[Pen/PencilReview] Zebra 301A Metal Barrel Fine Point Ballpoint Pen
I’ll start working on the Dallas Pen Show acquisitions soon. This one’s been hanging out in the bag for a while, so I thought I’d get it taken care of. This is the Zebra 301-A Ball Point pen in a red metal barrel with a 0.7mm fine point in black ink. I don’t remember where I picked these up, but they were on clearance sale.
I lean more and more towards Zebra when it comes to the less expensive, “everyday” pen. As a general rule, they’re well constructed, affordable, and still make “fine points”. The 301A is no exception. The 301A is a retractable ball point pen. It runs just under 5.25″ long with the point retracted and extended. The 0.7mm point is, indeed “fine” and sharp… I just stabbed myself in the thumb with it – and it HURT. So don’t do THAT at home.
The barrel is metal and coated in a red metallic lacquer for a rich, shining color. The clip is steel with chrome plunger and tip. There is a rubber grip for a nod at comfort. It’s light but fairly well balanced for a decent writing experience. I haven’t used it A LOT just yet – I’m doing a lot of editing, so the red pens are getting work outs, but I can see this being a “go to” pen. The ink is pretty dark for a fine point. It sets quickly for little smearing. I haven’t encountered glops yet. All things I look for in a ball point.
If you’re looking for a good, keep it on the desk, don’t mind too much if it walks away pen. This is a good one. It’s also refillable with the F-Refill, which makes it more affordable over the long haul.
The numbers:
1. How does it work? – 1 – It works like it’s supposed to. The retraction mechanism is solid. The ink flows well. The barrel is sturdy. The fine point is actually fine point with a good ink.
2. Grip and feel – 0.5 – They make an effort for ergonomics. There’s a rubberized grip. It might be a touch on the narrow and short side, but it’s pretty good overall.
3. Material – 1 – It’s actually really good for the price. The metal barrel and clip make this pen solid and long-lasting.
4. Overall Design – 0.5 – I like it. It could be longer in the barrel and a touch wider in diameter, but that’s a niggle. It seems to be a solid, well-built pen.
5. Price Point – 1 – Full price for a two-pack, which is was, was $5.99. That’s $3 a piece, considering they’re metal barrels and refillable, not a bad price point. I got this on a $3 clearance which makes them AWESOME. If you can find them on sale, yay. But even at full price, they’re affordable and refillable. Not a bad investment.
That’s 4 of 5 bronze pencils.
