Jetpens Chibi 2 Review

[phillieskjk]

The Jetpens Chibi 2 is the second iteration of the pen marketplace’s homegrown fountain pen. It features a steel nib, a colorless demonstrator body, and a cartridge convertor filling system. The Chibi 2 retails for $2.99, and is available only at Jetpens.

​A view of the nib of Chibi.​​

 

First Impressions (6/10)

I bought this pen to push me over the free shipping limit on my Jetpens order, and I actually forgot that I had ordered it until it arrived. It is an unassuming pen, pretty much the definition of a “pocket pen”, and I set it aside for later. The pen came with a black ink cartridge in the barrel, which is always nice.

 

The capped Chibi

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Appearance (7/10)

The demonstrator pen is decently attractive for what it is, but it couldn’t compete with the likes of a TWISBI or a Pelikan demonstrator. The pen has a clear feed, so you can see the ink flow into it. The nib is small and steel, marked with “Iridium Point Germany.” The pen has a rounded, clear plastic clip with “Jetpens” written on it.

The Chibi Posted

 

Design/Size/Weight (10/10)

Jetpens really nailed this in my opinion. In the second iteration of the Chibi, they were able to pin down exactly what a “pocket pen” should be. The pen is small, (3 7/8 inches uncapped, 4 1/2 inches capped, 5 3/8 inches posted) but easily usable when posted, and is so light you don’t even notice that you have something in your pocket. It is cheap enough to take anywhere, and feels sturdy enough to be taken anywhere.

The barrel and section of the Chibi, separated.

 

Nib (8/10)

The nib is a fairly standard steel nib. The nib is marketed as Fine by Jetpens, but I found mine to be a little bit on the wide side, a barely noticeable amount wider than my Pilot Vanishing Point M Nib. The nib is a teensy bit dry, but there is still ample ink flow, and the pen does not skip at all when writing quickly. The nib is mostly smooth, but you can feel some feedback now and then. It’s a nail, so don’t expect anything in the flex department.

 

Filling System (N/A)

It’s a cartridge. It works. You can’t fit any convertor I tried into it. Not much else to say here.

 

Cost and Value (10/10)

This pen is a great value at $2.99, especially if you need to reach that free shipping line like I did. It compares favorably to pens like the Pilot Petit and the Platinum Preppy, its two main competitors, and unlike them accepts international cartridges. If you need a pocket pen, or a cheap pen to keep in your glove compartment, this one fits the bill nicely.

 

Conclusion (8/10)

The pen is a great value, but it has some flaws. It isn’t going to turn any heads when you pull it out, for instance, and it won’t accept a convertor. Despite this, it’s a neat little pen that’s well worth the price, and I would recommend trying it out. If you hate it, you could always give it away to a newcomer to the Fountain Pen world, it’ll still be many times better than the best ball-point. (In my opinion, obviously not a fact, don’t mean to insult any ball-point fans out there). ​

[pensuponpens]

Thanks for the review. I was looking at Jet Pens' site today and considering adding one of these to an upcoming order.

[phillieskjk]

Thanks for the review. I was looking at Jet Pens' site today and considering adding one of these to an upcoming order.

No problem! You should go for it, I think you'll be pleasantly surprised.

[WaskiSquirrel]

I use a Monteverde Mini Converter in mine.

 

By the way, I loved the old ones. The new one seems to be the same pen but in a different color.

[jmccarty3]

don’t mean to insult any ball-point fans out there ​

 

Hey, why not?

[sd10521]

Thanks for the review. I never knew this existed but will keep this in mind for the next upcoming order.

[senzen]

Clear feeeeeeed

[Out0Mind]

Fun little pen. I also use the Monteverde Mini Converter in mine, and it seems to fit just fine.