Review: Pentel HyperG 0.7mm Gel Ink Pen - Orange

The Pentel HyperG gel ink pen is one that I hadn't even heard of from Pentel. I received it in a prize package from Shoplet last year. So here I am, finally reviewing it!

Features (via Pentel)

• Triple safe ink technology:  People Safe (AP non-toxic), Check Safe (Permanent), Earth Safe (Recycology)
• Acid free, non-fading formula to make your marks last
• Maximum comfort and control with latex-free grip
• Retractable tip protects pockets and purses
• Part of the Pentel® Recycology™ line and made of 57% recycled plastic
• 2 tip sizes available:
  - 0.5mm metal tip writes fine lines
  - 0.7mm metal tip writes medium lines
• Available ink colors:
  - 0.5mm: Black, Red and Blue
  - 0.7mm: Black, Red, Blue, Green, Orange, Pink, Sky Blue, Violet
• Refillable with Pentel KLR5 (0.5mm) and KLR7 (0.7mm) refills

My model is the 0.7mm version in orange. It's a very vivid, intense orange, as you can see. It has an interesting design - the plastic part of the barrel has facets all over it. The grip is firm with little ridges, and the metal tip has a peculiar shape that I can hardly describe! Overall though, it's pretty nice looking, aside from the clip. A clip can really make or break a pen, and in this case, I'm not liking it. While it suits the design of the pen, I don't like its pointy, sharp end.

The Pentel HyperG gel ink pen writes pretty nicely. The ink reminds me of the Pentel EnerGel ink - smooth, vivid, bold ink that doesn't blob as you write. It's a little more expensive than the EnerGel, which is surprising. I do prefer the design and writing experience of the EnerGel better, and the EnerGel does contain more recycled plastic materials. However, according to Pentel, the HyperG has non-toxic, acid-free, permanent ink, whereas I don't think the EnerGel does. So perhaps save the EnerGel for other things where you don't need permanent ink.

In my water resistance test, I did note the ink bled, and I did write there was no water resistance, but that may not be true. I didn't try washing the page - which may have caused ink bleeding, but the writing may have remained legible (meaning the ink is permanent). Though in my opinion, permanent ink should not bleed at all.

ORANGE!!!!!

The pen arrived with no packaging so I had no idea it was partly recycled plastic. I'm happy about that, because any amount of recycled plastic is better than none. Plus, it's refillable, so that makes it even better. Good job, Pentel!

Price
Pentel - $2.29
Overall
An interesting pen - a different model in case you get bored of the same thing. It writes nicely, and it's comfortable to hold, but unless you need the "permanent" ink, I'd stick to the EnerGel, which is cheaper, cuter, and contains more recycled materials.