Zebra Sarasa Grand Pen Review (and one big problem with it)

A quick review of the Zebra Sarasa Grand premium gel pen ( amzn.to/2D876N2 ). A lot of people see the Zebra Sarasa pens as worse versions of the Pilot G2, but I've always like them, especially in the 1.0mm. Sure, the G2 is nicer and better looking, but the Zebra Sarasa pens do have a certain appeal. Now the Sarasa comes in premium version called the Grand, which I really wanted to try out. At under $10 it's a killer deal now, but when I bought it, it was $16.50.
Learn more about this awesome pen: unsharpen.com/...
Note: amazon links are affiliate links and I can make money from them.

[@noemigg1]

I have a bunch of these and no issues with looseness...I love them!

[@this-is-not-a-channel-]

This is what makes reviews great that they discuss the deal breakers. Thank you very much Sir. Please review the Zebra Rougel next

[@Ali-in8xi]

Hey Sal. I've been enjoying your videos. I find them very informative, so thank you. I purchased this pen some time ago. Three things I would change: (1) rid it of the plastic window OR place a smaller window having more transparency closer to the pen's tip so one could tell when a new cartridge is needed (wonder if this would detract from the pen's aesthetics, (2) slim down the clip but keep its shape; it's a bit "chunky", (3) ensure that the retractable button stays put and not give way while retracted; I prefer having a visual cue as to whether the tip is retracted or extended. I had the same problem with the looseness of the cartridge tip at the body's tip. I solved this issue by replacing the cartridge with a Pentel Energel 0.7 needle-tip cartridge (haven't found a gel ink that comes close to the quality of Energel). While there are things I would change about this pen, I don't regret its purchase. I enjoy the metal (over plastic) and the weight it provides as well as the overall look of the pen. Again, thanks for the posting!

[@R1chcypher]

I recently was given one of these pens and there is no looseness in the tip on mine. I love it. The spring clip also is pretty resilient.

[@liuzh1han]

nah that's the new revised version

[@Jason-td9jw]

Spent $17 on Amazon for this pen and a 12 pack of energel 0.5 refills! I had some credit and my prime was going to expire, so I purchased on a whim, if the energel refills fix the issue then I think it’ll be a great purchase. Looking forward to it coming in tomorrow

[@Ali-in8xi]

I understand the looseness you're referring to. I purchased the Pentel EnerGel Alloy RT gel pen. The ink itself is fantastic which I highly recommended; however, this particular pen's looseness is at the thruster end. You can hear the looseness when you write which drove me crazy! I thought it was perhaps that particular pen body, so I bought another but had the same issue. I do enjoy the feel of a metal-bodied pen. What a disappointment. I was looking forward to the Grand. May I make a suggestion? If you enjoy metal bodies, I recommend the Pentel EnerGel Philography gel pen. Your video is appreciated.

[@npwilliamson]

I have the EnerGel Alloy RT as well and the looseness (as well as general poor build quality) is the reason I’ve just purchased one of these!! Damn 🤪. Philography was what I was going to get, but definitely prefer retractable with knock button vs twister. Fingers crossed I don’t have the play/looseness issue…

[@Ali-in8xi]

I own both the Grand original and the newer Vintage model and this is what I'll say... whether you fill either with a Sarasa or Energel refill, you won't be troubled by any looseness. While I do find an ever-so-slight give (I do mean slight) between the refill tip and the tip of the metal barrel, it doesn't impede my ability to write comfortably nor is it enough to even really notice. Perhaps you'll feel differently; I doubt it though.

[@patrickdonnelly810]

You say this is a $16.50 pen, but I see it listed for less at a number of places. Amazon lists it for $9.94, for example. I think that is still pricey, but a decent discount of what you paid. I did enjoy your review - good to know the 1.0 mm replacement fits (and sounds like it is a better fit than the .5 mm cartridge). Thanks.

[@typepals]

I didn't experience that problem with mine. I have the 0.7mm version; I don't know if that makes a difference. Also, I picked it up for around the $8 price point. Perhaps they made some changes?

[@itskels]

just came across this video...IDK if this "problem" was corrected because i have 3 Grands and don't have that tapping problem...Also, the pen is much cheaper now that it's available at Target for $7.99 :)

[@mcmlxv9827]

I wish Zebra would make refills with this ink that fit the F701. I like the ink, but prefer the pen body of the F701. No looseness on mine. I got mine on sale for $3.99 with 1 extra refill, regular price $7.99 at Krogers.

[@cindyquinn5252]

Just recently purchased the gold Sarasa Grand with the 0.5 and mine has none of that play. Also purchased the Sarasa Clips with the Vintage inks and have put all those inks in the Grand and no play, they are also 0.5. Maybe you got a defect?

[@lns5170]

does the refill that comes with this pen fit the zebra f701?

[@unsharpen]

No

[@lns5170]

@@unsharpen I was thinking of getting the f701 purely because I like the design aesthetics of the pen, however whats holding me back is that it uses proprietary refills.. any suggestion for good looking budget pens that accept cheap gel refills?

[@1931Leatherworks_Terry]

@@lns5170 i trimmed the cartridge from a bic velocity and use it in my 701. but i was just experimenting with what i have on hand, and i just recently started getting into pens. but i find the writing experience much more pleasant.

[@chainsawkitten3766]

Oh rats. I really love the sarasa clip, esp. in .3 and .4. Was going to order this, but that looseness would really annoy me. I am so happy with the ink, but for me, a pen is more than just the ink...if I don't like the way it looks and feels in my hand, I won't use it. One of the best things about the sarasa clip is the smooth, stable feel when writing with it.

[@hueymontgomery9508]

I have a lot of Sarasa pens because it's completely quick-drying and wouldn't smear

[@jojojaykay]

What did you end up doing to fix the play in the tip?

[@jojojaykay]

Ah so you left it as was in the video. I was gonna buy one for myself but switch it to a .3, but it looks like it's possible that might give it even more play D:

[@lauragliebe8632]

is there a needle point tip that work in this body?

[@alexanderliu9376]

I just got one for $5 at Staples yesterday!!! The best price I’ve ever seen it!!!!

[@unsharpen]

That’s a great deal for this pen

[@tbayless8324]

They have taken all the fun pens you would want and left the plastic crap on the shelves like for school kids, possibly because of theft. You can't hardly find anything that is metal pertaining to pens. If you want them you have to order online. Good luck with your pen.

[@lydiamartinez7887]

I got my grand for like $16 at the student center on my campus. It wrote nice and smooth for a week 😭 I really love pens and this one is PINK (black ink don’t worry) but am super sad that I spent this much for it to stop working mid lecture and never work again. There’s still ink and none of the “tricks” are helping

[@onioncat.]

do these bleed through a thin ish page?

[@unsharpen]

Not that bad with a 0.5mm but yes with .7 and 1.0

[@bieberninja1]

1:14 is it just the angle? that g2 limited just dwarfs the grand, wow, when is zebra going to get some forward thinking and create a big ballpoint/gel pen? uniball, pentel and pilot have all done it, even bic beat them out with the xxl, come on zebra wake up

[@1931Leatherworks_Terry]

would this pen hold a pilot g2 cart?

[@JoshNieporte]

Yes. G2 is a much better refill.

[@acmramon]

almost every pen has this play lol. u just have to turn around the refill or the pen in your hand. simple

[@lazry3208]

I bought same pen and it has loose tip. I watched this video before the purchase but thouth it wont happen to me ;)

[@lazry3208]

it is indeed. if u use it with pentel energel 0.5mm it almost isn't moving at all. btw zebra refills are gone very fast due to their inner diameter.

[@woxyroxme]

The big issue is with the ink, if it gets wet it bleeds and runs, same issue with the G-350.

[@1337BoxOfDeath]

I love the Sarasa Clip pens but this play/looseness does drive me crazy. I put in the vintage 0.5 and same issue. I’m going to try some Pentel refills to see. I also tried the 0.7 Sarasa refills and it has the same problem.

[@stresemann101]

exactly the same issue with mine with 0.4 cartridge…

[@lefkash]

Lol I got this pen for a solid 20€, seems like everyone else got it much cheaper :') I got straight up ripped

[@nasshu6259]

The pilot acro ball metal body is better and cheaper

[@unsharpen]

Which do you mean? The acro 1000?

[@nasshu6259]

@@unsharpen Yeah i bought 1 for only 10$

[@kgtc]

Looseness? Oh man my biggest problem with it is that it has no grip!

[@tbayless8324]

Is this uncomfortable to write with? If it is like my Parker jotter--forget it.