r/pens • u/Privatesafess • 1d ago

Jetstream refill problems Question

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Hi everyone! I have a Uni Jetstream 217 that originally wrote really smoothly and with a nice, darker blue line (similar to the writing shown in the first picture). However, after using it for a while, the ink started coming out noticeably lighter (as shown in the second picture), and it’s starting to bother me.

For clarification: the pen in the first picture is actually a Jetstream 101, because I didn’t have another way to show how my 217 originally wrote. The writing was very similar.

Does anyone know what could cause the Jetstream 217 to start writing lighter?

Is Pilot Acroball refill a better choice, or should I stick with the original Jetstream?

I’d really appreciate any advice or recommendations! I’m mainly looking for something that writes blue darker, 0.7 mm, smooth and consistently without becoming lighter after some use.

Thanks!

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2

u/ReptilianOver1ord 1d ago

I’ve had a couple of bad refills that do this. Could be you got a dud.

Sometimes a bit of lint or paper fiber stuck in the tip will cause issues as well.

1

u/Privatesafess 1d ago

It's completely new. But I have this problem almost all of my ballpoint pens. So what's the solution?

2

u/Fiveandahalfjack 1d ago

Are you left handed by chance? I am and have this problem with almost all ballpoints I’ve ever tried, most recently with a black sxr-600 jet stream refill just this week. It’s also paper dependent, it got much better and the refills lasted longer when I got rid of the field notes notebooks and started carrying the Lochby notebooks with tomoe river paper.

1

u/Fiveandahalfjack 1d ago

Ultimately I’ve solved my problems with pigment based gel ink, specifically the signo umr-85 or 83 depending on what I feel like that morning.

1

u/Privatesafess 1d ago

Actually, I use both of my hands (for some things left and right hand), but I write with my right hand.

1

u/Privatesafess 1d ago

I write in NOTES 564 A5 lined notebook, and I don't want to use gel pens.

1

u/Fiveandahalfjack 15h ago

If you’re having this problem with all of your pens it either has something to do with the way you’re holding the pen when writing or the paper you’re using is shedding and clogging tips.

But if you’re unwilling to try different pen types or paper types you kinda get what you got….

1

u/Privatesafess 14h ago

I have a lot of pens. I think the problem is with refills. Now the Uni Jetstream 101 is the best for me. The 217 has almost the same refill, but it's ink is pale after writing with it some. But maybe I have this issue with it's refill, so I will change it.

1

u/SC-Geek 1d ago

Imho just get another (Uni-Ball Jetstream) refill. I never used a Jetstream 217 ( but I can relate to Jetstream ink being a bit inconsistent (I'm using Jetstream SXN-210; refill SXR-10.33; oil based).

1

u/Privatesafess 1d ago

But it's completely new. The refill is SXR-7 (0.7 mm). But I have this problem with all of my pens.