Pilot Precise V5 RT is the Best Affordable Pen

Despite living in a digital era, I enjoy the feel of writing on paper. I am always looking for a good, affordable pen for everyday use, but the Pilot Precise V5 RT was a serendipitous discovery. While in the grocery store, I went to scratch some items off my shopping list and realized my Pilot G2 was missing. I scoured the school supply aisle and decided to try the Precise V5 RT. It is the best budget pen I have tried.

Pilot Pen Envy
The Pilot Precise V5 RT is a retractable rolling ball pen with an extra fine point. The smooth barrel and rubber grip make it easy to write with the lightweight pen. The pen tip glides over the paper creating crisp, clear lines without feathering. The Pilot G2 pen produces similar results, but is prone to smudging. (See photo.) I often end up with a temporary tattoo of whatever I was writing. Since it does not feather or smear, the Precise V5 is also good for drawing.

Unlike fickle gel pens, this pen does not hesitate to write. It continues to write normally even as the ink level dwindles. According to the Pilot website, the Precise V5 is safe for airplane use and contains enough ink to draw a line 8,202 feet long.

Price and Availability
The Pilot Precise V5 RT is available in black, blue, red, green and purple with either extra fine, 0.5 mm, or fine points. A package of two black pens cost $3.99 at Kroger. Office supply stores and the manufacturer website offer the widest selection of colors and styles in addition to refills.

Pilot Pen Savings
The Pilot website, www.notjustapen.com, currently has a printable coupon for one dollar off any Pilot pen. Simply register at the product website and look for an e-mail with the coupon. Some packages also have a mail-in rebate for two dollars.

Room for Improvement
I generally use the pen clip on a notebook or tote bag and did not have any problems. However, the clip has a rough edge that may damage or cause excessive wear on shirt pockets or collars.

Except for the tip, the pen barrel is opaque, making it difficult to monitor the ink supply.

The precision needle tip can bend or break with rough use. It does not create enough pressure to write duplicate checks or create carbon transfers.

Refills are not necessarily available in stores that sell the pens.

Final Thoughts
The Pilot Precise V5 RT is a long-lasting, affordable pen. The Pilot G2 is widely available and often on sale, but the Precise V5 is a superior writing pen at a similar price. It may not belong in a check book, but it is perfect for writing lists, letters and the like.

Sources:
"Did you know?", Pilot.com