The 10 best pens from Pilot

When it comes to selecting a pen, there is more to consider than just its basic function. The way a pen glides or drags across the page, the consistency of ink flow, the comfort it offers during note-taking—all of these factors play a role in choosing the perfect pen, and of course, it has to look good. 

Pilot Pens has established itself as a leading brand in the industry with its performance, reliability, comfort, and design, ensuring a good writing experience. The company was founded in 1918 in Japan, and it is now one of the most popular pen companies in the world. Even an article by the New York Times listing the best pens of 2023 features 2 pilot pens. 

Known for their exceptional performance, reliability, and ergonomic designs, Pilot Pens have garnered a loyal following among writers, students, artists, and professionals. In this article, we will explore a selection of the best Pilot pens available, highlighting their unique features and why they are considered top choices for anyone who wants quality writing.

• 1. Pilot G2
• 2. Pilot Dr. Grip
• 3. Pilot FriXion
• 4. Pilot Precise V5/V7
• 5. Pilot Metropolitan
• 6. Pilot Acroball
• 7. Pilot Hi-Tecpoint V5/V7
• 8. Pilot Vanishing Point
• 9. Pilot B2P
• 10. Pilot Varsity

History of Pilot Pens

Pilot Corporation, commonly known as Pilot, is a Japanese company specializing in manufacturing writing instruments. The company was founded in 1918 by Ryosuke Namiki and Masao Wada. Initially named the Namiki Manufacturing Company, it began as a small pen production workshop; however, in 1938, the company changed its name to PILOT Pen Co and expanded to other countries. 

The founders, Namiki and Wada, shared a passion for creating high-quality fountain pens that would rival those produced in the Western world. They focused on incorporating traditional Japanese craftsmanship with innovative designs and technology. Over the years, Pilot continued to innovate and expand its product range. 

The pilot introduced new writing technologies, such as the capless retractable fountain pen, known as the Vanishing Point, and the gel ink pen, known as the G2. Today, the company is a global brand in various countries around the world. Here's our top 10 Pilot pens:
 

Pilot G2

The Pilot G2 is a beloved classic that is known for smooth writing. This is because it was made with a rubber grip for better control, and its gel ink provides a consistent flow, ensuring effortless and skip-free writing. Also, the tip is retractable with no caps, so you just click to retract the tip when you’re done writing. With all these cool features and a range of tip sizes and colors (no kidding! There are orange, pink, and yellow color pens), the Pilot G2 is perfect for everyday writing tasks, note-taking, and general use.

Pilot Dr. Grip

This pen was designed with ergonomics in mind, providing a comfortable grip to reduce writing fatigue. The weight is balanced close to the tip, so your hands do not need to grip the pen so tightly. It was tested on people with arthritis, and they confirmed that the pen was easier to use. Coupled with the gel ink that produces dark lines, it’s perfect for individuals who write for extended periods or have grip-related concerns.

Pilot FriXion

One of the biggest advantages pencils have over pens is that it is erasable. Well, not anymore because with this Frixion pen, the ink becomes erasable. The Pilot FriXion series has a unique thermo-sensitive ink that can be erased with the Frixion eraser at the end of the pen. These pens allow you to write, erase, and rewrite without damaging the paper, which artists and students would find useful. The pen is also designed with a grip and beautiful patterns on its body. It is also available in more than 10 colors. The only downside is that it should not be used for documents that need signatures so that other people won't erase them. 

Pilot Precise V5/V7

Precise is such a unique name for a pen, but it is perfect for this pen because it describes it perfectly with thin, precise lines and vibrant ink colors. These pens feature an extra-fine tip allowing detailed writing and smooth gliding on the page. It also doesn't bleed and dries quickly, so you are assured of neat writing. Additionally, it is not as expensive as other pens and it is available in retractable and capped versions with many colors. Whether you're writing notes, sketching, or drawing, the Pilot Precise pens deliver exceptional quality.

Pilot Metropolitan

Even though many of their pens are affordable, Pilot also offers luxury fountain pens perfect for gifts and professional use. For those seeking an affordable fountain pen, the Pilot Metropolitan is an excellent choice. It combines a classic design with a smooth writing experience and a good grip. This pen also offers a stainless steel nib that delivers consistent ink flow. Overall, the Pilot Metropolitan is ideal for individuals who appreciate the art of fountain pen writing without breaking the bank.

Pilot Acroball

The Pilot Acroball pens feature advanced ink technology for a smooth, skip-free writing experience. This is because the ink is oil-based, and it uses a tungsten carbide ball, which doesn’t wear easily. It has a super comfortable grip, and it is on the thick side, so it’s easy to write with because it requires less pressure. Because the tip is retractable, you won’t have to worry about losing caps. All in all,  this pen is a reliable companion for everyday use.

Pilot Hi-Tecpoint V5/V7

The Pilot Hi-Tecpoint pens are renowned for their precision and ultra-fine tips, allowing for intricate writing. It has been a bestseller since 1994. If you have small, neat handwriting, then this pen will favor you. It has no grip, has a classy cap, and comes in different colors. These are selected by artists, designers, and those who appreciate fine, controlled lines.

Pilot Vanishing Point

The Pilot Vanishing Point is a remarkable retractable fountain pen that combines convenience with sophistication; however, it costs over $100. Have you ever heard of a retractable fountain pen? Well, this one is retractable, and it comes in a luxury gift box, making it a fantastic gift. It may be expensive because the nip is made with 14k karat gold and is thick, so it’s effortless to use. With its innovative retractable nib mechanism, you can enjoy the smooth writing experience of a fountain pen without the need for a cap. The Vanishing Point is a favorite among professionals who value style and functionality.

Pilot B2P

The Pilot B2P (Bottle to Pen) Pen is an eco-friendly writing pen that transforms recycled plastic bottles into a beautifully designed sustainable pen. With its smooth gel ink and comfortable grip, the B2P Pen delivers a delightful writing experience. By choosing the B2P Pen, you enjoy a high-quality pen and contribute to reducing plastic waste, making it an excellent choice for environmentally conscious individuals.

Pilot Varsity

The Pilot Varsity Pen is a reliable and affordable disposable fountain pen. With its smooth writing experience and consistent ink flow, this pen offers the joy of using a fountain pen without the hassle of refilling. Perfect for everyday writing tasks, it combines convenience and quality, making it a popular choice for students and professionals.

Pilot pens continue to set the standard for exceptional writing instruments, offering a range of options to cater to different preferences and needs. Whether you prefer the smoothness of gel pens like the Pilot G2, the precision of the Pilot Precise V5/V7, or the elegance of the Pilot Metropolitan or Vanishing Point, there is a Pilot pen for every writing enthusiast. Choose the best Pilot pen that resonates with your style and elevates your writing experience using this article as a guide.

Have you been looking to buy some high-quality Japanese pens? You can check out our ZenPop store for the best stationery deals from Japan. 

This article was originally written by our freelance writer Umm-Kulthum Abdulkareem and edited by us.