The Pen Addict

Review: Uni-ball Signo UM-100 0.5 mm Black

The Uni-Ball Signo UM-100 does not equal the Uni-Ball Signo UM-151 (aka the DX).  Why is that?  I'm not sure, but the two pens write nowhere near the same.  While I had no issues at all with the 0.7mm UM-100 - in fact, I think it is great - I am having a really tough time with this pen.

The tip of this pen is scratchier than I am used to from a Uni-Ball product, causing the line to be uneven and inconsistent.  For me to use an 0.5mm gel ink pen regularly, I need it to have a very clean line, and this one doesn't.  I have no issue with the 0.7mm version, and the 0.5mm DX pens that I have are awesome, so what is going on here?  It could just be a dud, and since this is the only 0.5mm UM-100 that I have, I will order another one to see if I have the same difficulty with it.

I'll give this one a pass for now based on track record, but I will update once I get a new one ordered.

Click here for the XL review.

Review: Uni-Ball Signo 0.7mm Light Blue

In my quest to review more pens in the greater than 0.5mm line width category, I ordered a few Uni-Ball Signo 0.7mm pens from JetPens.  Specifically, this is the UM-100 model in light blue, which unspecifically means it is a standard capped, stick type pen.  As with many other pens in the Uni-Ball line, you will notice immediately upon picking up the pen that the construction is top notch.  The barrel feels extremely sturdy, and there are no shakes or rattles to be found.

I didn't really know what to expect from the 0.7mm size - especially since that is not really my forte - but since it is a Uni-Ball pen I should have known it would be good.  It borders on excellent to be honest.  The lines are thick, but stay clean and sharp with no bleeding or feathering at all.  The larger the tip size the smoother the pen should write, and that is the case with this Signo.  I find this shade of light blue to be original and unique to Uni-Ball as well.  No one else really matches this color with their light blue/sky blue/baby blue offerings.

This is a workhorse pen, and that is a big compliment in my book.  I feel like I could use this pen for anything at anytime and it won't give me any troubles.  The 12 color set may be in my future, but in the meantime, I'll grab a few more of the individual colors at just $1.50 a pop.

Click here for the XL review.