Pilot Acro: Business Class or Economy?

A comparison of the Pilot Acro 1000 vs Acro 300. Both are great pens and they are highly under-recognized here in the United States. We talk about the Jetstream line all the time, but the Acro is so good. This is a comparison of the $16 (or so) Acro 1000 vs the $3 Acro 300 pens.

Please note: I said the Acro 1000 is all metal but it's the LOWER HALF that's all metal. The upper is the same as the Acro 300, which is to say plastic with a metal clip. Apologies for the mistake!

These are hybrid pens that write a lot like excellent ballpoints. They are super smooth and well-behaved, making them great for notetaking.

note: amazon links are affiliate links and I get commissions for purchases made through them. Any other affiliations or agreements will be noted in this space, if they exist.

[Ali-inxi]

Also, I've been told that for many people it helps when the tip end is weightier, so for those the 1000 may be a better choice. I'll never understand why Pilot didn't go full metal, especially at its price point.

[herbcraven]

I bought an Acro 1000 in black (.7mm) from my local Kroger store for around $12-$13. It has unseated my Parker Jotter as my prefered EDC pen due to its absolutely effortless writing and beautiful styling. I've gotten several compliments on it from customers who have used it to sign invoices. You know it's nice when even laymen just stop and look at it and try a few scribbles. I usually keep it tucked into the collar of my uniform polo shirts, and though doesn't carry as deep as the Parker, it hasn't got in the way to any noticeable degree.

I like the Acroball PureWhite pens as well, but I prefer a sturdy metal pen and clip for daily carry.

[janjeera]

I bought the Acro 1000 in July because I wanted something sleek and professional.  I'm so glad I did. I get so many compliments on it, it writes beautifully, and it feels very classy.  I purchased mine in Japan for 1000 yen, which is less than $10 USD so I think the price is very justified at that price point (I wish I had purchased more as gifts!).  If this lasts me for a couple years (with refills) then I think it's worth $15-16 USD.

[legroll]

One thing to add about the Acro 1000 is that the button always remains extended whether the tip is extended or retracted. This is a feature that I like with retractable pens.

[hztolife]

The Pilot Acro 1000 gives the Sarasa Grand and Pentel Philography competition. I would like to see your take on the Zebra Sarasa Fortia 300 Royal Silver.

[pmers]

Have the 1000, lovely pen. Comes close to how much I enjoy my Sarasa Grand.

[zamielgabitanan]

I have a acro300 with blue color its quote gorgeous and elegant and it's also durable

[albertawind]

Great review. I think I'll have to pick one of those up now.

[dzevadbayraktar]

I prefer the plastic 300 version; the metal version looks nice (but so does 300) and maybe if I was buying just one pen I may get just 1000 metal version (I have two but they just sit in the closet) but I prefer lighter pens and at $5 the plastic lighter one is almost worry-free as I'm less afraid to use at work etc in case I lose it or someone snatches it. Acro 300 has perfect diameter for me and I can use it for hours which I cannot do with any other pen (well, I can but with some discomfort). I love the transparent versions. Nice classic design, ink glides similar to Mitsubishi Jetstream and it is my pen to go. I don't think I will be able to find any better, even though I always look for that perfect pen haha. In the USA, tokyopenshop sells them I just wish they would price them at $5 instead of $4.99 or something similar but that is common here in the USA with pricing, little annoying but...it's fine

[kevinzelaya]

Just bought myself 5 Pilot Acro 300 pens from Tokyo Pen Shop. I really want this pen badly. This is a great alternative for Jetstream. Can't wait to use it. I rather skip the Acro 1000 and may possibly get myself the flagship Acro Drive from JetPens later this year for my future jobs.

[arapaimagold]

And there's ILMILY version of it in high gloss pearl finish. A sub-brand that was created by Pilot for female customers.

[kevinzelaya]

I like those acro 300 and 1000. I bought more acro 300 in 0.5 and acro 1000 in 0.7. The acro 300 and 1000 is now my favorite pen, great writing experience and I'm looking forward to test the acro 1000 metallic brown in 0.7. I'm also going to modify my acro 300 pens with 0.7 ink. That is a sweet spot for me.

[Nathanchancy]

Great video!!!
You should do more videos on different Pilot pens.

[Ali-inxi]

Received my Acro 1000 today. I must say, I like this pen much better than I do the Parker Jotter. Now I'm wondering if I would prefer the Acro 300 to the Ballograf (all plastic variety). Which do you prefer Sal?

[Ali-inxi]

Hey Sal. I'd like to make a correction. The Acro 1000 IS NOT ALL METAL. The half at the tip's end is metal while the half at the clip's end is plastic. I was prepared to purchase the 1000 and was grateful when I discovered the different materials after reading reviews. Also, this is specified in the description tab of the Acro 1000 page at the Tokyo Pen Shop website.

[amaxamon]

They only have the gel versions in the US. Can you swap the cartridge out with a ballpoint cartridge? I love the case but I hate gels.

[rosieweasley]

This is like, the best pen ever. Bought it in a japanese store in singapore’s changi airport for SGD5. And no, i cannot find it anywhere here in malaysia 😭😭

[luciendhiver]

God, they're beautiful. Can they fit Energel or Sarasa Dry refills?

[firearcanine]

Came across your videos while trying to search on the Acro 1000. Understood that this video is 5-6 months old but gotta ask something: I have it with the 300 and the standard Acroball we all common see. Which one do you think is better for academic writing? I'm on the 1.0mm tip and the jetstream proves to be quite disappointing due to the ink skipping and how 'light' the black ink is as compared to the Acroball.

[aaron]

What do you think about Waterman Pens? I have a cheaper model and it writes so nicely