Introduction
I have long been a fussy person when it came to pens. For me, they have to be absolutely perfect for me to develop a favorite and keep using it.
At work I tend to just 'grab another' when my last pen runs out, sometimes I get a good one, sometimes they're just downright uncomfortable and I toss them in the trash.

We're required to use black ink at work (I prefer it anyway), so when my last pen ran out I grabbed one from the office supplies. It was a Paper mate Comfortmate Ultra 1.0 Medium, and it came in a 12 pack box.

First impressions
I was impressed with the sleek design of this ballpoint pen. The whole pen is black, indicating its ink color and comes with a retractable button which is even nicer. I can't stand pens with lids. They fall off, they get lost and are annoying to keep taking on and off. Retractability is the only was to go! It has a clip at the end for easy clipping to pockets. Some clips can be too tight or too loose, this is somewhere in between.

Description
This pen is on the thin-side, similar width to a Kilometrico pen or just slightly thinner.I would prefer it to be slightly thicker around the girth for a better grip, but it's still ok. I do like the non-slip exterior. It feels like super-fine abrasive paper, giving enough resistance so your fingers don't slip for extended writing periods, but not abrasive enough that it's annoying or uncomfortable.

The tip tapers off quickly to satisfy those 'tip writers' who only use their fingertips at the very end of the pen to write with! Ugh, that's too uncomfortable for me, but that makes it versatile.

Main issue with it
My only complaint with this pen is that the ink needs to be coaxed out before use. Scribble on paper to get the ink flowing first before use. Every time. Even if you only used it a few minutes ago, you will need to scribble again! This is very annoying for me. I love pens that work first go without this hassle, but this is not one of them.
There seems to be an issue with the ball being too tight in the socket, no matter how warm or cold it gets, and needs coaxing every time you wish to use this pen. Once it's flowing, its great. 

Smooth flow once it starts working
I can't complain about the ink flow. It had a medium line and the ink spread is even (well, even enough). It doesn't skip while drawing lines and it doesn't blot copious amount of ink in various places you would rather them not to be!

The ink is touch dry after about 30 seconds. 10 seconds and it will smudge slightly.

Pricing
These pens are ok, but I won't use another one after mine runs dry. I will look for something that doesn't waste ink on scrap paper trying to get it to write!
These are available in packs of 12 for anywhere between $8-$14.
Amazon.com they're currently under $9.

***Be aware that the buying link to Quill.com on this page will take you to a different pen that isn't the Paper mate Comfortmate Ultra 1.0M, but a similar model. ***

The Final Word
Ok I have definitely rambled on enough about a silly pen but I had to say my piece! It's a decent pen overall but not recommended for impatient writers. Keep that scrap paper on hand!

Recommended: No