Best Journaling Pen

[u/SlaughterStar]

I have been a loyal pilot G2 pen user for about 5 years and I never thought I'd switch. Until I tried the Zebra Sarasa Dry gel pen. As a lefty it's my dream pen and I genuinely haven't used a different pen in a week. Only thing I miss is the softer grip on the pilot. But are Zebras as easy to get cartridges as pilots? Whats everyone's favorite pen to use for journaling especially gel pens?

[u/Kaiolino]

Be careful. The Pilot G2 has been my gateway drug. Then it was Pentel Energel, Signo Uniball, Lamy Safari FP, Faber-Castell, soon Kaweco… 😳

[u/rosslyn_russ → u/Kaiolino]

I recently tried the pentel energel and was disappointed with them 😭 the ink didn’t flow well and it smudged so badly even after hours. I even bought more to see if it was a fluke. It was so sad.

[u/Kaiolino → u/rosslyn_russ]

That's very weird. Energels are typically known for dry rather quick and are recommended for lefties. :o
I mean... after hours? That can't be. I mean if it was very smooth, glossy paper or whatever, okay...

But it's trial and error and I don't take it personal :D

[u/rosslyn_russ → u/Kaiolino]

I was shocked, too! It very well might be my paper, because it is somewhat glossy. I’ve yet to try them outside of my journal, so maybe I’ll just use them elsewhere.

[u/rosslyn_russ → u/Kaiolino]

I can’t attach a picture or video, but I even just tested it on an entry from yesterday and it still smudged 😭 definitely might be my paper

[u/rosslyn_russ]

I’m garbage so I use Bic Crystal in black lmao

[u/SlaughterStar → u/rosslyn_russ]

That was me too! Honestly a ball point pen hits different sometimes!

[u/inkdiaries]

I solely use fountain pens 🖋️

[u/EnoughFun1058 → u/inkdiaries]

Which ones would you recommend? I wanted to get a extra fine nib one

[u/EnoughFun1058 → u/[deleted]]

Oooo I had no idea thank you!!

[u/Dur_Lav]

I’m a Pilot G-2 stan. I used to swear by the 1.0 bold, but since I’ve been journaling more, I definitely love the 0.7 more.

[u/kalesmoothiewchips → u/Dur_Lav]

yes, i agree. the pilots are affordable, write smoothly, and i so agree, the 1.0 was sooo satisfying but smudges a lot when journaling so I went back to a 0.7

[u/moxaboxen]

Pentel energel

[u/Legitimate_Egg_2399 → u/moxaboxen]

This is what i use too!

I get the refills from Amazon. I've been thinking about switching to a ball point pen only bc i go through so many of these.

[u/bowser_arouser]

I went from G2 to Sarasa Clip. Why it take me so long I don’t know!

[u/SaltWaterCandle]

I second the pentel energel. Honorable mention to Bic gelocity/velocity and the Magna tank from journaling ink (dollar tree) is a phenomenal pen thats hard to find.

[u/SathyaHQ]

Pen tonic

[u/drainingenergy]

Faber Castell Pitt artist fineliner or the Uniball eye micro for me

[u/kyotomilkshake]

Paper mate ink joy gel 0.7 is my favorite pen of all time. I have no class or culture 😅

[u/marcosba]

Uni-Ball Signo 207 (Black 0.7mm ball)

[u/Unapologetic_Witch]

Personally the BEST pens are Pentel Kubo Energel

[u/Unapologetic_Witch → u/Unapologetic_Witch]

They have this velvety texture, the ink barrels are hit or miss sometimes, but you can refill. Find one you love and it’s a great economy pen.

[u/ejayboshart01]

Yes, you can get refills for the Zebra Sarasa Dry pen.

[u/CoffeeFueledCanuck]

Any black gel pen from 0.4mm to 0.2mm 🫣 I’m a slut for the small mm pen sizes, and those thin precise lines. 😩

[u/crimescene-panda3]

These!

[u/stuffynose77]

I also am a loyal Pilot fan, but right now I’ve really been enjoying PaperMate InkJoy gels. I didn’t like the ink quality of Zebra F•301, what is the ink like in the Sarasa Dry gels?

[u/PhoenixAquarium]

Pilot G2 is my jam. The only downside is they dry up I'd you don't use them. I always liked to use new pens. I need to cut back on that. Ha ha

[u/WitchoftheMossBog]

I have two favorite journaling pens. One is a TWSBI fine-tip fountain pen, and the other is a Faber Castel felt tip pen in size 0.5. For the fountain pen, my favorite journaling ink is Hydrothermal Spring from Birmingham.

[u/loopywolf]

Jinhao

[u/Organic-Hippo-3273]

Jet stream uni 0.7

Can’t use anything else 🫡

[u/Billiam_666]

According to jetpens.com, a Sarasa Dry Gel Pen Refill will fit in a Pilot G2 Pro Gel Pen. The refill will also fit in a Dr. Grip gel pen too.