So lately I’ve been diving headfirst into gel pens. If you love gel pens, but miss some of the sparkle/shimmer/sheen of fountain pen inks, this might be a set for you!
The Pentel Hybrid Dual Metallic Gel Pens are available individual or in sets, like the 14 pen Original + Fantasy set ($35) that I purchased. The pens are plastic barreled pens, with slightly faceted edges, and fitted with snap caps. The points are 1mm which provides for a “smooth and juicy” writing experience – the marketing nails that one.
In my set there were 14 colors available – 6 of the original darker colors with one metallic sheen, and 6 of the “fantasy” colors (they read more pastel) which each have two metallic sheens. The final two pens are Silver and Gold.
Overall the writing experience for me is mixed. I love the tips and that they lay down a nice amount of ink, but the faceted barrels aren’t super comfortable to write with.
I do love the color variety in the package. It’s a little strange writing with the pens at first. The ink lays down almost murky or a little dirty (you might be tempted to think you’ve mixed your fountain pen inks accidentally), but as it dries you start to see the metallic sheen of the second (or second and third colors). I don’t think my photos do them justice.
Overall, I don’t find them nearly as comfortable to write with as my Pilot G2s, but I appreciate the additional colors options. Now I just need a coloring book to sit with!
DISCLAIMER: Some of the items included in this review were provided to us free of charge by JetPens. Please see the About page for more details.