The Uni-Ball Signo Premier is marketed as a high end gel pen. Having previously reviewed the Uni-ball Signo RT UMN-207 was interested to know what the difference was & set out to try to find out just what it is that gives the Signo Premier that touch of class.
The UNM 207 family feature Uni-Ball’s unique Super Ink. This is a waterproof gel ink that is also fade resistant, well suited to authors of legal documents, the writing of cheques & any other important documents that may be susceptible to fraudsters set on tampering their way into other people’s belongings. This is also a useful feature for those amongst us that are not always as careful as we could be when it comes to splashes & spills on the desk, due to its waterproof properties.
The blue/grey barrel (also available in silver & gold) has a metallic effect finish that meets a fairly long white pearlescent grip section. Made from a super squishy gel rubber, this provides a spongy feel in my grip. It’s claimed that this has been ergonomically designed to facilitate long periods of fatigue free writing. The body appears to be split into 3 sections. The grip & metallic part of the barrel is separated by a bright chrome coloured ring that is stamped with the company logo, the nib housing has the same shiny finish, giving this premier pen a classy look in a shabby chic kind of way. The pocket clip sits well on the barrel & the elongated oval shape makes it stand out in a crowd of standard straight clips.
These Uni-Ball Signo Premier pens are supplied with a medium 0.7mm black cartridge & they write a 0.4mm line. If you prefer a broad or a fine tip on your pen you may want to consider the UMR-80 or 85 refill.
As I see it the main difference of the Premier is the grip section. I found it to be quite comfortable to hold if you are looking for an ergonomic pen then take a look at our Complete Guide to Ergonomic Pens.
When it comes down to storing our pens, some choose to stow away in a laptop bag or holdall, whilst others use a plain old pocket. Some users have reported that the gel grip picks up all sorts of unwanted particles including dust & lint.
I make no secret of the fact that I am an animal lover with an a special affinity for dogs. With the help of a 4 legged friend, I tested the stickability factor by rubbing the pen over his short dark brown coat. My Signo Premier came away with a fur coat all of its own. In contrast to other users that had similar issues, for me the problem was soon resolved. I found a damp cloth was the answer, a few rubs later & not a trace of hair to be seen. The experience of other users is to use pure alcohol, it evaporates quickly without leaving any residue.
My take on the Uni-Ball Signo Premier is that its an attractive looking pen, has all the qualities of the Signo UMN 207 with a different grip. Is it worth the higher price tag? I’m not sure if it is but there a lot of people who are.
