[Pen/Pencil Review] Pentel EnerGel RTX 0.3mm
This week’s pen review goes back to Pentel and another version of the Ener-Gel. This one is a 0.3mm retractable EnerGel. It was on “Back to School” special, and I’m a sucker for super fine points and sales.
I’ve been pleasantly surprised by this pen, I’ve mentioned my tendency for retractables on the work desk. This is one. This one is also part of the Recycology line – so, about 80% recycled materials go into making this pen. It’s a good size – 5.75″ retracted, and 6″ with the point out. The diameter is wide enough to be comfortable, but not overly wide and has some ergonomic cushioned on the barrel.
The barrel is the classic RTX barrel with smoky gray translucent panels with silver gray markings. The ink is basic black, which goes with the black/gray theme. The Ener-Gel ink is a does dry quickly, but it is a gel-based ink, so there’s a drying factor on slicker paper. The 0.3mm metal needle tip gives a decent line that’s not scratchy or skipping. The line is dark for so fine a line. It’s easily legible and easy to use. The barrel has the smoky panel with enough transparency to see ink level. It’s also refillable.
US box stores like Office Depot don’t normally carry this fine a line. You can sometimes find the Pilot G2 0.38mm but you have to look. That they’ve now added Pentel Ener-Gel 0.3mm? That gives me hope that these extra fine points are coming back in favor. Hopefully they’ll release at least blue and red as well and not just the black.
The 3-pack retails for $7.99 at Office Depot, but I happened to get these on sale last weekend for $5. Maybe they’ll go on sale again the closer to the school year we get.
The numbers:
1. How does it work? – 1 It’s decent. No frills. The ink is bold and the roller smooth for something so fine. There can be some smearing, but it’s liquid ink. It happens, especially on slick paper. It does dry quickly.
2. Grip and feel – 1 – It’s an inexpensive, plastic, no frills pen. It has a grip that’s pretty comfortable. The length and balance are good.
3. Material – 1 It’s recycled plastic, but it has a good mechanism and good ink. If you’re ecology conscious or just want to help keep plastic out of landfills, this is a good thing.
4. Overall Design – 1 -It’s a basic retractable liquid gel ink pen. It’s refillable or disposable. It is what it is.
5. Price Point – 0.5 – I got this at the Office Depot checkout. It lists on the Office Deport site for $5 on sale . They run $7.99 ish for a 3 pack. Not the cheapest but not the worst.
4.5 out of 5 Bronze Pencils
