[Pen/Pencil Review] Uni-Ball Signo Broad in Blue Black Ink
Let’s check out a Uni-ball offering today. This pen was… a mistake that I put on my JetPens Wish List by mistake because this is a broad point – and we all know how I feel about those. Today is the Uni-ball Signo Broad UM-153 Gel Pen in Blue Black ink.
For the most part, the only problem I have with this pen is the size of the tip. The Uni-ball is about 5.5†capped and 5.8†long with the cap posted. The cap does post securely. The blue black ink is rich and dark. On a rough paper like my handmade journal, there’s no smearing. Quick drying ink. On slicker paper, give it a couple of seconds to dry. The point is conical but the 1.0mm tip is just too big for me. The line is wide and unwieldy.
The barrel is mostly clear with a gold band identifying (I think) the point size – but the packaging is in Japanese, so there’s that. The ink reservoir is ample. There’s rubberized grip for a nod to ergonomics and comfort. This pen is theoretically refillable. Because these are Japanese Uni-ball’s they’re only available through sources like JetPens.
The numbers:
1. How does it work? – 1 In purely function – it works as well or better than expected. The ink is smooth, rich, and dries really quickly. There was no immediate smearing on handmade paper.
2. Grip and feel – 0.5 – There is a rubberized grip for a nod to ergonomics. But the broad – 1.0mm – point makes the feel too big and unwieldy.
3. Material – 1 It’s a decent quality plastic pen with the option to refill the pen. The cap posts securely.
4. Overall Design – 0.5 – There’s nothing wrong with this pen but the size of the point – and though I know it’s my preferences – it’s part of the review process.
5. Price Point – 0.5 – It’s expensive for a seemingly typical stick gel pen and you have to order them online only – they’re from Japan – they run $2.50 on JetPens.
3.5 out of 5 Bronze Pencils
