Pilot Hi-Tec-C Coleto N 3 Multi Pen Review

Pilot Hi-Tec-C Coleto N 3 (Image via JetPens)

The Pilot Hi-Tec-C has long been a favorite of mine and to this day remains the best multi pen on the market. While the refills have remained unchanged over the years, Pilot introduces new barrels to the lineup regularly. This time around it is the Coleto N 3 and N 4.

Coleto barrel designs haven't changed too much over time - a new body finish here, a rubber grip there - but the N models have a small design tweak that was needed. The flip-top cap where you refill the pen has always used a flat design with a small tab you had to get under and snap up. It worked, but a fingernail or two have been lost to the cause along the way. The N model uses a larger cone shape which allows you to use your thumb pad for an easier opening experience. Sometimes it's the little things.

Old (top) vs. New

And little things is all the Coleto needs. The rest of the N model has been done before, especially with the clear, smooth grip section. Somehow it isn't slick, so keeping your grip steady is not a problem.

What makes the Coleto so great are the Pilot Hi-Tec-C refills, which haven't changed a bit. I tend to lean towards the three cartridge barrels because I am locked in on what refills I want to load up: Blue Black, Clear Blue, and Apricot Orange, all 0.4 mm. These three colors give me the range I want while having fun at the same time. Adding in a fourth color confuses my brain. I can never settle on what combo works best so I stick with what I know.

The Coleto N 3 is one of the least expensive barrel options in the line at $2.50 from JetPens. I like it as much as the base model with grip and is more solid than the Smart model. Of the higher end barrels I prefer the Me over the twice as expensive Lumio, and it's not close.

One of the base models is all you need to get started with the Pilot Hi-Tec-C Coleto Multi Pen Line, and the new N model is a good one.

Do you have a favorite Coleto barrel? And what inks do you load it up with?

(JetPens is an advertiser on The Pen Addict and I received this product at no charge.)

Zebra Sarasa 2+S 2 Color 0.5 mm Gel Ink Multi Pen + 0.5 mm Pencil - Light Blue Body Review

Image via JetPens.

There aren't may things I enjoy more than an epic-length product title. Just kidding - I despise them. What are manufacturers thinking when coming up with this nonsense? Not every feature needs to be listed in the title people.

Despite the extraneous characters, the Zebra Sarasa 2+S is a solid multi pen. The 0.5 mm black and red Sarasa gel ink refills are the star of the show. Each provides a smooth, rich line, and characteristic of most Zebra pens, the line is sharp. That is a personal favorite feature of mine and why I enjoy Zebra pens so much.

The plastic barrel is well constructed and the rubber grip provides good traction when writing. The binder-style clip is as strong as you would expect, allowing you to attach the pen to different sized objects when not in use. Even the pencil is nice!

As with any multi pen, what you gain in versatility you lose in capacity. With heavy use, you will burn through ink refills. Replacements run $1.10 a pop, but at least there is the option to add in blue or green ink.

The Zebra Sarasa 2+S gets the job done. Sometimes that is all you need in a pen.

(JetPens is an advertiser on The Pen Addict and I received this product at no charge.)

Pilot 2+1 Evolt 2 Color Multi Pen + Pencil Review

Two months back I reviewed the Pentel Vicuna 2+1 Multi Pen. It was a solid multi pen - decent ballpoint writer, good build - pretty standard stuff. Not too long after, I saw the Pilot 2+1 Evolt Multi Pen appear in my JetPens new product feed. Wait a minute, didn't I just review that pen?

The design of two pens is eerily similar. Like I said, I thought they were the same pen. Not only do they look alike, they are priced exactly the same at $16.50. There is a lot of "borrowing" of design between pen companies, but never have I seen anything as close as this.

The Pilot Evolt offers more - and brighter - barrel colors, but that is the only check in the positive column compared to the Vicuna. The biggest flaw - which should be considered the multi pen plague - is a barrel that rattles. I'm surprised I didn't wake my kids when I was writing with this one. It is frustrating to see a pen this sharp looking function so poorly.

It is almost unfair to compare the Evolt ballpoint cartridges to the Vicuna. The Evolt uses standard ballpoint ink and the Vicuna uses hybrid ballpoint ink. That is an unfair fight, which is even more reason to consider the Vicuna if you are looking for this style of pen.

Better luck next time Pilot. Time to start using Acroball ink in your high-end multi pens!

(JetPens is an advertiser on The Pen Addict and I received this product at no charge.)