review & giveaway: staedtler triplus fineliners

On Thursday, I introduced these fineliners in a post about planning a project and today, I will review them. To find out more about them, click here.

First Impressions

My first impression was 'woah, so many colours' and in a good way. Muji gels only come in about 18 colours (that was the maximum they ever did quite a number of years ago if I remember correctly) and most pens don't usually come in varying shades of green, pink, purple and blue! I love the variety and I loved being able to go from a darker shade to a lighter shade - as you would've seen in my previous post about these pens. They also look delightful in a pen pot.

Comfort and Usability

The triangular prism shape and the plastic barrel don't sound like a recipe for a comfortable pen. However, they are actually quite nice to hold - in the past, I've used one for an hour straight (in an exam) and it was fine but the thin barrel might make it harder for those with bigger hands to hold. I think a rubber grip would ruin the aesthetic appeal of these pens so I think the design is fine the way it is.

Pen Test

The different shades mean that vague terms such as 'blue' can take on a whole new meaning - did you mean sky blue? Or deep sea blue? Or royal blue? 

The pens were lovely to use and flowed very well. The pigment is brilliant - you can definitely tell each shade is different and no two shades are too similar, rendering one redundant. 

Longevity

I actually have some of these pens from around 2006/07 and they still haven't dried out! If you look after them - putting the cap back on after use, etc - they will last you a good number of years. The nibs don't become lax, and thus broader, unless you put considerable pressure on them and the barrel is able to withstand daily use.

Overall, I do like these pens. Fineliners aren't great if you're using thin paper that is probably better suited for nose blowing and I've never had an issue with 80gsm paper - I do think 80gsm has to be the minimum for fineliners. These Staedtler Triplus Fineliners come in packs of various sizes including 4, 6, 10 and 20.

So, how would you like to win a set for yourself?

I have five sets of these to giveaway. By entering this competition, you are agreeing to the terms and conditions below.

a Rafflecopter giveaway Terms and Conditions

1. The giveaway is hosted by Angela at Paper Lovestory in conjunction with Staedtler.

2. If you win, you are agreeing for your mailing address to be given to Staedtler so that your prize can be posted to you. If I don't receive your mailing address within seven days of the competition close, I will draw another winner.

3. This competition is open to those 16 years of age or over. If you are under this age, you may enter only with your parents' consent.

4. The competition closes on the 28th of January 2015 at 00:00 hours. Any entries after this date will not be counted.

5. Only entries through the Rafflecopter engine above will be counted. 

6. Delivery of the prize is the responsibility of Staedtler - I take no responsibility for prizes lost in transit. 

7. The competition is open worldwide.