When I’m looking for a great multi pen, I know any Uni-ball Jetstream setup is going to get the job done. One of their latest releases, the Uni Jetstream 4&1 Bamboo Multi Pen not only gets the job done with four ballpoint refills and an 0.5 mm pencil component, but looks amazing while doing it. I have one to give away this week, so read the rules below and enter away!
Posts filed under Jetstream
Uni Jetstream Edge 0.38 mm Ballpoint Pen Review
(Sarah Read is an author, editor, yarn artist, and pen/paper/ink addict. You can find more about her at her website and on Twitter. And check out her latest book, Out of Water, now available where books are sold!)
Sometimes I pick a pen based on looks (I'll admit it) and "odd" is definitely a look. The Uni Jetstream Edge looks odd. But I love Uni refills and I like Mint Green, so I had to try it. And it's a decent pen, though I think there are better houses for the exceptional Jetstream refill.
The metallic sheen on this pen deceives the eye, as the body is all plastic--only the grip section (and clip) are metal. The plastic is smooth and well made, but very light, so almost the entire weight of the pen is in the grip. This is apparently to give the pen a low center of gravity, which is intended for better control. I don't know all the science of the ergonomics behind that, but the imbalance it creates is something that takes a little getting used to. The pen also tapers so that the grip is the widest point, with a snorkel-like tube to protect the super-fine refill tip.
The body has a hexagonal shape, while the grip is round with some light etching along the length. I do find the grip a bit slick. I think the etching could have gone around the grip instead of along it, for better traction.
The clip has a wave pattern to it, and it looked like it might have a hinge, but it's a friction clip. It's fairly stiff, though the lip on it makes it easy to slide onto papers.
The top of the pen has a black plastic click mechanism to deploy the tip. It's a satisfying click, and the parts are all up in the top of the pen, so there are no flying springs or loose pieces when you change refills.
And the refill is where this pen shines. Because inside this slightly alien looking pen body is one of the best refills I've ever used, the Uni Jetstream .38 ballpoint.
This is the smoothest ballpoint ink I've ever used. It has the glide of a gel ink, but it is water-resistant, fade-resistant, and forgery-resistant, so it's perfect for taking your most important notes. Despite the absolute itty bittiness of the tip, there is no scratchiness or dragging feeling to this refill at all. It looks like you're writing with a sewing needle, but it writes like hot butter. I would use this refill every day.
But, I confess, I am not reaching for this pen every day--and when I am, it's because I need the refill, not because I want to write with the pen itself. It's not a bad pen at all, it's just odd, and that imbalance throws me off a bit. Beyond that, the $15 price feels a bit high, especially when you can get a 3-color Jetstream pen for $7.
I don't mind an odd pen (to be fair, I'm odd, myself), and I'd say that if you like the look of this pen, you're bound to be very happy with it. While I prefer other Uni pen models, my critiques of this pen are all very subjective, and you may find this one to be your personal favorite.
(JetPens provided this product at no charge to The Pen Addict for review purposes.)
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Uni-ball Jetstream Edge 0.38 mm Ballpoint Pen Review
I’m fond of saying that there is a pen out there for everybody. I’m also fond of saying not every pen is for everybody. The Uni-ball Jetstream Edge is firmly in the latter camp.
When you hear pen fans talk about the Jetstream, they are more than likely referring to the 0.7 mm model, and sometimes the 1.0 mm. They love the rich colors and solid lines - something standard ballpoints rarely have - plus the smooth writing experience with a refill that lasts longer that most. There is a reason it is one of my most recommended pens.
But the Edge model is a different animal. And Uni-ball is treating it as such.
In the past, Uni-ball has dropped into the 0.38 mm tip size with more standard barrel types, but it is a rare occurrence. I remember when I first got my hands on the 0.5 mm Jetstream (2008!) I raved about it, but even then I knew it was a pen not many people would enjoy. I still remember an email I got about that review, which told me in no uncertain terms how bad they thought this pen was.
The Standard barrel, my favorite basic Jetstream barrel, still has 0.38 mm and 0.5 mm options, but I don’t really see them leaning into those tip sizes - at least in this market. The Edge is their micro-tip refill vessel of choice, and I love it.
To me, Uni-ball is saying that 0.28 mm and 0.38 mm Jetstream refill are technical pens, and deserve a barrel design to relay as much to the consumer. That’s as much of the Edge story as the refill choice. This is my favorite pen barrel released in a long time, with its metal grip section, plastic upper barrel, unique clip design, and solid knock mechanism.
You know what other stationery products have similar design cues? Mechanical pencils, especially technical ones. And, the Edge has a similar price point to match.
This is a $15 Jetstream, not a $3 one. That places it firmly into the niche product market, and, I hope for my sake, that this technical, detailed writing niche takes it and runs with it.
The Edge launched four barrel colors with a 0.28 mm refill, then later added four more barrel colors for the 0.38 mm refill. The refill, while technically great, is the one flaw in this design, and maybe the one flaw in my theory why this pen exists in the first place.
The Uni-ball Jetstream Edge is designed around the refill they use for the Jetstream multi pen. It is thinner, and thus lower capacity than standard Jetstream refills, not to mention the Parker-style SXR-600 Jetstream refill. Single refill pens deserve a refill size commensurate with the pen, so this is a disappointment, especially in a $15 pen.
On the other hand, do we get the Edge if Uni-ball didn’t already have this refill design in-house? I’d argue yes. They already make 0.38 mm conical tip refills for the Sport series. I’m confident Uni could design a new needle tip for the 0.28 mm and 0.38 mm requirements for the Edge if they so desired, but they took the easy way out here.
I don’t guess I can blame them, because, in the end, I adore this pen. I just think it could be even better with a normal sized refill.
Will you adore this pen as much as I do? It’s unlikely. As I mentioned up top, this pen is not for everybody. Not by a long shot. It is a particular pen, with a particular job, and at a particular price point. But, if you are particular, like me, then you might find something interesting and unique in the Jetstream Edge.
(JetPens provided this product at no charge to The Pen Addict for review purposes.)
Enjoy reading The Pen Addict? Then consider becoming a member to receive additional weekly content, giveaways, and discounts in The Pen Addict shop. Plus, you support me and the site directly, for which I am very grateful.
Membership starts at just $5/month, with a discounted annual option available. To find out more about membership click here and join us!
