[Pen/Pencil Review] Uni Jetstream Black Ballpoint 0.38mm
I am trying to keep my recent return to productivity and normalcy going. There have been several gains in pen acquisition that I have not been able to get to. The spreadsheet I started hasn’t been kept up. This week’s pen is one of the UNI Jetstream 0.38 ballpoints. This one is stand alone black.
I have reviewed the Uni Jetstream 4 & 1 Color 0.38mm Ballpoint Multi-Pen plus 0.5mm Pencil, which is still one of my go to pens for conferences and everyday carry – for the options. This one is a single-color workhorse pen available at outlets like Kinokuniya, Daiso, and Jetpens.
The Jetstream is a workhorse pen. It has a smoky, translucent black body (with notes of blue) so you can sort of see the link levels. The grip is textured rubber with a slightly wide tip for a comfortable feel in the hand – especially the fingertips. The plunger is clear plastic with a color-corresponding plug. The clip is molded gray plastic, but feels solid. The pen is about 5.5″ long.
What astonishes me about this is the vibrancy of the ink colors with such a fine point. I keep forgetting this is a BALLPOINT pen and pencil and not a gel ink. The roller in the super fine conical point (not needle – CONICAL) is smooth. They don’t scratch much, skip or glop.
This pen runs $2.85 on Jetpens.com – and about that at the stores mentioned. It’s a solid workhorse for a pen. It’s also refillable with the Uni SXR-38 line of refills – this line comes in other colors and point sizes if you’re not into the super fine points like I am.
The numbers:
1. How does it work? – 1 – It works surprisingly well for a super fine point. The ink flow smoothly. The clip is secure.
2. Grip and feel – 1 – It’s actually comfortable. The diameter is wider than typical which gives it some room without being too big. There’s no ridge between grip and barrel to be uncomfortable. It’s long enough to fit comfortably in the hand.
3. Material – 1 – It is plastic…however with the nice inserts, and sturdy feel, it’s decent. The transparent plastic of the barrel lets you see ink levels.
4. Overall Design – 1 – It’s a good, solid pen with decent ergonomics.
5. Price Point – 0.5 – It’s not as cheap as other pens, but it’s not unreasonable. $2.85 for the base pen and $1.95 for refills. Easiest to order them online unless you are close to a Daiso or Kunikunya store.
That’s 4.5 of 5 bronze pencils.
