[Pen/Pencil Review] The Pilot Metropolitan Gel Ink Roller Ball
I am getting back to normal routine (though probably just in time for FenCon to throw everything off again). And though I should’ve had this done earlier today, it’s still Monday, and I’m still going to hit my deadline. Today’s review is The Pilot Metropolitan gel ink roller ball.
I saw these on JetPens and fell in love with the sleek design. The pen barrel is silver coated brass with chrome accents. They also come in black and with designs. I picked the plain body. The silver plain body has a brushed finished with a slightly different accent finish. The grip is black plastic with chrome trim.
The cap fits tightly for a pull type fastener. Being a pull cap, there are ridges that can dig in if you hold the pen wrong. I find though that the length – about 5.5″ long – is a good length to keep the ridges from digging into either fingers or webbing. The cap does post tightly, but will slip off if you’re not too careful.
This pen is light but well-balanced. Its boilerplate calls it weightless and easy to hold – which is true. For being light, it sits well. And the diameter of the pen is in that groove between too narrow and too wide. It really is comfortable. I find myself using it quite a bit.
The ink that comes with it is a typical G2 refill in a 0.7mm point. I’m not surprised. That is Pilot’s go-to ink and one that I have often put in refillable rollerballs over time. It’s a good ink. As with all gels, it needs some drying time to keep from smearing. But it feels good in this barrel.
The numbers:
1. How does it work? – 0.5 It’s a good pen. The ink is dark, smooth, and has little skipping. The pen is light but well-balanced. The ink is gel. It has a tendency to smear if you don’t give it time to dry.
2. Grip and feel – 0.5 – I’m taking this down just a notch because there’s no give to the grip. Though tapered, there’s nothing “squishy” about the pen. The ridges might dig in if you hold it wrong , and if you strangle pens, it’ll get tiring.
3. Material – 1 – This is a sturdy pen that’s also gorgeous. The body is lightweight but sturdy feeling. The silver coated brass doesn’t ding (and I’ve had this pitched in my purse) or chip. The clip is solid.
4. Overall Design – 1 – This is not only a functional pen, easy to use, and solidly built. It’s also gorgeous. It’s simple, elegant, and refillable. It’s sleek and functional. It’s a whole package.
5. Price Point – 1 – This isn’t that badly priced for what it is. This isn’t a disposable pen. This is a long-term pen which is easily refillable. So at $13.50 on JetPens, it’s not cheap, but it’s not stupidly expensive. This is a pen you can carry throughout a career without worrying about replacing it if you lose it.
4 out of 5 Bronze Pencils
