Pilot’s FriXion “erasable” ink is simply extraordinary. Even though we know the science behind this incredible technology, watching the ink disappear right before our eyes is always nothing short of magical. FriXion technology stars in a wide range of products spanning gel pens, colored pencils, markers, highlighters and more, so it’s only fitting that we break down this line of fascinating products.
Characteristics of FriXion
Technology
Pilot’s proprietary FriXion ink uses several tricks of chemistry to cleanly “erase”. It relies on three types of chemical compounds that react to acidity and temperature: 1) special types of dye that change color upon reaction with acids, 2) compounds that act as acids to produce the color change, and 3) compounds that regulate the temperature at which the color transition will take place. When you rub the ink with the hard rubber “eraser,” heat from the resulting friction causes the temperature-sensing compound to activate the acid compounds, thus neutralizing the dye. That’s how the ink virtually disappears!
Even if you write with a heavy hand and create indents on the paper, FriXion ink will disappear so long as heat is able to reach it. The “erased” sections can be written over and “erased” as many times as needed.
This comes with an important caveat: because of its heat-reacting properties, the ink may disappear if left out in a hot car or by a heater (the official temperature at which it “erases” is 60°C/140°F, but it’s better to be safe than sorry). Give the page a few seconds to cool after “erasing” before you write in the same spot, as lingering heat may affect the ink. We also don’t recommend writing on the back of the page when using these pens, because the heat may transfer to the other side and cause unwanted erasing. Conversely, the ink can reappear when temperatures reach below -10°C/14°F.
Form Factor
From retractable to capped, slim to broad, the FriXion series comes in a variety of forms and designs. There are ultra slim pens, perfect for on-the-go, as well as heftier multi pens, ideal for multitasking. Working folks will appreciate the sleek and professional look of the Biz line, while others can match their style with the funky, cool designs of the Ball Knock line.
Note: “Length” refers to capped or retracted length, and “diameter” is taken at the widest point.
Tip Size
FriXion gel pens include pens with 0.38, 0.4, 0.5, 0.7, and 1.0 mm tips. Most of the pens are refillable, and refills are offered in different tip sizes. You can try different ones without having to buy a new pen. As with most pens, the larger the tip size, the more smoothly it writes.
Colors
Though the technology has come a long way, the pigmentation of some of the colors (black in particular) is still not quite as deep as in other gel pens. If you prefer something more pigmented, try the FriXion pens with larger tip sizes. Generally, the larger tip size dispenses more liquid and lays a thicker line of ink for bolder intensity.
FriXion Gel Pens
The standard of the FriXion series, the Pilot FriXion Original Erasable Gel Pen comes in 0.5 and 0.7 mm tips and classic colors. The colors of the 0.7 are more intense than in the 0.5 mm. As an introduction to FriXion technology, these are tried and true.
These sturdy pens have a lovely brushed metal look and equally lovely colors to match. Again, the 0.7 mm pens and the US Clicker pens in 0.7 mm perform better than the 0.5 mm tip in terms of pigmentation and smoothness. A 1.0 mm tip size is also available. The US Clicker pen features matching rubber “eraser” colors, while the Japanese version of the “eraser” is white.
This pen has a slim tip size that reflects its svelte shape. You can stuff all your favorite colors (twenty are available!) into your pen case and still have room. To extend and retract the pen, slide the knocker on the side of the pen down. There is a small hole in the knocker for you to string the pen through a lanyard. As expected, these 0.38 pens do not write as smoothly as the other pens in 0.5 and 0.7 mm, but those who are used to writing with smaller tip sizes will likely not notice the difference.
For those who enjoy the sleek form of the Slim, but need something more business appropriate, the Ball Slim Biz is the perfect solution. Whether you’re taking notes in the office or meeting with clients, the stylish metal body of the Slim Biz will fit right in. Its slim shape fits into any pocket or briefcase with ease, and you can choose from three lovely accent colors. To extend and retract the pen, slide the clip down.
The beautiful lines of this pen’s streamlined design and its business-appropriate body colors make it a great pen for working professionals. Its heftier weight gives it a luxurious feel, and the rubber “eraser” is hidden behind a cap that you screw off. Just like the Ball Slim Biz, to extend and retract the pen, slide the clip down.
A more recent addition to the FriXion family, retractable Pilot FriXion Point Knock 04 Gel Pens write remarkably smoothly despite their fine 0.4 mm tips. Their design uses Pilot’s Synergy tip, also found in Juice Up Gel Pens, which combines needle-point precision with conical-point durability. The sleek look of these pen bodies suits students and professionals equally well. We especially love how their writing fits into tiny planner squares.
FriXion Multi Pens
This multi pen has the traditional tab design of other multi pens. The 3-color multi pen comes in a v
