Pen Type | Gel pen |
Point Size(s) | Ultra Fine, Extra Fine(.5mm), Fine (.7mm) and Bold |
Water-resistant | No – regardless of what some office supply sites may claim |
Ink Color | 14 – Black, Blue, Red, Green, Purple, Pink, Turquoise, Burgundy, Orange, Hunter Green, Navy Blue, Periwinkle, Lime, Carmel |
Capped/Retractable | Retractable |
Clip | Yes |
Approx Price | ~$2 for 1 pen. $16 for 8 color pack |
I’ve been refusing to get/use G2’s since I first saw it from a coworker in the office many years ago — because they are so tacky looking. They look quite clean at first, but the clear barrel showing off the yellow/orange gel(?) at the end of the refill just looks yucky, and golden color label on the clip just looks cheesy. I just can’t picture using it. At the time, I was using “Zebra Sarasa Gel Retractable” and “Uniball Signo 207” which are both more elegant looking to me.
It wasn’t until recently that I took a second look at the G2s again. Everywhere I turn, everyone seems to be using it. Even people who are normally not picky about pens claim to like it a lot. I needed to know what they are so drawn to. So I decided to take the plunge and get one. I was at the store and saw the standard package of “1 black, 1 blue, 1 red” pens and “2 black” pens. Looking at them, I remember all the reasons the G2 did not appeal to me. As I was walking away, I noticed the package of “turquoise, purple, and pink”. I wasn’t very fond of the pink, but the turquoise looked very interesting and purple is always a good color to test (I have a theory that purple ink is the most difficult to get right based on experiences of the many purple pens that died unexpectedly on me).
Anyway, back to the review of the G2…
The grip of the pen is pretty awesome – one of the things I was suspicious about regarding the grip was the shape. There’s a slight concavity followed by a slight bump. I’ve had some bad experiences previously with pens that don’t have a straight shape grip that did not fit the fingers/hand properly – sliding/slipping in wrong direction, etc. But the G2 does not have that problem. Now that I think about it some more, it’s actually a very smart design. Usually people with smaller hands want smaller grip and they tend to hold the pen closer to the tip. Whereas people with bigger hand would want a bigger grip and hold the pen higher. By creating this increasing barrel size as you get farther from the tip, it satisfies a much wider audience than that of a straight grip. And the genius is that it tilts back out really near the tip creating a cradle for the fingers and added extra horizontal grooves to increase friction.
The flow of ink is pretty smooth and consistent – on the better end for a gel pen. The weight and balance of the pen is good. It’s a bit heavier than the zebra sarasa – which I like. It gives it a more substantial feel (i.e. less cheap). But then again, I’m comparing a new g2 with old sarasa, so may be it’s the weight of the gel ink. Hmm, let me just remove the ink and redo the test in my hand. Ok, so correction, the 2 pens are about the same weight without the ink (never realize how heavy the gel ink was). Btw, an interesting design note, the screw on the G2 is in the middle of the barrel instead of the more common placement – at the tip of the pen. This is a great design decision – making it much easier to screw on/off (because of larger surface area to hold on to) than its other retractable competitors.
Overall, G2 is a good, solid, well balanced pen. But at the same time, it is also one of the more commonly seen pens in the office. So if you don’t want to look like everyone else, or just want to add a little bit of spark or personality, get one in a unusual color that you like. I am currently in love with turquoise. (And I still hate the black and blue ones – probably for the wrong reasons, but I don’t care!!) Looking forward to trying hunter green some day.
Nib/Ink flow | 4/5 (consistent, smooth for fine point – I’m reserving the last point for when I try the other point sizes) |
Design/Looks | 3/5 (depends on color – for me at least) |
Grip/Balance/Weight | 5/5 (superb grip, great balance, good weight with full ink) |
Construction | 5/5 (well made, very sturdy, especially like the the screw in middle of barrel) |
42 comments
Comments feed for this article
May 18, 2008 at 2:34 am
aGoat.com » Pen Reviews
[…] Pen Reviews are the hottest thing to the internet since Pamela Anderson’s Sex Tape. The latest in Pen Reviews comes from a website that claims to be on a quest to find the perfect pen. Here is a sample review: Pilot G2 Retractable Gel Ink Rolling Ball Pen […]
May 18, 2008 at 2:59 am
Thomas
I will stick to my Parker Sonnet Fountain thanks, although i uase a G2 as a red pen.
May 18, 2008 at 3:22 am
Gongg
A slightly fat finger pen. Zebra has a gel version of their thinner 401 metal barrel retractable, if you don’t mind drenching your papers in wet puddles of ink as gel pens do.
I like the ballpoint zebras truly, best.
May 18, 2008 at 4:27 am
http://intermoney2.webcindario.com
I uase a G2 as a red pen….. 🙂
http://intermoney2.webcindario.com
May 18, 2008 at 4:40 am
Your title here - Just another WordPress weblog » Most Unique and Interesting Review of a Pen (Pilot G2) Ever!
[…] it. This blogger makes reading about pens fascinating with her latest blog post about the Pilot G2.read more | digg story This entry is filed under Uncategorized. You can follow any responses to this entry […]
May 18, 2008 at 5:31 am
Eric
Love the blue as an everyday pen…I always have problems with the green. Also I have girthy fingers, grip is amazing.
On an a related topic. Black No.2 Dixon Ticonderogas, nice.
May 18, 2008 at 6:35 am
Kevin
Nice review. I’ve been using this hack for over a year, and the quality of the writing experience with the Mount Blanc ink is amazing!
http://www.instructables.com/id/Save-$200-in-2-minutes-and-have-the-worlds-best-wr/
May 18, 2008 at 7:45 am
Rob
Thanks for the review of the G2s. I’ve been able to use the micro versions at work for a while now, and I do switch back and forth between the micro G2 and the Uniball Signo 207 as well.
I suspect you’re right-handed. You should test the ink drying time as well. As a leftie, I’ve suffered for years with ink that slows well but doesn’t dry fast enough, resulting in smeared ink and blue or black hands. I’m seeing more of this with the newer Pilot and Uniball ink. Unfortunate, really.
For now, my safe pen of choice is the Uniball Roller 0.5mm. While not a smooth an experience (the nib almost sems to scratch into some paper), the ink dries remarkably well for me. If only the G2 and Signo 207 could do the same.
-Rob
May 18, 2008 at 8:02 am
zxcv
this pen is excellent for its parts when used in pen modding
May 18, 2008 at 12:03 pm
Elvis Ripley
I use the G2 Pro when I am not using a fountain pen. I have really enjoyed the G2 but have never been too into cheap pens with flex in the body. The Pilot G2 Pro is a larger solid feeling pen that solved all the problems I had with the regular G2.
May 18, 2008 at 12:16 pm
Kane
If you like the G2, you should try the Dr. Grip pen, which is essentially a slightly larger body than the G2 with the same ink cartridge. Once you get used to the larger body and heavier pen, it is a great writing instrument for the price. Try it out.
May 18, 2008 at 1:12 pm
Mike
The G2 rocks – I’ve been using them for over 10 years – and it’s pretty much the only one I’ll buy.
May 18, 2008 at 1:59 pm
julien
It’s my favorite pen. I use a black 0.7mm. I like the way it’s designed and the fact that it is so popular that you can find some ink replacements everywhere you go. It’s the perfect pen.
May 18, 2008 at 2:38 pm
Steve
This is the one and only pen that I will ever buy. I have made my office manager keep a supply on hand. I was using the 05 fot eh longest time. Then the office manager got me the 07 by mistake. The 07 is better. It’s a little looser with the ink and thicker (of course).
Dan Camera has given me crap for knowing the exact pen that I want! But really, when you find a pen that you love… why not demand for it!
May 18, 2008 at 5:45 pm
Rob
I highly suggest
http://www.pilotpen.us/products/rollingball/#anchor_preciseV
Specifically, the retractable V5 version. This is the best pen I have ever used. I’d love to see a review for it next.
May 18, 2008 at 8:27 pm
Seatux
The biggest peeve I have about it is after dropping the pen, the ink flow starts being erratic. The .5 suffers from this more than the .7. If you use correction pens, it does not write so well on those.
This is coming from one that had been using one since the year 2000. It’s also a favorite among students in Malaysia too.
May 18, 2008 at 11:42 pm
Joshua
while I like the G2, I much prefer the G2 Pro. I like a more solid writing instrument. You can also adapt a Mont Blanc refill to fit and it really adds to the experience. If you’re in the market for a even higher grad pen, try the Pilot Knight Collect. Most run from $20-$40 but handle like much more expensive models.
May 19, 2008 at 5:31 pm
glaize
I just love using Pilot pens, at least having one of each type for any occasions. Of course, I use the rolling ball type more often. Like you, I don’t really like the design. The ink flow caught me almost immediately. A professional pen. Thanks for the review :]
May 25, 2008 at 2:02 am
auch1 » Blog Archive » schreibwerkzeugfetisch
[…] oden koennte ich singen. das erste mal schreiben mit ihm war anders … ganz anders. es ist schwierig zu beschreiben. die optik gemahnt an einen wegwerfkugelschreiber, wobei man ueber das gekugel schon trefflich philosophieren koennte. das gelbliche gel, das durch den transparenten koerper schimmert. der grippige grip, der erstaunlich gut in der hand liegt fuer ein derart unauffaelliges budget-schreibgeraet. und dann ein schreibgefuehl, als waers ein waterman persoenlich. richtig angst hab ich, dass das ding irgendwann aus dem verkehr gezogen wird, dass die (sich leider recht schnell leerenden) nachfuellpatronen irgendwann nicht mehr erhaeltlich sind. hamsterkauf! vorraete! schnnnnell! und tatsaechlich gibts jemanden, der mindestens genauso griffelgeil ist wie man hoechstselbst. beruhigend, ausgesprochen, das. […]
May 25, 2008 at 1:07 pm
Kathleen
After reading the review on the G2 Retractable Gel Ink Rolling Pen I have been searching for one to purchase. I need periwinkle ink and have been unable to find one.
My quest is for a fine writing pen in periwinkle. Any ideas?
May 27, 2008 at 12:02 pm
Kim
Actually, I just found a G2 set in limited edition colors, including a light cocoa brown, a spring green, and a light blue that is actually close to periwinkle.
May 29, 2008 at 9:48 am
Jess
Where did you find the limited edition colors?? I am desperate to find the periwinkle pen (I know that seems silly), and have looked everywhere. Please help!
June 16, 2008 at 6:56 pm
Pete
I really love the black with ultra fine as my everyday pen, and you’re right, the grip is awesome.
June 19, 2008 at 8:59 pm
Reneena
This blog is great and really unique. I admit, I have this thing for pens too. I’m into Parker pens and Cross.
June 24, 2008 at 12:25 pm
suhen
hiii…thanks brooo
June 27, 2008 at 8:30 pm
JOHN
Hola a todos veran yo utilizo un pilot G2 limited me podrian decir que tiene de especial ese boli al G2 normal aparte de que es mas caro? gracias
July 22, 2008 at 1:05 am
Sita
well now it seems like I should try and buy another pen 🙂 thanks for your great reviews on pens
July 30, 2008 at 3:33 pm
Ratan X
Actually, the black ink IS water resistant, at least the last time I checked. I did the same test with other colors and they were completely gone after a quick soak in water, but the black ink was still solid.
August 3, 2008 at 12:01 pm
Bill
Ratan is correct. I tore out a page from the back of my Moleskine and wrote on it, let it dry for a minute, then tossed it into a tumbler of water. Very little deterioration of the edges after 10 minutes, and rubbing the ink caused no smearing. Can’t speak to the other colors, as I only use black.
The G2 .5 mm is my choice for the high-grade paper in the notebook, which I use constantly for notes, journaling, lists, etc., all in the same book. (You just draw a square around the stuff you have to pick out in a hurry. The lists and notes become part of the journal — which is, after all, about my life.)
When I write by hand in the large Moleskine, which I use for rough drafts when I’m away from a computer, I tend to use the G2 .7 mm, or a pencil if I’m doing rough editing.
PS: Target has notebooks that seem to come from the same Chinese factory as Moleskine for about half the price…little pocket in the back and all. Leather covered, too.
At work, where much of my writing has to be photocopied, I still prefer the old black Pentel Rolling Writer, which I’ve been using for over 30 years.
September 14, 2008 at 8:44 pm
angrypenuser
UNIBALL SIGNO 207 SUCK SOOOOO BAD MAN!!!!! I just bought the uniball signo 207 micro 0.5mm in a pack of 3 and the ink flow is just complete garbage man…a thicker uniball pen would give that nasty blobby spot thing [like you just left the pen on there for like 10 seconds] and the ink flow is inconsistent and I have to go back and rewrite, so I figured hmm a finer point/tip will fix this problem! UM NO!!..it’s still complete crock..I hate it..I hate all gel pens!! The grip is probably the selling point, but that I don’t like either cause I find myself writing hard with these stupid pens [cause the ink won’t fricken come out] that the grip is actually making it more damn slippy. My roomate had a pen that wrote like heaven, a combination..I wish I can remember what the name was so I can go buy it.
September 14, 2008 at 8:47 pm
angrypenuser
minus a combination part lol
January 23, 2009 at 5:11 am
bstout t t
oh my god i can’t believe someone is blogging about pens.
…G2’s are the fucking best pens ever.
while some at school either don’t know about or are disinclined to the legendary G2, saying “a pen is just a pen”, there is a select few (myself included) that not only prize but hoard these marvels. some examples: if someone asks for a pen, and all the person has is G2’s, the would-be supplier often rejects said request. also, if someone (a “knower”) requests a G2, oftentimes the would-be supplier is only willing to dole out lesser pens.
is it weird that i have thought multiple times about being an executive and negotiating an endorsement deal with pilot that makes G2 the only pen i use for the rest of my life (save sharpies, markers, pencils, etc)?
March 3, 2009 at 3:29 am
Alexwebmaster
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September 12, 2009 at 7:11 pm
isabel
i love G2 pens i wish i had an orange one and it has the best grip it’s light weight and easy to hold i would very much suggest buying it even though it’s very pricey it’s worth it u can reuse it again and again it’s worth the guy
December 1, 2009 at 3:43 pm
katmainomad
blue and black work fine for me (even as a lefty, dragging my hand across the page), red sucks…the ink always refuses to come out after a few uses. Maybe someone dropped the whole shipment. I surfed here trying to find a solution, but no luck…Ah well, just a pen. I hate disposing of a nearly full ink cartridge though.
November 3, 2010 at 6:02 pm
keplin
if you want a nicer design and still like the ink then you could by a pilot G2 limited or pilot G2 Pro which are more professional designs but still use the standard G2 ink. my personal favorite is the Pilot G2 Pro.
December 23, 2010 at 7:45 am
Rob
It is very rare to see such a kinda quick facts about the pens. Good one. Keep posting!…http://www.montblancpens-online.com/
April 10, 2011 at 6:53 am
Joe Hegyi III
I had been using the 0.5 mm for several years but last year discovered the 0.38 mm. It’s fantastic to have such a fine point with a jet black line! Before I discovered the G2 I was an avid user of the Cross fine ballpoint and loved it except for the fact that it always left more of a gray line rather than a black one.
July 23, 2011 at 3:02 pm
Limestone
Anyone know where I can find turquoise ink refills for my G2? Love the pen, nice colors, cannot find any refill other then red, black, regular blue.
Thanks!
May 2, 2013 at 2:07 pm
44235
Great site from that which I’ve looked at thus far. My name’s Celia and I’m extremely pleased to view your site. In fact, I’d really like to get in contact with
you. Perhaps we could exchange emails?
July 1, 2014 at 12:01 am
Lilli
Thank you!
April 14, 2020 at 8:43 pm
Garage Guy
One of the best. This is my everyday, go-to, never fails, always fun pen