4-Color Pen Throwdown: BIC v ZEBRA

Watching the terrific series "The Shards" on Disney+, I noticed that uberbabe Susan Reynolds, superbly played by Kaia Gerber, was partial to a classic old-timey BIC four-color pen.

The series is set in LA in the early 80s and captures it perfectly: I saw so so many places I knew from my time there during those years.

But I digress.

Out of nostalgia for that BIC pen, which first appeared in 1970, I bought some (3 for $6.64).

In the video up top it's the pen with a blue barrel.

When it arrived I noticed a small hole at the top of the pen above the colored clickers: it's so you can put it around your neck to free your hands when you're not using it. 

I don't recall that feature from back in the day — I wonder whose idea it was and when it appeared.

Even with the assistance of Perplexity Pro I was unable to pin down a date for the change, though the AI did note that when the pen debuted there was a solid plastic ball atop the clickers.

Just for lulz I bought a Japanese iteration made by ZEBRA (grey barrel; $6.61 apiece).

The ZEBRA's all tricked out: in addition to the four colors there's a pencil that's activated by moving the pocket clip — and an eraser!

But wait — there's more!

The ZEBRA has an ergonomically shaped barrel with a soft rubber area where you put your fingers.

Both pens write nicely and have a satisfying feel when you click to a different color.

Bottom line: I prefer the more minimal look of the BIC as well as its lighter weight (10 grams v 15) and lighter price.