[Pen/Pencil Review] Pentel Hybrid Technica 0.4mm Black Stick Pen
This week, I’m reviewing the Pentel Hybrid Technica 0.4mm gel ink pen in black. I either picked up this pen at Asel Art Supply because they ran a little bit cheaper because they were “loose” and not in Pentel packaging or at Kinokuniya. They’re also available (along with refills) at JetPens.com and the pen averages about $2.00.
Technically it’s designed as an “art” pen, but I actually like the way it handles as a writing pen. There is a bit of smearing in the ink if you smudge it right away. It does take a moment – a couple of seconds – to fully dry. The line is smooth and mostly consistent – it’s smoother than the 0.3mm just for the extra tiny bit of line. The line is just that fine, but the ink is dark and easy to read.
And for a needle point gel pen, the mechanics are solid. Pentel says it’s tungsten carbide, and I’ll go with that. I wouldn’t know stainless steel from tungsten just by looking, but I know the point feels solid. I have no indication that I’m going to bend or break the tip of this pen but pushing hard.
The Pentel ink in the Hybrid Technica is acid free and archival safe – though I’d probably use a bolder tip if I were to use this for something like scrapbooking, unless you’re needing to insert comments into a tiny space.
It’s a comfortable pen. It has a soft rubber grip and is ~6 inches long with the cap posted, and just over 5 inches long capped. It fits well into my hand, and I’ve been using it pretty much exclusively for the last two days without excessive writer’s cramp or fatigue. It’s a good solid pen for long-term use.
Now to the numbers:
1. How does it work? – 0.5 This pen works well. The ink flows well and it’s comfortable. HOWEVER, there is a drying time issue.
2. Grip and feel – 1 – The pen is light but well-balanced. It has a good rubber grip that’s comfortable for long use.
3. Material – 0.5 This is an inexpensive gel pen that has the ability to be refilled. It’s a good workhorse pen.
4. Overall Design – 1 -Again, a good work horse pen. It’s solidly built, but not “utilitarian”.
5. Price Point – 1 – At about $2.00 a pop with the ability to be refilled? I call this an excellent value. For this price, I’m actually about to go buy the other point sizes to see which I like best.
I give it 4 out of 5 bronze pencils.
