Pentel Energel BL60 Liquid Gel Ink Pen – Review

Many rollerballs have liquid ink & because this soaks quickly into the paper it can bleed & cause feathering. Due to Pentel’s innovative high-performance ink technology, the Energel XM has the best of both worlds going for it. Containing a hybrid of liquid & gel ink this pen is a smooth writer with the added benefit of being very quick-drying, so good for left-handers.

Pentel BL60 C

The Energel XM BL60 Liquid Gel Ink Pen is part of the recycology range & Pentel says its made from a minimum of 50% recycled material. Another bonus for eco-friendly fans is that it can be refilled with LR10 refills.

This traditional capped liquid gel ink rollerball has a 1.0mm metal ball that makes an appearance through a smokey grey translucent nib housing. It has a stylish gunmetal grey barrel & positive fitting cap with a sturdy metal pocket clip. I appreciate that the name is a giveaway as far as the intention of use is concerned (as in pocket) but I’m sure I’m not the only one that clips pens to note pads or other papers am I? Well, this one wouldn’t stretch to more than a couple of sheets, possibly because it is so strong making it less flexible.

I love the rubberized grip section, it has a series of wave-like grooves & performs well on the anti-slip front. Oh & I forgot to mention its also latex-free, making it an option for those with sensitive skin. These particular Energel pens are also available in red & blue, & the barrels match the ink color.

Despite being a little on the broadside for my liking, preferring a 0.5 or 0.7 nib, this Pentel performed well enough resulting in an easy-going write, albeit a little scruffy. This is what seems to happen when I have a 1.0mm tipped pen in my hand for some reason, maybe that’s something for another post.

Editors update this pen is now discontinued you may be interested in the Pentel Energel XM which is their flagship Energel pen.

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Peter Warrior: Pen & Pencil Expert

With nearly a decade of experience in the pen industry, I successfully ran an online pen business for 9 years. My deep-rooted passion for pens and pencils led me to become a part-time blogger, where I've dedicated myself to sharing the wealth of knowledge I've amassed over the years. I'm a firm believer in the power of the written word, as echoed by Malcolm Forbes: "Putting pen to paper lights more fire than matches ever will." My expertise is not just rooted in business, but in the genuine appreciation and understanding of the art of writing instruments.

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