Pilot G2

Feeling so fly (like a G2)

In mental preparation for the fluffy stack of word pancakes I have for a planned review later in the week, I’ve got a nice concise review that really encapsulates “whatever is in arm’s reach.” Now to be perfectly candid, this was within my arm’s reach earlier today at work and I actually had to go above and beyond to get the pack of pens out of my trunk for pictures. Scandalous, I know.

I like pens but I don’t love pens. Sure if someone got me a milled aluminum space pen that cost a day’s wages, I would protect it with my life and use it until its (or after my dinner tonight, my) dying day. Previously, I couldn’t seem to keep a pen for longer than a few days. I’d get a progressively less nice pack of pens each school year because I kept losing them sooner and sooner. If I subbed in your class and left my pen, you’re welcome. The same goes for pencils. I got a highly touted box of those black triangular “Tri-conderoga’s” (they’re really quite something) and I lost them all within a month.

I used to rock the gel pens. My folder pocket was decked with a set for many of my elementary years. One year, I “lost” the pink one and a girl in my class claimed that the pink one was hers because “why would a boy have a pink gel pen?” Because it was part of a set, Cristina. How else was elementary totally-not-artistic-at-all Tyler supposed to draw pigs or cat buttholes paws?

I can’t write for beans. People say my writing looks like it belongs to a doctor; which actually sounds like they’re saying its because I’m really smart. Gee thanks! But after seeing some doctor’s signatures, its definitely not a compliment. Its like they have a doctorate in hieroglyphics. Point is though, I don’t have a favorite pen because I am some kind of writer. I use pens as a means to an end. Pens allow me to write things permanently on paper, and that is it.

I am all about reliability though. I need something that is consistent. If I am going to make a big effort to keep a pen, it better keep up its end of the bargain. So I couldn’t get something with a cap, because I would lose that. It also has to have a thick clip, not because I clip it on things, but because I always give the clip a few tugs when I’m bored. I also like pens I can take apart- because I’m that kind of person.

Shape and Style-

I opted for a fine line. I had a medium line version in Goose for writing on softer car surfaces (fine punches through like a needle), but I feel like with my messy writing, a fine tip is the more professional choice. This aspect is really a personal preference though.

The shape of the pen is pretty standard. Black clicker and clip on a slightly smoky, clear body with a simple rubber grip. Striking gold letters adorn(ed, they half rubbed off) the thick and swoopy clip. The grip isn’t anything gimmicky or “ergonomic,” featuring a slight ribbing toward the bottom and a bulge higher up for optimal grip.

Ink-

The ink is silky and dense. Cheap dollar store pen this is not. Lines start where I put my pen down and end precisely where I lift it- its the wizard of ink. The ink doesn’t bleed nor does it take very long to be smudge-proof. The ink cartridge is thick and full. I’ve used one pen all school year, and while the ink line has dropped behind the grip, upon opening it up I can see that its really only half full. Talking about opening pens…

Take-apart-ability-

People do this. Its normal right? With some pens that have caps, you have to stick a nail under that tip to pull that part off, sometimes the head comes off and its a mess. This G2? Just a nice screw. The pen comes apart in half and the cartridge is right there for the “changing.” That’s exactly what I do when I take a pen apart, nothing else, definitely not just to play with.

What doesn’t come out? The rest of the guts. No spring and no finnicky click mechanism with that ugly white gear you always forget to put back in. Its like the BMW i8 of pens, it only allows you to tamper with the stuff it knows you cant possibly mess up. I could unscrew this pen, throw the parts across the room, and reassemble it without any hassle (except I just did and I can’t find the ink). Maybe that’s why I’ve kept this pen for so long…maybe I don’t lose my pens….maybe… I break them?

The Final Verdict

I don’t of many people that look up pen reviews on the internet. I did and that’s why I have a pack of 10 G2’s. In either fine, medium, or whatever your heart desires, you can draw lines and write letters until your little fingers poop out. Its just a reliable, solid pen that you can get a lot of use out of. You can do anything short of step on it and it will just keep writing. Enjoy the cheapest pen you’ll never let anyone borrow.