this time with a white barrel.  I love the feel of the pen in my hands.  It is perfectly balanced, and a wonderful writer.  My one wish list item for this pen is to have three ink cartridges instead of two plus a pencil, but I bought some blue lead for each of my barrels and I am much happier with that than the standard pencil lead.  Customization FTW!

2. Uni-Ball Signo DX 0.38mm

The old standby, and I don't see this pen moving out of the top 5 anytime soon.  It is very durable, and has some of the sharpest, cleanest lines around.  The wide range of colors this pen comes in makes it a huge winner in my book.

3. Pentel Slicci 0.3mm

Take what I wrote about the Signo DX above, copy it down here, and that pretty much sums up my feelings on the Pentel Slicci.  One thing about the Slicci that I like better than the DX is that I can use all tips sizes (0.25, 0.3, and 0.4) with ease, while I have a tough time with the DX 0.28 on occasion.  I think the DX barrel is far superior though, so that is what keeps it one spot ahead.

4. Pilot Hi-Tec-C Cavalier

It seems that I always have one Pilot Hi-Tec-C pen on my list, but this time the single cartridge Cavalier replaces the multi pen Coleto model.  I find myself reaching more and move for the black 0.4mm Cavalier because I like the feel of the barrel.  It may be too thin for some, but the weight offsets that nicely.

5. Sharpie Pen RT

The Sharpie Pen always has a place in my arsenal, and the new RT model has taken over for the original.  I really like the new barrel design, and Sharpie was able to keep the performance of the tip intact from vesion one.  Improving the ink colors for the red and blue pens didn't hurt either.