The thinnest gel pen. Types of handles and their features. Review of ballpoint pens. Stabilo

In the process of getting a first-grader ready for school, parents are worried (after all, for the first time in first grade) and try not to miss a single detail: checkered and oblique notebooks, covers, a diary, a ruler, plasticine, colored pencils, paints. Head spin. Don't forget a pen, even two. Suddenly he loses...

Topic for conversation

Let's talk about the pen. It would seem that there is no particular topic for conversation. Regular ballpoint pen. The main thing is to write. And without blots. Preferably subtle. And so as not to scratch the paper. And she didn't slip. Here... There are a lot of requirements for such an ordinary item. The range of pens offered by stationery stores is no less. My eyes just widen. Ordinary, bright, with or without decoration, cheap, expensive. In general, there is something for every taste and budget. It is today.

What was it like in the past?

Centuries ago, children used fountain pens. Moreover, the feathers were taken from real birds, most often geese, less often - ravens and peacocks. The future subject of writing was first cleaned in hot sand, then it was cut at a certain angle, and then sharpened. The quality of writing depended on the correct execution of the last two manipulations.

Such utensils were written only with a certain tilt and pressure, which initially contributed to the formation of correct writing skills. Of course, not everything turned out beautifully right away, since with a little more pressure or an incorrect tilt, a blot appeared on the sheet. But with great effort and patience, the handwriting developed by a student of that time would become a standard for today’s student.

The world has changed. Writing utensils too. They are presented in a huge variety on the school market. Every consumer will always find an option to their liking.

Main selection criteria

Which pen to choose for a first grader? First of all, parents should focus on factors such as:

  • Body shape. Product models with three sides are considered the most ergonomic.
  • Non-slip insert. When taking the first steps in mastering the science of writing, a child tries very hard, his fingers sweat from tension, so the handle where it is held should be equipped with an element that does not allow the fingers to slide down.
  • Softness of writing. In an effort to learn to write, the student makes every effort. A pen for a first grader should not leave a mark from pressure.
  • Paste color and line thickness when writing. As a rule, the color range varies from blue to dark purple shades. The standard line thickness is 0.5-1.5 mm.

The most common option used in elementary schools is ballpoint pens. They are familiar to first-graders; many children learned writing skills with their help in preschool. Therefore, parents are recommended to choose this option. In the process of choosing such an important subject for writing, a few tips will help:

  • A pen for a first grader should not be long. Recommended length - 13 cm.
  • It is advisable to give preference to an object with a triangular shape of the girth zone,
  • High-quality non-toxic plastic that meets environmental standards is the most optimal material from which a handle should be made.
  • The presence of a rubber insert in the body is necessary so that the first-grader’s fingers do not slip off. There are special silicone handle attachments available for sale, equipped with guide grooves in which the child’s fingers fit comfortably.

  • In the process of writing, the pen should leave a thin, even mark, write softly, without applying any effort. Do not smear, because a neat notebook is a source of pride for a first-grader.
  • The handle should be of medium size. Thin and thick bodies are awkward to grip, so even with all the effort, it will be difficult for a child to develop beautiful handwriting.

By the way, today stores sell special pens for first-graders, which, if tilted incorrectly, stop writing. This trick helps your child develop good handwriting.

What should you pay attention to?

What if the student is left-handed? Then parents may need to worry about purchasing a special pen designed for left-handed writing. Parents, of course, decide which pens are best for a first-grader, but in any case, you should not buy writing objects that have a massive, complex shape or are decorated with decorative elements or equipped with small parts. The external beauty of such a product will only interfere with the writing process.

As for the cost, it is better to choose a middle ground: do not buy the cheapest options, but also do not overpay for an expensive brand. The key selection criterion is ease of use. During lessons, it is better for a child to have two pens in his pencil case - a main one and a spare one. If there are more of them, the baby will wonder: which one to choose? And this is a waste of time.

In the process of choosing a pen for a first-grader, parents, in addition to the main characteristics of the item, pay attention to who made it. Let us present a brief overview of the most popular brands.

Review of ballpoint pens. Stabilo

Stabilo. A pen for a first-grader from a German manufacturer has a triangular body and is equipped with a rubber insert with oval slots that facilitate the correct positioning of the student’s fingers. When writing, almost no pressure is required, as such pens write softly and are very comfortable to use. Among the minuses, it is worth noting that the line is not too thin, easily smeared, and the ink is darkish. This writing instrument from Stabilo costs about 70-130 rubles.

The Stabilo Liner 808 F model is considered the most optimal for a first-grader, as it prevents hand fatigue and increases writing speed. Available in two variations: for left-handers (L) and right-handers (R).

What do the Japanese offer?

Pilot. A Japanese company whose writing instruments are popular all over the world. The handles are available in various models, all of them have a round body and are equipped with rubber inserts. I'm pleased with the high quality of the ink. The line when writing is thin, neat, and practically does not smear. The price of products from Pilot is quite high. The simplest models are sold from 50 rubles. per piece, options with a set of the most optimal characteristics for a first-grader will cost about 200 rubles.

The Pilot company also produces write-erase pens, which are becoming increasingly popular among schoolchildren. The difference from conventional models is the presence of an eraser, which can be used to cover up what has been written. Among the disadvantages of such a pen, it is worth mentioning the not very uniform, abundant supply of ink, its pale, watercolor color and instant drying within 3-5 seconds. In addition, it doesn’t last long; the ink runs out quickly.

Office from BIC

BIC. The French company produces high quality products. In particular, the best pens for first-graders are the product of this particular manufacturer. They write at any angle, do not scratch the paper, and have a transparent body that allows you to control the ink level. The cap has a hole in it to reduce the risk of suffocation if swallowed. The handle is hexagonal and fits easily in the hand. Doesn't smear, doesn't leak. It's inexpensive, about 20 rubles.

Characteristics of the domestic product

Erich Krause. A Russian stationery brand whose products are mostly produced in Southeast Asia. The German name in the name is taken as confirmation of the quality of the product, because many domestic consumers consider German products to be the most reliable. The range of ballpoint pens from this supplier is quite wide, the prices are average. The most budget option costs 15-20 rubles, does not have a rubber lining against slipping of fingers, which is compensated by the ribbing of the plastic case in this place. The color of the ink matches the color of the cap. During the writing process, you have to put a little effort into pressing.

Ballpoint pen:

  • Used by 92% of the inhabitants of planet Earth.
  • At the very beginning of its production they sold for $12 apiece. Moreover, the demand for this product was incredible.
  • Many people collect. The most impressive collection contains about 160,000 items. This fact is registered in the Guinness Book of Records. The owner of such a collection is the German Angelika Unverhau.
  • Sold all over the world at a rate of 125 pieces per second.
  • Many people love to chew. This circumstance is not bad form, but indicates the intensity of the thought process.

Well, in conclusion, some practical advice for a first grader:

Do you want to write letters?

and not squiggles?

Learn to hold correctly

a pen in your hand!

What is the thickness of the writing unit? What is the difference between F and M?

In our online store, each type of pen has such a parameter as the thickness of the writing unit. It is responsible for how thick the line is left by the writing mechanism on the paper. F and M are considered standard sizes. They indicate the size of the writing unit. F is the thinnest, its approximate size is from 0.4 to 0.5 mm. M - average size, from 0.5 to 0.7 mm.

What is the difference between a rollerball and a ballpoint pen?

Their main difference is that they have a different ink composition, as well as a system for supplying it to the writing unit. Standard ballpoint pens use thickened ink, which in some cases is oil-based. Their main disadvantage is their relatively “tight” writing, which causes the hand to quickly get tired. This may affect the quality of your handwriting. Constant use of this type of stationery leads to the fact that it can deteriorate quite badly.

A rollerball is an improved model of a ballpoint pen. For hand comfort, the writing unit is spring-loaded, and liquid ink is used as filling. The cost of a rollerball pen is practically no different from the price of a regular fountain pen. The slight difference is only due to the lack of a pen mechanism.

Advantages of such products:

  • ballpoint pens do not write as softly as rollerballs;
  • Rollerballs are more prestigious than regular ballpoint pens.

The disadvantage of rollerballs is that they are less economical due to the way the ink is supplied.

Is it possible to change the method of payment or delivery of an order if I provided incorrect information when filling out the form?

You can easily make any changes to your order. When contacting, be sure to include your order number.

What are the features of payment for an order in Moscow and in the regions?

Payment for orders for Moscow residents

  1. For individuals
  2. You can pay in cash with the courier upon receipt of the order. You can also make an advance payment on the website through a bank receipt, which will be automatically generated for you.
  3. Legal entities
  4. Payment can be made by bank transfer. To clarify your account, please contact our manager.

Payment for orders for residents of other localities in Russia

All orders are shipped only upon prepayment.

  1. For individuals
  2. The procedure is carried out through payment by bank receipt. It appears on the screen at the last stage of placing an order.
  3. For legal entities
  4. Payment is made by bank transfer. You can find out the account and detailed information from our manager. Delivery services are included in the order price. You can get more information in the “Payment and Delivery” section.

Is it possible for you to have an engraving on the pen upon purchase?

Yes, it's possible. The cost of engraving is from 500 to 1000 rubles, depending on the complexity. For corporate clients or for purchases of 5,000 rubles and above, we do laser engraving for free!

What should I do if the courier delivered the order and the product does not meet my expectations? Is it possible to immediately return it back to the courier?

In the Law of the Russian Federation “On the Protection of Consumer Rights”, Art. 497, paragraph 4, states that the buyer can refuse the goods immediately after delivery by the courier. In this case, the customer only needs to pay the delivery cost.

You can get more information on this issue in the “Warranty” section.

What warranty periods apply to the products presented?

All products that are presented in the catalog of our online store have official warranty cards. Parker products are guaranteed for 2 years, and Waterman products are guaranteed for 3 years. Service is provided at a specialized service center.

You can find out more detailed information in the “Warranty” section.

How to refill pens and pencils correctly?

  1. Refilling a piston-filled fountain pen
  2. To refill this type of pen, unscrew its body counterclockwise. Next, turn the clamp counterclockwise until it stops. It is located at the end of the ink reservoir that is located inside. After this, dip the pen nib into the ink container. Now start turning the clamp clockwise until it stops. This way you will fill the fountain pen with ink.
  3. Next, remove the air from the tank. To do this, unscrew the clamp half a turn so that the first drop of ink drains out. Wipe the pen with a dry cloth and screw the housing tightly.
  4. Refilling a fountain pen with a convector
  5. Free access to the convector by unscrewing the handle body counterclockwise. Then dip the pen into the ink tube. Now, to fill the handle, turn the convector head clockwise.
  6. Next, you will need to bleed the air from the tank. To do this, unscrew the convector head half a turn and drain a drop of ink. Dry the pen with a clean cloth and screw the housing back on.
  7. Refilling a fountain pen with a replaceable cartridge
  8. To begin, unscrew the top part of the housing counterclockwise, remove the empty cartridge and install a new one in its place.
  9. Next, you will need to open the safety cartridge and let in the ink.
  10. In order to remove the air, you will need to lightly press on the cartridge and drain some ink.
  11. Wipe the pen with a dry cloth and screw the top housing back into place.
  12. Refilling the roller
  13. Just like a ballpoint pen, there is a refill inside the rollerball that can be replaced in a similar way. Unscrew the housing counterclockwise and remove the used rod. Next, tighten the housing.
  14. Refilling a mechanical pencil
  15. Unscrew the case counterclockwise and remove the internal mechanism from the pencil. Next, you will need to remove the nozzle and insert a lead of the appropriate size. Put all the parts in place and tighten the housing.

The 21st century has made significant adjustments to human life and society; today we print much more than we write by hand. However, situations in which a pen is necessary arise more often than one might think. Whether it’s any kind of statement or signatures on official documents, you can’t do without a pen. Businessmen and deputies whose position involves working with important papers often acquire a pen as a status accessory, casually demonstrating their rank with a slight wave of the hand. The “right” pen is no less important for schoolchildren and teachers - it is their main working tool.

Even such a seemingly simple matter as choosing a pen for writing requires knowledge of some nuances. This knowledge will be especially valuable for those who use a pen every day for many hours in a row - schoolchildren and students know how important it is to have good stationery. Then the classes are more interesting and productive.

Criteria for choosing a good pen

In order for the pen to serve faithfully, provide pleasure and not cause health problems, you need to familiarize yourself with the general principles of choosing the right stationery.

  • Before buying, you need to hold the pen in your hands: the body should not be too thin and not too thick, and should lie comfortably in your hand. Otherwise, when writing for a long time, your hand will get very tired;
  • It is advisable that the upper part of the pen body - where the fingers will rest - have an engraving or a rubberized surface. This will make the writing process easier, since the pen will not slip in the palm of your hand and will protect your fingers from calluses;
  • Particular attention should be paid to the faceted handles: they will not roll off the table. The most preferred material for large volumes of handwritten text is plastic - it is a durable and at the same time light material;
  • You should be suspicious of pens that are too cheap: they are often made from low-quality plastic, which releases toxic substances when heated;
  • Preference should be given to pens with a hole in the cap, especially for those who have a habit of chewing on the writing utensil while thinking. If, through negligence, the cap gets into the throat, air will flow through the hole and the person will have time to provide medical assistance;

  • You should pay special attention to the ink: writing that is too bold will look sloppy, and writing that is too thin will be difficult to read;
  • When buying a ballpoint pen, you need to consider its tip: it should be of medium size, too small can tear and spoil the paper, and too large will leave unpleasant marks and even blots;
  • There are adapted stationery options for left-handed people; with them, writing will become more comfortable and easier.

Ballpoint, fountain pen or gel?

People are divided into 3 types: adherents of ballpoint pens, traditional fountain pens and gel pens. As a rule, this is a matter of habit. But it is useful to know some of the features of each type of writing instrument.

Features for comparisonGel pensFountain pensBallpoint pens
WeightLightweightHeavyTypically light
Variability of modelsSmall variety of optionsThe range of models is quite wide, but as a rule, all options are the sameWide variety of models
PriceAverage levelHigh levelVaries from low to medium level
ConvenienceComfortable body, often with a rubberized or faceted topUncomfortable due to massivenessWhen choosing the right model, it fits comfortably in the palm of your hand
Ease of writingIt is convenient to write: it beautifully displays letters at any angle.Often there are problems with the supply of ink to the tip and vice versa, you can make a blotWriting is easy if the pen is of good quality
Ink consumptionHighModerateShort

A ballpoint pen is the choice of most consumers of this type of stationery. At the same time, they are known for their unstable quality and differ greatly from each other in all characteristics, depending on the manufacturer and model.

Video about the difficulties of choosing a ballpoint or gel pen:

The best manufacturers of writing pens

If the assortment of pens in a stationery store makes your eyes wide open, you should focus on well-known, well-established manufacturers in the market. Their products typically feature ergonomic designs and high quality inks.

Ordinary users and professionals prefer the following brands:

  1. Erich Krause is a Russian brand that has been operating for more than 20 years;
  2. Pilot - a Japanese company has been producing stationery since the beginning of the 20th century;
  3. Parker - the pen of this company was used to sign the German surrender in 1945;
  4. Stabilo is a German brand known for high quality writing instruments;
  5. Berlingo - environmentally friendly materials and modern technologies help the company to prosper and delight users;
  6. Bic is a French brand that, in addition to pens, produces excellent razors and lighters.

The best ballpoint pens

Only lazy stationery companies don't make ballpoint pens. On the one hand, this is great, since everyone can find a model to suit their taste and wallet size, on the other hand, the selection procedure stretches endlessly and there is a chance to buy a low-quality product. Before going to the store, you need to answer the question of which company is better to buy ballpoint pens, and then the choice will not become painful, and the end result will delight you until the paste runs out.

1st place – Pilot pen

The Japanese company has been specializing in the production of stationery for almost a century, improving production technologies and keeping up with modern trends. Having tried their products once, it is difficult to switch to anything else in the future.

The absence of a push-button system ensures reliability; the plastic body allows you to monitor the level of ink consumption. Thanks to the rubber insert, the pen does not slip in the palms, and the thinnest tip allows you to write letters as accurately as possible, saving paste. A huge plus of the pens is the use of oil-based ink; they fit perfectly even on an oilcloth surface, not to mention plain paper.

The average price is from 50 rubles.

The service life of 1 rod with daily use is about six months.

Pilot handle

Advantages:

  • Economical to use;
  • The rod does not leak or smear;
  • Possibility of replacing the rod;
  • Fine tip;
  • Ergonomic design;
  • Writes from any angle.

Flaws:

  • At temperatures below zero, the ink freezes;
  • Price.

2nd place – Bic ballpoint pen

The pens of the French company have been loved by many since school: they have a nice design, the ink has the “correct” color and does not flow, forming annoying drips in documents; if necessary, you can purchase pens of any colors that will be no worse than standard blue ones. In short, this is an ideal accessory for everyday writing, which can be purchased at any nearby stationery store.

The classic model is made in orange, but there is also a more modern version made of transparent plastic that allows you to control the ink level. Regardless of the body design, the quality of the pen will remain high: it is a comfortable workhorse.

The average price is 25 rubles.

The service life of 1 rod with daily use is about 4 months.

Bic ballpoint pen

Advantages:

  • The pen writes well at any angle, making it an excellent option for left-handers;
  • The faceted body does not allow it to roll off smooth surfaces;
  • Affordability;
  • Does not scratch paper;
  • The ink does not flow, there is no unpleasant odor.

Flaws:

  • It suffers from dull ink color depending on the batch;
  • The tip is quite thick, which not everyone likes.

3rd place – Stabilo Marathon

An automatic ballpoint pen from a well-known stationery brand is good for almost everyone: the push-button system works without interruption, and the click is almost silent. A comfortable body for writing with a rubber “sleeve” where the fingers rest, a thin ink supply system - only 3 mm - not a single rating of high-quality office supplies can do without it.

This model is equipped with a fastening system for fixing on a shirt pocket or any other convenient flat surface. The plastic is quite durable, but you shouldn’t rely on it too much; it can easily break if you move it carelessly.

The average cost is from 70 rubles.

The service life of 1 rod with daily use is about 4-5 months.

Stabilo Marathon handle

Advantages:

  • Beautiful, thoughtful design;
  • Wide functionality;
  • He even writes “upside down”;
  • Fine tip.

Flaws:

  • Spare refills are not produced, the handle is disposable;
  • The ink smears slightly;
  • High price;
  • Difficult to find even in specialized stores.

The best gel pens

Despite the abundance of ballpoint pens, many prefer gel writing pens for regular use - they write softly and brightly, and have the same type of refills that are easy to replace. The rating, which includes the most popular models from the best manufacturers, will help you navigate the variety of types of this type of stationery.

1st place – Erich Krause REPORTER

This is one of the most unusual designs of gel pens that can be found on the modern Russian market: the plastic body has a newspaper print and looks extremely presentable. It is produced in a single color – black. But the manufacturer offers a wide range of colors of rods that match this case.

The thickness of the writing unit of the model is only 0.5 mm; a line written with such a rod is practically no different in thickness from that written with a ballpoint pen. The ink sets quickly and does not stain your hands, the paste consumption is less than that of direct competitors, but still high compared to conventional pens.

The average cost is from 25 rubles.

pen Erich Krause REPORTER

Advantages:

  • Modern unusual design;
  • Bright ink color;
  • Fine line writing;
  • Possibility of replacing the rod with any color options;
  • For some time he writes upside down.

Flaws:

  • Writes poorly on greasy paper, where the hand has been lying for a long time;
  • Dries out during long-term storage.

2nd place – Stabilo Liner 808 F

Stabilo are the best budget pens for kids who are just learning the basics of writing. The popularity of models from this brand is justified: high quality ink and ergonomic body make writing easy and comfortable. The special triangular gel pen does not slip in the palm and does not contribute to the formation of annoying calluses from excessive zeal. Whether it’s a colored gel pen or a standard blue one, there’s no doubt about the quality.

The average cost is 35 rubles.

handle Stabilo Liner 808 F

Advantages:

  • Triangular body;
  • Suitable for left-handers and preschoolers;
  • Writes at any angle brightly, but at the same time subtly;
  • It is possible to purchase spare rods.

Flaws:

  • Smears;
  • Easily flows out;
  • The price is slightly higher than that of the leader in the rating.

Best tactical pen

Military personnel and builders often receive high-status office supplies as gifts, but when wondering which pen is better to buy, you should choose a tactical one. This miracle of technology is designed specifically for risk-related professions.

1st place - Boker Plus Bolt-Action

Made from crushed anodized aluminum, the handle will not stop working even after a mine explosion. The unusual design has wide functionality: it will help break even durable glass, and the small lever instead of a button will not work accidentally.

If you are looking for inexpensive gifts, it is better to avoid this pen; the price in online stores starts from 9,000 rubles.

Boker Plus Bolt-Action handle

Advantages:

  • A unique model will emphasize the status of the owner;
  • Lasts a long time;
  • Fits well in the hand, writes beautifully;
  • Reliability and strength of the structure;
  • Interesting lever and clip on the body.

Flaws:

  • Price.

The best writing pen for a business person

A high social position is not only a cycle of money and business, but also a constant stay under the gaze of colleagues, subordinates, and partners. Premium-class stationery is a great way to maintain your opinion of yourself as a successful person: they will unobtrusively show your high level of income and serious attitude to business.

1st place – Parker 5th IM Premium Shiny Chrome F522

Luxurious stationery that you wouldn’t be ashamed to put in the pocket of a branded jacket and casually take out at a business meeting. The brass body with chrome plating attracts the eye with its unobtrusive metallic shine; the handle is pleasant to hold in the hand, despite the fact that it weighs almost 30 grams, which is quite a lot for such an accessory. But given the cost, it is unlikely that they will write lecture notes with it; most likely, it will be useful for signing important papers.

Answering the question of how much such luxury costs, it should be noted that only fairly wealthy people who love to shine everywhere and in everything should think about buying a Parker pen.

The average price is from 6,500 rubles.

pen Parker 5th IM Premium Shiny Chrome F522

Advantages:

  • Luxurious design
  • The body is made of high quality raw materials;
  • The presence of a branded engraving in the form of an arrow;
  • Reliability of the case;
  • Writes perfectly: does not smear and does not dry out over time.

Flaws:

  • Price.

A pen is, first of all, an urgent need; despite the development of technology, the need for it will not disappear soon. Using the recommendations for choosing this product, a person will receive exceptional pleasure from writing.

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A pen is considered a necessary writing utensil. Such devices are needed everywhere - for work, study and leisure. At the same time, there are different types of pens that differ in design, structure and cost. More information about popular varieties is described in the article.

Classes

All modern types of pens are divided into two large classes: fountain pens and traditional ones. Each of them has its own characteristics. Fountain pens are designs that automatically supply ink to the writing unit. The writing unit can be feathers, balls and fibers. The opposite option is the traditional pen, which comes in the form of a simple holder for a rod or nib.

By design, the types of handles are:

Among school supplies, pens are one of the most popular products. Typically, ball devices are used, which are convenient. There are many brands of similar products. Moreover, the cost of production is also different. The assortment includes products for every taste.

Liner

This is a type of pen in which the writing unit is presented in the form of a needle. Liners are similar to a rapidograph. These are convenient and functional.

Roller

There is no exact definition of what is considered a rollerblade. It is often classified as a ballpoint pen from European manufacturers. In fact, this is a standard device with different types of ink supply.

Such products are also classified according to the type of coloring composition and the method of ink supply. All devices, excluding capillary ones, have a writing element made of hard and practical material. Their ink has an impenetrable composition. They slowly pass over the surface of the writing element.

Feather version

A pen in the form of a feather is often classified as a traditional writing instrument. A special feature, in comparison with previous options, is that there is no need to constantly use an inkwell. The ink is located inside a special reservoir or inside a cartridge. Fountain pens are refilled with the simplest ink.

Ball

Such accessories are equipped with a writing element in the form of a metal ball. Ballpoint pens do not scratch paper. As the ball rotates, it receives the ink present in the body and then transfers it to the paper. The ink can be placed in a tube ending in a ball-shaped tip (called a refill), or in a special cartridge. The cartridges are usually installed in modern rollerballs.

The ink composition of these products differs markedly from that of feather inks. They are made up of different resins that make them durable and have low fluidity. Recently, ink called oil ink has been in demand. They are used in ballpoint pens, and compared to classic ink, the writing element in them has a small diameter. In-demand writing instrument manufacturers create oil pens for their original inks.

Rollerballs have the advantages of feather and ball options. Rollerballs have a ball that ensures smooth writing. And the ink is water-based, making it similar to fountain pens. But even though they are water-based, rollerball ink cannot dry quickly. Rollerballs write in almost any position. Some species are able to function when writing on a vertical surface or in the “end up” position.

Gel

Their ink has a gel-like consistency, which reduces the amount of friction between the ball and the tip and makes writing easier. There are different types of gel pens, differing in colors, designs, and saturation. Such devices are no worse than ball devices in terms of brilliance and depth of color. Ballpoint pen ink is water- and light-resistant compared to rollerball ink. Today, the production of gel devices and inks for them is carried out at an accelerated pace.

Among the writing instruments there are pens with ink supply systems such as ink-reservoir and free-ink. Essentially, they are roller skates. The first type involves the presence of an ink reservoir, which has a fibrous structure used in felt-tip pens. With the ink-reservoir system, ink is used sparingly, but its slow flow makes writing more difficult. And with free-ink, the pen writes easily and smoothly.

Cost and brands

Pen prices depend on many indicators. The cheapest ones cost up to 10 rubles. They can be purchased at every stationery store, kiosk, and supermarket. These are ballpoint pens without a spring with paste as ink. If you need to write a lot, then this is a great option. The most popular types are “927” and Corvina. Such devices are convenient and practical.

The middle price segment includes pens costing from 10 to 30 rubles. There are gel devices from popular manufacturers and products with springs. Well-known manufacturers include Schneider, Pentel, Staedtler.

Expensive pens cost from 30 rubles. They are appreciated by lovers of high quality writing objects. These can be ball-on, gel and ink. Parker products are in demand. Their cost starts from 1000 rubles. These are collectible and designer items. They are used only in rare cases.

So there are a variety of handles. Ball ones remain the most popular, as they are usually used by schoolchildren and students. Many are intended for daily use, while others may only be used on rare occasions, such as designer items.

Younger schoolchildren quickly experience fatigue in their hands, since their hand muscles and finger coordination are not yet sufficiently developed. Therefore, the first-grader’s first tool should not be too heavy and long for a small hand (no more than 13 cm), and have a triangular surface that is easy to grip.

The hygroscopic rubber corrugated stop prevents the fingers from slipping when the handle is often sweaty from tension and effort. A comfortable, soft grip prevents the formation of calluses on your fingers, helps develop writing technique, and even promotes correct posture.

The ink in a ballpoint pen should not be too contrasting, which can distract the student and lead to visual fatigue.

And excessively bright colors of plastic handles are always suspicious of the presence of dyes, which can easily remain on wet children’s palms, causing allergies and absorption of chemical components of paints through the skin.

Ball or gel?

Ballpoint pens

Advantages

  • Writes at any angle (and it is still difficult for a junior high school student to strictly maintain the desired position)
  • A large number of options on the market - you can choose for every taste and budget
  • As a rule, inexpensive, you can buy different ones and experiment

Flaws

  • Different ballpoint pens write very differently. The baby will have to get used to each model again
  • Cheap models write poorly (requires strong pressure, periodically the color fades, and so on)
  • “Greasy” ink may smudge if you run your hand over freshly written paper.

A simple ballpoint pen is an inexpensive, versatile, and common choice.

Gel pens were very popular at one time, but at the same time you can find a fairly limited number of models on the market, and they are all generally similar.

Most often they have a fairly convenient and reliable body, and the nuances can be selected to suit your needs (for example, choose either a rubber gasket or a body with ribs).