[Pen/Pencil Review] Zebra Sarasa RDI Retractable Multi-Pack
Last month I wrote about a Zebra Sarasa gel ink pen and did the follow/like thing on Social Media. I learned through Facebook that they were coming out with a new type of gel ink called RDI – Rapid Dry Ink. I mentioned that I would love to try these out and do a blog about them. Zebra very kindly sent me not ONE pen to try, but one of their 14 packs in ALL the colors. Thank you very much, Zebra, that was very generous.
So the selling point of these pens is the face that they’ve made the ink dry faster on most paper. The packaging says less than a second. On ordinary paper, this is very true. It does set up very, very quickly on non-slick or glossy paper. That’s going to be most notebooks, pad, and journals. The Leuchtturm1917 I use for samples is a somewhat glossy paper, there was some smearing in that first second or two, but it’s still MUCH better than a lot of the gel inks I’ve encountered.
Zebra is promoting these inks for left-handed people, and though I’m not anywhere near a lefty, I did try a bit, but I don’t tend to drag my hand. I did work to smear the ink, and like I said, on the “slippery” paper there might be some, but I can see how this would work for them.
They’ve even managed to make the ink darker and richer. Even the lighter colors like the apple green and orange are easily legible on typical paper. The rollerball is smooth and even – there are few (if any) skips and glops. These are 0.7mm points, which Zebra calls “medium” point (thank you) these pens also come in 0.5mm and 1.0mm (kinda want to find the 0.5mm).
The barrels are about 5.5″ long, which is typical for retractable pens of this nature. The rubber grip is comfortable and slightly curved. The barrel colors match the ink and are translucent so you can see the ink levels. They’re using latex free rubber for the grips for those who are sensitive to materials like that. They’ve smoothed out as many edges as possible giving the Sarasas a streamlined look and feel.
These are good, comfortable pens. The Sarasa line tends to be economical and refillable. These take the Zebra JF refill. I’m using the emerald green pen today in honor of St. Patrick’s Day. These are really good utility pens for whichever hand you use to write with.
They’re also doing a promotion to win some through their Facebook page. If you’re interested in entering:
1. Like Zebra’s Facebook and Twitter pages
2. Go to Zebra’s Facebook page to enter the campaign and share a creative organizational tip.
The contest runs through March 31st, 2014 – some randomly selected winners will receive the 14-pack of pens. Two Grand Prize winners will win either a Crafty & Creative Kit or an Organize & Inspire Kit (each valued at about $200). Good luck.
The Numbers.
1. How does it work? – 1 – This is a solid, utility pen. It’s inexpensive. It comes in a lot of colors (LOTS OF COLORS). The ink is rich and solid and dries quickly.
2. Look and feel – 0.5 – Though the length is pretty standard. I do like a longer pen. I do tend to choke DOWN on the point, so my fingers it the tip cap instead of the grip, which gives it a different feel than some might experience. Not bad, but different.
3. Material – 1 – It’s an inexpensive utility pen. It is what it is, and it’s solid for what it is. The clip is plastic and could fail.
4. Overall Design – 0.5 – It’s okay. It’s functional. The effort went into the ink and not the actual pen, so it is what is. There is (and probably always will be) minor (very minor) smearing on good quality paper, but they do say “Most” surfaces.
5. Price Point – 1 – These things are inexpensive. I think they run about $1.50 -$1.75 retail, depending on how many you get, and they are refillable. If you have to have a pen stolen, this is one you don’t have to cry over. And if you like colors, you might have to buy the multi-packs but so worth it.
4 out of 5 bronze pencils.
