My Favorite Pen Types

What works for me for normal writing:

1. Micro gel pen in the 0.4 mm range, such as the Uni-ball Signo DX 0.38mm and Pilot G-Tec-C/Hi-Tec-C 0.4mm (but I’m not a Zebra Sarasa 0.4mm fan).  These pens smoothly put a vivid, colorful fine line onto my paper.
2. Hybrid pens such as the Zebra Surari (my favorite), Uni-ball Jetstream, and Pental Energel in 0.5 mm or 0.7 mm.
3. Rollerballs such as the Pilot/Mont Blanc G-Blanc, Uni-ball Vision, and Pilot Precise V5.
4. Fountain pens.  I have a Kaweco Sport, a Pilot Petit, and a Pilot Plumix.  They’re nice, but just don’t get me excited.  I like easy care and portability; fountain pens aren’t great at either, and they’re pricey.  I like the look of gel ink better than fountain pen ink (at least the inks I’ve seen).
5. Ballpoint pens.  Most are just kind of blah.
6. Felt tip pens such as the Sharpie Pen, Sakura Pigma Micron, and Uni-ball PiN.  I just don’t like they way they write, and I am always concerned I’m going to squish the point.

I try to periodically re-evaluate; I’ve been trying to use my fountain pens a bit more, eventually I’ll give the Sharpies another chance, etc.

Fountain pens with broad nibs are a lot of fun when I’m in a playful mode, as are glittery gel pens, metallic gel pens, brush pens, and so on.  However, for normal use, I like thin to moderate lines, solid coloring (no skipping), easy care, and inexpensive (so I can put it in my pocket).

Related posts:

1. Japantown Pens
2. I hope Staple’s G-Tec-C’s are only the start
3. My Quest For Sakura Pens
4. Information Resources Part I – Overall Media Types