I've been reading some things in this forum about how one type of tip is better/stronger than another. So I've decided to put my 2 cents worth (about 1 cent in British pounds) in on the subject.

Generally speaking by design a conical point is going to be stronger than a needle point. A cone is stronger than a rod (unless that rod is very, very fat). Generally a conical point is made for writing while a needle point is made for mechanical drawing where a straight edge is used. The conical shape allows for writing at various angles while remaining strong. A needle tip with it's thin sleeve allows the nib to get very close to the straight edge for more accurate lines. Also needle points are usually the ones made in the smallest diameters for thinner lines. For free hand drawing it's my guess that it's whatever suites the artist best.

Ink flow depends more on ink chemistry than pen point, to a degree. Some needle points flow better than some conical points and vice versa. It's a matter of trying out the one that flows best in the point style of your choice. Of course nib size does play a factor in ink flow. Generally the broader the point the easier the ink flows, but not always. Again it's a matter of trial and error to find the right combination of point shape, size and ink chemistry that best suites the user (hey, if we were all the same then we'd need only one pen! How boring would that be? :roll: ).

While a conical point is stronger than a needle point this does not mean that one is overall better than the other. Purpose has a lot to due with the point shape chosen, as discussed. However there is some cross over of purpose between the 2 styles and either can be used for either purpose. But some posters have written that needle points are fragile and that they break easily. I'd like to address that point (pun intended) this way, don't be so heavy handed! Literally.:wink:

As I've posted in another thread when I first started using the then new 0.5mm drafting pencils I busted the sleeve right off of 3 pencils before I learned not to be so heavy handed while writing and drawing, something I've had to relearn a time or two. HB lead in a modern pencil makes a dark enough line one shouldn't have to press hard to make a perfectly legible mark. The same goes for the modern gel/liquid ink pen. The only reason anyone needs to press hard when writing is when making carbon copies (and copy machines have almost freed us from that). BTW a medium or broad point ballpoint pen is best for carbons, less tearing of the paper.

So my final thoughts (in this thread anyway) on the subject is pick your point wisely. Consider all the factors involved in your choice. If possible, try as many pens as you can before buying. Lastly, write softly and cary a BIG pen! :lol:

Excellent post! Very informative and I like the advice at the end. :lol:

Now that you've brought it up I think what makes the coleto range of hi-tec-c's less prone to ink stoppage is also the shorter length of the needle. I always thought it was only because of the retractable factor, but come to think about it, the shorter needle would allow it to withstand more pressure before becoming damaged...!

Very true that there are uses and preferences for both needle and conical points. But it should also be added that the fragility factor comes into play in not only heavy handed writing, but if a pen is dropped, or otherwise not handled cautiously. This does not always have to be the fault of the user....things happen, pens hit the floor, etc. It seems the needles are far more likely to be damaged in those situations, but it also depends on the overall pen construction and so on.

Michael,

You are so right! I completely overlooked that little detail. Chalk it up to old age, my friend! :oops:

This explains so much. I always wondered why needle-tip pens like HI-TEC-C would ever be better than the cone-tips of a Signo DX, but the technical drawing thing makes sense.
It's true that it's not always a user error that causes the pen tip to break; at school a guy passed by my desk and accidently knocked off my pencil case causing one of my HI-TEC-C's tips to get smashed and become useless. I doubt the damage would have been so catastrophic if it had been a signo that hit the floor wrong.

Not so. I've had ballpoint pens and gel pens, both with conical points, fall to the floor and land on the pen tip. The result? A misshapen point that holds the ball and a ball that either falls out or skips ever after! :roll:

Good to know Gunman, I'll watch my signos more closely :P

I find that needle point pens are to fine for me to write with. I guess I'm just too heavy handed or something because I always manage to rip through the paper.