[Pen/Pencil Review] The Yasutomo Y&C Gel Xtreme 0.5mm
This week’s pen is one of my last pens from the last JetPens order. This is a new brand for me – the Yasutomo Y&C Gel Xtreme 0.5mm stick pen in black ink.
The Y&C has a water-based gel ink that’s non-toxic and acid free. This black ink is dark and rich – and suitable for both writing and archival records (like scrapbooking). The needle point is strong metal and encased in plastic, so it doesn’t feel like it’ll snap or bend with heavy writing (like me).
This stick pen is about 5.75″ long capped and just over 6.25 with the cap posted. The cap posts securely, so there’s no fear of accidently flinging the cap across the room. It has a medium width barrel with a ribbed grip for a bit of grip, but no cushion or ergonomics. The barrel and cap are transparent plastic with smoky (color coordinated) clip and post cap. There are some ridges that can dig in over long periods of time.
This is an inexpensive but handy pen. The 0.7mm come in a wide range of colors, the 0.5mm comes in only a few colors. Hopefully there will be more colors along the line. It’s an import, but a fun one.
To the numbers:
1. How does it work? – 1 It’s good. It’s a smooth ink with a decent needle point for a long-lasting and deep ink – even in a fine point.
2. Grip and feel – 0.5 – It has no real ergonomics. The textured grip is just hard plastic. There are ridges that can dig in.
3. Material – 1 It’s an inexpensive stick pen from Japan. It is what it is.
4. Overall Design – 0.5 – It’s an okay but not inspired design. It’s a clear plastic stick pen. The needle point is secure, but it is what it is.
5. Price Point – 1 – It’s inexpensive. These go for about $1.20 on JetPens. That’s a good price for the amount of use you can get out of them. Worth it for the acid free, archival quality ink. You do have to order from JetPens, this isn’t readily available in the US.
4 out of 5 Bronze Pencils
