Scribbling, writing, and honesty
Written: Apr 08 '04
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Product Rating:
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Pros: Even, smooth line; sturdy, trouble-free design; inexpensive compared to other gel pens.
Cons: Ink doesn't last as long as other pens; tends to make me write sloppily.
The Bottom Line: I like G2's and I will keep using them. Definitely a good pen for you to try.
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| sixthmichcav's Full Review: PILOT CORPORATION OF Pilot G2 Retractable Gel Ink ... |
I like to write. At work, I have to write nearly as much as I have to type, which is about 2-3 hours per day. So, I've gotten pretty familiar with the Pilot G2, since about 15 of them (conservatively) have crossed my desk full and left empty.
I've used primarily the Pilot G2 retractable in blue ink--about 10 of the 15 pens I've used up (as opposed to given away) were blue. The blue ink is an even, bright blue without being too light. They generally write on any kind of paper, even glossy or slick paper. The ink will still bleed slightly on cheap paper with a lot of loose fiber in it, but not as badly as most roller ball pens' ink.
I've found the 0.7 line width ideal for a smooth, clear writing line (not necessarily neat writing--see below). The G2 design makes an even width line, as opposed to the "chiseling" or "paintbrush" effect of some wider pens. It is rare to see line variation with a G2, although they will smudge if you allow a dust fiber or other gunk to stick to the point; luckily, this does not happen very often (maybe once a week?). The ink dries quickly compared to a lot of pens. Using the swipe-and-smudge test, you can smudge the ink right away, but 3-5 seconds later the ink is solid except on the hardest, glossiest paper.
I first bought the G2 because, of course, I love to write and try out new pens. Retractable pens are a preference because I lose pen caps, and I often have to carry one pen in my pocket. The G2 has an excellent price, and can be found in 3, 5 and even the best deal--12 packs. The clicker and retractor feature have been dead-certain reliable; I have never had one break or jam.
The G2 features a grip that is a flexible rubber design, with a double convex/concave contour amd a lower ribbed texture. What the heck does this mean? It means it is fatter and smooth at the top of the grip, and curves narrower and ribbed at the bottom of the grip. A bit like this: ~ Unlike a lot of pens, I don't find myself hunting for a comfortable hold on the pen; just grab it and write away.
The pen clips are sturdy and molded into the non-removable top. They have a smooth contour, do not snag on pockets, folders, or a planner, and they do not break easily (I have never broken one, and I tend to pry on them when I am nervous). The barrel of the pen is clear, giving you a good idea of your refill life for about two-thirds of its duration. Once the gel refill gets close to the bottom (the grip), the pen is nearly out of ink (that light-brown gel you see on top is NOT ink--it's just holding the ink down!).
All is not perfect in G2 land, I am sorry to say. Although apparently refills are available, I have never seen them in the stores I frequent, so I cannot comment on pricing (although this may be a comment on their availability!). This is really a minor remark, because the whole pens cost less in bulk than most pens' refills will cost you. However, I can say that the G2's do not last very long. I can use three G2's before I go through one ball point pen, such as a Pilot EasyTouch or a Pentel RSVP. For the cost-conscious, this means that one ballpoint lasts as long as three G2's--has your purchasing manager read this? Hope not!
My biggest peeve about the Pilot G2? They make me write sloppily. For some reason, that great, easy-writing smooth line and the down-home comfortable grip allow me to scribble mindlessly and without any neatness. Perhaps this is just a personal problem, but I write much more neatly and evenly with other roller balls, gel pens, and ballpoints. I'm sure the handwriting analysis people would love it!
I'll keep using the G2 about 50% of the time, but they're not perfect; I still haven't found the perfect pen yet. I'll keep looking for it for you, though!
Recommended:
Yes
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Epinions.com ID:
sixthmichcav
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Location: Michigan, USA
Reviews written: 42
Trusted by: 2 members
About Me:
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