EDC Pen Extravaganza! | Budget Edition

In this video we look at several budget EDC pen options ranging from $3 - $20 per pen. We’ll compare and contrast based on some objective information like cost, size, refills, and quality of construction. We will also look at some subjective features such as comfort, carryability, and performance. Enjoy the show!
Pokka Pen: www.amazon.com/dp/B07JN281ZZ/...
Zebra F-301: www.amazon.com/dp/B007MSEYAU/...
Zebra F-301 Compact: www.amazon.com/dp/B0017OYIO2/...
Zebra F-402: www.amazon.com/dp/B004WOAJP6/...
Zebra SL-F1: www.amazon.com/dp/B003G0YWHI/...
Zebra F-701: www.amazon.com/dp/B002ZZ7PJW/...
Zebra X-701: www.amazon.com/dp/B07H7QNKBM/...
Tombow Airpress: www.amazon.com/dp/B001VEC2HI/...
Space Pen: www.amazon.com/dp/B001NXDFEG/...
Parker Jotter: www.amazon.com/dp/B01DJBH8HO/...
Caran D’Ache: www.amazon.com/dp/B000WFXTI8/...
ROtring 600: www.amazon.com/dp/B077GPND47/...
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[@johnreed6856]

Haven’t used them all but the 701 is an awesome awesome pen! I actually got some from Office Depot for $1.25 each... yes. She rang it up I saw the price and I said wait I forgot something.... went back and snatched the other 7 off the hook....

[@jimclip2012]

Great pen bodies, but the F ballpoint refills are not great IMO

[@wigglewiggle3789]

Damn. I just found out I was a nobody in middle school because I didn't have a Parker jotter. Explains my life 30 years on. Lol. Great video. Some good choices.

[@GearedTowardGear1]

🤣🤣🤣🤣 - that’s hilarious. Thanks for watching Wiggle! All the best!

[@MTNManReviews]

Agree with you on the X-701. They had a great opportunity and missed out. Good look at all of these pens. I've tried a few and added the rest to a list to try. Keep it up!

[@FrancisRoyCA]

A favourite KZbinr of mine suggests the following for a good KZbin video: "Don't waste your audience's time." You did not. You got down to basics, told me what I wanted to know. You did not make me endure a 3 minute intro with dancing bells and whistles, tell me why I need a pen, tell me about your sub-count, did not make nonsense intro chit-chat, did not try to be clever, or to pitch them as if your Amazon referrals were at stake. You got down to business, did not drive me mad with irrelevant and useless hyper-detail about A PEN. You chose what you thought were best, gave an honest opinion--and I take that to be what it is, an opinion--and gave me good reasons to consider them. I thought that your choice of pens was reasonable Thank you for providing a legitimately useful video and for being a normal human being. With that established, I shall now look through your library of vids, and if enough things are relevant to me, shall subscribe. (Also, I like chapters, but did not need them in your case.) Thank you again, and good job.

[@CanItAlready]

I just got a two pack of the Zebra F-402 recently, having never used a Zebra ballpoint before and I love the way the ink flows, especially compared with the standard Parker Jotter ballpoint refill and the one pen I have with a Fisher refill. Both of those always felt like writing in mud but now the Zebra makes them feel more like writing in wet cement. So far I'm liking the F-402 as much as the Pentel Energel Alloy I got a few months back. 👍

[@chaddamron3877]

F301 compact has been my jam for @ 2yrs now - great vid man

[@James-uk6hs]

thanks for introducing me to the zebra 701. I'll definitely snatch one when it's on sale.

[@donttrip4228]

Thanks for the introduction to these lot of pens . Because of you I ordered a rotring and a f301 compact (already daily a f-701). I must disagree with you on the jotter Parker, I bought this pen not knowing it was popular but it feels so light, cheap and easily breakable. I did not like clicking it either. Immediately decided i wanted to return it or throw it away (was that bad), but thanks again! Really like the style of the Compact closed! Can’t wait to receive!

[@molonlabe9602]

F 701 man here. I put the Fisher SPR1 (med blue) in all of mine and end up with an awesome EDC pen for $15, or less if you buy in multiples.

[@jdshadow5003]

I wish I would have discovered it earlier but the Skilcraft B3 Aviator is SO good. I'm in love with it. It's FOD compliant for aviation, has great black and red ink and mechanical pencil functions in a chassis the size of the Rotring. Like $22 bucks. I can't see an "extravaganza" without thinking about the band The Tony Danza Tapdance Extravaganza. Awesome video brother! Now I have a couple of new pens to buy! Thank you!

[@GearedTowardGear1]

Thanks for the Skilcraft recommendation. You may have mentioned it before I don’t recall. Someone also recommended the Onto Horizon which looks promising. 👊👊

[@dgtlsthlrd]

My edc is a f701 with a fisher, at home Ive got a couple rotring 600s and 800s that I also use fisher refills in, or a fountain pen.

[@granitejeepc3651]

Love the TomBow------used to use parker all the time-----Tombow is great for weighs nothing and clip actually stays in pocket and or clipped to clothes no matter if sneeze or bend over....

[@mf6532]

As someone who worked in the outdoors the best pen for me was the Uniball power tank. There's a reason why they are issued to Police forces up here in Canada, great video. Thank you!

[@jacopieterse4325]

Dude I absolutely love your sticker/logo design man!

[@GearedTowardGear1]

Thanks so much! I designed it a while back and just recently had the stickers made. As a matter of fact, the very next video I’ll be posting will be about the stickers and how you can get them. I’m going to be selling them as a way to help supplement the channel. Everything I do is out of pocket so a little bit of money from sticker sales will help to bring more gear to the channel, upgrade equipment, etc. 👊👊👊👊

[@CameronDunn]

I love the look of the Caran D’Ache, great video!

[@GearedTowardGear1]

Hey Cameron, thanks so much for watching! It does have a good look. Nice and clean.

[@Rusonekox9]

I carry a bic pen and honestly is all i need. Thanks for the video

[@l0veall]

great review, very helpful!

[@tswjjoekue7120]

Just purchased my zebra 701 because of you! Awesome video.

[@GearedTowardGear1]

Excellent! I hope you enjoy it! Thanks for watching!

[@joekasperek1086]

Nice, I'm a Parker guy. Use to collect them years back. Great look, thx Sean

[@GearedTowardGear1]

Parker makes good pens for sure. I could click that Parker Jotter all day!

[@paul_schuette]

Great review! I like the look of some of those shorter models. May have to give them a try a some point.

[@GearedTowardGear1]

Thanks so much for watching, Paul!

[@patrickvanovermeeren4513]

Good video . Nice selection. Thanks for sharing !

[@GearedTowardGear1]

You bet! Thanks for watching Patrick.

[@waynehighsmith7591]

Always enjoy your videos, but must take issue with your negative review of the Zebra X-701. I've found this pen to be aesthetic, sturdy and reliable. Very happy with it and I highly recommend this great pen

[@rickkerans8485]

Really enjoyed the review of the pens. The Zebras F 401 and 301 I have and enjoy. The last one at 30 bucks I wouldn't want to take out of the house. I lose to many pens. Never was a big fan of the Parker. I hadn't heard of the 3 recommended ones. I may try the one that tied for overall. Very unique even though I carry a pen in shirt pocket nearly everyday just never thought of them being EDC items which they really are. Thanks for the Extravaganza of EDC pens. Can't wait to see if anything changes in a year. Great job and very informative.

[@GearedTowardGear1]

Thanks so much, Rick! It was a fun video to make and breaks up the monotony of knife videos! If you’re carrying the 301 and 402 you’re carrying some darn good pens. I carried 2 F-301’s in my uniform shirt pocket every day of my Paramedic career. Great ratio of value to performance to durability.

[@jeremyspaulding7735]

An awesome video Sean I myself carry the exact Fisher you have on the table and have for several years and I agree the clip is awful in pocket but I carry mine in a belt sheath with some of my other gear and it works well and I have a regular bullet in chrome for my weekend carry but I think after this video I am going to consider the winners to replace my weekend carry for sure keep up the great work my friend

[@GearedTowardGear1]

Thanks so much for watching Jeremy! If the Space Pen has been good to you then rock it brother! Carrying it in a belt sheath Tyle organizer is a great idea! I think you should at least try an F-701, it’s a darn good pen. And if you like smaller and don’t mind plastic that Tombow Airpress is pretty cool too. All the best my friend!

[@jesseb8769]

Personally I always carry a pen. I love the two you sent! I have terrible penmanship so I lean towards the ultra fine points. Thanks for the video!

[@GearedTowardGear1]

Rock on brotha! I’m glad you like them!

[@a.m.2368]

Cool video! I have most of the pens you show. The Pokka are refillable according to the instructions that came with mine.

[@GearedTowardGear1]

Thanks so much for watching! You’re right, they are refillable. At the time I didn’t realize they were, and after researching the cost & shipping fees it might make sense to just buy new ones. 👊🏻👊🏻👊🏻🍻🍻🍻

[@jjcahill8934]

Great review and extravaganza of pens Sean! Way back in my school days it seemed like there were the cheap Bic pens or the better Parkers and Cross pens. There are certainly a lot of great choices now :) Thanks for you video!

[@GearedTowardGear1]

Thanks JJ!! Man, I totally forgot about Cross pens. I used to have one of those in school!

[@jjcahill8934]

@@GearedTowardGear1 👍

[@zoo2you]

Good looking lineup. Have a few of those. 👍

[@GearedTowardGear1]

Thanks, Zoo! I figured you’d probably have several of these.

[@BigRedEDC]

I am an F301 guy! Found them and never went anywhere else...lol! Cool topic brother!!

[@GearedTowardGear1]

I love the F-301! It’s the pen I probably habe the most of. I carried two F-301’s in my uniform shirt pocket every day of my Paramedic career. Great ratio of value to performance to durability. 👊👊👊

[@NomNom1970]

I am looking for a very smooth writing .5 to .3mm pen in the $25.00 and below range. Any recommendations?

[@pinkflamingo8806]

I carry the F301 compact and to me it is the gold standard. I would love to see an F701 compact model. My only real beef with the 301 compact is that I tend to end up with the clip bending away from the body

[@derekstone1553]

I’m not a pen guy but I am a cross dominant right handed person that writes and eats with my left hand so if you know how lefties write you know what I mean when I say it’s hard to find something that actually makes writing a pleasure. The f-701 is the absolute best pen and writing I’ve ever come across, for $7 it’s totally worth it, I’ve never actually enjoyed writing but it is kinda fun to write with the f-701. No diggitty!

[@GearedTowardGear1]

No diggitty? No doubt! Lol. Thanks for watching Derek. That’s a really ingesting perspective being cross dominant, thanks for sharing man!

[@sloanzone]

It doesn't quite fit into the budget class of this video, but my favorite is still the Fisher AG7. Occasionally it can be picked up for about half price on Amazon, but right now its a bit expensive. Although the ink isn't the most satisfying at all times, it rarely if ever fails. The craftsmanship is second to none in the original and the side click mechanism is downright addicting. The pocket clip is stout and has just the right amount of retention. The only downside in my opinion is it will get dinged up if you are a butterfingers like me and drop it frequently. Some people are also turned off by the weight, but I quite like it. I recently picked up the Zebra F-701, but swapped out for a Fisher cartridge "hacking" method. Overall its a good pen, something is a bit off with it for me, so it won't remain in my pocket forever. I use a Parker Jotter, but the gel version as well. The grip does kind of suck, as stated in this video, but the gel refills are superb! An overall better pick for gel would be the new Sharpie S Gel pens. They are smooth as warm butter, but don't smudge! I just wish they had a more premium offering with a metal barrel, etc.

[@Diane19951]

WOW WEE Batman, This is a Super awesome GAW. That Benchmade is outstanding. Maybe Lady Luck will be on my side this time. So I can start my collection. Thank you for the chance and for Your generosity.

[@GearedTowardGear1]

Good luck Diane!

[@Paul.1088]

What a fantastic review - something a little different from the norm. My favourites are the 4th & the 7th, I really like the fisher space pen but over here you are looking at $30 +.

[@GearedTowardGear1]

Thanks, Paul! I’m glad you enjoyed the video! I’ll be doing some more videos like this to break up the monotony of just doing knife video after knife video. 👊👊👊

[@alexflores4458]

yep, thats my case as well, around $30 + shipping + Taxes, and I even dont know if They fit the F-301 compact zebra cartridge, sadly a pass

[@Mrtojo]

Very nice pens! I will stay with the Zebra you recommended I like it and I have pokka pens too!

[@GearedTowardGear1]

Yeah that Zebra is great! And for the price a Pokka Pen is great - don’t have to worry about refills, just toss them when they run out. Thanks for watching TOJO!

[@rodneypearson6986]

I like the pokka pen it's in my front pocket when I rarely need it. Would like to get my wife a tactical pen to carry. Some good looking pens for a great deal Thanks for the info Sean 👌

[@GearedTowardGear1]

Thanks for watching, Rodney!! Those Pokka Pens are hard to beat for the price!

[@josephcontreras8930]

Im a pen o phile my self.i love pens i have many good refillable ball point pens left over from my hischool days and warehousr jobs of yhe 90s 2000s. Now theyre hard to come by and i scour yard/gatage and old person estate sales fir good pens. Now theyre all gel ink pens mostly disposable and i cherish mine. My faves parker jotter papermate dbl hearts bic clik fisher space and a ebony mont blanc pen. Thanks for viddie.

[@StepsTowardPower]

is the f701 ballpoint or gel

[@bobone866]

I have to agree with u on space pens. I used to have one in high school when i used to write a lot and i have 2 now. They are very over rated. When im out on the field i just carry a permanent marker with a small tip. As far spens i like very inky pens so i use a brass bolt action oen i found on amazon with parker refills. I like my pens to be heavy. But my edc is a fountain pen i custumized to make into a calligraphy fountain pen. Love the video will defenetley give some of these a shot.

[@derekatkins8494]

Personally I have always carried the zebra f301 and have loved it. Recently though I've tried the pokka pen to carry in pocket because of its size and price and the fact that I don't have to worry about it opening in my pocket like a click pen. I've also loved it so far. My only worry is losing it because you forgot it's there. But for the price I'm ok with that vs the fisher space pen...great video and comparison!

[@GearedTowardGear1]

Thanks so much a Derek for watching! I’m also a big fan of the F-301. I prefer the F-701 now, but during my career as a Paramedic I always carried two F-301’s in my uniform shirt pocket.

[@jerseyknifeguy6382]

Good stuff Sean............ I didn't know there were so many zebra pens!!!!!! Cool

[@GearedTowardGear1]

Yeah bro, they make some good ones!

[@bigboreknifegear8349]

Great review as always🍻 the Zebra 701 is a workhorse.

[@GearedTowardGear1]

Thanks brother! I love me a 701!

[@unclecow]

Great video. Sean very informative I’m usual not a pen guy unless they’re self defense pen 😁

[@GearedTowardGear1]

Thanks for watching, I’m glad you enjoyed it! I may do more self defense style pens in the future. It’s not something I’ve ever really gotten into but there have been a lot of requests for it. Are there any specific ones you’d recommend?

[@JoshNieporte]

Very helpful. You just earned a Sub :-)

[@retardno002]

I love that you laid them out in order of price, it really helped me realize that the 3 in the middle (Zebra, Tombow, Parker) are the sweet spot in terms of value. I've used Rotring for EDC and they just start scraping and peeling if thrown in a case with other pens, or just in a backpack pocket rattling around. In about a year or so they look super banged up. The Caran D'Ache is nice but offers nothing extra for the price, and the Space Pen can't compete with the Airpress imo.

[@roddyfowler2234]

Way back in the day I remember Papermate had a vending machine where you could get a good clicker for ten cents. That lasted about six months before the price went up to twenty cents. Likely before you were around as you sound a bit younger than me.

[@GearedTowardGear1]

No kidding? I definitely did not experience that, but I find it extremely interesting, I love little random bits of history like that. I do however remember pencil vending machines in my elementary school. You could get a fancy embellished #2 pencil for a quarter. This would have been close to 30 years ago. I’m 35 years old now. Thanks for watching and for the comment, Roddy. All the best!

[@vladv2777]

Nice review.

[@paulrayl9470]

The F301, F402, F701 are my favorite pens. I need to get me one of those Tombows. I'd like to eventually a Rotring.

[@GearedTowardGear1]

Right on, Paul! Or should I say “write on”? Lol. Those Zebra’s are all fantastic.

[@paulrayl9470]

@@GearedTowardGear1 lol. That's got me cracking up.

[@monkeyfaceII]

Good video a lot of data to absorb but two of this are on my to buy list haha 3 of them I already own

[@GearedTowardGear1]

Haha, right on Carlos! Thanks for watching brother!

[@DailyCarrySolutions]

Nice video Sean! I've found that between my modded F-701 (w/ Fisher Refill) and Cap-O-Matic Fisher Space Pen (Clicky) it's just hard to justify getting anything else.

[@GearedTowardGear1]

Right on. Nothing wrong with finding what you like and sticking with it!

[@debradavitt5457]

I have found a fisher space pen in my granddad's very old tool box x wots it's history? Please reply ,it's a black +brass n pressured cartridge

[@Alex-hs1uf]

Great review. I was a huge fan of the Parker pens (and their cartridges and ink) since the early 60s and have a few nice old ones. More recently, I discovered Zebra pens and would rank them best, overall. The f-402 is extremely comfortable and I think they have the best ink and points in their cartridges.

[@GearedTowardGear1]

Right on! Thanks so much for watching XP! I’ll bet those older Parker’s are excellent!

[@2004wrxy]

I’ve been using zebra F-xMD with fisher space pen refill insert ... works for me !

[@GearedTowardGear1]

Right on. I’ve seen those on Amazon. I think it’s basically the same as the F-701 from what I can tell.

[@plkrtn]

@@GearedTowardGear1 It's the F-701 but all metal.

[@CorinneWoods]

I’m looking for a pen with the fine line of zebra 301 and the ink flow of the bic velocity. If anyone has any recommendations let me know! Lol

[@sameeralazawee7524]

Thank you

[@brucemcconnell1467]

Interesting content. Thanks. I'm a pen nut but not like Nick Shabazz. I try to stay with budget pens. I have several Zebra pens of various models like the 301, 402 and 701. I grew up with Parker Jotters and still have some knocking around somewhere. Had them in grade school and high school. I'm 77 so I'll leave the math to you. I figured the Pokka pens were not cost-effective enuf for me. Some of the others you showed look interesting but also appear to have brand specific refills. I have a Fisher pen which I like but it is a thin pen. It has the US flag motif so I like it for that. Thanks for the review. looking forward to more of this type of reviews.

[@GearedTowardGear1]

Thanks so much for watching, Bruce! I’m a big fan of Zebra for sure, I think half the pens were Zebra’s. I agree though, you have to consider refills when determining cost effectiveness. I’ve got more videos planned that are a little different from the normal programming. Stuff that’s first and foremost fun for me to do, and things to break up the monotony of knife videos.

[@DavidHernandez-oz4me]

Kaweco sports roller or ballpoint I like it for edc pen, also lamy pens are very comfortable

[@scottf.3808]

I own a couple of F701 due to you and enjoy that they are all metal...I do wish the ball point was a little bit smoother when writing.....Good detailed vid and opinion....Good stuff....

[@GearedTowardGear1]

Thanks for watching, Scott!

[@zaldydungca5099]

Thats a cool review it gives you a lot of option to choose from especially if your in a tight budget like me.....lol

[@GearedTowardGear1]

Hey Zaldy, thanks so much for watching!

[@MrDavidlfields]

Gotta say, a good mix. Clickers are horrible for me as an EDC though. I have carried the space pen for decades. I’d like the try the zebra mini perhaps. Clickers just can’t be carried in my pants pocket well. (Open too easy). I don’t wear a shirt pocket or jacket all the time so keeping a pen in my pants pocket is better. Great sampling to meet individual needs.

[@qazmko22]

I agree with most of if not all the points you were making.. however I think that tactical Zebra would be the most durable. I recently switched from the Zebra F-402 to a Zebra F-701 because the F-402 body is plastic and prone to breaking while as far as I can tell the F-701 metal and less prone to failure

[@josephcontreras8930]

I like the zebra 301

[@sanidhyashrivastava8020]

Hi bro, can you make a comparison video between Big Idea Design PHX Pen & Machine Era Maekup Stainless Steel Pen.

[@jonbeard1876]

I was just looking at a couple Twosun pens on Amazon the other day. So this is some other choices to make before buying anything.

[@GearedTowardGear1]

I’ve heard good things about the TwoSun pens. I haven’t really looked into them so I don’t know what they go for, but I’ve seen pictures and they look really nice.

[@jonbeard1876]

It varies on price but $20-$40ish I think. That can be hard to part with for a pen but they do look nice.

[@ThePreparedNorseman]

Nice selection! Have you tried the Zebra 701 permanent marker pen? Thanks for sharing!

[@GearedTowardGear1]

Thanks Fredrik! I haven’t tried the PM 701 yet. I have the stainless steel Sharpie which seems to be essentially the same thing which is the only reason I haven’t bought the Zebra version, but I’ve looked at it many times.

[@David1808cyr]

I carry the x-701 at work. The clip is useless and when it falls out of my pocket and hits the ground tip down the brass tips deforms and wont let the pen come out. I hate it, but i spent money on it so i keep using it. But the tombow airpress will stay in my pocket forever!

[@GearedTowardGear1]

Hey David! That Tombow is a winner for sure right? It really surprised me! Hey, if you’ve got the x-701 might as well use it till it stops working completely. Like you said, you already spent the money on it so might as well.

[@lite6384]

Hi Looking for help. I have a budget of 100 I am looking for a pen for long periods of writing. It's mostly going to be used for rapid movements writing maths and a bit of graph drawing. It should be really smooth and consistent. Easy to get started, and convenient to refill and use again. Since it's a writing pen, comfort cannot be compromised, no thick pens. Do give your suggestion for the best pen in that budget. Thanks

[@Hobbofett]

I said the tombow has the best clip ever when I mentioned it to you, how everybody else hasn't copied it I don't know, glad I pointed it out to you and you enjoy it as much as I do.

[@GearedTowardGear1]

Hey Jamie! Yeah man, you were right - it has the best clip ever! Thanks again for the recommendation! 👊👊👊

[@Hobbofett]

@@GearedTowardGear1 welcome Sean, glad to contribute, they also do it in orange as well, plus some limited editions as per usual. If I find anything better I will pass it on.

[@MTNManReviews]

@@Hobbofett, I've had the one in orange for a few years now. Threw it in an order with jetpens.com to get free shipping. Man, am I glad I needed another $5 on that order! This little pen has been great. The threads to hold the ink refill are weakened and it comes loose with heavy writing. If I can't fix it I'm going to replace it, it's well worth it.

[@Hobbofett]

@@MTNManReviews I stumbled across them on a mission for a low cost spacepen alternative, I ended up finding somthing better for my use and cost effective, though for any protracted writing I use a pilot Dr grip pen, that's just pure perfection for long writing sessions.

[@MTNManReviews]

@@Hobbofett, awesome! I'll definitely look into this one as well. Thanks for the research involved!

[@Mr.CdLeon176]

I was about to purchase a Fisher Space. But I needed a stylus as well for my iPad. So I purchased a Boker Plus iPlus TTP

[@GearedTowardGear1]

Good call!

[@nojodash]

You should check out the Ohto Horizon.. very nice under $20 pen with a nice design and side button retract mechanism .. great review!

[@GearedTowardGear1]

Hey, thanks so much for watching and for the recommendation. I’ll definitely look in to the Ohto Horizon. Always willing to try new things!

[@rhino5419]

Hello. Nice review. Makes a change from knives and flashlights. You blew me away with the price of the space pen. I was looking at them in a shop this summer because of their reputation. From 80 to 100$. So i bought a pack of bics. Lol. Not found Zebra here yet. All the best. After research on amazon i can get the zebra at around 10 Dollars and the spacepen from 30 to 60 dollars depending on the model.

[@GearedTowardGear1]

Hey Rhino!! For $80 I would have bought a pack of bics too!! 10 dollars for the Zebra sounds a bit more reasonable. All the best!

[@John..18]

Great review, I love the F301, the F701 and also the Tombow,, I don't suppose you'd know of a good alternative to the uni ball signo 207 gel rollerball refill, ? I was told this was an excellent replacement for the refill in a vintage Waterman pen I have just acquired, but I absolutely hate it, (slow drying and smudges)... Hope you can help, (or anyone else reading this), as I have a beautiful pen which I can't use,,!! All the best, .. John

[@GearedTowardGear1]

Hey John. Thanks so much for watching! I’m not too in to gel pens but I did just order a couple Pentel EnerGel Alloy pens. I’ve heard great things about them including it’s cartridge quality and fast drying ink (I can’t confirm though as I have not receive the pens yet). From what I can tell the Pentel EnerGel refill appears to be very similar to the UniBall Signo 207 cartridge. I don’t know if it’s dimensionally identical or if it would work in your Waterman, but it looks quite similar and passes the “first glance” test. Might be worth trying?

[@John..18]

@@GearedTowardGear1 Thanks, I might give them a try, I don't know why everyone and his dog, raves about the Uni Ball, it doesn't tick many boxes for me,, !! (ps, it was cheaper to buy a complete pen, than a refill, which only seemed to come in multi packs, !!)

[@dannysvinylrainbow4852]

Super reconditions! The zebra x-701 does feel cheep. Too light and just not worth the price. The F-701 is superb

[@yannacallaway11]

X-701 has been very reliable for me over the past few years that I've own it. Writes really well, and idk it doesn't feel cheep. The only times I haven't been able to grip it at times is cuz my hand was sweaty. 😂 Idk, gonna have to disagree with you on the x-701

[@fernandomedina3271]

guys try out the pelikan jazz my new favorite edc pen for under 15 bucks

[@robertguy23]

if you want an edc pen, you can't go wrong with fisher space pen, they not write very well, but the pressurized cartridge is very reliable and lasts a very long time. I can't count how many times regular pens have leaked in my shirt or jeans pockets.

[@themightysquid]

Ok, I’m a little late to this party, but consider the Pilot G2 Mini gel. Small and weightless and writes smooth as glass.

[@TheDesius]

exactly what i was thinking

[@molonlabe9602]

They're nice but useless as a self defense weapon. The F 701 is all stainless, accepted onto airplanes and quite up to the task. That's why I carry the F701 over other pens

[@ocomegashadowstacking5886]

Wow really edc Pen reviews!!! :D

[@GearedTowardGear1]

Thanks Amos! I appreciate you watching!

[@ocomegashadowstacking5886]

@@GearedTowardGear1 you're very welcome my friend 😊 👍

[@Steve-Goff]

An ink pen is part of my EDC gear too. I stick with Zebra ball points as well. Can’t go wrong with them. The F-701 and F-301 Compact are my favorites

[@GearedTowardGear1]

Booyah!!

[@robertanderson1015]

First time I’ve seen a comparison pen video. I’ve been ignorant about all this until now b/c I normally do not carry a pen. I think I’ll start- either with those really small ones or go all-out with a self defense pen.

[@GearedTowardGear1]

Thanks Robert! I carry one intermittently, not truly everyday but it’s nice to have a pen that’s not disposable, decent quality, and super affordable. I think pens are one of those things that a lot of people tend to lose or misplace, so even investing $8 may seems steep to some people. Then there’s the people that spend $200 on custom titanium pens which is crazy to me, but for some people that’s their thing. It’s a different strokes for different folks sort of thing. I can probably arrange getting you a few of these pens 🙂.

[@stringbender247]

So basically this is a Zebra EDC pen video other than the pens subscribers advised. Best Zebra line of EDC pens gotcha I would still watch it,I'm in.

[@lesliechiang1710]

I actually have 8 of the pens here! Nope, 9 if I include jotter. Somehow, I don't fancy the jotter and I have one somewhere.

[@wreford07]

Tried the Rotring 600 as I love their older Ticky pencils. But the refil does not sit 100% snug inside the point at the writing end... it has a bit of "wiggle and tick tack" as I call it. Very disappointed - and it was veyr heavy to use all day too.

[@kevink.2719]

Awesome video I'm a pen nut thanks for the info 👍

[@GearedTowardGear1]

Awesome, thanks for watching man!

[@kevink.2719]

@@GearedTowardGear1 really like the rotring 600

[@basicdose.9872]

Love that zebra.

[@DaisoOne]

My parker jotter just died on me .. i dropped it one too many times and now it wouldn't click at all even after trying to fix the spring.. so I'm here looking for something new ;)

[@maxus6048]

I personally like the maroon colored 301-A and I would like the compact a lot more if the cap clicked on when posting, too many times I've had mine fall off while writing because it is not secured by anything other than the length of barrel inside the cap, not even compression.

[@stoneblue1795]

I wonder if Ganzo has considered making (I mean cloning) a pen?

[@GearedTowardGear1]

Hahahaha. That actually made me laugh out loud. That’s actually a good question though. I’m surprised they haven’t yet.

[@Eldofarmboy]

Nice collection! I do like the Zebra pens!

[@GearedTowardGear1]

Thanks brother. Zebra’s are pretty well rounded that’s for sure.

[@bryanstone654]

Pentel Energel Alloy

[@BigJesse579]

Remember, “Military Grade” and “Mil-Spec” mean LOWEST BID.

[@southernshop8424]

The fischer uses gel ink, does it not?

[@GearedTowardGear1]

That’s a good question. It’s not gel like you’d find in a traditional cheap gel pen from the grocery store, but I think it might be some sort of special ink. It’s a really good question and now I won’t be able to sleep until I find out, lol.

[@JadeSchafer]

Great video. Although it seems I am the opposite of you. I don't care much for ball point pens, just don't like how they write. I prefer gel and fountain pens. I do agree on the fisher space pen. I think it's over hyped for what it is. I really dislike there cartridges. Anyway I enjoyed all the pen action.

[@GearedTowardGear1]

Thanks, Jade! It’s funny you say that because someone commented and recommended a gel pen to me (the Pentel EnerGel Alloy), so I bought 2 of them and will use them everyday for two weeks to see if it’ll open my mind to gel pens. I did the same thing recently with serrated knives and it changed my opinion dramatically, so I figure what the hell - I’ll give gel pens a fair shake!!

[@joeh773]

no Zebra T-3 mini - skinny clickie??? Just purchased it for my back pocket notepad, but the Tombow looks like it would fit too, since it's more about the length then girth for back pocket. Tombow looks ugly imo but will try it if i don't like the T-3. I don't much like skinny NarwhalCo 3.35" - too short to write with, nor Pilot G2 mini - just meh. Good vid, thanks for making it.

[@carnelianknight5713]

in fairness the x701 is made for like when ur wearing gloves and stuff

[@cigarsarge1]

Zebras are hard to beat. I have several. I carried a CRKT Tactical Pen at work for a long while...$30. Uses Fisher Space Pen cartridges. Too heavy for regular shirt carry.

[@GearedTowardGear1]

Right on! I agree, overall Zebra has some great options.

[@AndyD6]

Any thoughts on the Lamy Logo? It's a very good pen, similar to the Zebra F or Parker Jotter, but I don't see much discussion on them. It's quite popular in Europe, being a well known German brand.

[@GearedTowardGear1]

I haven’t personally owned one. I might have to check it out. Thanks for the recommendation!

[@TheTuneAce]

How are the Pilot G2 pens not here?

[@GearedTowardGear1]

Thanks for watching. I’m not personally a huge fan of gel pens. I know the G2 is super popular, but I was going for (mostly) metal bodied pens and ones that I personally carry around. I don’t tend to carry a G2 in my pocket. Although I’ve occasionally carried a G2 Mini.

[@timrice5342]

@@GearedTowardGear1 I happen to like gel for some stuff, so bought the smootherpro bolt action that takes a g2 refill. It looks just like the g2 premium. However I think zebra ballpoint writes as smooth if not more smooth. Which says a lot for the quality of Zebra ballpoints. The difference being gel leaves a solid line with ballpoints being a bit marbled. (in my opinion). maybe its time for new zebra refills? I'll find out shortly because I plan on picking up a F-301 compact. sometimes you just want a good pen, but more compact for pockets. There is a benefit to the f-301 compact being .... DUST! pocket compact is also the reason I replaced my spyderco native5 with a Dragonfly2. Anyways I had no idea the 301 compact existed until now. thank you. not trying to fluff feathers on gel vs ballpoint. I am seriously torn on which i like better, just as I am torn on ink size and pen weight. I love a light pen, but the older I get heavier pens helps the penmanship.

[@Natemire]

Ok so is it just me or do zebra pens never write as good as I hope based on review? I just bought an x-701 and find it really resists wanting to write. I've had the same thing in the past with other zebras too.

[@GearedTowardGear1]

I’ve never had any issues with them. They’re not the best refills on the market by a long shot, but for the cost of the pen I think they’re ok. I will say though that the X-701 was the worst of all of the ones I’ve tried.

[@Natemire]

@@GearedTowardGear1 yeah I can see why. Ergonomically I don't mind it, but I don't like how it writes. I have a Fisher bullet that I really like. I just don't want to take it to work and lose it. Lol

[@PrestonVScott]

No Uni Ball Jetstreams?

[@GearedTowardGear1]

You know I didn’t have one at the time, but I do have one now and I love itb