Pentel Energel Gel Pen Metal Barrel Aqua

Ordered both gold and black with plans to return one of them. Was skeptical on getting gold as most images of it seemed rather yellow or gaudy. Upon receiving and in natural lighting both colours look fantastic. Black looks professional and something I’d use at work. Gold is tastefully done, a little flashy but something I’d use personally. Build quality is great. It uses steel in 90% of materials. Both ends seem to utilise plastic so they feel cheaper in comparison. Would be careful not to drop this.Would prefer if we were given a choice of refill instead 0.7 blue. Swapped out for SXR-5 Jetstream

I use the original plastic EnerGel pens daily, but I am not the biggest fan. The first time I bought one, it was defective and wouldn't stay "clicked." The design overall is of slightly flimsy plastic which even squeaks a bit when you use it. It's a bit uncomfortable to write with compared to UniBall and Zebra designs.However, it is critical that my pens not roll off my desk, and pocket clip is effective in preventing that. Also, I really like the ink used in the EnerGel pens. Very smooth writing, no skipping, no bleeding, excellent colors.So, when I found the Alloy versions, I was very happy. The design flaws in the plastic version are corrected here, and it is a very sleek, elegant design that rests well balanced and comfortably in your hand. It is sturdy, ... MoreI use the original plastic EnerGel pens daily, but I am not the biggest fan. The first time I bought one, it was defective and wouldn't stay "clicked." The design overall is of slightly flimsy plastic which even squeaks a bit when you use it. It's a bit uncomfortable to write with compared to UniBall and Zebra designs.However, it is critical that my pens not roll off my desk, and pocket clip is effective in preventing that. Also, I really like the ink used in the EnerGel pens. Very smooth writing, no skipping, no bleeding, excellent colors.So, when I found the Alloy versions, I was very happy. The design flaws in the plastic version are corrected here, and it is a very sleek, elegant design that rests well balanced and comfortably in your hand. It is sturdy, made of metal, and beautiful enough that people have commented on it.I just buy the EnerGel refills and put them in this pen. It works well!If you also like the EnerGel pen series, but want a improved, more professional looking version, this is the pen for you! I have both the gold and the silver versions.Some people have commented that the plunger snaps off, which may be a manufacturing defect - it seems to happen right away when people get the pen. I wouldn't be surprised; however, I have never had this problem and I have had these alloy pens for several months of daily use.This is the main pen that I use every day, and I strongly recommend it!

Soft clicker. Clicker has an internal spring so it will extend when activated. Slight rattle, but not obnoxious (high frequency sound as the spring bounces inside the pen body.) When the pen is held at the barrel end, with the clicker activated, and shaken vigorously it will rattle slightly louder. Clicker has some side to side play so it feels "sloppy". There is slight binding if the clicker plunger is not driven straight down. Visually, where the clicker meets the pen body, is not overly pleasing and the ridge under the clicker cap can be easily felt as you "feel" for the clicker. (Only a problem if you're an habitual "clicker".)Clip a little to tight so it may be difficult to put, and remove from, a shirt pocket.Barrel feels a little thick, or at least ... MoreSoft clicker. Clicker has an internal spring so it will extend when activated. Slight rattle, but not obnoxious (high frequency sound as the spring bounces inside the pen body.) When the pen is held at the barrel end, with the clicker activated, and shaken vigorously it will rattle slightly louder. Clicker has some side to side play so it feels "sloppy". There is slight binding if the clicker plunger is not driven straight down. Visually, where the clicker meets the pen body, is not overly pleasing and the ridge under the clicker cap can be easily felt as you "feel" for the clicker. (Only a problem if you're an habitual "clicker".)Clip a little to tight so it may be difficult to put, and remove from, a shirt pocket.Barrel feels a little thick, or at least thicker than 'normal,' because the barrel doesn't have a rubber covering. I find the barrel grasping swirls a little disconcerting, grating, even, a sand paper type feel. If you write very-close-to-the-tip your index finger may end up resting on a slight indentation where the tip meets the barrel. If not held correctly the weight of the pen could cause it to shift down as you write. Fine barrel threads make for a nice tight connection. The barrel should not easily work itself loose when carrying on a neck chain.Pen feels good in the hand due to the heavy weight. Larger hands will probably appreciate it most. Has very slight nib wiggle (say, when compared to the Pentel Metal Tip Permanent Gel pen.)Ink flows smoothly, doesn't blob, doesn't skip and the pen only feels scratchy when writing at less than a 60º angle. Rotating the pen slightly in the hand should help, provided that you rest the fleshy part of the palm directly on the paper. Can accept Pentel, Zebra and Uni-Ball gel refills without spring modification or cutting the ink cartridge plastic.Total length tends to be about 1/4" longer than most other pens. Length is about 5+7/8", so it may not fit inside an eyeglass hard case, for example, without slightly depressing the clicker.Overall, a good safe purchase, a good "knock-around" pen, sure to please a good number of writers.

Absolutely Beautiful and Well Balanced.

I have been a fan of Pentel Energel RTX Liquid Gel pens for some time. The pen writes more smoothly than any pen I have ever used, and the ink itself goes onto the page almost like paint, but yet dries before you can smudge it. The colors are so beautiful that they are mood altering (positively); there is a vibrancy to them that they seem alive on the page. They are clearly a labor of love. The colors and ink and writing point were developed by someone who is creating something from their heart, not just to compete a task. Later, I saw these alloy pens and thought I'd pick up the violet and the aquamarine, but I appreciated the balance and weight of them so much, that I pick up another few every now and then. I only lack the pink now. [PS to Pentel: can you make one ... MoreI have been a fan of Pentel Energel RTX Liquid Gel pens for some time. The pen writes more smoothly than any pen I have ever used, and the ink itself goes onto the page almost like paint, but yet dries before you can smudge it. The colors are so beautiful that they are mood altering (positively); there is a vibrancy to them that they seem alive on the page. They are clearly a labor of love. The colors and ink and writing point were developed by someone who is creating something from their heart, not just to compete a task. Later, I saw these alloy pens and thought I'd pick up the violet and the aquamarine, but I appreciated the balance and weight of them so much, that I pick up another few every now and then. I only lack the pink now. [PS to Pentel: can you make one with an orange barrel, please?] It is truly a pleasure to use something so thoughtfully designed. Thank you!

Best by a landslide

I purchased my first pen around 12 years ago and it is still in great working condition. In LE we wrote constantly everyday so the pen is durable. Over the years I have collected the Silver (1st one), Black, Gold, Pink, Blue, Red and that Aqua color. This does not count the numerous ones that I have given as gifts!Every time someone uses it, they want to keep it!!! Every once in awhile you can find them at Wal-Mart for $6.I did break the black one when I dropped it but I don't blame the Pentel. It's my fault for being clumsy. :)I refuse to carry any other pen for daily use.

Great Writing Instrument

The Pentel EnerGel Alloy Gel Pen is a dream to write with. The barrel is sleek, feels great in the hand and the textured grip ensures a comfortable hold. The 0.7mm black ink glides smoothly across the page, delivering consistent, dark lines without skipping or smudging. It's a bit pricier than standard pens, the superior writing experience and stylish design make it a worthwhile investment for anyone who appreciates quality stationery.

It has not broken yet!

I loved the way this pen looked -- a classy upgrade to the EnerGel series. I loved the way the EnerGel writes so smoothly, but I never liked the plastic barrel pen -- one time I got one that didn't even work properly and I had to throw it away. So, getting a fancy gold pen with which I can just use the EnerGel refillswas something that seemed like a great idea.I was worried because a few reviews have talked about the plunger breaking off the thrust tube, but I haven't had that problem at all, and the pen seems sturdy. I use it every day, all day long, and I am constantly clicking it. It has gone for six months now with no issues, so I feel confident to write a review at this point.In fact, I have got so many compliments on this pen and questions about where I ... MoreI loved the way this pen looked -- a classy upgrade to the EnerGel series. I loved the way the EnerGel writes so smoothly, but I never liked the plastic barrel pen -- one time I got one that didn't even work properly and I had to throw it away. So, getting a fancy gold pen with which I can just use the EnerGel refillswas something that seemed like a great idea.I was worried because a few reviews have talked about the plunger breaking off the thrust tube, but I haven't had that problem at all, and the pen seems sturdy. I use it every day, all day long, and I am constantly clicking it. It has gone for six months now with no issues, so I feel confident to write a review at this point.In fact, I have got so many compliments on this pen and questions about where I bought it, I am now buying a few more as Christmas gifts!I say buy it with confidence. You'll be very happy with how it looks in person, and it seems like a well made pen!

The Best Pen You Will Ever Buy

I bought my only EnerGel Alloy Gel Pen about 6 years ago for my freshman year of college. Since then, that same pen has went with me through all of my college career, 3 different jobs, and currently is used daily in my career. It has wear and tear, but has never once stopped working. I also bought a large box of the EnerGel refills so I can just pop one in every time I run out. I love the weight of the pen, the textured grip, and the fluidity it provides with its smooth gel ink. I will never own any other brand of pen.

This is hands-down the best pen I've ever used!!!! I originally purchased it to use on interviews...

This is hands-down the best pen I've ever used!!!! I originally purchased it to use on interviews and loved it so much that I purchased a second one (plus a few packs of ink refills) for daily use. After letting my boyfriend try this pen, he also purchased a few of them because he loved it. **PRO's: 1) Professional Appearance - The combination of the brushed & polished silver colors (aluminum) gives a sleek, sophisticated appearance without looking "flashy." - The pen's logo is very discreetly placed and almost unnoticeable from a few feet away. - Its barrel has a standard diameter and fits perfectly in the pen slot of my padfolio (I had originally purchased a different pen that had a larger diameter that greatly hinder the ability of my padfolio to close). 2) ... MoreThis is hands-down the best pen I've ever used!!!! I originally purchased it to use on interviews and loved it so much that I purchased a second one (plus a few packs of ink refills) for daily use. After letting my boyfriend try this pen, he also purchased a few of them because he loved it. **PRO's: 1) Professional Appearance - The combination of the brushed & polished silver colors (aluminum) gives a sleek, sophisticated appearance without looking "flashy." - The pen's logo is very discreetly placed and almost unnoticeable from a few feet away. - Its barrel has a standard diameter and fits perfectly in the pen slot of my padfolio (I had originally purchased a different pen that had a larger diameter that greatly hinder the ability of my padfolio to close). 2) Comfort & Design - The pen has a very comfortable grip that also prevents the pen from slipping in your hand (even after applying lotion on your hands). - The pocket clip adheres tightly to the body of the pen, which ensures that the pen will stay put in your pocket/padfolio. - The pocket clip is also smooth on the underside and does not leave any scratches or marks behind when you slide the pen in and out of a padfolio. - The retractable tip is easy to engage/disengage, and when engaged, the tip actually stays in the erect/outward position rather than sliding in and out of the pen's barrel/body - I particularly like this feature because it doesn't make any noise as you move the pen around (which is surprisingly annoying and distracting for me, especially during an interview when I'm already nervous and trying to concentrate). - The aluminum body gives a good weight to the pen without being too heavy/overbearing, as well. 3) Smooth, Consistent Writing & Does Not Smear - I exclusively buy gel ink pens, because I love the bold color the gel ink has compared to ballpoint pens. Unlike many gel pens I've used in the past, I have never had any issues with inconsistent ink flow while writing with this particular pen (I've used almost a whole ink cartridge of one pen and about half of my second pen's ink cartridge). - I am right-handed and have never had issues with gel ink smearing as I write, but my boyfriend is left-handed and would not previously purchase gel pens for this reason. However, the ink in this pen dries so quickly that he has had no issues with the ink smearing/smudging. In addition to standard paper (i.e., legal pad, copy paper, etc), I also tested this pen by writing in a few of my textbooks, which have a more glossy finish and tend to smear much more easily in my experience. The ink does take a few more seconds to dry on the textbook pages (so my boyfriend does not use this pen in his books) but the drying time is still substantially less compared to other gel pens I've used (mainly Pilot Precise V5 RT pens). **CON's: - The only "con" I can come up with thus far is that the price has increased on Home Essentials Direct since I originally purchased my first pen (it was $4.85 when I purchased). However, I still think that even at the current price ($6.83 at the time of this review), this pen is an absolute bargain. Overall, I cannot say enough wonderful things about this pen, and I am thrilled with both of my purchases (as is my boyfriend with his purchases of this pen). I would VERY highly recommend this product to others!!!!!

This is really nice looking for the price. Being lefty, I've been using plastic versions for year...

This is really nice looking for the price. Being lefty, I've been using plastic versions for years and decided to up my image. The gold version was exactly what I was looking for. There is a UPC code on the back in black and white, but it is only a sticker that can be removed (though rubbing of the excessive adhesive left behind is not trivial). Unfortunately, after unscrewing the brand new pen to replace the cartridge with a different ink color, the threads just barely engaged screwing it back together. A day later, I changed my mind again and switched back to black ink, but it no longer screws together at all! The threads do not appear to be stripped or damaged in any way. They just seem to be poorly machined and too loose. I'm not returning it because risking ... MoreThis is really nice looking for the price. Being lefty, I've been using plastic versions for years and decided to up my image. The gold version was exactly what I was looking for. There is a UPC code on the back in black and white, but it is only a sticker that can be removed (though rubbing of the excessive adhesive left behind is not trivial). Unfortunately, after unscrewing the brand new pen to replace the cartridge with a different ink color, the threads just barely engaged screwing it back together. A day later, I changed my mind again and switched back to black ink, but it no longer screws together at all! The threads do not appear to be stripped or damaged in any way. They just seem to be poorly machined and too loose. I'm not returning it because risking COVID-19 going indoors to ship a $9 pen seems foolish. Instead, I "fixed" it by screwing it back together with a bit of clear tape over the threads. Not recommended until Pentel fixes the manufacturing problem.