Zebra Pen 29411 F-701 Ballpoint Stainless Steel Retractable Pen, Fine Point, 0.8mm, Black Ink, 1-Count

Product Information

Post-release the pen was criticized for its use of plastic components — the grip section in particular which not only is made of plastic but has a plastic-y feel to it that F-701 fans disliked.

Initially it was shipped with a plastic ring around the knock which is what spawned the popular F-701 hack.If you don’t want to drop serious cash on a pen, but want something more substantial than a disposable, the F-701 is still the best option. The X-701 is considerably wider then the F line, it has an ink-pressure mechanism, and it has a non-reflective matte black paint job that gives it a tactical look and feel. Features designer stainless steel tip, barrel and clip and a knurled metal grip for writing confidence. We would also recommend this pen to someone who wants a more environmentally-friendly alternative to plastic disposable pens.

Zebra was slated to release the gel ink G-750 in the summer of 2020, but its launch seems to have been delayed. Another bonus is that it comes in a coated and slightly textured black finish - a perfect match for stealthy EDCs.When you see a Zebra F-701 in the wild, you instantly recognize the stainless steel barrel and knurled grip section. Since I spray almost everything with alcohol now because of the COVID-19 pandemic, this is definitely a big and healthy plus.

Rugged and sturdy, this pen can take a beating and is designed for the serious communicator looking to embody their personal style in their writing instrument. I routinely carry 2 for the durability as an EDC backup as well as its designed use for taking notes and writing reports. In summary, the X-701, in many ways, feels like a step backward from the F-701, not a more extreme version (as the “X” in the name would suggest).

Compared to the budget line (Steel 3), and a quality line (Steel 4), Steel 7 also has a sleeker, more stylish shape that’s ideal for executives and professionals. The best pen is the one with you, but if it's the one you accidentally walked out of the doctor’s office with, you might want to up your game. The Schmidt EasyFlow seems like a good candidate if you can negotiate the plastic butt that extends the overall length. It’s always been a bestseller, because of the pigmented ink and how the tip doesn’t block the view of the letters.

The sleek design also appeals to professionals who want a “pen that looks like it means business” but isn’t ready to splurge on a monogrammed executive pen.The F-701 Ballpoint Retractable Pen is designed for the serious communicator looking to embody their personal style in their writing instrument.