Pilot Hi-Tec-C Maica Review

The last thing I expected in JetPens latest new product push was a revamped Pilot Hi-Tec-C but that is what I got with the Pilot Hi-Tec-C Maica. So, what is this new take on an old classic trying to accomplish? I'm so glad you asked!

I must admit upfront that the product description on the JetPens page scared me. The words "jewel-like," "sparkly," and "pizazz" had me wondering if I was truly the target market for this pen. I'm not a 14 year-old Japanese girl after all. But this is the price you pay to get new stationery products on this side of the Pacific, and all things considered, this is not that girly of a pen despite the description.

What it is is a solid upgrade to the standard Pilot Hi-Tec-C barrel. It is rounded and slightly heavier, and the grip area is smooth with small, raised dots. The cap loop I will call roll-away protection since I won't be stringing charms through it any time soon. When posted, it is longer than the standard barrel as well, which you can see in the pictures.

One thing I am not crazy abut is the ridge in the grip area. Since the cap seals flush with the barrel there is a slight step down in that area, and at least Pilot had the sense to round the edge unlike some other companies. I do feel it near the base of my grip when writing but it isn't a deal breaker.

The teen girl marketing aspect of the pen? I honestly don't see it. The only thing that hints of it on my Blue Black model is the tiny faceted jewel on the top of the cap. I didn't even notice it for several minutes - it blends in so well it is hardly noticeable. There is nothing about this pen design that would keep me from using it regularly, but then again I do love my pink pens. Your milage may vary.

So now my big question: Why is the Maica only $2.50, while the regular Pilot Hi-Tec-C runs $3.30 (prices as of current writing at JetPens.com)? The refills are identical in size, although I have either used a bunch of the Blue Black Maica already or it was filled a little short. I ordered a Black Maica as well and it is filled evenly with an unused standard Pilot Hi-Tec-C. The Maica barrel seems a little more complicated to make too, so I'm not sure what warrants over a 30% price difference.

If nothing else, I know how I will be ordering color refills for my Render K from now on.

Marvy LePen Technical Drawing Pen Review

I'm on the record as not being a big fan of the Marvy LePen, much to my friend Ana's dismay. It is by no means a bad pen, I just feel that there are many similar pens that do a much better job than the LePen does. That made me hesitant to try out the Marvy LePen Technical Drawing Pen but I am glad I did since it is quite good.

It falls into the same category as a litany of other drawing pens like the Sakura Pigma Micron, Uni Pin, Staedtler Pigment Liner, etc. It is a crowded group for sure, making it hard to stand out. But I like how the LePen Tech has performed so far and would say it ranks highly among its peers.

What I liked the most about it is despite the super fine tip I went with (the 0.1 mm in this case), it felt durable. My lines were crisp and clean, and while I haven't put this pen through the ringer that an artist would, it held up well. The barrel is larger than most other similar pens but I didn't find that to be an issue. In fact, it was downright comfortable. You can see the size comparison next to a Sakura Pigma Micron below.

The Marvy LePen Technical Drawing Pen looks like a keeper to me. I plan on ordering one or two other sizes to test out and if that goes well may add it to the regular rotation of drawing pens in my arsenal.

Ohto Dude Fountain Pen Review

There are a wide variety of fountain pens available in the entry-level price range of around $20. Some on the lower-end of that price scale are excellent (the Platinum Preppy and Sailor HighAce Neo for starters), as are ones on the higher end like the Lamy Safari. While there are many good choices, there are poor ones as well, and unfortunately the Ohto Dude falls into the latter category.

The Ohto brand has always appealed to me from a design perspective. Their barrel design ideas are interesting, and they generally pull them off very well (the Ohto Rook being the lone exception). Where they have been lacking - more times than not - is in the area of performance. Most importantly, where the nib meets paper.

I should have learned my lesson with the Ohto Fine. That nib gave me serious problems at the time, and the cost of repair would be greater than the original price. I was hoping the unfortunately named Dude would be better. It was, but only marginally.

What I have repeatedly experienced with Ohto fountain pens is the nib digging into the page. I don't mean that it is scratchy when I write - that is a different feeling - I mean that it is almost gouging the page. This made for a poor and inconsistent writing experience.

I have learned my lesson with this pen. Ohto ballpoints and rollerballs are good pens but I am going to swear off any future Ohto fountain pen purchases.