Review: Bic Clic Ballpoint

Ever since starting this blog I have been asked by emailers and commenters to review some of the most common pens around - the standard Bic's, PaperMate's and things of that nature.  That has been hard for me because I really don't use those pens (which is one of the main reasons I started this blog).  I keep meaing to break down and buy some of the very basic pens found in desk drawers, store counters, and the like, but I just never get around to it.  It took me forever to realize I had one of the classic pens sitting right here the entire time in the Bic Clic.

I'm not sure when the Bic Clic was first introduced, but anyone who has ever written a word in thier life has surely used one of these at some point in time.  This pen is as common as the day is long.  It has been years and years since I have put one to paper, but it is really not a bad pen.  The only reason I have this one is that it was a freebie in an old Field Notes order, and that is pretty much what the Clic has been relegated to these days - a promotional pen workhorse.  Need a logo pen?  Well the Clic, along with the Stic, are the kings of that arena.  I imagine most people don't even use a non-promo version of this pen.

On the performance front it is not bad at all, like I mentioned before.  The 1.0mm ballpoint is very smooth, and the black looks nice on the page and is much cleaner than I remember a Bic ever being.  That is pretty good for, well, free.

Click here for the XL review.

Review: Bic 4-Color Fashion Colors Multi Pen

Since Brian reviewed this one yesterday at Office Supply Geek, I figured today is as good as any to break out my review of the Bic 4-Color Fashion Colors Multi Pen as well.  I came to the same general conclusion that Brian did - this is a good update to an old classic - but I did notice one small difference between his pen and mine: Where is my lanyard hole!

That obviously isn't too big of a deal for me, but I do find it odd that there are two different models of this pen.  From a writing perspective, it is decent by traditional ballpoint standards.  There isn't much ink buildup around the tip, and the lines are generally clean.  The pink and purple inks are far superior to the lime green and turquoise though.  The turquoise had its share of streaking, while the lime green is too light of a shade.  The pink and purple are nice and solid.

One issue I had with this pen is that the plungers were very hard to push down, and they didn't loosen up over time either.  Instead of just a quick flick of the thumb to push one down, it actually took some force to eject the cartridge.

With back to school season in full swing, I expect these will be a big hit with the kids.  After all, I am just a big kid myself, and really had fun with this pen.

Click here for the XL review.