Shachihata Artline Ergoline 0.5mm Rollerball – Green Ink
This week’s pen is also from JetPens. It’s the Shachihata Artline EgoLine 0.5mm rollerball pen in green ink. This is, I guess, technically (from the name) a pen more designed for artists, but it’s promoted as having a “smooth writing experience”.
This pen is basic black (so it goes with just about everything). It’s 5.25″ long with the cap on, and 6.25″ with the cap posted. It’s designed to be ergonomic for long-term use. The grip is a tri-corner scallop that does fit fingers pretty well. It’s a comfortable diameter. It’s designed not to let you easily choke up on the point. The point is in a long, tapered neck. There are some ridges, but for the most part it’s comfortable. It’s all plastic, except for the stainless steel tip and ceramic roller ball.
The 0.5mm point doesn’t detract from the ink. The green is rich and dark. The lines are smooth. There’s some smearing, but it’s a water-based ink, so there’s some drying time to account for. Which is probably how I ended up with great globs of it on my arm… Still don’t know how I got it all over me, but I did (which, unfortunately, is a knock). But, being water-based, it came off pretty easily, not that I want to do that often.
It’s a decent working pen. The clip is sturdy (for being plastic). It’s also a decent price point. It’s an okay pen.
The numbers:
1. How does it work? – 0.5 – The line doesn’t skip, but somehow it does glop a bit and since I ended up with ink all over me, I can’t call it a clean functioning pen.
2. Grip and feel – 1 – It’s designed to be comfortable. The molded tri-corner grip is remarkably comfortable and holds the grip in a fairly natural and ergonomic position. It’s a good length and pretty well balanced.
3. Material – 1 – This is an inexpensive, disposal roller ball. It is what it is. Plastic and steel, but it feels sturdy and reliable
4. Overall Design – 0.5 – Physically the pen is well-made and designed to do what it’s supposed to – write smoothly and comfortably. But with the mess I made of it right out of the box, I’m hesitant to use it.
5. Price Point – 1 – It’s pretty cheap. It’s $2.00 on JetPens. For a decent quality roller ball, it’s an okay price point.
That’s 4 of 5 bronze pencils.
