3.8.2017

As the largest pen manufacturer in Japan, the Pilot Company has been making pens since 1915 (its liquid ink technology having been utilised since 1985), and has made a rather large subsidiary in the UK, with a diverse range of lines aimed at various individuals with specific writing needs.I am a student of humanities and creative writing, as well as a healthcare assistant for a regional agency. Due to the nature of my studies and job, I always make sure that I am carrying a pen on me, and the Pilot Hi-TechPoint has now become my staple writing accessory. I have used other pens on the market, but they don't seem to compete with the sturdiness and ink-flow that the Pilot has to offer.The Pilot company manufactures a lot of pens for specific individuals,but these Hi-TechPoint V5 pens seem to be the variety that fits my daily needs; flowing easily across the page and incorporating a pure black liquid gel ink that is always clearly visible upon putting pen to paper. The MicroBall RollerTip has a 0.77mm diameter that provides a 0.5 mm writing line. In essence, this means, that the rollerball tip is not too small for everyday use, but provides a thin enough line for note-taking and for daily log entries, such as in my personal line of care work.The pen itself looks like the standard variety gel pen that has a hook on the lid, perfect for sitting in your trouser pocket whilst on the go, or for clipping into your portfolio for class. Down the side of the main body there is a window that indicates the ink level, being a handy feature for knowing when to change pens so you won't get caught short. There is also a regulator in each pen which makes sure that there is always a consistent flow of ink until the levels have emptied. This ensures that there is very little blobbing or leakage on the page with a natural flow of ink, making it perfect for when a large chunk of information needs to be written down in rather a small space and length of time.That being said, you do need to make sure that the cap has been placed back tightly, and that you don't press too hard onto paper when writing, as I have noticed that staining does sometimes occur when I have simply clipped the pen into my jeans pocket with the nib rubbing against fabric. The Pilot pen requires a smooth glide by the user, which does take some getting used to after using standard rollerball gel pens, as well as the more common biros.Overall, I would highly recommend the Pilot Hi-TechPoint V5 Rollerball pen for both students and professional workers alike, as I have received nothing but compliments from my colleagues and friends who have observed my handwriting upon completing daily logs. They do take some getting used to in terms of gliding pressure, but are by far the more superior writing pen to choose from in my opinion.N.B. The information and photos attached to this review are for the 12-box black coloured rollerball pens offered by the Pilot company. However, they can also be purchased as a triple and six pack, as well as individually in a variety of vibrant colours. They do come in a standard labelled box; however, this depends on the seller, and will sometimes either be packaged loosely or in a cellophane envelope.

19.2.2016

Pens. We all use them. Apart from those that can’t. Not because they refuse, but for legitimate reasons beyond their control. If you are one of those people, stop reading here, there is nothing here for you.It all began on a tiresome Tuesday afternoon, as I sat in the office looking out at the grey misery that mother nature had graced us with that lunchtime, I began to ponder. Typically I ponder my life, death and women, often a combination of all three simultaneously. However, today my mind wasn’t on any of those things, my mind was distracted, it was thinking about pens.I’ve never had neat handwriting, it’s not for the want of trying, I was mocked both openly and discreetly by girls in primary school for the illegibility of my sentences,it still haunts me.Back to the office and I’m looking down at my black biro and I begin to wonder that maybe, after all this time, it wasn’t my ability that was holding me back, maybe it was all because I was using the wrong pen. With a new found vigour, I searched online for my perfect pen soulmate, I stumbled across the V5 HI-TECPOINT and it looked particularly exciting, I ordered almost instantly.Fast forward three days and I’m tearing through cardboard like an unfortunate drug addict looking for a drug to lick/swallow. A pack of three is what I’d bought, my reasoning behind this is simple, aside from my virginity, I lose things very quickly.My first test was the word test, how would the V5 HI-TECPOINT fair vs my peasant biro.Check out the results for yourself below:reindeerYou might be wondering why I chose the word ‘reindeer’ and the truth is, I have no idea. But as you can see, the V5 HI-TECPOINT comes out on top, although it also resulted in my letters becoming smaller, this seems to be one of the added benefits of the pen.The next test was the doodle test, I opted for a standard doodle that when given a doodle request I tend to reach for.(Check Picture)As you can see there is a slight but clear difference between each bird, the V5 is the winner in this round.(Check Picture)The third test was crucial, the smell test, I smelt the pen and it didn’t smell of anything, either that or I had a cold but I don’t think I did. I also smelled my biro which has the faintest aroma of McCoys Salt & Vinegar crisps. Not sure why, I hate them.To conclude, is the V5 better than my black biro? Yes. Obviously. Has the V5 Hi-Tec Point revolutionised my office work? The simple answer is no, I barely used my pen anyway because contrary to what my primary school teacher told me, neat handwriting as an adult is actually a very pointless skill in a world of keyboards. However, as for my doodles, they have fractionally improved and the pen does not smudge at all which in my book is the most important feature.Rating: 72/100

12.2.2016

PERFECT PILOT FOR NIFTY NARRATIVEThese Pilot V5 Liquid Ink Rollerball 0.5mm tip pens are my favourite. This is the third box that I have bought through Amazon. Either I am loosing a lot of pens or others are stealing them because they are so good.I used to buy the small pack or individual ones in stationary shops. I often found myself running out of a pen just when I had lots of writing to do, so a larger box with a dozen is ideal. They always seem to be on offer, so working out just over £1 per pen compared to over £2 in some stores.HOW DOES IT COMPARE TO OTHER PENSIn my work, I write much of the time. So I have tried many different pens from your 10 pence Bic to expensive fountain pens.

27.2.2013

I got sick of using Biros when my hand got stiff writing so much. I tried buying gel ink pens but they only lasted a week and at £3 each or so, it was quite a costly step up from 10p Biros. I found some rather scratchy but cheap gel ink pens in Poundland but these barely lasted a few days!These pens last me at least two months of consistent use*, definitely cheaper per page written than the any comparable alternatives. I was initially a bit dubious about buying these but they have exceeded every expectation in comfort, value and reliability. Six months later and two have run out, two have got lost (or permanently borrowed) and two I've given to other friends complaining of stiff writing hands.

29.1.2012

I put these on my Christmas wish list every couple of years because I use these a lot both at work and at home. They are smooth to write with and you don't have to press on hard. They are good for writing notes onto printed text because of the fine line. The ink is very dark and vivid and thus stands out. Performance is reliable (no shaking them about to make them work etc.) Very long lasting.I can't give them 5 out of 5 stars because they are a little bit fragile in the sense of bashing and bending the nib, and the price for a single pen is too high really for a mass produced plastic ballpoint, the design of which has been around for many years.

3.1.2013

I've been using these pens now for a good 8 years. And have, and continue, to serve me well though my educational career. As a teenager I struggled to find a reliable pen that allowed me to write naturally. As a left handed writer, I found other pens smudged as the ink didn't dry fast enough. Biros caused problems too, as the resistance of the pen on the paper meant writing for long periods of time caused my hands to cramp. The Pilot Needlepoint is excellent in both of these aspects. The ink is quick drying, and leaves the tip of the pen in an effortless and consistant mannor. I personally use the V5 version, but this is largely down to personal taste. Occasionally,

27.6.2014

Use these pens at work and for everyday writing. Prefer them to just about anything. The ink flows well and the pen suits my rather dire handwriting. Used to buy them from an independent stationery company but have found them increasingly expensive and I like to buy a lot of them as I get through them at work quickly. A friend in work who also uses these pens recommended ordering them via Amazon. Was reluctant at first as I've heard horror stories about certain goods being not the brand ordered. Less of an issue with stationery, I suppose but still a concern, particularly with electronics.They arrived v quickly (next day delivery without the extra cost)

11.5.2017

I got 3 black and 3 blue pens and absolutely love the 0.5 mm nibs. I also prefer them to their retractable cousins that have soft grips which are not too clever at avoiding bacterial grot-tamination when the pens are being shared in use with sticky fingers grand brats ( children ). These are easier to maintain so as to avoid that problem. Years ago you could only get such fine nibbed pens like this from art materials outlets as only artists, draughts persons and me ( mind you, I suppose I was both ) seemed to be interested in them. I would always be paying through the nose for one as a consequence of their snotty marketing exclusivity for 'specialist' use. Bah...rhubarb !!!

18.10.2010

In my opinion, these are among the best pens available.The ink doesn't fade away, doesn't show on the other side of the page and, unless you really *rub* on what you've just written, it doesn't smear either. I usually prefer the 0.5 pen as I like a thinner point, but 0.7 point is also available. The other colours available are also very very good.Buying a box of twelve means you will have a stock of really good pens which will (hopefully) last you a while!A pen like this will last you a while, and you will actually be able to see when the ink is about to run out. The only think I would say is to be careful with them,

19.1.2016

Don't know if I'd go quite as far as writing a poem to my favourite pen, but I've used V5s for years - and they're the ones for me.They last and last - the ink never dries in the pen - and they are consistent (no need to shake). You can see how much ink is left through a "window". Occasionally there's a leakage from the business end of the pen, but only if the nib is damaged, but I've used them on planes, without a problem.The nib, a thin tube around 4 mm long, can get bent (as the poet's review alluded to) but it doesn't happen unless you're careless.In the end, you have to decide whether want a throwaway pen - like a cheap Biro - or a decent pen which writes well, is good to hold, and is durable.

17.7.2010

Don't know if I'd go quite as far as writing a poem to my favourite pen, but I've used V5s for years - and they're the ones for me.They last and last - the ink never dries in the pen - and they are consistent (no need to shake). You can see how much ink is left through a "window". Occasionally there's a leakage from the business end of the pen, but only if the nib is damaged, but I've used them on planes, without a problem.The nib, a thin tube around 4 mm long, can get bent (as the poet's review alluded to) but it doesn't happen unless you're careless.In the end, you have to decide whether want a throwaway pen - like a cheap Biro - or a decent pen which writes well, is good to hold, and is durable.

20.5.2014

The pens provided where I work are the cheapest of the cheap. They hurt my fingers and they seize, blotch, leak, run... you name it, so I had to go and find something more suited to the task!These pens are excellent. They're not particularly expensive, but they're comfortable, and the ink dries quickly so as a leftie, I don't have a hand covered in ink when I write with these pens! Yay!I've also written essays for exams that I've been taking using these and I've managed a few A4 pages while still not having to moan about the discomfort of holding the pen, which is probably more amazing in itself given that I moan about everything.Highly recommended!

4.3.2014

LOVE this colour (dark purple) and the pen has lasted well despite using it a fair amount. However, the ink it does go through to the other side of the paper and if you leave the ink for more than half a second on the paper it blotches but better than blotchy biros in my opinion (which is most of them!) It has a very thin nib. I was expecting a bit thicker but it means you can write smaller or on narrow lined paper. (I have average sized writing for the record). I would suggest mayb keeping an eye on the price before buying it as it does tend to go up and down varying in up to 40p in price which is quite a lot out as a % of the price of the product.

16.9.2010

I've had you many timesEvery one a pleasureI know that you're disposableBut nothing lasts foreverI've learnt to love your deficienciesLike your ever fading shaftAnd accept your eccentricitiesYou don't like it in the bathThrough carelessness I've bent your nibWhilst bored I've sucked your endAnd when I lived in AustriaI flirted with some other pensCame crawling back to you thoughFound nothing that was betterI'll never use another penFor a crossword, exam or letterIf you ever become discontinuedI'll pre-emptively buy a lifetime's supplyThe Pilot Hi-Tecpoint V5 extra fine Liquid Ink RollerballI shall use until I die

11.8.2013

I have to admit to discovering these pens by accident at work one day as someone had left one behind at a "hot desk" I was using.I was so impressed with them that I bought a box of twelve.They make ballpoint pens redundant as these are better by miles.You can draw, write, annotate and scribble.Doodle, underline, diagram and delete.The ink is deep black with no fade and the needlepoint tips give a consistent line width.Great for inking over pencil roughs.They never seem to leak and last for ages.Only drawback is if you lend one out you'll likely not see it again.Recommended.

Pilot Hi-Tecpoint V5 - Reviews

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