Review: Uni-Ball Jetstream 1.0mm Blue

This is the Uni-Ball Jetstream model that most people think of when mentioning this pen, and it is similar to the first Jetstream that I tried when they were introduced to the market many years ago.  At that time, I really didn't care for it.  I was mostly using 0.5mm Pilot Precise V5 pens, and thought the line was too wide, and skipped to much for regular use.  Several newer models got it back in my good graces, so I figured it was time to circle back around and take a look at one of the traditional Jetstreams.

Uni-Ball has the best pen barrel design compared to any other brand in my opinion.  Their barrels tend to be solidly constructed with good weight, and great functionality.  This Jetstream is no different.  The pen is perfectly balanced, and the grip area is just right.  Combine that with the excellent flow of the ink and you have a very nice pen.  From my recollection, this 1.0mm blue ink writes way smoother than the last time I tried this model.  That had to be several years ago, and my tastes have probably changed, but you can tell by the picture how well it writes.

My preference still lies with the 0.5mm and 0.7mm Jetstreams, but I imagine this is the most popular model off the shelf.

Click here for the XL review.

Review: Zebra Techno Line 0.4mm + Kokuyo Beetle Tip 3way Highlighter

I was very excited that JetPens started stocking the Kokuyo Beetle Tip 3way highlighter.  I had heard about it for a while, but now I finally have one in my grubby little hands.  During the same new products push, JetPens started stocking more colors of the Zebra Techno Line 0.4mm ballpoint, so I thought that would be a great pen to review again with the Beetle Tip highlighter

When I reviewed the Techno Line a while back, and I enjoyed it quite a bit.  The only issue I had at that time - and it is still the case with the new one - is that there is a little bit of spidering with the ink.  What I mean by that is there is sometimes a super-fine strand of ink between letters when I move from letter to letter.  This happens once every few lines or so, and you probably can't even notice it in the picture.  Otherwise, I like how fine and small I can write with it, and it is a pretty clean writer overall.

When I was a student, I was always an underliner, not a highlighter, so I was anxious to give the Beetle Tip a shot.  Before this highlighter, I would just take the sharp tip and line under the sentences in my textbooks or notes.  Now that I have the Beetle Tip, that underlining is made easier, and it works really well.  I was concerned about how fragile the tip might be, but it seems pretty strong and should last a good while.  The other thing I haven't put to a great test is do I really like the double line highlight?  I think yes, but I am so anal that I wonder if large blocks of highlights will bother me with their uneveness.  You can't beat the uniqueness and utility of the Beetle tip though, so I highly reccomend this pen.

One new thing I am going to try with my posts is add direct links to the products I have used (when available).  Those who are frequent readers of the blog know where to track these products down, but I do get a good many questions from new readers on where to buy them.  I'll try to do a better job of posting this information, and lets not kid ourselves, it also helps out the wonderful advertisers on The Pen Addict!

Click here for the XL review.

Products used:

Zebra Technoline 0.4mm

Kokuyo Beetle Tip Highlighter

Doane Paper Idea Journal

Ink Links

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-- Pen Obsession  (What Makes Me Happy)

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-- Do Students in France Really Use French Rule Paper?  (Writer's Bloc Blog)

-- Pilot Hi-Tec-C  (The Crafts Dept.)

-- Goodbye Fine Pens and Papers: Hello Information Age  (IT Thought of the Day)

-- The Doane Paper Utility Notebook - Traffic Light Series  (Doane Paper Feed)

-- Review: Leonardo Pocket Journal  (Notebook Stories)

-- Comparing Colors: Field Notes  (Pocket Blonde)

-- Papermate Pacer Mini Mechanical Pencil  (Dave's Mechanical Pencils)

-- Oxford Stapled Notebook from France  (Trains, pens, and planners)

-- Tradio Nature and Soft  (Scription)

-- A new friend for my Space Pen  (Miscellany & Cacophony)

-- User Review: Bill from the FPN compares the Webbie to several similar journals  (Rhodia Drive)

-- UGLee Pen Super Comfortable Ergonomic Pen  (Office Supply Geek)

-- Review: Quick Look at Rhodia’s New Weekly Planner  (Journaling Arts)