Pilot G2 Retractable Gel Ink Roller Ball Pen, Extra Fine Point, Clear Barrel, Black Ink, 12-Count (31002)

by Pilot

Product Details

• Product Dimensions: 1.3 x 2.9 x 5.8 inches ; 5 ounces
• Shipping Weight: 1 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Shipping: This item is also available for shipping to select countries outside the U.S.
• ASIN: B00006JNJ8
• Item model number: PIL31002
• Average Customer Review: 4.2 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (50 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #151 in Office Products (See Top 100 in Office Products)
  • #5 in Office Products > Educational Supplies > Writing & Correction Supplies > Pens & Refills > Gel Ink Rollerball Pens
  • #5 in Office Products > Educational Supplies > Writing & Correction Supplies > Pens & Refills > Rollerball Pens
• Date first available at Amazon.com: November 27, 2004

Product Description

Dynamic gel ink formula provides smooth, skip-free writing. Soft cushion grip for supreme writing comfort. Global Product Type: Pens; Pen Type: Roller Ball; Special Ink Type: Gel; Pen Style: Retractable.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

28 of 30 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars These are the best gel-ink pens you can buy!, November 7, 2003

By 

Judy Glass (Elkins Park, PA United States) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Pilot G2 Retractable Gel Ink Roller Ball Pen, Extra Fine Point, Clear Barrel, Black Ink, 12-Count (31002) (Office Product)

I am a connoisseur of sorts in stationery, and have been for as long as I can remember. I enjoy writing longhand for letters, notes, journal-keeping, etc., and I'm always on the lookout for a better pen -- ballpoint, rollerball, fountain...any will do.

Well, I discovered Pilot's Extra-Fine Gel-Ink pens about 3 or 4 years ago, and my search is over. I have tried other new and different pens since then, but I keep going back. Nothing compares, and nothing surpasses them, even expensive varieties.

These pens don't require a scribble to start the ink (or to restart it when you pause for a thought), they never skip, they never get ink globs around the point (a common pitfall for gel-ink pens, and fine-point pens in general), and they always write a smooth, clean line. I've even found they will write upside-down, like the Fisher Space Pen does, so they're also great when a wall is your only flat surface to jot a quick note!

Other available colors include purple and green, as well as standard black, blue, and red! These pens are refillable too, so they are ecological AND economical. I have also started using the G2 refills in my more expensive pen barrels whenever they fit, since the cartridges that came with those expensive pens are horrible.

The ONLY negative thing I can say is minor: the first time you use it, it may be a little scratchy until you wear the point to your angle of writing, but this "breaking in" is over quickly.

If you want a pen that makes handwriting a pleasure, this is the one for you!

16 of 17 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Retractable! One Hand Use! Rubber Grip!, October 19, 2002

By 

Frank W. Sherman "I ride a bike to work." (Beaufort, NC, USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Pilot G2 Retractable Gel Ink Roller Ball Pen, Extra Fine Point, Clear Barrel, Black Ink, 12-Count (31002) (Office Product)

Gel ink rules! If you like a ball point pen but you also enjoy the water based ink in rolling ball pens, the G-2 Gel-Ink pen is the one for you. I have found the ink to be water resistant, smear-proof, acid free and archival safe once it has dried. The colors of the Gel-Ink is more vivid than other pens.

Since the pen is retractable, you can open and close it with one hand. Tired of losing caps - no problem here! The contoured rubber grip makes for a comfortable grip and flawless control. The pen has yet to slip out of my hands no matter how fast I write. Worried about how much ink you have? No problem, you can clearly see the level of ink left.

You must have this pen!

8 of 8 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars I prefer the 0.38 caliber G2, March 11, 2010

By 

Federalist One "second amendment: original ho... - See all my reviews

This review is from: Pilot G2 Retractable Gel Ink Roller Ball Pen, Extra Fine Point, Clear Barrel, Black Ink, 12-Count (31002) (Office Product)

I much prefer the pilot G2 series to the 'equivalent' UniBall pens. While the G2 gel ink does dry faster it does not dry as fast as I would like.

_fyi_

* The G2 grip is round: much preferred to triangle variations of other brands

* grip has ridges nearer pen tip and slightly larger diameter smooth surface for those who prefer to grip further from the pen tip.

* I lose the pen before running out of ink [where lose usually means people permanently borrow without permission]

* prefer the 0.5 to the 1.0, but ultimately prefer the 0.38

* fine = 0.7
* x-fine = 0.5
* ultra-fine = 0.35

* I've never seen a refill kit in a BnM store for the G2 series though they allegedly exist

_pro_

* faster drying than uniball gel

* more comfortable grip than other gels I have used

* unlike an uncapped unibal gel the retractable (uncapped) pens do not self destruct because of prolonged disuse (after initial use)

* functions at narrow angle to paper

* does not "gum up" when certain people borrow to write on skin

* less tactile feedback from writing surface than uniball

_cons_

* ink does not dry as fast as I would like

** occasionally smearing- while inking my palm

* the dozen pack of 0.5 is three bux less at Office max