[Pen/Pencil Review] Pilot MR Retro Pop Collection – 1.0 mm Ballpoint
We return to Pilot this week with a pen that I found at Target and fell in love with. This is the Pilot MR Retro Pop Collection ballpoint pen. This is the only piece I’ve found so far in the Retro Pop Collection, so I’m looking forward to seeing what else they bring out.
From Target’s Website.
According to the literature – these pens are a Pilot Retro Pop Collection. Not sure what that means, but the Pilot MR ballpoint does have classic lines and a smooth look. The gunmetal gray of the metal barrel doesn’t show fingerprints or chipping. The checked pattern around the center is a classic design – I want to say herringbone, but I could be wrong (not a fashion person). The metal clip is strong and shiny. The tapered design is smooth and comfortable for the 5.5†length.
The ink comes in a metal conical tip with a smooth line. The 1.0mm point makes a decent, but thick line. The ink dries quickly, doesn’t seem to smear for the size of the point and retracts well. This pen is available at Target – it’s not cheap but it’s not overly expensive and looks good. It’s refillable with, I THINK, the Dr. Grip refills, but I have to do some further research to refresh my memory.
To the numbers:
1. How does it work? – 1 It’s good. It feels like it has the low viscosity ink for a smooth writing experience. The retractor works well. The tip is solid and smooth.
2. Grip and feel – 0.5 – It’s smooth metal, no real ergonomics, but that’s also the nod to the retro. It’s long enough to be comfortable, but just barely.
3. Material – 1 It’s a metal alloy – light but sturdy with a matte finish to the barrel.
4. Overall Design – 1 – I like this design. The classic lines and colors are smart and smooth. The clip is sturdy and the barrel is wide enough to be comfortable.
5. Price Point – 0.5 – It’s an okay price point for a metal retractable pen – but you can find them on sale. They run $9.99 to $12.99 at Target. This pen is refillable and I need to find one that isn’t 1.0mm
4 out of 5 Bronze Pencils
