Review: Uni-ball Signo UM-100 0.5 mm Black

The Uni-Ball Signo UM-100 does not equal the Uni-Ball Signo UM-151 (aka the DX).  Why is that?  I'm not sure, but the two pens write nowhere near the same.  While I had no issues at all with the 0.7mm UM-100 - in fact, I think it is great - I am having a really tough time with this pen.

The tip of this pen is scratchier than I am used to from a Uni-Ball product, causing the line to be uneven and inconsistent.  For me to use an 0.5mm gel ink pen regularly, I need it to have a very clean line, and this one doesn't.  I have no issue with the 0.7mm version, and the 0.5mm DX pens that I have are awesome, so what is going on here?  It could just be a dud, and since this is the only 0.5mm UM-100 that I have, I will order another one to see if I have the same difficulty with it.

I'll give this one a pass for now based on track record, but I will update once I get a new one ordered.

Click here for the XL review.

Review: Kokuyo FitCurve Ballpoint Pen 0.7 mm

I grabbed this Kokuyo FitCurve from a recent new products push at JetPens.  Up to this point, I had never used a Kokuyo pen, but the design of the FitCurve was intriguing.  According to the product information notes, the barrel design was definitely not an afterthought:

Based on ergonomic research, the center of gravity of the pen is located near the natural grip location, reducing "hand wobbling" that can cause fatigue. The body shaft measures 10 mm in diameter, thinner than standard ergonomic pens to account for how the pen is used when at a tilt. Apparently, when pens are held at a 30° tilt, 1.15 times the diameter is experienced in the hand. Therefore, the FitCurve is designed thinner so that it can have a 11.5 mm diameter feel when in use.

Seeing as how I didn't read all of those details prior to my written review, I didn't take particular notice of everything, other than it was comfortable to hold.  The grip leaves a lot to be desired for me personally though, as it is very firm.  Looking at the pictures you may think it has a squishy gel grip, but that is not the case.  In fact, it is not far off from a hard plastic extension of the rest of the barrel.  If that appeals to you, then this pen is a clear winner.  The ballpoint writes well enough to keep it in service.  But the grip was too much for me to handle, so I'll move on to the next pen.

Click here for the XL review.

Review: Pilot Hi-Tec-C Slims Multi Pen

I had wanted to order the Pilot Hi-Tec-C Slims from JetPens for the longest time, but I was a little slow in getting around to it.  What kept me from ordering it months ago was 1. I was a little concerned about the size, and 2. I already love the Pilot Hi-Tec-C Cavalier and wasn't sure I needed it.  As it turns out, the size is less of an issue than I expected, and while I do prefer the Cavalier model over the Slims, the Slims definitely has a home in my arsenal due to its multi pen functionality.

Compared to the Pilot Hi-Tec-C Cavalier, the Slims is approximately 1/2" shorter, and a little bit lighter.  I don't have large hands, but I am always concerned about how smaller profile pens sit in my hand, and the Slims gives me no trouble in that area.  As long as I can get a bit of clearance over the palm rest in my hand I am happy, and the Slims clears that with ease.  The multi pen aspect of the Slims works great as well, with a twist to the right snapping out the black cartridge, and a twist back to the left brinngs out the red.  Standard Hi-Tec-C performance is the norm here, which for some is great, and for others frustrating.  I like the pens enough to where a little priming doesn't bother me because I like the end result so much.

Gun to my head, I would take my Cavalier (as shown in the picture at left) over the Slims, but that is not to say the Slims isn't good pen, and I find myself using it quite frequently.  It always provides a good writing experience.

Click here for the XL review.

Product Links:

Pliot Hi-Tec-C Slims from JetPens

Doane Paper Idea Journal