Pens for Every Day

Pens are an important part of every day carry. Whether having one available for the checkbook or if you carry a Leuchtturm or Moleskine (see Best EDC Notebook ) with you, pens are always useful. Outside of tactical pens, the most popular EDC Pen is probably the Pilot G-2. Another pen that I've found I enjoy carrying is the TUL Needle Point Retractable pen. I prefer the extra fine point in the G-2 and the fine point in the TUL. As I'm trying to decide which I prefer, I thought a comparison of the two pens make for a good topic of discussion.

Pictured are the Pilot G-2 of the left and the TUL retractable needle point on the right.

 Both pens are gel. Both are retractable points. Both have clips. The TUL pen has a metal clip and metal tip of pen, while the G-2 has a plastic clip and plastic tip of pen. Both pens have a rubber grip for holding the pen while writing, however the G-2's grip is contoured. This contour makes the G-2 much more comfortable to hold. The spring for the G-2 is a bit stronger than the spring the TUL.The TUL is a bit longer than the G-2...a shorter pen is generally easier to carry in a pocket. If carrying in a backpack or briefcase, the difference in length is probably inconsequential. The Pilot G-2 seems to be a bit stronger overall than the TUL, which the plastic shaft of the pen being more durable than the TUL. The Pilot G-2 Both pens write well and the G-2 Extra Fine Point is comparable to the TUL Fine Needle Point. The Pilot G-2 seems write a bit smoother than the TUL.

The pens have a similar per unit cost. A four pack of the TUL is about $4.69 ($1.1725 per pen) and a box of 12 of the Pilot G-2 (Extra Fine Point) are currently $12.99 ($1.0825 per pen) on Amazon. With a little searching, the Pilot G-2 can be found for less that $1 per pen.

If the Pilot G-2 had a metal clip and tip, I would strongly prefer the Pilot G-2. As it is, I'll probably continue to use the Pilot due to cost and comfort for writing, however at this point I can't the Pilot G-2 is much better than the TUL. The TUL is fancier than the Pilot G-2 and is probably suited more for business environments.

-Matt