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Product Review – Popular Ballpoint Pens
Ballpoint Pen Comparison Guide
Choosing the right ballpoint pen is about more than just price. Ink quality, ergonomics, value, reliability, and popularity all impact your writing experience. We’ve evaluated the most popular pens available from Stationery Arena—covering trusted brands like BIC, Pentel, Pilot, Faber-Castell, Croxley, and iWrite—so you can confidently find the pen that suits your needs and budget.
Quick Comparison Table
| Brand & Model | Tip | Grip Style | Ink Type | Price | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| BIC Cristal | 1.0 mm | Hexagonal | Standard | R6.50 | Everyday writing |
| BIC Orange Fine | 0.8 mm | Hexagonal | Quick-dry | R8.00 | Neat, precise writing |
| Croxley Ballpoint | 1.0 mm | Standard round | Basic oil-based | R3.50 | Bulk or school use |
| iWrite Ballpoint | 1.0 mm | Round plastic | Standard ink | R4.00 | General daily use |
| Faber-Castell Tri‑Flow | 1.0 mm | Triangular ergonomic | Smooth quick-dry ink | R4.50 | Long writing sessions |
| Pentel IFeel‑It | 1.0 mm | Soft comfort grip | Low-viscosity oil ink | R7.00 | Premium everyday use |
| Pilot BP‑S Fine | 0.7 mm | Slim plastic barrel | Advanced quick-dry ink | R17.00 | Precision and detail work |
Individual Product Reviews
1. BIC Cristal (R6.50)
Classic, durable, and reliable. Offers smooth writing and an ink barrel that lasts up to 3 km.
“It’s the classic for a reason. Lasts forever, never leaks.”
2. BIC Orange Fine (R8.00)
Same trusted build as the Cristal but with a fine 0.8 mm tip and quick-drying ink—ideal for neat handwriting.
“Perfect for filling in forms and writing neatly.”
3. Croxley Ballpoint (R3.50)
Affordable and straightforward. Not as smooth, but dependable when quantity is more important than precision.
“Cheap and cheerful. I use them in the classroom.”
4. iWrite Ballpoint (R4.00)
Lightweight and serviceable entry-level pen. Slightly better comfort in comparison to Croxley.
“Decent enough quality for the price.”
5. Faber-Castell Tri-Flow (R4.50)
Triangular ergonomic barrel and smudge-resistant ink. Perfect for students facing long study or exam periods.
“My go-to pen for exams—never smudges, comfy to hold.”
6. Pentel IFeel-It (R7.00)
Contemporary soft-grip design with smooth, low-viscosity oil ink. Feels premium and stylish.
“It glides like a gel pen but doesn’t smudge—love the grip!”
7. Pilot BP-S Fine (R17.00)
Sleek, professional-grade pen. Delivers sharp, crisp lines with advanced quick-dry performance—excellent for detailed writing.
“The ink is sharp and crisp. My favourite for handwriting and neat note-taking.”
Ratings (1–5 Scale)
| Pen | Ink Type | Price Rating | Value | Best For | Popularity | Reliability |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| BIC Cristal | 3 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 |
| BIC Orange Fine | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 5 |
| Croxley Ballpoint | 2 | 5 | 3 | 3 | 3 | 3 |
| iWrite Ballpoint | 2 | 4 | 3 | 3 | 2 | 3 |
| Faber-Castell Tri‑Flow | 4 | 4 | 5 | 5 | 4 | 5 |
| Pentel IFeel‑It | 4 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 4 | 4 |
| Pilot BP‑S Fine | 4 | 2 | 4 | 5 | 4 | 4 |
Ratings Explained:
Ink Type: Smoothness, consistency, quick-dry.
Price Rating: Cost-efficiency relative to its segment.
Value: Quality delivered per rand spent.
Best For: How well the pen meets its intended use-case.
Popularity: Usage trends locally and globally.
Reliability: Durability and performance consistency.
Highlights & Brand Profiles
BIC Cristal: A classic, budget-friendly everyday pen.
BIC Orange Fine: Ideal for tidy note-taking with a fine nib.
Croxley & iWrite: Cost-effective options for bulk use, with moderate quality.
Faber-Castell Tri-Flow: Excellent ergonomics and ink performance for students and professionals.
Pentel IFeel-It: Modern-feeling, comfortable, and stylish mid-range pen.
Pilot BP-S Fine: Best in class for fine, precision writing and crisp ink.
Final Recommendations
| Category | Top Pen |
|---|---|
| Best Overall Value | BIC Cristal |
| Best Budget Option | Croxley Ballpoint |
| Best Grip Comfort | Pentel IFeel-It |
| Best Fine Writing | Pilot BP-S Fine |
| Best for Exams/Study | Faber-Castell Tri-Flow |
Summary
From budget-friendly bulk pens to premium performance options, this guide caters to a wide array of writers. Whether you’re stocking up for school, outfitting an office, or upgrading your daily carry, there’s an excellent pen here for you. Choose based on what matters most—price, comfort, precision, or durability—and enjoy a smoother writing experience.
Notes:
Prices based on StationeryArena.co.za as of July 2025.
- Opinions expressed based on our assessments and customer feedback over the years.
