Zebra Sarasa 2+S 2 Color 0.5 mm Gel Ink Multi Pen + 0.5 mm Pencil - Light Blue Body Review

Image via JetPens.

There aren't may things I enjoy more than an epic-length product title. Just kidding - I despise them. What are manufacturers thinking when coming up with this nonsense? Not every feature needs to be listed in the title people.

Despite the extraneous characters, the Zebra Sarasa 2+S is a solid multi pen. The 0.5 mm black and red Sarasa gel ink refills are the star of the show. Each provides a smooth, rich line, and characteristic of most Zebra pens, the line is sharp. That is a personal favorite feature of mine and why I enjoy Zebra pens so much.

The plastic barrel is well constructed and the rubber grip provides good traction when writing. The binder-style clip is as strong as you would expect, allowing you to attach the pen to different sized objects when not in use. Even the pencil is nice!

As with any multi pen, what you gain in versatility you lose in capacity. With heavy use, you will burn through ink refills. Replacements run $1.10 a pop, but at least there is the option to add in blue or green ink.

The Zebra Sarasa 2+S gets the job done. Sometimes that is all you need in a pen.

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

Pilot 2+1 Evolt 2 Color Multi Pen + Pencil Review

Two months back I reviewed the Pentel Vicuna 2+1 Multi Pen. It was a solid multi pen - decent ballpoint writer, good build - pretty standard stuff. Not too long after, I saw the Pilot 2+1 Evolt Multi Pen appear in my JetPens new product feed. Wait a minute, didn't I just review that pen?

The design of two pens is eerily similar. Like I said, I thought they were the same pen. Not only do they look alike, they are priced exactly the same at $16.50. There is a lot of "borrowing" of design between pen companies, but never have I seen anything as close as this.

The Pilot Evolt offers more - and brighter - barrel colors, but that is the only check in the positive column compared to the Vicuna. The biggest flaw - which should be considered the multi pen plague - is a barrel that rattles. I'm surprised I didn't wake my kids when I was writing with this one. It is frustrating to see a pen this sharp looking function so poorly.

It is almost unfair to compare the Evolt ballpoint cartridges to the Vicuna. The Evolt uses standard ballpoint ink and the Vicuna uses hybrid ballpoint ink. That is an unfair fight, which is even more reason to consider the Vicuna if you are looking for this style of pen.

Better luck next time Pilot. Time to start using Acroball ink in your high-end multi pens!

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

Pentel Vicuna EX 2 Color 0.7 mm Ballpoint Multi Pen + Pencil Review

Among the hybrid ballpoint ink pens the Pentel Vicuna is a sneaky good option. For me, it ranks only behind the Uni-ball Jetstream and the Pilot Acroball, and it may have darker black ink than both of them. The Pentel Vicuna EX Multi Pen stepped up the Vicuna's game with an upgraded barrel to hold two ink cartridges (red and black) plus an 0.5 mm pencil.

The three cartridge setup works well with the pen design. The barrel diameter is just big enough to fit everything and not have an overly large pen. In fact, it is just about the perfect size. Some multi pens get too wide or have cartridges that come out at a slight angle but that is not an issue with the Vicuna EX.

As I anticipated, the ink cartridges are as smooth, solid, and vibrant as the single color pens. The black leaves a solid line and the red is sharp and bright (my photo makes it look duller than it actually is). The 0.5 mm pencil is a nice addition, and unlike many other multi pens it contains an eraser under the end of the cap.

I won't be leaving my Jetstream's for the Vicuna anytime soon but it is a tougher decision than you would think. Maybe one day Pentel will see fit to bring them to the US.

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