Review: Zebra Sarasa Clip 0.4mm Gray

So are you as disappointed with the Sharpie Liquid Pencil as I am, but still wouldn't mind trying out a lead coloered gel ink pen?  Well, the Zebra Sarasa Clip 0.4mm Gray may be something for you to check out.

I have reviewed a plethora of the Zebra Sarasa Clip pens already, but I keep coming back for more since they are such good pens (try the Viridian Green).  They feel just right in the hand, have a great grip, and have a crisp, clean line from start to finish.  I personally have zero complaints - especially at $1.50 each - but some people do find them to be a bit scratchy.  Unless it is absolutely terrible, that is something that doesn't phase me on sub-0.5mm pens.

The gray ink color is a little light for me, but as I mentioned in the written review, this is one pen that would probably work better on a plain white page as opposed to the grid+lines of my Doane Paper.  It does have a pencil lead quality to the color, so if the Sharpie Liquid Pencil left you high and dry you may want to give this a look.  Just don't attepmt to erase it or take a Scantron test with it.

Click here for the XL review.

Products used:

Zebra Sarasa Clip 0.4mm Cool Grey from JetPens

Writing Pad from Doane Paper

Review: Zebra Tect 2way 1000 Mechanical Pencil

Since I started my recent drafting pencil kick, I couldn't wait to try out the Zebra Tect 2Way 1000 because I thought it was one of the coolest looking pencils on the market.  While the looks are what sold me, the feel and functionality of the pencil are what keep me coming back for more.  This is a really good pencil, but there are a few too many little things that prevent me from getting more use out of it.

One of the big selling points of the Zebra Tect 2way is the 2way-ness of it.  No, there is not an additional pen cartridge making this a multi pen, but rather there are two ways to advance the lead:  the traditional click advance, or the updated shaker mechanism.  I think I would actually like this pencil more if it was one or the other, because I am not really digging the ring around the barrel that locks the pencil into the type of lead advancement you want.  It just seems extraneous to me, or a case of trying to hard.  It does its job, but is it neccessary?  Plus, you have to shake the heck out of it to advance the lead.

Secondly, I didn't really consider that the grip would be an issue by the looks of it, but it kind of is.  The orange plastic rings encircling the grip are very firm, and they rise above the underlying metal grip higher than it appears.  That's ok for short bursts, but I could see that getting tiresome over long writing or drafting sessions.

Finally, I wish the barrel of the entire pencil was metal.  The silver grip area is, but the upper body is resin based (essentially plastic).  It does have a nice balance in the hand while writing, and as nice as it feels, it is just a little but off.  It could be mental on my part though.

That is a lot of small marks on what is otherwise a good pencil.  Unfortunately for me, those things add up, and push this one to the back of the drawer.

Click here for the XL review.

Review: Zebra Penpod Mini Keychain Pen

As I delve further and further into all things EDC (Every Day Carry for the uninitiated), I am always on the lookout for cool additions to my arsenal, and the Zebra Penpod Mini Keychain Pen looks right up my alley.  Not only is it compact, functional, and sharp looking, it has a nice little secret upgrade that makes it all the better.

I try to keep my keychain as minimal as possible, so I was hesitant at first to add this to the ring (why I didn't take a photo of it for this post I have no idea - I'll get that done soon).  Luckily, the Penpod is light enough and compact enough that I didn't really notice the extra bulk in my pocket.  To access the pen, all it takes is a quick press and twist from the base, and out pops the pen, while the cap of course remains attached to the keychain.

The standard black ballpoint ink cartridge is really really nice - better than many traditional ballpoint pens I have used.  The line is solid and the pen stays mess free.  The real key to this pen - for me at least - is the off the label refill cartridge that works for the Penpod.  I didn't realize this until reading some of the comments on the JetPens product page, but the Zebra Sharbo X refills fit this pen perfectly.  I have a few extra sitting around, so in went the Emerald Green, and it couldn't have worked any better.

With the five different barrel colors of the Penpod, plus the dozens of Sharbo X refills available, you can customize this keychain pen to your hearts content.  Have fun with it!

Click here for the XL review.