Bottom Line
Solid everyday pens that write smoothly without breaking the bank, though not perfect.
I went through three packs of these Pilot G2 pens over the past year, so I’ve got plenty to say about them. At $12.99, I was skeptical at first—I mean, pens are pens, right? But after using cheaper alternatives that skipped and smeared, I wanted to see if spending a bit more actually made a difference in my daily note-taking and list-making.
What I like about it
The retractable mechanism is what sold me initially. I’m terrible about losing pen caps, so having a pen I can just click open and closed is a lifesaver. The click itself feels solid—not flimsy like those cheap office pens that break after a week. I keep one in my purse, one on my desk, and one in the kitchen for grocery lists, and none of them have failed me yet.
The gel ink flows incredibly smoothly across the paper. There’s no dragging or that scratchy feeling you get with ballpoint pens. I notice this especially when I’m writing quickly during phone calls—the ink keeps up with my hand speed without skipping. The grip has this rubber cushion that actually makes a difference during longer writing sessions. I balanced my checkbook by hand last month (yes, I still do that), and my hand didn’t cramp up like it usually does.
The ink dries pretty fast too. I’m left-handed, so smearing is always my enemy. With these, I only get minor smudging if I immediately run my hand over what I just wrote. Give it two or three seconds, and you’re good. That’s honestly impressive for gel ink, which tends to stay wet longer than ballpoint.
✅ The good stuff
- Smooth, consistent ink flow that doesn’t skip or blob
- Comfortable rubber grip prevents hand fatigue
- Retractable design means no lost caps
- Quick-drying ink minimizes smudging
- Refillable, which saves money long-term
❌ Worth knowing
- The plastic packaging is flimsy and feels wasteful—mine arrived partially crushed
- No actual instructions included (not that pens need much explaining, but refill info would help)
- Ink runs out faster than traditional ballpoint pens
My honest take
Are these worth $13? If you write regularly, absolutely yes. If you’re just signing the occasional check or jotting down a phone number once a week, probably grab a cheaper option. I write daily—shopping lists, work notes, journal entries—so the comfort and reliability matter to me. These pens have become my go-to, and I actually get annoyed now when I have to use other pens at the bank or doctor’s office.
The cons are real but minor. Yes, the packaging arrived dented, but the pens inside were fine. And sure, there’s no instruction sheet, but I figured out they’re refillable by Googling it (Pilot sells refills for around $8). The gel ink does run out quicker than cheap ballpoints, but the writing experience is so much better that I consider it a fair trade-off. For the price, you’re getting pens that feel more premium than they cost. I’m buying another pack before my current ones run out because I never want to be without them.
Write daily for work, school, or personal journaling. Need comfortable pens for extended writing sessions. Are tired of pens that skip or smear. Want something reliable that won’t break the bank.
Skip it if you…
Only write occasionally and don’t need premium performance. Prefer the firmer feel of traditional ballpoint pens. Need pens that last months without refilling.
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