Uniball Jetstream RT 1mm Retractable Roller Ball

Gel and Roller Ball Pens — 21 May 2010

Uniball Jetstream RT Bold

I was doing some office supply shopping recently and I came across the Uniball Jetstream RT in a Bold 1.0 mm (via Amazon). Although I don’t typically like a point that big, I thought it would be fun to try out a pen that is literally twice as big as the .5mm that I usually like to use.

Uniball Jetstream RT Bold Body

Before I even get into the writing experience with the Uniball Jetstream RT 1.0mm, it is worth discussing the body of the pen. It has a unique smooth rubber grip that actually extends the entire length of the barrel. The bottom of the barrel also has a series of dimples for a bit of added grip on this thicker than normal barrel. The rest of the pen has nice chrome accents (none of which are actual metal though) that really stand out nicely against the flat black surface of the pen.

Uniball Jetstream RT Bold Writing Sample

Uniball Jetstream RT 1.omm Bold Writing Sample and Comparison to .7mm

I know I’ve done a ton of Jetstream reviews here, but it’s just because they are really nice to write with, and this 1.0mm version is no exception. With the wider tip, the writing experience only gets better, the super smooth and consistent lines lay down the reliable ink that I’ve come to expect from the Jetstream line from Uniball. In the above writing sample I also did a side by side comparison to the Jetstream .7mm just to let you see the difference between the line sizes. Below that you can see that there is a drying time test in which the Jetstream ink dries in about 2 seconds on the paper in my Black n Red notebook. Overall I like the larger grip and body on this pen, along with the nice texture of the grip and body, and you can’t beat the impressive Uniball Jetstream smooth and consistent writing experience.

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About Author

OfficeSupplyGeek

http://amateureconblog.blogspot.com/ Speedmaster

I’ve given several of these to friends and they all seem to like them.
Howard

This is far and away my favorite pen/ink with which to write. Prefer the cushioned refillable (premier) but that one breaks at midsection easily, a whole other story. This is smooth, easy writing and more fun.
http://www.officesupplygeek.com OfficeSupplyGeek

@ Speedmaster – And what watch do you give to friends?

@Howard – It is a really great pen, I was not a big fan of the premier because of how he grip picks up so much filth, but the writing experience is still fantastic, I agree.
Alan

Would you happen to know if these refills will fit into any nicer metal/ceramic barrels?

I’ve tried these http://www.jetpens.com/index.php/cPath/446_153 they work for a little bit but it crushes the refill too much

The jetstream was what sparked my interest into fountain pens. I then bought a pilot vanishing point fountain pen and even some inks but still feel the jetstream 1.0 is faster/smoother.
David

I don’t understand all the fuss about uniball Jetstream pens. I’ve tried a few and they all have the same problem – they don’t start reliably and often skip. If you zoom into the writing example on this review you’ll see what I mean. I recently tried a Premier Jetstream 1.0 in hopes things had improved (my Premier has an air cushioned plunger). But alas, same old story.
http://www.officesupplygeek.com OfficeSupplyGeek

@Alan – I just tried the refill in my Waterman Expert and it fit very nicely. This pen takes a standard rollerball refill so it should work well in other pens as well. You can always use a spring or little folded piece of cardboard or something to help bridge any gap if its too short.

@David – I’ve never really seen much skipping with my Jetstreams, and I dont remember having a hard time getting them to start either..I’m just a small sample size though, so that is not to discount your issues, I just have not seen or experienced any noticeable or persistent issues in those two areas.
Rowan

I’m with David. The Jetstream 1.0 is a sluggish starter and skips quite badly. But its performance can vary. When it writes the way it should, it’s very nice indeed. But at other times, the amount of skipping can drive you absolutely mad. However, I think it depends a little bit on the type of paper being used. Collins diaries are particularly unkind to Jetstreams, I have found. But they work rather better on standard printing paper.
http://www.officesupplygeek.com OfficeSupplyGeek

@Rowan – I’ve never had these problems, but interesting that you mention the paper, maybe that is why I never experienced it. Thanks for sharing!