Review: Staples AvantNext Gel Ink Pen

staples avant next gel pens

I picked up these pretty cobalt blue AvantNext Gel Ink pens this weekend while making a quick run to Staples.  They just so happened to be on an end-display and caught my attention. Unfortunately, there wasn’t a price listed on them, so I had to wait until I got to the register to learn they were $4 (online they’re listed for $5.99 for a 2-pack, so perhaps this is an introductory price).  A little bit of an inconvenience, but not a bad price. So I thought I’d give them a try.

I did quite a bit of writing this weekend, so I had plenty of time to give the AvantNext a good spin.

The Pros:

  • Smooth flow
  • Love the cobalt blue color
  • Nice barrel size
  • Like the extended grooved grip
  • Lightweight

The Cons:

  • Slightly hard to grip

Overall, I like the AvantNext. But more for its look, rather than its overall quality. For the price, I think it’s a solid pen.  There just wasn’t much that really distinguished it from the many other gel ink pens that are on the market. However, I’d like to try the other pens in this collection. There weren’t any available at my local Staples, so hopefully they’ll soon get some or I’ll have to remember to check another Staples the next time I’m out and about.staples avant next gel pens