Uni-ball Vision Elite BLX Roller Ball Pen - 0.5 mm - Purple Black Review

In the world of non-standard inks, purple black is only behind blue black as my favorite color outside of the standard black, blue, red trifecta. If I could only use blue black inks the rest of my life I would be happy, but dang it if purple black doesn't sneak into the rotation frequently.

Uni-ball introduced their BLX lineup in 2012 to some fanfare but I personally never fully embraced it. That was a mistake because these are really good pens. And after using the Vision Elite 0.5mm Purple Black model I think I am ready to name it my number one liquid ink roller ball when I add that list to my next Top 5 Pens update, which will be out before the end of the month.

I've defaulted to the Pilot Precise line as the best liquid ink roller ball pen for years, but the Vision Elite is where it is at, especially in the 0.5 mm tip size. The line is super clean and as smooth of an 0.5 mm pen as you will find. The barrel design is great, including the comfortable cross-hatched grip. On top of that, the Vision Elite uses archival ink, and the pen is airplane safe. What more can you ask for?

The only knock you are likely to have is that while the pen is refillable it is not very cost or size effective. Due to the design, and assumedly to keep it airplane safe, the "refill" comprises replacing at least 50% of the total pen, if not more. It is a huge piece that includes the grip section and pen tip, along with the ink reservoir. I think most users would just buy a new pen.

That oddness aside, I love this pen. I've long been a fan of Uni-ball's use of lavender black in the Signo DX and Signo RT so I am glad to see this similar color make its appearance in on of Uni-ball's main line products like the Vision Elite. The Signo 207 and Jetstream lineup also feature the same colors. I hope to add those to the arsenal soon.

(JetPens is a sponsor of The Pen Addict and I received this product at no charge.)

XOXO 2014 Field Notes Winner

I am lucky to be able to give away lots of cool stuff on The Pen Addict and this XOXO 2014 Field Notes has been one of my favorites. The winner of this rare edition is:

Congrats Ian! You have one week to get in touch, and I advise you do so because there will be many others clamoring to get their hands on these.

Thanks again to Sarah from Candyspotting for offering up these to readers of The Pen Addict!

Three Questions With Tessa From All Things Stationery

Three Questions is a weekly feature where I chat with some of my favorite people online. Writers, artists, musicians, tech geeks - everyone is fair game. If there is someone you would like to see featured in a future Three Questions please leave a comment below.

Big thanks to Tessa from All Things Stationery for going first!

What role do analog tools such as pens, pencils, and paper play in your day to day life?

My "day job" is as an administrator at a University in London, and although it is a very computer based role, there's still plenty of room for pens and paper. I make lots of lists and take minutes in meetings so I always have a grid notebook and rollerball on the go. These aren't the most exciting of stationery items, but they are the most practical for what I do.  I also take lots of pride in giving good greeting cards and wrapping presents well, so having good gift wrap is especially important to me. 

What are your favorite products you are currently using?

I use a Hobonichi Techo Planner, which lives in my handbag. I use it an appointments diary, and then go back and fill in details/stick in tickets etc. if I have time. I also have a Field Notes in my bag for jotting down any ideas I have throughout the day, along with a Huckleberry Woodchuck bullet pencil. Pen-wise I usually use Muji gel pens (0.38mm if possible), and most recently I have surprised myself by often reaching for my Mark's Inc. Tous Les Jours ballpoint pen. I'm not usually a fan of ball points but this one has such a neat, fine line, that I've been really enjoying it. I also use my Kaweco Sport for my "best" writing, but I'm a bit of a fountain pen novice (sorry!). 

What post are you the most proud of on your blog?

I've been enjoying my Stationery Organised Neatly series, a photography project inspired by the Things Organised Neatly Tumblr. I've been arranging my stationery by colour theme. The most recent was Brown & Brass.

And this isn't post as such, but I've recently added a page to my site where I'm trying to put together a comprehensive map of (brick and mortar) stationery stores across the world.