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Pens and Pencils | Reviews and Data

Zebra Z-Grip Ballpoint Pen

The Zebra Z-Grip is a office pen that you might find at a Target, Walmart, Office Depot or similar store. It’s a ballpoint that is quite affordable but a surprisingly good writer. It’s a more affordable version of office pens like the Zebra Sarasa and Pilot G2, but a nicer writer than your standard Bic or PaperMate.

The Z-Grip is normally sold in big packets, where it’s a good deal – say 24 pens for $11 or 12 for $6.

The Z-Grip is commonly seen as a retractable ballpoint pen (the Z-Grip Retractable), but it’s also sold as a capped “stick” model, known as the Z-Grip Basics.

Other models in the series are the:

  • Z-Grip Basics – a capped, budget-priced ballpoint
  • Z-Grip Fashion – this is a Retractable with colorful printing, such as a Safari theme
  • Z-Grip Plus – a slightly nicer looking design
  • Z-Grip Flight – nicer design and more metal hardware
  • Z-Grip Max – a wider barrel for a more comfortable grip and a 1.2 mm bold tip
  • There are mechanical pencils as well

The Z-Grip is named after its rubber grip, which is OK, but isn’t as nice as that found on the Pilot G2, Pilot G-Knock, or the Sarasa pens. And it’s a far step back from something like the Sarasa SE, which has Zebra’s best rubber grip.

The Z-Grip series uses a relative quick-drying, oil-based ballpoint ink. Zebra says it’s a low-viscosity ink, which generally means that it’s a lubricated oil ink, which means it’s technically a hybrid. The ink writes surprisingly well, and it’s turns out to be a nice, modern-feeling ballpoint that is better than most of the competition despite the pen’s modest price tag.

The pen is not sold as being refillable, but the refill can easily be removed and replaced if the pen is damaged.

Zebra Z-Grip Ballpoint Pen Information

Street Price Check Price
Manufacturer Zebra
Pen Type Ballpoint
Rating
Barrel Color Clear
Barrel Material Plastic
Body Diameter (mm)11.1 mm
Grip Color Black, Blue
Grip Material Rubber
Grip Diameter (mm)10.3 mm
Country of Origin China
MSRP $0.50
Still Sold Yes
Similar To
Refills
Capped? Retractable?Retractable - Top Button
Clip?Plastic
Weight (g)11
RefillableYes
Ink Color ShippedBlack, Blue, Green, Light Blue, Light Green, Orange, Pink, Red, Teal, Violet
Writing Sizes0.7 mm, 1.0 mm