Ball-point pens are the longest-lasting pens, followed by gel pens. The consistency of the ink used in them puts them in this position. They are quite thick, so only a few come out as you write.
The longest-lasting pen is the Pilot Acroball Pure White Ballpoint pen. It has perfected oil-based ink that dries quickly, and not a lot of ink comes out as you write. But you can also look at Uni-ball Jetstream as it is not falling too far behind.
You would need to use a pen for many things. So, the ink will easily run out. Since that is the case, you will be frequenting stores to buy a new one.
However, that is such a trivial task. It takes a lot of your time, which you could have allotted to more productive things. That said, it is indeed important that you buy long-lasting pens.
Best long-lasting pen
If you are a student or a researcher, you will need to write many things. And if you are a worker, you may need to put your signature on many papers. No matter the case, a reliable, long-lasting pen will prove to be handy.
The best long-lasting pens are ball-point pens and gel pens. Here are the best ones on the market:
- Pilot Acroball Pure White Ball-point Pen – has “next-generation ink” that dries quickly but writes dark lines. It offers what gel pens offer while staying as a ball-point pen. Of all pens, this is the longest-lasting one.
- Uni-ball Jetstream RT – has “low viscosity” or “hybrid” ink that makes it produce lines darker than other brands. The ink’s consistency gives Pilot Acroball a run for its money when talking about longevity.
- BIC Cristal Ballpoint Pen – is one of the most popular ball-point pens for a reason. Each pen writes 2.5 kilometers. It is also very easy to use for most users.
- Muji Gel Ink Ballpoint Pen- is a pen from a Japanese brand that combines ball-point pens and gel pens. It writes vivid lines and lasts long.
- PILOT 31128 G2 Premium Gel Roller – is one of America’s top-selling gel pens, featuring smooth ink flow, professional look, and quick-dry ink.
How long does a pen last on average?
The life expectancy of pens depends on many factors: type, brand, usage. So, there is no definitive answer to this question, even if it asks for the average.
Rollerball pens use water-based ink for faster flow and dark lines. But because of that, the ink runs out very quickly compared to others.
So, it would be better to get information on how long ball-point pens last on average. It narrows things down but still gives you an idea of what to expect.
On average, ball-point pens can write about 50,000 words or about 100 pages of text before needing a replacement. Because they last long, each person in the US only uses 4.3 pens each year.
You can expect the numbers to be less impressive for other pen types.
What is the longest-lasting gel pen?
Realistically speaking, gel pens don’t last very long. That is because they use a water-based ink that flows faster. However, it is thicker than that in rollerball pens, so gel pens still have more longevity.
If you like gel pens because they write more smoothly and produces darker lines, here are your longest-lasting options:
- PILOT 31128 G2 Premium Gel Roller – praised by some as the best pen in the world because of the smooth flow of ink with no skipping, feathering, and bleeding. Also does not run out as quickly as the competition.
- Uni-ball 207 Retractable Gel Pen – smear-proof and glides smoothly on paper. Liked by many for being long-lasting.
- Pilot Hi-Tec-C 03 Gel Ball Point Pen – offers incredibly smooth, thin lines and does not use much ink when writing.
Longest lasting ball-point pen
Ball-point pens are the longest-lasting pens, thanks to the thick oil-based ink in them. So, ball-point is the most preferred type of pen.
Here is a list of the longest-lasting ball-point pens:
- Pilot Acroball Pure White Ball-point Pen – lasts longer than average ball-point pens while offering thicker, more visible lines. It also has a design that makes it comfortable to use.
- Uni-ball Jetstream RT – contains oil-based ink that is fortified with extra pigment. Thus, it produces darker lines without wasting lots of ink.
- BIC Cristal Ballpoint Pen – long-lasting, inexpensive, and easy to write with.
- Pilot Precise V5 – offers uniform and even ink flow. It does not feather, smudge, or bleed either. V5 also boasts a long lifespan.
- Zebra – F-701 – has a sleeker design than others. However, its ink has a relatively light color as this product prioritized lifespan line darkness.
How can I make my pens last longer?
You can make pens last longer by storing them properly. Doing that ensures that the ink behaves as intended. So, you can use the pen as long as the ink has not run out.
For ball-point pens, you must store them vertically. That makes the ink go to the bottom. It ensures that your pen will still work the next time you use it.
Ball-point pens also dry when exposed to air. That causes clogging, which makes the pen unusable. So be sure to retract the tip or put a cap on it before putting the pen away.
Ball-point pen ink also leaks when exposed to high-temperature. So keep that in mind.
For gel pens, you need to keep them standing upright. That will prevent leaking.
What pen ink lasts the longest?
Water-based ink flows faster. So, writing with this pen ink is more comfortable, as you need to apply less pressure.
However, that means more ink comes out as you write. And so, it runs out very quickly.
On the other hand, oil-based ink found in ball-point pens is thick – almost like a paste. So, not a lot of ink comes out as you write. That explains ball-point longevity.
With that said, oil-based ink takes the cake when it comes to lasting long. Opt for pens with this type of ink if you don’t want to go through the hassle of buying a new pen from the store every so often.
