[Pen/Pencil Review] The Avant Next 0.5mm Gel Pen – Black Ink
So sometimes I shouldn’t be allowed into Staples. Really. I managed to get out of Office Max and Office Depot relatively unscathed earlier this week. But Staples? Not so much. I did pick up a refill to try in my Pentel Libretto, and a couple of solo Sharpie gel highlighters (blue and green). Then there was the new “exclusive to Staples” Avant line. They were on sale…
So this week we’re starting with the Avant Next retractable gel pen. This pen is wider than an average roller ball or gel pen, but not overly wide. It feels pretty well balanced, and the retracting mechanism is firm and easy to use. The Avant Next is about 5.75†long – retracted and extended. The barrel has a ribbed grip for an ergonomic feel. The clip is plastic but seems sturdy.
One of the selling points to the pen is that 1) it came in a 0.5mm fine point, and 2) it was all on sale so I didn’t have a problem buying the two-pack of pens and some refills. The gel ink is dark. It flows smoothly – there is some smearing, but the ink dries really quickly. I like the fact they have three colors of ink in 0.5mm – as well as other sizes. And they claim that all their refills fit all their pens. I did pick up another one to see if that’s the case (stay tuned).
The Numbers:
1. How does it work? – 1 It’s decent. It has a bit of smearing but the action is smooth and the ink rich. It is refillable. So that’s a plus.
2. Grip and feel – 0.5 – It’s a touch longer than a typical retractable pen, which is good, but it’s also wider and the ribbing on the grip is going to be a LOVE or HATE situation, because it’s a strange texture.
3. Material – 1 It’s an inexpensive, utilitarian pen. So it’s basic plastic. For what it is, it’s well built, but don’t expect anything fancy.
4. Overall Design – 0.5 – It’s going to be a love it or hate it pen. That’s what it comes down to. IF you like the ribbed grip. IF you like the wider than typical barrel – THEN you’ll love this pen. It feels like a decent design to me, but I’m still determining if I like the ribbing on the barrel. I do like the ink though. It took a bit to find the seam where you access refilling the pen. So far I like it. We may have to revist.
5. Price Point – 0.5 For a gel ink pen, it’s not bad. Full on retail it looks like they are just under $3 each ($5.99/2 pk), but I got them for $4.00/2 pk and the refills on sale for $1. Totally worth the sale price. You’ll have to decide about full price.
3.5 out of 5 Bronze Pencils
