How to create a better office environment with furniture, supplies, and products

Maybe not the worst, a quill and feather, for instance, is quite a bit of trouble. Still, I did find some pens recently that are pretty bad.

I've tried Pentel basic pens in the past and had issues. But Office Max had a nice sale and I needed some new red pens so I thought, I'll give it a go. While I was at it, I got a pack of black because the black pens I usually get are more spendy. 

The Pentel website says that they're an economical choice with an ergonomic barrel design, and that they produce a "consistent fine line with smooth ink."

I agree that for a budget pen they're comfortable to hold with a nice rubber Comfort Zone grip but mostly when I get a pen I like it to do one thing -- write.

These pens have failed to write no matter which angle I hold my hand at or if I store them right side up or upside down. They don't write on stickies, copy paper, or my glossy calendar. I bought them a while ago and have been waiting patiently for a pen miracle to occur. Alas no. I think I paid around $16 for 20-24 pens (I use a lot of pens). So if you bought these for the entire office crew you'd be out a fair amount of money -- even budget pens add up.  

I ended up back at Office Max and picked up some OfficeMax brand Gel Grip Roller Ball Pens. I actually wanted non gel pens but these pens have worked well for me in the past and they're working well now so maybe I shouldn't detour. 

Score: (scale of 1-10; 10 being best)

I give them a score of completely LAME. They had a few things going for them but overall if a pen doesn't write it's a waste of time to score it. Save your money, save the time it'll will take you to write the company for a refund, and get a different budget pen. 

Here are a couple budget pens that actually write:

OfficeMax brand Gel Grip Roller Ball Pens

Pilot Better Ball Stick Pens