Pentel Glidewrite Executive Ballpoint Pen, (1.0mm) Medium, Black Metal Barrel, Black Ink, 1-pk (BX970ABP)

Bottom line: This is a superb, state-of-the-art ballpoint. For details on the GlideWrite Executive, read on. The star of the show is Pentel’s TechniFLO low-viscosity ink, a combination of gel and traditional ballpoint inks. Pentel claims it has 25% less friction than competitive ballpoints (not specified). In my opinion, it as smooth or smoother and more consistent than Schmidt’s easyFLOW 9000 and Pilot’s Acroball, and equivalent or slightly better than Uni’s Jetstream. The 1.0 mm ball (the only point size available at this time) lays down a smooth, consistent, and clean densely pigmented line with no excess ink on a wide range of papers. Drying times are almost instantaneous, so this pen is suitable for left-handed writers. The Executive edition (model BX970) features a weighted metal body with a subtle dimpled pattern in the grip area. Pentel says the body is metal (it is ferromagnetic) and has “chrome accents,” which in advertising parlance suggests it is not metal, but a chrome-finished plastic. The knock appears to be a chrome-finished plastic, but I don’t know if the nose is metal (brass), metal with a chrome-finished plastic shell, or all-plastic with a chrome finish. Regardless, there’s virtually no difference in appearance in the metal clip and the other chrome hardware. There is minor rattle when shaken vigorously, but there are no rattles or clicks when you write, and there is essentially no tip wiggle. The GlideWrite Executive is also available with a matte black body with the same shiny clip and accents. Pentel has a winner in its GlideWrite Executive. It’s writing performance is outstanding; perhaps, the best combination of smoothness, line consistency, ink density, and price of any ballpoint pen I’ve written with. In my opinion, the pen body design is not inspired, but it is balanced and solid, and does not detract from the sheer writing performance of Pentel’s GlideWrite Executive.

I assumed the energel refills from Pentel would fit this pen. Well we all know what happens when we assume. This pen has a cheaper small ink cartridge. I would not choose to buy this pen had I realized this.

I love this pen. I use this pen at work every day on surfaces and in conditions that most pens don't stand a chance. This pen is made out of metal so it has a good grip but is not too heavy. The ink is very smooth flowing and it is bold. Flows like a gel but doesn't smear on your paper. The price was way cheaper than I expected for a pen this good and it is refillable.

For myself, Pentel is always an excellent and precise writing instrument.

These pens are budget friendly but with a Platinum Standard when it comes to smoothness and comfort. The only downside is the durability of the pen case. I went to pick my pen up one day and I noticed a dent and a scratch. Not sure how or when this happened as I treasure this pen because of the smoothness of its writing and besides myself, no one has nor ever will ever get to touch this pen.