In what has become an annual tradition at The Pen Addict (see 2008, 2009, and 2010), here are the top 10 pen reviews of 2011. The rankings below consist of the top 10 pen review posts for the 2011 calendar year as determined by Google Analytics. This list isn’t my top 10 favorite pens, but rather a snapshot of what was popular over the last 12 months.
This has become one of my new favorite every day writers. The 0.3 mm tip is super sharp although some would call it scratchy. That doesn’t faze me, but it is something to consider when shopping for pens.
Uni-ball Signo 207 Micro Needle Tip
Why this pen hasn’t become more common on store shelves I have no idea. I check my local Staples for it every single time I go and to this date I have NEVER seen this pen for sale. Office Max generally stocks them but I don’t have one nearby. Hello Amazon.
One of three pens with a permanent home in my backpack. I swapped out the 1.0 mm black Fisher Space Pen refill with the 0.7 mm blue and never looked back. I haven’t used many tactical pens, but this one is going to be hard to beat.
The one and only fountain pen I feel safe leaving the house with. The aluminum construction is strong and durable, and the threaded cap gives me peace of mind that the cap is going to stay put. One of my favorite pens ever.
Pilot Hi-Tec-C 0.3 mm Grip Black
Speaking of favorite pens ever, this is my go to daily writer. I love the clean, consistent, and quick drying lines. The rubber grip makes it more comfortable during long writing sessions.
Kuretake Fudegokochi Brush Pen Super Fine
A brush pen for taking notes? I thought that was a ridiculous idea until I tried the Kuretake for that exact task. If you are looking for more style and uniqueness than with a traditional felt or plastic tip pen give it a try. You might be as surprised as I was.
Is it a sad state of affairs that this pen is the only one of the top ten found regularly on store shelves? I don’t think so, but it is something I am trying to change one review at a time. The smooth-writing Jetstream 101 is a workhorse office supply cabinet filler.
Pilot Hi-Tec-C Coleto Five Cartridge Barrel
I am amazed at how popular the Coleto line still is. It helps that Pilot keeps pushing out so many new barrel designs each year, and each year they are better. The best customizable multi pen on the market.
Pilot Delful Double Knock Double Knock Mechanical Pencil
This was another big surprise for me. I generally stick to my Uni-ball Kuru Toga when a mechanical pencil is required, but the Pilot Delful was a pretty impressive tool. I still use it from time to time which says a lot considering the options within arms reach.
Sometimes having no expectations lead to the best discoveries. I swore off Moleskine paper years ago, and the rectangular body design of the pen is admittedly odd. But guess what? This is a damn good pen.
