Pilot Pen Guide — G2, Juice Up, Metropolitan & Fountain Pens

Pilot G2 — The Original Gel Pen Legend

The G2 might be the most popular gel pen on the planet. You can find it at any office supply store, drugstore, or on Amazon. The ink is smooth, dark, and holds up well. It's smudge-resistant, waterproof, and archival-quality. That contoured rubber grip means you can write for hours without your hand cramping up.

Available in tip sizes: 0.38 (ultra fine), 0.5 (fine), 0.7 (medium), and 1.0 (bold). The 0.7 is the most popular all-around size, but enthusiasts often prefer the 0.38 for its fine, precise line. Colors range from basics (black, blue, red) to a vibrant palette of 15+ colors.

Best for: Everyday writing, note-taking, office use, and anyone who wants a dependable pen.

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Pilot Juice Up — 0.4mm Needle-Point Precision

The Juice Up is a step up from the G2 if you care about precision. It uses a needle-point tip that produces an exceptionally fine, consistent line even at 0.4mm. The ink is pigment-based, so it resists water and fading. The Juice Up has become a cult favorite among bullet journalists and stationery nerds for its reliability and clean lines.

Available in 0.3, 0.4, and 0.5 tip sizes, with a 24-color palette including pastels and metallics. The 0.4 black is our top recommendation for anyone who loves fine-point writing.

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Pilot FriXion — Erasable Gel Ink Technology

The FriXion is one of those products that feels like magic. Pilot developed a thermo-sensitive ink that disappears when exposed to heat (above 140°F / 60°C). The FriXion pen has a rubber eraser on the cap. The friction heat erases the ink. The ink reappears if the paper gets cooled below 14°F (-10°C), but at room temperature, it's gone for good.

The FriXion line includes: FriXion Ball (standard retractable), FriXion Clicker (click-retractable with side knock), FriXion Fineliner (thin fiber tip for highlighting and underlining), and FriXion Colors (a 30+ color range). Perfect for planners, studying, and anyone who makes mistakes.

Note: Not recommended for checks or legal documents — the ink can disappear in hot car temperatures!

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Pilot Metropolitan — The Best Entry-Level Fountain Pen

The Metropolitan is the gold standard for beginner fountain pens, and for good reason. It costs around $20, but the build quality rivals pens four times the price. The brass body has a satisfying heft, the snap cap is secure, and the stainless steel nib (Fine, Medium, or Broad) writes consistently smooth out of the box.

The Metropolitan comes with one Pilot ink cartridge (usually black) and a squeeze converter for bottled ink. The design is elegant. Available in classic patterns like silver zig-zag, gold dots, and solid matte colors. If you're buying your first fountain pen, start here. I honestly don't think there's a better entry point.

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Pilot Custom 74 — The Gold-Nib Gateway

The Custom 74 is Pilot's most affordable fountain pen with a 14k gold nib. That gold nib changes the writing feel significantly. Softer, springier, with subtle line variation. It's a cartridge/converter pen with a huge ink capacity, especially with Pilot's CON-70 converter.

Available nib sizes: Extra Fine, Fine, Soft Fine (Flex), Medium, Broad, and Music (stub). The Soft Fine is a fan favorite for its slight flex that adds character to handwriting.

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Pilot Custom 823 — The Flagship Vacuum Filler

The Custom 823 is Pilot's flagship fountain pen. It's a vacuum-filling workhorse that holds a massive 2.5ml of ink. The semi-translucent smoked or amber barrel lets you see the ink sloshing inside, which never gets old for pen people. The 14k gold nib comes in Fine, Medium, Broad, and FA (Flexible) options.

The 823 is frequently cited as one of the best fountain pens ever made, period. It's a pen you can use every day for the rest of your life. The FA nib is particularly sought-after for its expressive flex.

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Pilot Iroshizuku — Luxury Ink Inspired by Nature

Iroshizuku (meaning "the seasoning of colors") is Pilot's premium ink line, inspired by colors found in Japanese nature. The names alone tell a story: Kon-peki (deep blue sky), Yama-budo (wild grape), Shin-kai (deep sea), Momiji (autumn leaves), Tsuki-yo (moonlight night).

The ink flows beautifully, with excellent lubrication that makes writing feel smooth. It behaves well on most papers. The 50ml glass bottles are gorgeous. Faceted glass with a subtle curve that catches the light. Iroshizuku comes in 24 colors plus four limited seasonal editions.

Best beginner bottles: Kon-peki (a vibrant cerulean blue), Yama-budo (a rich burgundy with gold sheen), and Take-sumi (bamboo charcoal — a beautiful dark grey-black).

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Pilot G2 Pro — Metal-Body Premium

The G2 Pro takes the classic G2 refill and puts it in an all-metal body with a knurled grip. It's a big upgrade in feel and durability. The body is machined aluminum with a textured finish. Uses standard G2 refills, so you get the same great ink in a much nicer package.

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Pilot Dr. Grip — Ergonomic Comfort

The Dr. Grip series is built for maximum writing comfort. The oversized, cushioned grip reduces hand fatigue during long writing sessions. Available in both gel and ballpoint versions. If you have arthritis, carpal tunnel, or just write a lot, this pen can make a real difference in your comfort.

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Pilot Varsity — The $4 Fountain Pen

The Varsity is Pilot's disposable fountain pen, and it's surprisingly good. It's pre-filled and sealed, so there's no mess or fuss. The nib is smooth, the ink flows reliably, and if you lose it, it's not the end of the world. The Varsity is the perfect way to try fountain pen writing without any commitment. You can even refill it with a syringe when it runs dry.

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Pilot Acroball — Smooth Ballpoint Ink

The Acroball uses Pilot's "Acro" ink — a low-viscosity ballpoint ink that writes almost as smoothly as a gel pen but dries instantly like a ballpoint. It's the best of both worlds: smooth writing with no smearing. The Acroball is available in a range of body styles, from basic plastic to elegant metal.

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