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I write a LOT. Notes, journals, plans, diaries…you name it, I write it down :-)   Although I use Google Docs for a lot of my day-to-day notes, you really need a small notebook and a good pen with you at all times for when you’re not sat at a computer. I’ve used a LOT of different pens, and many on the market are very poor in either ergonomics, construction quality or in their ability to produce consistently smooth, easy and skip-free writing.

The following three pens are the ones I recommend without hesitation. You can just about get them anywhere in the US for a few dollars.

Top Recommendation - Pilot G2 Gel

I used to use the G1 in the UK when t first came out in ‘97, which used the same ink, but was much longer and had a small pop-off cap. I much prefer the G2 retractable, which produces a smooth, non-blotching, skip-free writing line of consistent thickness and quality. the ergonomics are very good, with a ribbed rubber comfort grip. I have also yet to break off the clip, which is very strong and easy to use. The pen itself is mechanically pretty strong and uses a high-quality spring and plastics all round - typical for Japanese made things. Refills are readily available to extend the life of the pen.

As you can see in the picture, the Mont Blanc Rollerball refill fits this pen if you shave off a TINY bit of the plastic on the top, and produces an even better quality of writing and lasts much longer than the G2 refill, while adding a nice additional heft to the pen - this mod is HIGHLY RECOMMENDED. Twin-packs of Mont Blanc refills are about $14, which is expensive, but don’t forget - the Mont Blanc Rollerball is a $200 writing instrument!

Number Two Recommendation - Pentel EnerGel

This is the second generation of this fantastic Gel pen. It is a needlepoint with a large reservoir and a very smooth line. Its’ only downside is that it is a bit bigger than the Pilot G2 and doesn’t feel quite a well-engineered. Also - the point doesn’t protrude as far as I like from the end, so I can see what I’m doing, so I generally mod this pen by putting a small amount of paper wadding on the top of the refill so that the point comes out further. The EnerGel uses a silicone-based comfort grip, so if you are allergic to rubber, this might be the way to go for you.  This pen is also inexpensively refillable.  I do miss the unique clip from the v1 version - it automatically retracted the tip when you went to put the pen in your pocket - a nice touch. If you look hard, you can still find the v1 pens in some stores - they use the same refill.

If you prefer a “ballpoint”, you can’t beat the Uni JetStream Retractable

The JetStream is the smoothest, lightest writing pen you will EVER use!  The lines it produces look and fell like ballpoint, but the ink is definitely formulated to be “Gel-like”. Very, very smooth. Another plus point is that the JetStream pens are guaranteed not to leak at altitude in aircraft!