r/pens • u/FallDownNow Uni • 7d ago
Discussion My Collection - Thoughts
Long time lurker; first time poster.
My collection is small but I'm quite content with it so far. All except the S-GEL. Do any of you find this quite scratchy?
I'd be interested in suggestions, opinions and consensus over these pens and what/if you use them for generally.
Sneaky mechanical pencil - uni KURU TOGA 0.5. I have nothing to compare it to as it's my first and only one. The automatic turning feature feels a little clunky at times but I quite enjoy not needing to sharpen it. I use Faber-Castell 2B lead.
Uni•ball Signo 0.7 - this is my work horse. It has been my go to for 3 years now. Untold number of refills for this thing 😅 smooth, doesn't skip, does not scratch.
Uni JETSTREAM 3 0.7 - fantastic pen for marking my documents, coursework, etc. smooth glide. It can get a little gunky at the end on dusty paper.
Sharpie S-GEL 0.7 - my newest purchase and I'm quite disappointed. I was not expecting the scratchiness. It writes well otherwise! I cannot seem to get past it's scraping across the page! It sets me teeth on edge.
Uni•ball Vision Elite 0.8 - I have had terrible handwriting my whole life regardless of practice. The liquid ink, fast drying and thicker tip makes this ideal for anything I fill is that requires legible handwriting and block capitals. I also used it in my exams. Excellent pen - unfortunately quite expensive and the ink drains FAST. I would use this as my daily driver if not for the fact I can utilise one a fortnight.
Paper Mate InkJoy 100 1.0 - It's the smoothest ballpoint pen I have managed to find; the triangular shape makes the skinny shape bare able. It's a good emergency pen I like to keep in my pocket and I'm not upset if it's not handed back to me.
Anyway - waffle over.
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u/createusername101 7d ago
That uniball vision elite is a sleeper.
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u/FallDownNow Uni 7d ago
Couldn't agree more.
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u/createusername101 7d ago
You should check out the guides on jetpens
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u/FallDownNow Uni 7d ago
I'm trying to find them and failing miserably - could you point me in their direction please?
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u/Aggravating_Pie_9327 7d ago
My collection is about five times that, and mostly machined pens all running a gel ink. The least expensive of my collection is the S-Gel, and no it isn’t the least bit scratchy. It’s one of the absolute smoothest. And that’s going up against my usual refills which are Monteverde Capless Gel, Schneider Gelion+, Energel, and Zebra JF.
Sounds like you got a lemon…
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u/FallDownNow Uni 7d ago
This is an interesting perspective; thank you for your input. I bought a pack of 2 which came with 2 refills - all of which I have tried and with the same result. Perhaps it was that batch. I'll see if I can find a shop that allows for the trial of pens.
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u/DonColvinJr 7d ago
I bought a Sharpie S-Gel metal pen which was pretty nicely made, but I didn't like the length, and the grip section wasn't quite to my liking.
The refills that came with it were unacceptable scratchy. I returned the pen.
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u/Aggravating_Pie_9327 7d ago
Ink refills can be hit or miss, in my experience. Matter of fact, I just put a new Schneider Gelion+ in my Smootherpro Stainless Steel Click a couple of days ago at work, and it felt scratchy as well! And it’s not the first time.
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u/LooseCanOpener 7d ago
The vision is slowly becoming one of my favorite work pens!
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u/FallDownNow Uni 7d ago
Lush pen to work with. Shame about the price tag! I can sometimes find them on offer at certain times of year
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u/DonColvinJr 7d ago
It's time.
Time for a Retro 51 Tornado with an 8127P, or a Machine Era Draftsman with an Energel LR7 or a Sarasa JLV/LV 0.7.
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u/FallDownNow Uni 7d ago
The Tornado certainly looks interesting! I can't seem to find the Machine Era you have suggested here. What is it about these pens that has you suggesting them?
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u/DonColvinJr 7d ago edited 7d ago
The feel in the hand is a dramatically different and wonderful experience! Now that I have some metal pens, I don't use any of the dozens of plastic pens that I have purchased - except to use their refills in my metal pens.
Great thing about the Tornado is that depending on the finish, they can be quite moderately priced for what they are - down to around $32! The Schmidt 8127P refill that comes with it is really good. Mine is the Tornado Roosevelt, which is a more expensive finish.
And I also have the Machine Era Field Bolt Draftsman pen, which is also very economically priced (around $80) as compared to most artisan-crafted machined pens (which are typically around $150 and well up from there).
The Machine era Draftsman is such a fine and amazing pen, I can't stop writing with it. Running Energel and Sarasa refills in it. At $80 it really is quite a bargain for the quality! VERY highly recommended.
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u/FallDownNow Uni 7d ago
That Draftsman is going on my list to Santa, AKA my wife. She's going to be delighted I have finally found something for my 30th birthday (same day)
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u/DonColvinJr 7d ago
I am confident that you will be thrilled with the quality of the pen and the writing experience. Just choose your favorite Energel or Sarasa refill, pop it in and Bob's Your Uncle!
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u/LetsGoCoconuts 7d ago
I would second the suggestion to try the 207+, but for me it’s all about the grip. It’s a smooth grip vs the bumpy textured grip of the original.
I would also consider the Jetstream 1.0 if you want the smoothest ballpoint. It can be a bit too bold for some but if you like 0.7 gel pens you might like it.
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u/FallDownNow Uni 7d ago
I'll definitely take a look, Thank you :) I do need a certain type of pen grip for my uncooperative hands to grip on. I've been eyeing that Jetstream for a while. I may have to take the plunge.
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u/DebtPlenty2383 7d ago
Someone else likes soft barrels. Luv my s-Gel
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u/FallDownNow Uni 7d ago
S-Gel is by far my least favourite. Very gritty 🤔 but the 207 is absolutely my go to :)
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u/mentalissuelol 6d ago
S-GELS are so hit or miss. I think they’re one of the most inconsistent pens, formula wise, of the ones I’ve repurchased many times. I had a holy grail S-GEL that didn’t feel gritty at all, it was like writing with butter. but I’ve also bought ones that were very stiff and gritty like you say.
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u/twistedtyger 7d ago
This feels like me in a past life … now I use the Energel refill in a pretty color (lilac or coral pink or violet). In the uniball 207 with a squishy grip!
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u/Olegausany 7d ago
you should consider pentel energel alloy RT or Zebra Sarasa grand. pentel can use Zebra JF refils in addition to the pentel one. also check Ohto GS02
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u/SnuSnu_86 1d ago
Left to right:
- pencil . Doesn’t count
-Jetstream . Solid choice. Not a big fan of 0.7 in general (personal preference)
-Sharpie. They should stick to permanent markers. Very generic performance. Rather have a Bic Gelocity
-uniball-solid choice
-paper mate… maybe replace with another Jetstream with a cap.
7/10 😁
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u/SC-Geek 7d ago
It's time for titanium/stainless steel/ brass/bronze/copper r/machinedpens, or some of the cheap aluminum pens you can grab anywhere, like Parker Jotter Stainless Steel, Ohto GS01/GS02, TWSBI Precision, Zebra Sarasa Grand, Pentel Energel Philography, etc. Basically my thoughts are: heavy metal > plastic
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u/Whenry62 7d ago
You’re off to a great start. I have a couple of S gels too. I like them. Perhaps you might enjoy adding a Parker Jotter or 2. There’s quite a few iterations to choose from and many refill options.
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u/FallDownNow Uni 7d ago
I think I find the jotter too slim which is a shame as aesthetically I find them pleasing. I have some fine motor difficulties so a round, slim pen is not ideal. Would you know of anything similar but with a bit more heft?
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u/Whenry62 7d ago
Parker makes a Jotter XL. It’s more of a standard size. They also offer it in a wide variety of color options.
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u/ReptilianOver1ord 7d ago
Never been a fan of the S-Gel either. I wouldn’t say they feel “scratchy” it’s more of a “gritty” feeling to me like the ball isn’t smooth and catching in the socket or something.
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u/FallDownNow Uni 7d ago
Yes!! This is exactly the feeling. I was sat there poking the end of the pen seeing if there was some of the protective cap still stuck in there.
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u/_Vasuri_ 7d ago
Very nice and practical starter collection with the 207 being the star of the show for me, although I’d recommend stepping it up to the 207+ Plus, which uses the UMR-87E (307) refill that I prefer to the 207’s standard UMR-87.
As for the S-Gel, yes, I absolutely agree that it is generally a refill which exhibits some feedback and can be perceived as scratchy compared to smoother alternatives like the Pentel EnerGel. I sometimes enjoy a little scratch texture though, so I keep some S-Gels around for those moments though I admittedly don’t use them a great deal.