Sal, have you ever had issues with the zebra 701 where you couldn’t unscrew it to change the refill. I literally just bought mine off Amazon and the barrel won’t unscrew.
About a year ago I left a comment about how I prefer Parker Quink gel refills to Schmidt's Easyflow 9000. I spoke way too quickly and didn't give myself enough time using the 9000. It is a great refill! Blue-black happens to be my favorite gel/ballpoint/hybrid ink color and the 9000 is closer to this color than the Parker gel which had been a favorite of mine for years. The 9000 goes down dark and smooth. It is a Parker G2 style refill I now turn to along with Monteverde's Capless Ceramic gel refills. Schmidt's medium tip is nice; however, I would love to see them offer a fine tip. Again, thanks for the posting!
I've loved the Pilot Better retractable black fine point for years. 15 years ago hoping for the same experience i bought a more expensive pilot ballpoint ......totally disappointed with it's medium point and could not find a fine point refill. this video solved that problem ! the Pilot BRFN-30M-B was the answer. thanks Sal. the Pilot dr. grip center of gravity refill also fits the expensive pilot.
I wish they would standardise on one or a very few refill form factors... I so despise pens forcing one to use proprietary refills (glaring at - but not exclusively - you, Lamy...)
These are really helpful tips and hacks for pen refills. There are so many proprietary solutions, but sometimes a pair of scissors, or some glue can covert/take your favorite pen to a higher level. Thanks!
I have the Dr.grip as my daily carry and also have the cross click. Although the cross refill is very scratchy so thanks for the tip. Will definitely be trying the new ink. Thanks 👌
Thank you, thank you, thank you for the Zerba 1.6 ml refill tip. I was initially concerned because the refill is a bit shorter than the original, but did exactly what you did - stretched the spring a bit - and it works perfectly. Greatly improves writing!
Excellent video Sal! I had all three of these pens in a box because I didn't like the way they wrote. I'm gonna replace the refills and give um another shot. Thanks!
I fractured my knuckles last year and I can't hold pens very well. I love the larger size of the Dr. Grip but HATE the way it writes. I just ordered some new refills, I hope they help. Thank you for this video!
Cross gel refills are nice and I like theyr colour but I cannot get them in brick and mortar store, so I started to use Schneider Gelion 1 refills which are really cheap, water-resistant and for me on par with Pilot G2 refills. And as a spacer I use back end of Parker ink cartridge.
Thank you for this video. I have that Cross pen. Now I can save money on refills for it. I have a ton of parker style refills, because I make pens myself.
That zebra refil fits is the fisher space pen too I love the size of the fisher space pen but hate the refil so I got that same zebra refil and use it for me space pen it sticks out a lil when u firdt put it is so I cut a bit of the plastic off at the end to get a perfect fit
Premium ballpoint or rollerball - I'd go for a Pilot Metropolitan [MR in Europe; Cocoon in Japan]. Classic G2 refill in the rollerball, one of the best available. The ballpoint uses a hybrid ink which writes very smoothly, and gives a dense black line
In the 60's we spent over a million dollars to develop the pressurized ink cartridge commonly known as the fisher space pen, Russian cosmonauts used a pencil.
Are there any refills for the PILOT Dr. Grip ballpoint pen that aren't Acro? I've had that ink turn a rust color and to heavily feather on paper after a week or two. This has happened on cheap and high quality papers and has happened with every Acro refill I've tried. Thanks. 😊
I really like Cross gell refill, theyr ballpoint ones are unremarkable but my gell refills are pretty smooth. Pentel EnerGell in the same size is better, yes but I put Cross gell refill above Pilot G2.
Although for the Zebra and Cross pens I guess there's not a lot of point in trimming a black Jetstream refill in .38mm, .5mm, or .7mm since the SXR-600s came out. But it is still an option for 1.0mm and/or colored refills, and it works for the Dr. Grip.
I didn't know there was a 1.6mm for the Zebra, very interesting. I'look for it to see what's up. I got a Parker quinkflow in fine (0.8mm) in blue and I like it a lot.
Hi. So I just recently bought the pilot dr grip 4+1 multi pen and I want to change the refills that come With it. I want to stay on the 0.7mm size though but mainly with gel or I can also use jetstream. Are there any other refills that fit this pen? Like I want to change the green for example for a blue black perhaps. I just don’t want ballpoint. But want to stay on the 0.7mm side Thank you. And awesome videos by the way 👍🏻
Thank you! You don’t even know just how much time and effort you’ve saved me with the Dr Grip pen! It’s my favourite pen, and I’m almost out of ink, and I had no clue I could use those refills. Cheers!
Something about those Pilot refills bothers me, and I can't put my finger on it, so I have found some alternatives. The Pilot Knight, Metropolitan, Axiom, and Timeline ballpoints can all take modified Signo, or Jetstream refills, and the Dr. Grip ballpoints can take modified Jetstream refills. Also, the Axiom can take a hacked Energel refill, but I haven't tried it in all the other pens.
I can see why you like the EasyFlow. Just received one today, and it is quite smooth. I visited the Schmidt Technology website and they say this regarding the 9000: "...combines the advantages of the well-known ball point refill with those of a roller ball refill creating a completely new market segment in the field of writing instruments." Is this a hybrid ink like that of Jetstream and Acro? I bought the 9000 in blue ink to compare with the blue of the Parker Quink gel refill. I prefer the Quink; it's blue is brighter, much more vibrant, but I guess that's to be expected with a gel ink. Don't like the Dr. Grip, not attractive at all. Although I don't like the F701, I do like that it's all metal; might get one just for the try of it. I happen to be one who not only likes the Cross Click pens (as a quick note jotter) but enjoys the Slim gel refill that comes with it as well. Again, different strokes for different folks. I think these videos serve a great purpose... provides alternatives to the masses. Thanks for the posting Sal!
That is a really great modification on the Cross Click - I have this pen in rotation in my pocket because of its dimensions. Do you have any advice on doing the standard refill Cross BP’s like the Bailey and Solo? Thanks.
Cross refills are very scratchy. I have found that the cheapest Chinese refills are much smoother. Maybe an oilier based ink or a smoother ball at the point, or both?
It is compatible with the Dr Grip Gel or Dr Grip Limited. I put a Pentel Energel refill in my Dr Grip Gel and it works great. The Uniball Signo 207 refill fits it too.
Pilot Dr. Grip Specs and Details: unsharpen.com/pen/pilot-dr-grip-ballpoint/
Sal, have you ever had issues with the zebra 701 where you couldn’t unscrew it to change the refill. I literally just bought mine off Amazon and the barrel won’t unscrew.
What a Video. Thank you!
About a year ago I left a comment about how I prefer Parker Quink gel refills to Schmidt's Easyflow 9000. I spoke way too quickly and didn't give myself enough time using the 9000. It is a great refill! Blue-black happens to be my favorite gel/ballpoint/hybrid ink color and the 9000 is closer to this color than the Parker gel which had been a favorite of mine for years. The 9000 goes down dark and smooth. It is a Parker G2 style refill I now turn to along with Monteverde's Capless Ceramic gel refills. Schmidt's medium tip is nice; however, I would love to see them offer a fine tip. Again, thanks for the posting!
I've loved the Pilot Better retractable black fine point for years. 15 years ago hoping for the same experience i bought a more expensive pilot ballpoint ......totally disappointed with it's medium point and could not find a fine point refill. this video solved that problem ! the Pilot BRFN-30M-B was the answer. thanks Sal. the Pilot dr. grip center of gravity refill also fits the expensive pilot.
My experience has been the F-701 with a Fisher Space Pen refill is more comfortable than expected.
I wish they would standardise on one or a very few refill form factors...
I so despise pens forcing one to use proprietary refills (glaring at - but not exclusively - you, Lamy...)
These are really helpful tips and hacks for pen refills. There are so many proprietary solutions, but sometimes a pair of scissors, or some glue can covert/take your favorite pen to a higher level. Thanks!
I use a uni ball signo 207 ink cartridge in my Dr. Grip Ltd. Definitely an upgrade and you've got fraud proof ink at all times.
I have the Dr.grip as my daily carry and also have the cross click. Although the cross refill is very scratchy so thanks for the tip. Will definitely be trying the new ink. Thanks 👌
Thank you, thank you, thank you for the Zerba 1.6 ml refill tip. I was initially concerned because the refill is a bit shorter than the original, but did exactly what you did - stretched the spring a bit - and it works perfectly. Greatly improves writing!
Excellent video Sal! I had all three of these pens in a box because I didn't like the way they wrote. I'm gonna replace the refills and give um another shot. Thanks!
I fractured my knuckles last year and I can't hold pens very well. I love the larger size of the Dr. Grip but HATE the way it writes. I just ordered some new refills, I hope they help. Thank you for this video!
Best of luck! There is also a gel dr grip you might like (this upgrade is better though)
@@unsharpen I'll look for that one as well. I can't find these refills anywhere. Thank you.
Stop holding pens, period. Sometimes you gotta know when to hang it up. Have you tried using hand paint 🎨 to write?
Cross gel refills are nice and I like theyr colour but I cannot get them in brick and mortar store, so I started to use Schneider Gelion 1 refills which are really cheap, water-resistant and for me on par with Pilot G2 refills. And as a spacer I use back end of Parker ink cartridge.
Great video!!!!
Glad you are making an upgrade on the cross click.
Thank you for this video. I have that Cross pen. Now I can save money on refills for it. I have a ton of parker style refills, because I make pens myself.
That zebra refil fits is the fisher space pen too I love the size of the fisher space pen but hate the refil so I got that same zebra refil and use it for me space pen it sticks out a lil when u firdt put it is so I cut a bit of the plastic off at the end to get a perfect fit
The Zebra F-701 with a Fisher Space Pen PR4 refill is a Badass combination.
Same here. The Zebra looks like it is ready for anything. Now with the Fisher, it actually is.
Premium ballpoint or rollerball - I'd go for a Pilot Metropolitan [MR in Europe; Cocoon in Japan]. Classic G2 refill in the rollerball, one of the best available. The ballpoint uses a hybrid ink which writes very smoothly, and gives a dense black line
This was utterly fascinating. Thank you!
I just checked prices on Amazon for the Cross Click. $33. Inflation is real.
Cross usually has very big holiday sales so I’d wait a few weeks to buy anything
In the 60's we spent over a million dollars to develop the pressurized ink cartridge commonly known as the fisher space pen, Russian cosmonauts used a pencil.
Fun anecdote but not exactly true. Look into it a bit, it’s been debunked
Arrived late to your video (2024) but I enjoyed the supercharging !!
Glad you liked it!
Can't the pilot BFNS 30 refills fit into Zebra F-701
The Cross click upgraded kicks ass, chiefly because there are more refills of the parker G2 type. Leave the Zebra BE!!
Zebra 701 refills are not as good as the Parker's. The Parkers fits perfectly well if you're just cut off the plastic at the other end
Are there any refills for the PILOT Dr. Grip ballpoint pen that aren't Acro? I've had that ink turn a rust color and to heavily feather on paper after a week or two. This has happened on cheap and high quality papers and has happened with every Acro refill I've tried. Thanks. 😊
I use a jetstream refill in my pink Cross click with a brad in place of the hack you did. Thanks for this video
How did you get it to fit? Which one do you use?
I use the sxr-600 with the metal case but it needs a brad on top because it’s a teensy bit too short. Works perfectly with a brad
I really like Cross gell refill, theyr ballpoint ones are unremarkable but my gell refills are pretty smooth. Pentel EnerGell in the same size is better, yes but I put Cross gell refill above Pilot G2.
If you trim the collar from a Uni Jetstream and cut it to fit, that refill will fit in all three pens.
@@unsharpen I have had no trouble shaving it off with an X-acto or sharp pocketknife.
Although for the Zebra and Cross pens I guess there's not a lot of point in trimming a black Jetstream refill in .38mm, .5mm, or .7mm since the SXR-600s came out. But it is still an option for 1.0mm and/or colored refills, and it works for the Dr. Grip.
I didn't know there was a 1.6mm for the Zebra, very interesting. I'look for it to see what's up. I got a Parker quinkflow in fine (0.8mm) in blue and I like it a lot.
will the pilot brfn-10f gel refill fit a pen that takes a parker refill, by putting a spacer on the back of the pilot brfn refill?
Always like your presentations!
Will try this with the F701 and will try the gel. Liking ballpoint more thanks for recommendations with the big 1.6 mm ball.
Hi. So I just recently bought the pilot dr grip 4+1 multi pen and I want to change the refills that come With it. I want to stay on the 0.7mm size though but mainly with gel or I can also use jetstream. Are there any other refills that fit this pen? Like I want to change the green for example for a blue black perhaps. I just don’t want ballpoint. But want to stay on the 0.7mm side
Thank you. And awesome videos by the way 👍🏻
Does the Zebra 1.6mm Bold smear at all? Asking for a lefty.
Does cross click support Energel refilll?
Thank you! You don’t even know just how much time and effort you’ve saved me with the Dr Grip pen! It’s my favourite pen, and I’m almost out of ink, and I had no clue I could use those refills. Cheers!
What refills can go in the f701 with the skinny metal refill?
Something about those Pilot refills bothers me, and I can't put my finger on it, so I have found some alternatives. The Pilot Knight, Metropolitan, Axiom, and Timeline ballpoints can all take modified Signo, or Jetstream refills, and the Dr. Grip ballpoints can take modified Jetstream refills. Also, the Axiom can take a hacked Energel refill, but I haven't tried it in all the other pens.
How do you put a G2 refill in the dr grip?
@@chiprichmond7209 You can put a Pilot G2 in the older Dr. Grips, but not the Full Black or Center of Gravity series.
What about the Fischer Space Pen refills (PR4 ?) for a drop in upgrade for the F701?
Is the F-series refill the same refill in the F-301? I am trying to get, Black, Blue & Red for my F-701 as affordably as possible. Thanks!
I can see why you like the EasyFlow. Just received one today, and it is quite smooth. I visited the Schmidt Technology website and they say this regarding the 9000: "...combines the advantages of the well-known ball point refill with those of a roller ball refill creating a completely new market segment in the field of writing instruments." Is this a hybrid ink like that of Jetstream and Acro? I bought the 9000 in blue ink to compare with the blue of the Parker Quink gel refill. I prefer the Quink; it's blue is brighter, much more vibrant, but I guess that's to be expected with a gel ink. Don't like the Dr. Grip, not attractive at all. Although I don't like the F701, I do like that it's all metal; might get one just for the try of it. I happen to be one who not only likes the Cross Click pens (as a quick note jotter) but enjoys the Slim gel refill that comes with it as well. Again, different strokes for different folks. I think these videos serve a great purpose... provides alternatives to the masses. Thanks for the posting Sal!
Yes, the easyflow formula is a hybrid of the oil based ink of ballpoint, and gel ink.
What's the difference between the Dr Grip and the G2 pro? Both look very similar to me!
Pilot is a great refil smooth enough and a ballpoint :-)
The F-701 works well with the Fisher space pen refill or the Kaco gel refill.
That is a really great modification on the Cross Click - I have this pen in rotation in my pocket because of its dimensions. Do you have any advice on doing the standard refill Cross BP’s like the Bailey and Solo? Thanks.
Cross refills are very scratchy. I have found that the cheapest Chinese refills are much smoother. Maybe an oilier based ink or a smoother ball at the point, or both?
✒️~Nice I'm so giong to buy these asap. I have the DR GRIP it's my favorite pen ever~🖋
Great video. Love the pen vids.
Does it fit in parker jotter
no
Hi! Is a Pentel Energel refill compatible with Pilot Dr. Grip?
It is compatible with the Dr Grip Gel or Dr Grip Limited. I put a Pentel Energel refill in my Dr Grip Gel and it works great. The Uniball Signo 207 refill fits it too.
Is the Dr. Grip Ballpoint or Dr. Grip Gel the one you would suggest going for out of the two?
Honestly the ballpoint is probably the way to go since it’s so practical and long lasting.
@@unsharpen That's what I was leaning towards, myself. Thanks! Could I trouble you for what color the one in this video is? It looks great!
Are you sure you're not right handed?
Brilliant! Thanks for sharing! :-)
The new dr. Grip uses g2 refills
Just got a Pilot Supergrip M absolutely fantastic ballpoint destroys the schmidt 9000 M
Cant see what u are writing.....the curse of a lefty I guess :)
No worries, really enjoy your reviews
For someone who loves and theoretically uses pens a lot you have horrible penmanship!!!
This guy needs to learn to write properly!