Review: Zebra Z-Grip Max Bold Teal 1.2mm Ballpoint

The Zebra Z-Grip Max Bold is another new addition to the Zebra product line for 2010.  The Z-Grip pens have been available for a while now on store shelves, but the Bold 1.2mm tip is what makes this one different.

This size tip is normally way out of my comfort zone, but the color seemed nice and I wanted to give it a try.  As general rule, the larger the tip size, the smoother it writes, and while this pen is smooth, it skips far too much for a 1.2mm width pen.  This was causing me to press harder as I was writing, which of course lead to no improvement in the line.  Zebra does a nice job with this barrel though.  The see through plastic and same color accents are a nice touch, and it feels good in the hand.  The firm rubber makes for a nice gripping surface as well.

I had previously heard that some of the new Zebra products would be introduced this spring, but apparently it is looking like the summer before some of the 2010 product line hits the shelves.  Keep your eyes peeled!

Click here for the XL review.

Uni-Ball Power Tank Ink Samples

A Pen Addict reader mentioned that the new Power Tank Smart Series writes better than the original Power Tank, and the new High Grade model.  Well, since I just happen to have all three handy, I did a quick little test to see if I could notice anything.

From this short one sentence test, I could tell a difference between all three pens.  First off, the original Power Tank is easily the worst performer of the three.  The line skips more (more white streaks) than the other two - by a lot.  It isn't terrible on its own, but when put up directly against the other two, I could tell pretty quickly.

Secondly, the reader may be right - the regular Smart Series model laid down a smoother, darker line than the High Grade cartridge.  If you expand the picture, you can see the middle line is a little thicker and darker than the bottom line.  That is the difference between the two.  They are both very clean writers, and while they are both superior in performance to the original, I could clearly tell a difference between them.

Review: Uni-Ball Power Tank Smart Series High Grade Ballpoint Pen - 0.7 mm

The Uni-Ball Power Tank High Grade is big step forward in design from the original Power Tank.  The barrel is made out of aluminum, and the grip is essentially built into the barrel with a micro spiral design that runs from the brass tip to the knock.  This is truly a beautiful looking pen.

Looks alone do not make for a great pen though, but the Power Tank does a nice job on the performance end of the spectrum as well.  If you used the previous version, or one the newly released polycarbonate models, then you will know how this pen takes to the page.  The line is super clean, and the black ink is not too light.  It is not quite as smooth as a similarly sized Jetstream, but the special writing abilities of the Power Tank more than make up for any difference.

The pressurized ink cartridge technology of this pen is a huge plus, allowing you to write in extreme heat and cold, wet surfaces, or even upside down.  This model comes with a refillable metallic cased cartridge, and the barrel is available in six different colors in the 0.7mm tip size.  There is also a 1.0mm tip size that is available in the silver barrel.  Be sure to check out the product page on JetPens to see some great close-up photographs.

The list of uses for this pen is a long one - let me grab my Power Tank High Grade to start writing them down.

Click here for the XL review.