It has been many moons and many pen reviews since I posted an update to my top 5 pens list. There is a newcomer in the top spot, and some fresh takes on some old standbys, so there is a little bit of everything in this list. For those who haven't seen this list before, here is what it is, and what it isn't:
The top 5 list is: A snapshot of my current favorite pens. This is not an end-all be-all list, but rather these are the pens I am using the most day in, and day out for the past weeks and months. At home, at work - pretty much in any situation. I like the variety that multi pens represent, so they will always have a place on my list, right along side of the finer point single cartridge pens. This list is always in some state of flux.
The top 5 list isn't: A one stop shopping list for what pens you should buy. As anyone who reads this blog knows, pens are a very individual thing. What is great for me may be terrible for you, and vice-versa. If you ever have any question about what the best pen is for your situation, please shoot me an email and I can make some suggestions.
The Zebra Sharbo X - Top notch Danny!
1. Zebra Sharbo X
Number one with a bullet. I have been very pleased with my first Sharbo X purchase. So pleased that I have already purchased another one, this time with a white barrel. I love the feel of the pen in my hands. It is perfectly balanced, and a wonderful writer. My one wish list item for this pen is to have three ink cartridges instead of two plus a pencil, but I bought some blue lead for each of my barrels and I am much happier with that than the standard pencil lead. Customization FTW!
2. Uni-Ball Signo DX 0.38mm
The old standby, and I don't see this pen moving out of the top 5 anytime soon. It is very durable, and has some of the sharpest, cleanest lines around. The wide range of colors this pen comes in makes it a huge winner in my book.
3. Pentel Slicci 0.3mm
Take what I wrote about the Signo DX above, copy it down here, and that pretty much sums up my feelings on the Pentel Slicci. One thing about the Slicci that I like better than the DX is that I can use all tips sizes (0.25, 0.3, and 0.4) with ease, while I have a tough time with the DX 0.28 on occasion. I think the DX barrel is far superior though, so that is what keeps it one spot ahead.
4. Pilot Hi-Tec-C Cavalier
It seems that I always have one Pilot Hi-Tec-C pen on my list, but this time the single cartridge Cavalier replaces the multi pen Coleto model. I find myself reaching more and move for the black 0.4mm Cavalier because I like the feel of the barrel. It may be too thin for some, but the weight offsets that nicely.
5. Sharpie Pen RT
The Sharpie Pen always has a place in my arsenal, and the new RT model has taken over for the original. I really like the new barrel design, and Sharpie was able to keep the performance of the tip intact from vesion one. Improving the ink colors for the red and blue pens didn't hurt either.
