PentelArts Slicci 0.25 mm Extra Fine Gel Pen, Assorted Ink, 8 Pack (BG202BP8M)

Never thought I would be obsessed with pens, so this is weird, but I love this pen.If you are the type of person that is looking for a pen that has the thinnest line then your search can possibly end here. I bought a number of pens that describe themselves as having a ultra/micro/super fine point, but failed when put to the test, the Pentel Slicci 0.25 does not. I've compared it to the following pens: Pilot V5 RT, Uniball Signo RT 0.38, Uniball Signo Micro 207, Uniball Deluxe Micro, Pilot G2 0.38mm, Pilot GTEC-C4 0.4mm. Only the GTEC-C4 (also known as HITEC) came close, but fails in other ways. The Slicci has the thinnest line, but not only that it is dark, writes amazingly smoothly for a fine point (no, of course not as smooth as the Pilot V5 RT, but you can't expect that with a point this sharp), AND doesn't skip. I can apply almost no pressure and the ink flows effortlessly. It also dries very quickly and has very minimal smudging when used on good paper.I've tested all of the above pens using Black n' Red notebooks, which have the best paper I've found in a reasonably priced notebook.Pros:-THINNEST line of the above listed pens-Dark ink-Fast drying with low smudging-Smooth writingCons:-The pen barrel is thin, so if you need a thicker pen barrel, you'll need to look elsewhere or purchase a different pen and use the Slicci ink refill.-The distributer on amazon charges more than at an alternative site (I'd recommend searching google for "Japanese Pens" and see what you find)I have another 5 pens in the mail that are all <0.4mm, so I will update this review if one of them bests the Slicci.Edit: I should also mention that despite other reviewers commenting on the reliability of this pen, I have not had any instances where it "dried out" or stopped working, but have only been using it for a little over a week now, so maybe that will change.Update June 2014:I still think this is probably the smoothest ultra-thin gel pen you can buy, and using the multi-ink (Pentel Sliccies BG3) version eliminates the barrel problem.HOWEVER, the best ultra-thin pen for hospital use has to be the Uni SXR-38 jetstream knock ballpoint pen refill 0.38 mm - Black Ink placed inside of the Uni Alpha-gel Jetstream Ink Ball Point Pen 0.7mm Black-body. The heaviness with comfortable grip and the ultra thin line (thinner than the 0.38 sliccie even) makes it the perfect pen for progress notes, etc. where space is limited and you don't want to risk any smearing.It's not a gel pen, but it is the smoothest and thinnest writing pen I have ever used.

I buy this pen frequently. I use it so much that I go through them very quickly even though they last a really long time.I am a stationery buff and even with all the pens I own, this one is the one I use 95% of the time. And I write a lot.Body is sleek and altho some may not like a slim pen, it’s perfect for me. My advise. If you like a longer, fatter pen, get something else. Like a Signo Dx or a G-Tech, or a Pentel Hybrid Technica.Fun fact!! This ink cartridge fits in a few other pentel pens - to include the Pentel Hybrid TechnicaInk is rich and vibrant and every other pens pale in comparison to its consistency, smoothness for tip size. It never skips and writes aaaallll the way down the very last bit of ink. Even when you swear that it should be finished, it still goes. I’ve never seen a pen do that beforeGET IT

These pens are great for writing in small spaces. I love the point. They can be scratchy on paper, but that doesn't bother me. Ink flow is good, no skipping.

I'm using these pens for creating a stain glass effect for my Japanese watercolor travel sketches. I love the smooth pen lines and the vivid metallic ink.

I love trying new pens and purchased these on a whim. Overall I am really impressed with the ink flow and lack of ghosting on Leuchtturm1917 dot journal page. Usually bold ink is an instant seep-through!I have given 4 stars for the following little issues:• I have found that the light blue (they call it baby blue) doesn’t flow as well as the others and some of my lines can appear scratchy.• The pen body is very thin and the design has the textured plastic on the grip. I have long fingers so need to use a grip assistant to be able to hold these without my hand cramping. If I don’t use a grip assist the textured plastic quickly wears my skin down.• even after ink dries for a while highlighters do cause light smearing. Honestly, it’s way less than other pens I’ve used but if you’re a perfectionist, be warned.The pros:• Most colors have great, smooth ink flow• Colors are bright and bold, not washed out like some other fine tripped pens• Ink dries almost instantly. I am right handed but i think a lefty would find these hardly smear.• Nib is long to allow gentle flexing so I don’t feel like I’m digging into or tearing the paper when I write.• Very, very little ghosting (I included a photo of the back of the page I wrote on).• Pens come apart indicating it may be possible to purchase refills which would be a bit economically and environmentally positive (I haven’t researched to see if refills are available).I am happy enough with these pens to look for additional colors and to use them in my regular writing rotation.

I never thought that I would like an ultra fine pen until I found this one! I am obsessed.