This is a really cool pen, I just can't decide if it is useful, or worth the money. The Uni-Ball Style Fit line originally came in three and five cartridge barrels, but I was surprised to see a single cartridge barrel added to a multi pen system. I was pretty excited to order it and try it out because I thought it was something unique, but if I was going to go through that trouble, why not just order the Signo DX of my liking and be done with it?
To put together a gel ink single cartridge Style Fit, the barrel will cost you .75 cents, and the gel refill $1.50. The regular Signo DX is $2.25, and sports a more durable barrel, not to mention 2-3 times the amount of ink. I can put these single cartridge barrels to good use though. Seeing as how I am a pen addict, I have a few extra style fit cartridges laying around, so I might as well create a few extra pens by ordering some of these barrels. What I do like is that I now have a retractable DX, but heck, that is pretty much what the Signo RT is, and those are only $1.50. It is funny to call a .75 cent item a luxury item, but that is what this is.
From a writing perspective, the design makes it feel like you are writing with a small paint brush, or even a chopstick. I like it, but the barrel length and size made me feel like I couldn't write as neatly as I wanted when using an .28mm pen. If nothing else, try one out for yourself. The whole shooting match will only set you back the cost of a regular Signo DX. I could see someone loving these and buying 10 barrels for 10 ink cartridges. That sure would look nice in the cup on your drawing table.
Click here for the XL review.
