[Pen/Pencil Review] The Zebra Z-Grip Multi-Pack Ballpoint 1.0 mm

Quick note – there won’t be a pen blog next week. This is FenCon week – and next Monday I’ll be incoherent. Just wanted to let you know that up front. And now… Zebra is a great company for a wide range of writing instruments. I like most of them, and try things from them I don’t usually care for – because even though they’re not to my taste, they may be to yours. This week is the Z-Grip Multi-Pack of ball point pens in 1.0 mm.

These are your basic retractable ball point pens. This package came in seven “fashion” colors, which is also to taste. There’s always an issue with the lighter colors like the apple green and orange to get them dark enough to be usable. This batch is good with the orange, but the light/apple green is still light even with the 1.0mm point. For a “medium point”, it’s not a bad point. I still write bigger with the larger point, so I think I go through more paper than with a finer point but the Z-Grips do try to give the feel of a finer point. The inks are smooth with minimal smearing and ink globs on glossier paper. So that’s a good thing.

The pen barrels are a fairly standard 5.5″ length. The diameter is fine – not too narrow. There is a nod to a “comfort” grip, but the rubber grip has horizontal ridges that can dig in, depending on how you hold the pen. The barrels match the ink color and the upper barrel is translucent so you can see how much ink you have left. The clip is metal inserted into plastic, so it won’t break easily.

These are good, economical pens if you’re looking for some color on your desk, or some creativity when taking notes and doing homework. I got mine at Office Depot, but they’re available almost anywhere. These run $5-$6 a pack depending on where you get them – though they do sometimes go on sale.

The Numbers.

1. How does it work? – 1 – This is a solid, utility pen. It’s inexpensive. It comes in eight colors – though this one was only seven. The ink is rich and solid and dries quickly.
2. Look and feel – 0.5 – Though the length is pretty standard. I do like a longer pen. This has some ridges on the grip that might make it uncomfortable to some. And frankly, I’m still looking for a finer point.
3. Material – 1 – It’s an inexpensive utility pen. It is what it is, and it’s solid for what it is. The clip is metal in plastic, so should stay solid for you.
4. Overall Design – 0.5 – It’s okay. It’s functional. You can see the ink through the barrel to know how much you have. It’s not bad for a 1.0mm.
5. Price Point – 1 – These things are inexpensive. They run less than $1 a piece. Online, I’m seeing between $4.99 and $5.49 for the 7-pack of colors. If they get lost or stolen, you’re not out a huge investment.

4 out of 5 bronze pencils.