Thanks to Wirecutter (a review site) I found and bought a Uni-Ball Jetstream, well a pack of three. I’ve used them ever since – like in my daily Morning Pages (20+ so far) and everywhere else. Now two of the three are missing.
How much do I love these? Enough that I’ve purchased over 70 refill ink barrels. I’ve been using the same pens all this time. Write, write, write, pen goes dry, peel open a packet of ink, swap it out, write, write, write again. Many of those were ordered from Japan. Because, well why not? And I would get nice thank you notes with them.
And to think, they were recommended in 2013 and they still are today. And for much of the same reasons.
We interviewed experts with thousands of hours of experience testing stationery, and subjected their favorite pens to nearly 70 professionally picky Wirecutter staffers, to affirm that the Uni-ball Jetstream is the best pen for everyday writing. It’s easy to find in stores, it writes smoothly on most paper, and it’s affordable enough that you won’t be heartbroken if someone permanently borrows it.
Wirecutter Review
You can find them at JetPens while you geek out on writing instruments. (like here or here) Or, ahem, Amazon. Check on their review of ballpoint pens – which has a list of pens recommended for different uses: professional, student, eco-friendly, colored. This list goes on. AND they have information. You know why you’re buying whatever. See Below:
- What is a Ballpoint Pen?
- Why Use a Ballpoint Pen?
- Considerations
- Recommendations
- More Ballpoint Pen Resources
- History of the Ballpoint Pen
- Compare These Pens
- How We Approach Research & Testing
- Conclusion
- Shop This Post
But for your pen that is recommended for everyday use, here’s what they say:
The Uni Jetstream is our favorite ballpoint pen, and a perennial best seller. Its low-viscosity ink is some of the smoothest, darkest, and most consistent ink we’ve encountered in a ballpoint pen, and a pleasure to write with. In addition, the Jetstream is available in several versions so that anyone can find a style they like. Unusually for a ballpoint pen, its tip sizes range from a super-fine 0.38 mm to a broad 1 mm and it comes in 13 vibrant ink colors.
JetPens Review
I’d say I’m going to miss them. But if I don’t find them in the places we’ve used them I’m buying another set of three.
I am a crude amateur, but after discovering Pilot G2 gel pens I have stuck with them.
Perhaps experimenting with Uni-ball Jetstream is in my future.
G2s are great pens. I have a set of eight in colors, for when I was looking at journaling and varying colors to keep things apart.
Check out the guide to pens – that is a pretty deep rabbit hold. BUt – it gets you to think about what you’re actually looking for in a pen. I like deep diving into a subject.