As such, this would be a good writing instrument to keep if you tend to type more than you write. After two months surveying pen collectors and performing 12 hours of writing tests on different types of paper, weve ranked the top ten pens wed be proud to display on a hardwood desk or use to sign a history-shaping document. "Writing is utter solitude, the descent into the cold abyss of oneself." Franz Kafka. We do extensive research and hands-on testing, so you can trust the products we recommend. Your email address will not be published. Editors note: as we finish this post, Retro 51 has just announced that they are planning to stop production of their product line after 2020. In round one, over the course of about three weeks I tested all 26 pens, grouping them by category (for example, ballpoint pens) and starting with the least expensive pens. The Mont Blanc 146 a.k.a the Montblanc Meisterstck Le Grand is the kind of pen you gift yourself for making partner or winding up a game-changing matter. Join our newsletter to get notified of the best products available for your home. The Lamy Safari rollerball was well liked by only one of our seven testers; most preferred our other picks thinner barrels, which are interchangeable with other brands refills. Especially in situations where you may not have control over the quality of paper. Muji. 2. TOPS The Legal Pad. Rollerballs also need a cap to stop them from drying out. Cross Bailey Medalist Selectip Rollerball Pen. Its rubbery body felt good in testers hands, tooyet another reason it has been a Wirecutter pick since 2013. The Jetstream RT has been a Wirecutter pick since 2013, and it continues to be widely loved. Shop our extensive selection of Luxury and Fine Writing Pens at everyday . *At the time of publishing, the price was $21. The Jetstream RT could change your mind. The 25 Best Pens You Can Buy at Every Price Point There's an endless selection of pens available, ranging in price from a few cents to over $1,000. Over the course of two months our tester double-checked his own preconceived ideas about what makes a pen executive. He looked at guides and discussions on boards like the Fountain Pen Forum and sub-reddits like r/pens. Cross sells the Townsend in a wide range of colors and patterns, even making collectible Ferrari and Star Wars special editions for those who want an ostentatious edge to their desk accoutrements. The Pilot Namiki Falcon earns its place on this list because it strikes a great balance between top-notch features and value for money. Its also the least expensive pen we recommend, on a per-pen basis. With thousands of pens to choose from, most writers lack the time or budget to try them all. Uni-Ball Jetstream. The legal pad is available in white or standard canary yellow (shown here) and the pads are SFI-Certified. Although we havent tested these pens (they dont appear to meet our criteria for comfort and design), they may be worth a look if you value eco-friendliness over ergonomics. Every pen has its own unique refill cartridge and process, so start by looking up what kind of refill your pen needs. (Dont worry, theres still one classic clicky on the list.) One of our testers preferred the EnerGel over the other pens because of its refill options: You can get it in a 0.3-mm size for small lettering, 0.5-mm and 0.7-mm medium sizes, and a 1.0-mm thicker sizeall in a rainbow of colors. The gigantic cigar-shaped Meisterstck 149 Diplomat fountain pen is the flagship of the Montblanc fleet, but the slimmer, rollerball-tip 163 Classique is easier to hold (about 3/8 inch at the grip section), easier to maintain and easier to purchase than the 149. The Pilot Hi-Tec-C Coleto multicolor pen has slots for five ink colors and over a dozen color refill optionsmore than our multicolor pen pick, the Uni Jetstream Slim Multi-Color. And this was confirmed in our testing: Several of our testers preferred the Uni-ball Signo RT1 to the Pentel EnerGel RTX because of the Signo RT1s understated (albeit all-plastic) design. Every person weve met (outside of collectors at pen shows) who owns a Montblanc received it as a gift. And its available in a wide range of colors and tip sizes to suit various writing preferences. Note that Lamy made the sneaky decision to make refills for this pen just a bit longer than standard rollerball and gel-ink refills; Lamys rollerball ink is fine, but if you prefer to use a gel or felt-tip refill for absorbent or rough paper, you need to add a spacer and possibly a bit of a sleeve or spring at the front to keep it in the right place. True to its name, the Waterman Expert may be a great pen choice if you have used fountain pens before. "I write for the same reason I breathe." Isaac Asimov. Uni-ball Signo RT1 Retractable Gel Ink Pen, Micro Point 0.38mm. Our main concern with the V5 RT is that the ink doesnt dry as quickly as with the Jetstream or gel pens, such as the Pentel EnerGel or Uni-Ball Signo RT1. The 2000 looks and feels great in brushed-charcoal-gray, but you can also buy the fountain-pen version in all-stainless if you want a heavier pen. This guide can help you figure out what to look for. If youre looking for executive-suite style in a budget-friendly pen, the Pilot Metropolitan Rollerball (also in ballpoint and fountain pen versions at this link) has a balance and refinement that would be competitive at three times its street price. But they were divided on the pens looks: a very busy design with a lot of chrome and brightly colored accents reflecting the color of the ink. The Waterman Hemisphere could be the pen for you if you are on the hunt for a light writing instrument. Their large grips are easier to hold, and theyre available in ballpoint, rollerball, and gel versions. Sadly, fineliner refills dry out quickly if you leave the cap off your pen. Ballpoint pens use an oil-based ink thats thicker and usually creates a thicker line. The Aurora 88 is a superbly designed pen with understated elegance. Ampad Evidence Dual Ruled Pad. Youve got the whole gamut represented in this collection, from Frank Lloyd Wright to Karim Rashid. Grip Center of Gravity is the pen you should turn to. The aesthetics of a pen can contribute to the overall writing experience. The iridium nib is steady and delivers a consistent flow of ink. The ink and ballpoint is perfect. It is easy to handle and the medium nib delivers definitive writing strokes almost as though you are using a fine nib. In our testing we used the 0.7-mm medium-to-large point size, yet our writing still felt precise. The 15-pound sheets are all three-hole punched for easy filing in binders. The standard 0.7-mm fine tip comes in black, blue, and a black/blue/red multipack. Many excellent legal writing books exhaustively detail how to write effectively. It has a slender-ish girth that handles well and allows you to write with no fuss. The pens knocks (the buttons at the top of the pen that make the pen nibs retract) operate smoothly, with a satisfying click (unlike cheaper multicolor pens with knocks that get stuck or dont hold the pen nibs in place). This is a top ten list of executive-class pens researched and selected by our office pen enthusiasts. But if you often write in different colors, we think the convenience is worth it. Among pens designed to reduce writing stress, the Pilot Dr. Still, the weight is not uncomfortable as it balances fairly well. A subset of rollerballs, gel pens write smoothly but typically with thinner lines. Cons. A subset of rollerballs, gel pens write smoothly but typically with thinner lines. These are often popular among left-handers. Lets look into them, shall we? And you can find other pen bodies that will take Jetstream refills. These panelists collect pens as a hobby, and they are more knowledgeable and opinionated about pens than most people. Style: ballpointTip width tested: 0.7 mmWidths available: 0.7 mm, 1.0 mmColors: black, blue, red; RT BLX version: blue-black, brown-black, green-black, red-black, brown-black. The Best Wooden Pencils for Left-Handers: Uni Mitsubishi 9000 Pencils. Introduction Every year, the World Day of Social Justice is celebrated to recognize the need to promote social justice across, Motorcycle accidents are unfortunately common occurrences on Utah's roads and highways, often resulting in devastating consequences such as severe injuries, When a couple decides to separate ways and they have kids, talking about child support is important. For myself, being a lawyer, I have the opportunity to go to prisons. If youre looking for a more everyday option you wont mind other people borrowing, see our other review of the best pens. These are both good refills, but the wet-ink rollerball refills in more prestigious pens dries quicker on standard paper than the G2 gel. In our tests, switching colors was seamless. $15 at Amazon. So, either choice could serve you well. The Pilot Metropolitan fountain pen delivers class and efficiency on a budget. In most situations, the Uni-ball Jetstream RT is the best pen for the job. In addition to a 0.28-mm tip size, the Signo RT1 comes in 0.38-mm and 0.5-mm sizes, so you can find the exact line width you want for fine drawing or handwriting. This includes the Pilot B2P (a refillable gel pen made from water bottles) and the BIC Ecolutions ballpoint pen (made from recycled plastic). Office Depot sells an exclusive line of pens under the TUL brand, in rollerball, gel pen, and ballpoint. The selection of nibs is also more diverse and includes extra-fine, fine, medium, broad, zoom, and music options. And this pen comes with the same refillable smooth ink found in other Jetstream pens. Fineliner ink dries instantly but bleeds through cheap paper even more. We whittled our initial list of 46 potential pens to test down to 26 finalists, based on editorial and owner reviews, ability for refills, and available tip-size options. The Pilot Erasable FriXion ColorSticks didnt have a grip to comfortably write for a long time. Refill compatibility: The best pen in the world isnt any good if you run out of ink. The weight and dimensions of the pen are also remarkably balanced. Still, if your handwriting is extremely small, you may enjoy their precision. BruceNov 21, 202127 min read These are some of the best writing pens for lawyers! The good news is you dont have to spend a lot to get a pen thats worthy of your signature. The Meisterstck Classique 163 is an old-school luxury product, but its also a practical gift that a graduate, friend or colleague will be able to use every day. Its sleek metal body has a slim barrel and weighs only about 24 grams thereby making it easy to wield. Write longer notes and file them easily using the Ampad Evidence Dual Ruled Pad. Experts include Brad Dowdy of The Pen Addict, Ana Reinert of The Well-Appointed Desk, Elizabeth Price of No Pen Intended, Ian Hedley of Pens! Daniel is a Canadian farm boy who grew up to be a nerd with a literature degree and too many hobbies to count. Uncapping the Lamy 2000 for the first time, you might think its a new, innovative design from recent years. It is light, compact, and has a beautiful finish with a tortoiseshell pattern. The pens we recommend all have refillable ink, so you can keep the pen body and replace the ink when the original dries up. The Kaweco Dia 2 is a classic pen that is simple yet suave and dependable at the same time. In addition to reducing the number of pens you buy or otherwise acquire, using a refillable penand actually remembering to refill itcreates less waste for the environment. If you like writing with dark, vivid lines and cant bear any smudging, the Pentel EnerGel RTX is our gel pen pick. It is available in a variety of color choices from black to ivory and more with silver or gold trims. The V5 RT does have some flawsmost notably for left-handers. "Uni-ball Signo Sparkling Glitter Gel Pens write smoothly and have a consistent ink flow," Moy says. Its superior steel nibs provide an easy flow of penmanship with no scratchiness. When you buy through our links, we may earn a commission. The Uni-ball Signo RT1 is a great option for people who have small handwriting and like to write with dark lines. It dries quickly, so its great for lefties and anyone concerned about smudging (especially when writing on slick paper, labels, or receipts). They make it a delight to use for almost any kind of writer. The Precise V5 RT (and its sibling, the V7, with a 0.7-mm pen-tip width) produces a crisp, dark line, one that is wetter or inkier than the Jetstream ballpoints. And if you ever find yourself in space well, they have you covered there too. The snap-on cap and spring-pivot clip are perfect.Read more. Because its a bit shorter than other pens, the Parker Jotter is great for everyday use, but we wouldnt want to lose it. This moves the pens center of gravity toward the bottom and makes it more comfortable to hold and write with than most slim pens. A Wirecutter pick since 2013, the Jetstream RT comes in a variety of tip widths and colors. And the Jetstream RT is available in a variety of tip widths and colors. This pen writes with crisp, dark lines (similar to the Pilot Precise V5 RT), but the EnerGel never smudged in our tests. 1AmazonBasics Pencil Case. Compared with our previous gel pen pick, the Uni-ball Signo 307, the Signo RT1 produces finer lines that are more consistent, with fewer ink-pooling or feathering issues. And due to the pens size and versatility, we think it is a great option to carry every day. This pens monochromatic body has an understated elegance, but it lacks a metal clip, which all of our other picks have. It also has the crispest, most satisfying click of the clicky pens.. Ballpoint pens, like the Uni-ball Jetstream RT, have ink that dries quickly, so theyre ideal for anyone concerned with smudging. The Signo UM-101 Gel Pen didnt erase as well as the others. If youre looking for a middle ground, the 162 Le Grande rollerball fits bigger hands better at just under half an inch, but it uses a screw-on cap instead of the nifty snap-cap of the 163. Our journalists combine independent research with (occasionally) over-the-top testing so you can make quick and confident buying decisions. Even the medium nib that runs a little wet still delivers legible strokes on standard paper. Fineliner or porous-point: Like a cross between a felt marker and a rollerball, a fineliner refill for a rollerball pen uses a tough porous plastic material for its tip. The ink delivery in both is smooth and does not overflow. Makrolon fiberglass-reinforced polycarbonate makes up the body, and its deceptively thick in the middle, but the balance and tapered shape allow big and small hands a comfortable grip. Some experts and most of our testers preferred this pens finer point compared with those of other rollerballs (which produce wetter, thicker lines). Never lend out the Uni-ball Jetstreamit will invariably be borrowed permanently. As expected of Pelikans, the ink flow is superb and the nibs are of great quality. Stylus - Ballpoint Pen These pens are the best pens for law school. After our two testers checked dozens of pens against each other, considering all of the above points, we selected the top ten best executive pens and ranked them as follows. It is crafted from the finest materials, featuring a precious black lacquer barrel and polished metal accents. That feeling was divisive for our testers. In previous rounds of testing, we dismissed these pens: The Pilot G2, though highly popular, didnt compare well against other pens. If you want a pen that's a bit heavier and easier on the wallet the Cross - Townsend is a presidential favorite for signatures. Rollerballs should write effortlessly and can create very fine lines and unlike gel pens, the ink dries quickly enough for left-handers. The Paper Mate Ink Joy wrote with dark gel ink, but it smudged and isnt refillable, unlike the EnerGel and the Signo RT1. We independently review everything we recommend. Our testing group agreed with our experts: The Uni-ball Jetstream RT is the best pen for most everyday writing tasks. Posting this pen gives it just the right length and back weight to enhance your writing experience. Fine Pens. However, this pen doesnt have as many color or tip refill options as the Parker Jotter or our other pen picks. The Townsend is the primary signature pen used by all the sitting U.S. presidents since Reagan, and its available in classic black-and-gold for less than $100. Amazon.com : IDEAPOOL Genuine Rosewood Ballpoint Pen Writing Set - Extra 2 Black Ink Refills - Fancy Nice Gift Wooden Pen Set for Signature Executive Business Journaling : Office Products Office Products Office & School Supplies Writing & Correction Supplies Pens & Refills Ballpoint Pens If you are worried about ink washing out then try Noodlers Black or Pilot blue ink. Its not as heavy or smooth-writing as other pens on this list, but if you like ballpoints the Jotter is one of the classics. If you dont love the feel of the standard Jetstreams barely there grip or the width of its tip, there are a lot of options if youre willing to venture outside your office-supply store. For an understated elegant option - Pelikan M1000. 1.Mont Blanc 149-this pen is a bit of a show off I admit that but it is a very conservative pen with black body,black cap and gold trim.It is a BIG pen and holds a ton of ink and with a F nib you can write with it for days on end.Yes a lawyer should have a Mont Blanck 149 pens it simply comes with the teretory. Its stainless steel body is resilient and its finishes are not prone to chipping. The 2000 feels as good as it looks. No hard starts. That last point may sound silly, but when it comes to something youll be using often, aesthetics matter. The Jetstream just feels like such a solid, trusty penthe ink is dark, it flows well, its sturdy, and feels good in the hand, said Wirecutter community strategist Janet Towle. The ink produces a smooth, dark, consistent line, and it dried so fast that it was our left-handed testers main pick. And other multicolor pens, like the Hi-Tec-C Coleto, have more color-refill options. He also looked at all the top recommendations from pen blogs and YouTube channels like The Well Appointed Desk, Figboot on Pens and The Pen Addict.. Grip Limited, for example, has an ergonomic design similar to that of the Dr. Grip Roller Ball Gel Pen. The Uni Mitsubishi 9000 Pencil writes smoothly yet resists smudging. Muji is a Japanese brand that sells high quality, minimalist-style home products and stationary, like this best-selling gel pen. But these German-made pens arent as widely available as our picks, and we found the Basics thin grip less comfortable than those of other pens we tested. Melanie Pinola previously covered all things home office as a senior staff writer at Wirecutter. Her writing has been featured in Vanity Fair, Politico, the Nation, Wired, the New York Times, the Washington Post and "Best American Essays 2019," and she has contributed to NPR, "PBS . A little glitter can go a long way, especially in a handwritten letter. And this pen has more color options for the 0.5-mm and smaller pen-tip sizes than other pens we tested. It adds a green ink and a mechanical pencil (as well as an eraser) to the barrel. Not so the Uni Jetstream Slim Multi-Color, an elegant pen thats the size of a single-ink ballpoint pen like the Jetstream RT. We then split testing into three rounds: When completing their evaluations, each tester used every pen to write for at least four pages in a notebook (which I provided) with paper that works well with all types of ink. We went for the gold edition, but Lamy also sells this pen in ruthenium, palladium and rose gold. This is not a bad quality rather just something you may need to be aware of as you choose a nib. In round three, I sent six potential picks in the other categories (ballpoints, rollerballs, and gel pens) to our five Wirecutter staff panelists. The Montblanc - Meisterstck Classique 163 is the best executive pen, with an iconic look and nimble writing performance to match. However, the 4&1 can cost a bit more than the Slim Multi-Color, and it has a thicker barrel, which some may not prefer. The Uni Mitsubishi 9000 delivers all that and more. If you like to color-code your notes or journal entries, the Uni Jetstream Slim Multi-Color is a thin, handy alternative to cluttering your desk or bag with several pens. We tested the ballpoint and gel ink versions, and we covet both. Schneider pens, including the Slider Rave XB and Slider Basic, are smoother and faster-drying than a typical cheap office pen. If youre writing on extra-smooth paper and find that rollerball ink tends to smear, you can also get fineliner (felt-tip) refills for Montblanc pens. Rounding out our top five is a pen with a bit more personality: The ACME Studio Rollerball comes in dozens of collectible looks inspired by great artists, designers and even musicians. It achieves fairly even strokes (despite it being medium size) and is fed by an ink converter. If youve ever had a pen mysteriously wander away from your desk and then had to write with a poor substitute (the kind you might find at a bank or with some companys phone number on it), you know how important a quality pen is. The converters are available in 0.5ml and 0.85ml just in case you plan to use your phone for longer spells. If you prefer a larger grip than typical pens offer, you have arthritis, or you get hand fatigue when writing, the Pilot Dr. No one notebook is perfect for everyone, so we found 12 in different styles and sizesall better than what you could grab off the shelf at the pharmacy. The Lamy 2000 nibs are of good quality but you may want to consider the fine nib as it takes to paper generally better than the medium or the broad. The pen can be refilled using either an ink cartridge or a converter. We bought a base-price peacock blue model to brighten up our collection and to see how it compares in its most essential qualities, but there are more than 50 designs currently listed. For those who are looking for a reliable metal-body pen with some affordable flair, the Retro 51 Tornado is one of the most collectible series of all time. It writes smoothly, with satisfyingly saturated ink in 0.28-mm, 0.38-mm, and 0.5-mm pen-tip sizes. Ballpoint: These no-fuss pens were invented as an everyday replacement for fountain and rollerball pens, and theyre popular for good reason. Despite these difficulties, the most prestigious pens are still fountain pens. Subtle styling: An executive pen should look good on a desk or conference-room table. $10 at Amazon. If you like slimmer pens, the Century II sometimes used by the current president is very similar to the Townsend except for its smaller girth. For a relatively inexpensive pen thats attractive enough to gift, consider the Parker Jotter. Where everybody else is using a laptop for note taking (which I consider extremely impolite -- I want to talk to people and not to Lenovo lids) I'm usually sitting in meetings with pen and paper (and the pen is usually a Waterman Srnit, a M1000 LE or a146 Solitaire). The deceptively tapered shape fills out to a thick 10 mm next to the point, so it offers a range of grip options for different hand sizes. The R:E Erasable Gel Pens off-black ink was too light for our taste. The smooth-turning twist-open mechanism is fine, but not as satisfying to use as the snappy mechanism Baron Fig has. Parker Jotter Stainless Steel Ballpoint Pen. Pilot includes the love-it-or-hate-it G2 gel refill in the rollerball version of this pen, while the ballpoint includes the same good hybrid gel-ballpoint refill as their Dr Grip pen. 2023 Wirecutter, Inc., A New York Times Company. Unleash the inner wordsmith in you with this fabulous pen. We also sought out pens that you could easily find at a big-box retailer, an office-supply store, or a major online vendor like Amazon. Best Gel Pen: Pilot G2 Retractable Gel-Ink Pen (12-Pack) Best Felt-Tip Pen: Marvy Uchida Le Pen (12-Pack) Best Luxury Pen: Pilot Metropolitan Collection Fountain Pen Best Pen for Highlighting: Zebra F-402 Ballpoint Stainless Steel Retractable Pens (2-Pack) Best Beginner Fountain Pen: Gullor JinHao X750 Medium-Nib Fountain Pen After all, losing an everyday pen shouldnt feel like a tragedy. These are some of the pens we tested. The 14K gold-plated nibs are available in flex and firm options as well as fine, medium, and broad sizes. Top Pick: This Montblanc ballpoint pen is the epitome of luxury writing. Most importantly, it erased more cleanly than the other erasable pens we tested. "A non-writing writer is a monster courting insanity." Franz Kafka.