Copic Multiliner SP 0.3 mm Cobalt Blue Review

I have long been a fan of the Copic Multiliner SP and while the color ink models have been around for a while, it was only when JetPens started stocking them that I got around to picking up more.

I didn't exactly get crazy with my first one, opting for the subdued Cobalt Blue as opposed to Orange (which I got years ago from Copic directly), Sky Blue, or Purple. I'm certain more colors will make it into my arsenal before too long because this pen is that good.

One of the things I like the most is the aluminum barrel design. It is one of the few (only?) drawing pens that has a metal barrel, and this one is beautifully done. It is very lightweight and has a smooth brushed finish that is cool to the touch. I feel like I am going to design the next Porsche every time I pick it up.

The performance of the tip is excellent as well. It is solid, durable, and lays down a great line as you would expect. The ink is archival and compatible for use with Copic's huge line of markers, meaning your inks won't smudge when colored over. The tip is also replaceable and the ink cartridge refillable.

For all the praise I heap on the Copic Multiliner there is one drawback: These suckers are expensive! At $9.20 they are not a thoughtless purchase like a new Uni-ball Jetstream might be. Artists and designers swear by them though, and I appreciate the great writing experience they provide so I am happy to have a couple of them in my rotation. Give one a shot if you are looking for a great drawing pen.

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

Uni-ball RT1 0.28 mm Blue + Uni Promark Highlighter Review

I want to apologize right up front for the text size in my written review above. It is hard to read but if you click on the image it will take you to Flickr where you can view it in larger sizes like this one.

With that out of the way, the small text size is exactly why I love the Uni-ball RT1 0.28 mm more than any previous version before it, even the 0.38 RT1. The original Uni-ball RT has been around for years and has had a place in my arsenal as long as I have known of its existence. The RT is a quality pen, despite the fact it is a little on the scratchy side.

The scratchiness of the original is the reason I always said the RT was not the retractable version of the Uni-ball Signo DX. The DX has always been the superior writer, but the RT1 has closed that gap, if not eliminated it completely. The 0.28 mm RT1 might be the smoothest, cleanest, finest gel ink pen on the market. Expect to hear me talking about this pen a lot.

And if we are lucky, Uni-ball will see fit to start populating the store shelves with the RT1 now that back to school season is upon us. Let me know if you see them in the wild.

Highlighter reviews are difficult to do individually so I thought what better pairing for the Uni Promark View Highlighter than with the RT1. Uni-ball already had a window tip highlighter in the Propus but made it bigger and better with the Promark. It works wonderfully, although I found myself tilting my head a lot when first using it so I could really see the words well. I self-corrected after a few lines to prevent a stationery inflicted neck injury.

The Uni-ball RT1 and Promark both improve on their original designs in every way. What more can you ask for? Nice job Uni-ball!

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

Pilot Metropolitan Fountain Pen Review

I'm a little late to the party on the Pilot Metropolitan, but with good reason. I was waiting for MY model to come in - Black Plain Body - and wasn't going to settle for gold or silver or some funky pattern on the barrel. I'm particular!

When I finally did get it I quickly understood what all the hype was about. I noticed two things immediately: The weight of the barrel and the smoothness of the nib. The barrel is made of brass which is something you don't see much with pens in this price range. It gives the Metropolitan a nice heft and the illusion that you are using a much more expensive pen.

The nib, to me, is the real standout. Medium nibs are outside of my normal comfort zone but that doesn't prevent me from knowing quality when I use it. This nib is as good of a steel nib as you will find, regardless of price. It is glassy smooth with nearly no feedback on the page. I loaded my Metropolitan with Aurora Black ink and used a Rhodia 80g DotPad for this review - the ultimate smoothness combination!

While the praise for the Pilot Metropolitan is warranted, it is not without flaws. The biggest one for me is the sharp metal edge on the step-down from the barrel to the grip section. It hits both my thumb and forefinger when writing, making it uncomfortable right out the gate. You can see pretty clearly in this image from JetPens what I am talking about.

The second issue I have isn't as much of a flaw as it is a personal preference: Medium nibs are the only option. Yes, I am aware that you can swap nibs from other Pilot pens into the Metropolitan, but that defeats the purpose of a $15 entry level pen to me. As great as the medium nib is I can't use it all day, every day. I would prefer the choice of an extra fine or a stub nib.

So now the question that many of you are wondering about: Is the Pilot Metropolitan the best entry level fountain pen on the market? No, I'm sticking with the Lamy Safari for the wider range of nib and barrel options. The Pilot Metropolitan is at least in the conversation though, which is more than most under $30 fountain pens can claim.

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