... mark. Paper-Mate released the Inkjoy series to the market in 2011, but the 2012 offering features a few slight changes so it’s more a 2nd generation release compared to an entirely new model. Rather than try to create a blend of ballpoint ink and gel ink, Paper-Mate took a different approach. They decided to use existing technology used in creating gel pens and apply that technology to a higher end ballpoint pen. The idea was to create a ballpoint pen that would write nearly as well as a gel pen, without the higher cost and common issues typically associated with gel pens. Click to see larger image Although the default barrel color is white with a gray grip, the 700RT is also available in 9 other barrel colors with black, blue or red ink. Custom ink colors are available as well. With the basic white barrel, the ink color is identified by the accent color around the plunger. In the example above, the ink is black. This model offers an ergonomic hourglass shaped barrel for ... had a slightly tacky feel to it, which I wasn’t sure I’d like initially. However, I found that I actually liked that during periods of longer writing. Ink – I tend to write very quickly, with several starting and stopping points. I also tend to leave the pen touching the paper as I transition from word to word. While I like gel pens, I find that those writing habits quickly lead to unequal ink flow and smudging. With the 700-RT pen, the ink flows very much like a traditional gel pen, minus the ink pools and smudges. It didn’t write exactly like a gel pen, but was very close. I was also very pleased with the amount of ink that the pen contained. Most ballpoint pens I use are out of ink or are beginning to run low by week 3 or 4. With the Inkjoy, the ink was still going strong past week 4. Components – One common issue with ballpoints centers around the quality of the components. Pen makers will focus on the quality and delivery efficiency of the ink, but ...
