A multi-gel specialist:...
June 6, 2022
Verified Purchase
A multi-gel specialist: This Coleto stands out as much for its sleek styling as
for the unique line of gel inks it takes. It’s part of a self-contained system
of some 32 pen bodies and 68 refills only compatible with each other. I compared
its black inks to those from Sarasa (NJK), Sliccies, Energel and Uni Style Fit
(UMR 109). Coleto held its own with a clean, dark line as well as smooth and
easy to control needle tips. The 0.3 in particular produced a noticeably finer
line than others in that size.
With this 1000 comes a bit of luxury that is also very practical. A strong metal
clip, for one, plus a top cap that is easier to flip up to load refills or check
on remaining ink. The matte black finish stabilizes the pen in the hand enough
not to need additional surface treatments. The forward balance, due to the
metallic grip, helps to better guide the pen. A plain cylindrical shape makes it
very comfortable to hold. And because the nose is black all the way to the very
end, it sets off the delicate needle tips much better than the shiny metal or
transparent plastic common with other pens.
This 4-component pen is the top model in the line - even though there are also
5-component versions. As such it feels slim but still very solid. Its grip
diameter is actually a bit smaller than the least expensive 5-component Coletos.
Yet, it weighs a gram more than a much bigger 5-slot Uni Style Fit Meister,
despite the Coleto having one less slot and no eraser (that’s with inks and a
pencil in both).
Among the unique features of this ecosystem are the top-loading refills. They
come with their own color-matched tabs on which the tip size is engraved. They
are easy to identify and even look sharp against the black of this pen. Another
unique aspect of the Coleto is that among its 15 colors is a white ink, the only
one of its kind for a multi pen. It is almost as opaque as a white Juice Up and
has the same 0.4 “synergy” tip. The line also includes an 0.3 pencil, rare
among multi pens, and very welcome considering all the fine tips that inks come
in.
There are a couple of trade-offs for the top-loading design, however. First,
there is no easy way to hide an eraser at the top, so it is offered as an
optional (and rather pricey) component that takes up its own slot. Second, since
the clip is stationary, it can’t function as a tab for the pencil, as is
common in other multi pens. Thus the pencil takes up a slot alongside the inks
and its tab has been designed accordingly: It stands out like a giant beak (or
tooth?) to provide the necessary leverage when extending the lead and to clearly
identify it from ink tabs. It works really well - but also ruins all minimalist
intentions in the design of this pen!
When it comes to ink properties, High-Tec-C claims to be archival and acid-free
but easily dissolves in water. Lines remain visible but give up some density to
make a thin “wash” overlay. This can be a useful feature or a major concern.
Looking to address the latter, I found that the Sarasa NJK refills compare well
to Coleto. Even though the tips are cone-shaped, they are similarly smooth and
come in the same three sizes. But, mainly, their ink is pigmented and resists
not only water but some waterless solvents I tried, too. These refills are
widely compatible with multi pens from many brands - except the Coletos of
course.
Overall, this Coleto is a beautiful pen that, to me, was well worth the big jump
in price for its useful features and good looks. But early on, I also tried the
cheapest in the line, a 2-color pen. The springs and tabs work just as
flawlessly as they do in the 1000. Nothing stands in the way of the
functionality of the lighter pen. It leads me to believe that this is a well
designed line, top to bottom.
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