The Uni-ball Roller Grip Pen

Long I have searched for the perfect pen for daily writing. I love fountain pens, but they weren’t the best for stuffing in your pocket. And I don’t want to spend money on something that is likely to be lost or stolen by a five year old.

So the quest was on for the perfect “daily driver” disposable (or at least inexpensive) pen.

I learned early that a click pen was out; I wanted one with a cap. I tend to put my pens in my front pants pocket, where click pens tend to, well, click. The point is exposed and I get a stain on my jeans.

The Pilot G2 gets a lot of good write-ups, but it’s a clicker (plus it wasn’t quite as crisp as I liked). I loved Uni-ball Micro pens, but when I found the Grip I realized it was better. Perfect, in fact.

It’s not too big, not too small. Having used both large- and small-diameter pens, I know how tiring the wrong size can be. More importantly is the “grip” part of the Grip — the place you hold is rubberized. It’s wonderful to write with. (And unlike the Uni-ball Vision pens, the barrel doesn’t end up looking like it’s leaking ink internally.)

Add the fact that it uses “fade- and water-resistant ink,” and you’ve got a winner.

It comes in blue, red, and black ink (sadly, no green), and fine (.7mm) and micro (.5mm) points. I use the micro, FWIW.

Uni-ball Roller Grip pen: About $1.50 street