218990000 UM-153S Signo Impact Gel Pens with Rubber Grip, Black Gel, 1mm Nib (Pack of 12)

These are easily my go-to writing pens. Pros: Extremely smooth flow, leaving a consistent, thick, dark line. Ink dries fully within a few seconds and so smudging is never a worry. The ink flows very consistently throughout the pen's use, and only starts to get thin very close to the end. Cons: They run out rather fast, depending on use - I'm a university student and I'll densely cover about 20-30 sides of A4 per day, which will exhaust one of these pens. This is easily heavier use than the vast majority of people will put them through, so this is a minor point and I won't be removing stars over it. Overall, these are such a pleasure to write with that I don't mind paying a little over a pound a day to use them - the box of 12 will last me a couple of weeks, and delivery is so quick that I haven't had to go without one for a while. Compared to common biros and my previous pen of choice, the Pilot Hi-Tecpoint, these are easily my favourite. If ever there were a fountain pen or similar refillable version of these, I would be very happy to spend good money on it.

Really just bought these as a treat for myself so I didn't have to use those vile biros that always seem to be the only thing left on your desk when you're looking for a pen. Gel ink gives a lovely smooth writing-feel and leaves behind a nice thick inky line - there's something intrinsically pleasant about using a nice pen. Even inspires me to try to write a bit more neatly when I don't have to stare at the feeble scratches the other pens leave. Once you've decided to pay a few pounds for a nicer disposable pen, there are plenty of other choices - but after working my way through the half-dozen that seem available individually in blisterpacks these were my favourite. Other benefit of having a box full of them is that you get the satisfaction of telling people to keep the one they've borrowed, thus spreading a feeling of harmonious contentment to those around you. Only possible downside is that they don't tend to last that long, purely down to the amount of ink they deposit on the page. Biros seem to be thrown away when they finally break, these definitely run out of ink.

These black gel pens are great to use, comfortable and long-lasting. They produce a medium size line which I like for writing cards, making notes etc, because they make a bold statement, a positive comment. I have used them for many years, buying a new pack as necessary. They are not cheap to buy, but they are well made, write smoothly and the line is always uniform (no breaks or fades). Would recommend highly.

Pens recommended by son’s Year 4 teacher now the kids have their pen licences. They write really well, smoothly & easy for the children to hold, write with. Not cheap though & ink is used relatively quickly.

These are lovely pens. The gel ink and smooth writing style reminds me a lot of when I used to use cartridge/fountain pens as a kid (never much cared for bog-standard ballpoints). Everyone I've loaned/given one of these pens to has said it's gorgeous and wanted one, so it's clearly not just me that likes them. Yes, they cost more than a pack of cheap and nasty ballpoints but they're a pleasure to use, and well worth it.

Great buy regular best pens around

I am a bit of a pen anorak and am really fussy about the pens I use. Having used fountain pens exclusively for the past few years, I decided I would like something more practical and I stumbled upon the Gel Impact. It is a very smooth writer and the bold lines make your writing stand out nicely on the page - I can imagine it being a useful tool for artists too. The only downside to the bold lines is the amount of ink the pen uses. Depending on my work commitments, I have sometimes run one dry in less than a week, so it is definitely worth getting the 12 pack.

As the heading, these are almost as good to hold as the Pilot G-2 range of retractables, though a tad slimmer in the grip area. One star deducted for "Longevity" - which is understandable when using this "Broad" line width in any pen of this type. After all, the very nature of a Broad ball is to lay down more ink, so the refill won't last long if you write a lot, as I do. On the plus side, both these and the Pilot 1.0 mm refills are wonderfully smooth to write with - so you won't mind having to replace refills more often than with a 0.7 mm point.