Pentel EnerGel Tradio 0.5 mm Needle-Point Gel Ink Pen Review

I'm not sure what Pentel is trying to accomplish here. On one hand, the EnerGel is a staple in the world of gel ink pens because of its smooth, dark lines. On the other hand, the Tradio is well respected by artists and writers alike for its wild nib and line variation. Put them together and you get...what exactly?

The Pentel EnerGel Tradio Needle-Point Gel is a good pen. A really good pen in fact. It writes wonderfully, as you would expect, and is visually appealing. The grip is a little slick, but that's my only gripe as far as form and funtion goes. But for the life of me, I don't know why this pen exists.

The only Tradio feature this pen has is the window in the cap. That design does say to me "Hey, I'm a Tradio", but if you have ever used or seen a Tradio that is where the similarities stop.

That leaves the rest of the experience in the hands of the EnerGel. And as I mentioned earlier, it is a fine EnerGel. What I didn't mention is it is an expensive EnerGel at $4.00 per unit. My favorite online-only EnerGel is the Euro Needle. It has a better barrel and a better grip and the same great writing quality for just $2.50. For a base level EnerGel experience, you can get the EnerGel X for $1.35. So, three for the price of one, plus retractability and several more ink colors to choose from.

The EnerGel Tradio is straight out of the Redundant Department of Redundancy, and an inferior product to boot. Let's see some real innovation next time Pentel.

(Interesting note: Only after I completed this review I realized I had reviewed the 0.7 mm blue ink model of this pen a year and a half ago. Fun to compare my thoughts then and now.)

(JetPens provided this product at no charge to The Pen Addict for review purposes.)

The Pen Addict Podcast: Episode #158 - The Topic Of Stuff

I get a lot of stuff, and my mailbox (physical, not virtual) was overflowing with stuff last week. Do I need all of this stuff? What do I do with all of this stuff? I may have a problem.

Show Notes & Download Links

This episode of The Pen Addict is sponsored by:

Pen Chalet: Use the code PENADDICT to save 10% on your order or click the ‘podcast’ link at the top of the website and enter the password 'penaddict' for even more savings, as well as your 10% off.

Field Notes: Buy a year-long Colors subscription starting with the Workshop Companion, and use the code 'RELAY' and you’ll get 3 Carpenter Pencils and a 3-Pack of “Pitch Black” memo books free.

Massdrop: An online community for enthusiasts of all kinds.

Etranger di Costarica Blanc de Noirs Black Paper Review

Image via JetPens

I ordered this paper by mistake.

Well, not purely by mistake. I mean I ordered it for sure, but I didn't know what I was ordering. I based my order on text only, seeing the name of this paper only in an email from Elaine at JetPens.

"Etranger di Costarica Blanc de Noirs Black Paper" - oooh that sounds fancy! I know French. White paper with black lines right? Cool - I'm in! Wait, how did this black paper get into my order?

That was my thought process ordering and receiving this paper. I actually had to go back and look at what I requested from Elaine because I know I didn't order any black paper. As it turns out, I got exactly what I ordered, and it is glorious.

Getting black paper allowed me to break out an amazing pen I rarely have a use for: The Uni-ball Signo UM-153 white gel ink pen. Not only is this the best white gel ink pen on the market for those looking for such a thing (and it's not close), it's one of the most popular products ever sold at JetPens, holding the top spot on the pen popularity rankings for as long as I can remember. Years and years.

This is a pen and paper match made in heaven, and one I would have likely never put together because I didn't know what I was ordering in the first place. The Etranger di Costarica feels very high quality. The white gel ink glided over the page with no effort and no feathering. It was smooth sailing. It held the ink wonderfully, and could probably handle more, like some of the pastel and shiny inks found on the JetPens sample page.

This paper is fun. It put a smile on my face. I loved using white gel ink on it. And I'll use it again very soon.

(JetPens provided this product at no charge to The Pen Addict for review purposes.)