Meet the TUL family
Our local OfficeMax store closed a number of years ago, and since then, I’ve lost touch with the brand. So when a representative offered to send me a set of the latest generation of TUL pens, I jumped at the chance, especially because the offer included an additional set to give away. I’ve been test-drivingwriting them for most of the week, and can wholeheartedly endorse the TUL line.
Here are the players:
Medium point, black ink
Medium point, blue ink
Medium point, black ink
Fine tip, black ink
To be honest, in the past I’ve shied away from store-brand pens because of performance issues, but OfficeMax’s TUL line changes that. All of the pens in this line are stellar performers, and easily match the quality of comparable Uniball, Zebra, Pilot, and Sharpie pens. TUL pens ARE the real deal.
See?
I’ve been particularly taken with the smooth dark line of the retractable ballpoint, which is tricky to get right, judging by the number of so-so ballpoints that are on the market. The super-affordable TUL ballpoint is the one that I’ve been reaching for since it arrived. The ink is just that good. The smooth rubber grip makes it easy to hold, and I really like the clean and simple lines of the pen. It’s minimalist in looks, but certainly not in performance.
Marker, Ballpoint, Gel, and Rollerball
The fine-line marker pen, with its clear cap, dimpled black grip, and simple branding also appeals to me. No gimmicks, just a precise line that doesn’t feather or bleed. Very nice. The fiber tip feels quite sturdy, like it’ll easily hold up for plenty of sketching or note-taking.
Top to bottom: Marker, Ballpoint, Gel, and Rollerball
The retractable gel pen is very simple looking, with a black body matching the extra-long smooth black grip. Again, the gel ink writes great. No skipping. No smearing. No complaints. Same goes for the capped rollerball…the black liquid ink is perfect making bolder lines and bolder statements.
Lest you think all of this pen goodness comes at a premium price, check out these links to OfficeMax.com for the good news:
Ballpoint
Gel
Rollerball
Marker Pen
Superior performance AND pricing. Great looks and super smooth inks. That’s TUL, by OfficeMax. Check them out at your local OfficeMax store or online.
My only disappointment is that it doesn’t appear that the boxed set featured in this post & giveaway is available for purchase. (Hint, hint, OfficeMax!)
I know what you’re saying…yeah, yeah, yeah, but how do I WIN a set??!! It’s as simple as the design of the TUL pens:
1) Leave a comment on this blog by 11:59 PM Wednesday 10/31/12 (Halloween!). One comment per person, please!
2) Each comment will be assigned a number based on the order in which it was posted.
3) A random number generator will be used to select the winner of the set of all four TUL pens. The winner will be announced on this blog the evening of November 1st. OfficeMax will ship the pens to the winner directly.
4) US residents only, please.
5) GOOD LUCK! Hope you win this Halloween treat!
TUL pens, I AM pleased to meet you. This looks like the start of something good.
Disclaimer: I received the TUL products mentioned in this post from OfficeMax in order to facilitate my review. The items featured in this giveaway are also provided by OfficeMax and will be sent to the winner directly. Opinions expressed in this post are 100% my own. I have not been compensated for this post in any other way.
From the Pen Cup 
I did not know these were an OfficeMax offering. The only place I have seen them is the stationery aisle at Best Buy.
Reblogged this on Super Giveaways and commented:
These are wonderful pens! Reblog on my blog Super Giveaways
half_blue_sky@yahoo.com
These are awesome! Yeah, I’m a pen-loving nerd. 🙂
This looks like a decent line of “every day pens.” Hope to find them in Alaska!
Hi there, the TUL line is available at OfficeMax stores in Alaska as well as online at http://www.officemax.com/brands/tul/tul-pens.
I have tried these Tul pens and they write beautifully! Would love to win a set. Thanks for the chance!
I’m impressed with the ballpoint line-usually I don’t use them because they’re too scratcy but this one reminds me of the Jetstream. Thanks for the change to win a set:)
They look great. I’ll have to check out the OfficeMax store near by.
My company buys the TUL retractable gel. It looks a little different from yours (silver body), but it writes very well. I generally use a fountain pen and a Pentel Slicci .4mm pen, but I am very comfortable when I need to use an office pen.
I would love to win a full set – the only things I’ve tried are the gel pens!
PS: The TUL gel pens work very nicely with a spirograph as long as you don’t use several different colors. After two colors, the third color will rip through the paper.
TUL is awesome, I have a collection of them for at home and travel for when fountain pens aren’t appropriate. I don’t love the color ballpoints (too fine a line) but the black ball points are really, really good.
I love the gel, but I have not tried the others. Thanks for the opportunity!
Good looking batch of pens. I tried them when they first came out – but never since. Will be picking up a few this weekend! Thanks!
Need a pick-me-up! These pens would do the trick. Thanks for the happy possibility.
I would love to win and add these to my arsenal. Thank you for the chance! ♥
They are very handsome! pens, and the local university bookstore also has mechanical pencils from TUL, which might be even handsomer.
TUL has an amazing mechanical pencil as well. I love their minimalistic designs.
I personally go between ‘Rollerball’ and ‘Gel’ pens when my mood suits me. I checked out the TUL brand, very impressed given I’d never heard of the brand until now. I will have to locate a store near by and give them a better look.
All TUL, all the time. My absolute favorites.
Never heard of TUL pens before this. What I need is a pen that won’t bleed through the pages of my Moleskine when I journal or make quick sketches.
Wow! There is no OfficeMax near me, so am not familiar with this brand.
I have used the TUL gel pen needle point for several years and I do like it. I didn’t know about the “no bleed” marker! Good news indeed! Thanks for the great update.
I’ve never used these before, but I definitely want to try them now after reading your review. Also, they look so attractive as a set, I’m surprised you can’t buy them like this! Would love to win them, so thanks for the chance!
would love to try these new tul tools!
This is a great set and I would love to have it!
look like great pens
I’d love to try the pens.
Would love to win this! These look awesome!
Sorry, Steve. The giveaway winner was announced on November 1st…but there are a few other blogs doing giveaways of the same pens! Good luck!
Oh wow. Sorry. Just saw it now! Got really excited and didn’t check the day/time. Haha. Love your site!
No worries! Thanks for reading!
Pingback: Link Love: Stream of Consciousness Edition | The Well-Appointed Desk
Do you know anywhere we can buy refills for the pens?? I have 2 dozen TUL Retractable Blue Ink pens that are completely cleaned out. OfficeMax no longer exists. I am back to writing with G2’s. If you know of any site that sells the refills, please let us know!
Thank you
Pingback: Review: TUL Retractable, Gel Ink, 0.5mm | Pens and Junk
They are horrible…they leak ink in clumps and large volume all over the place. I work in a law office, had to go around and gather them all up from the staff/attorneys. Now i’m trying to locate company info so I can notify them. They’re a great pen, but suck so bad with the leaking problem.
Mine worked great unless they were stored in a pen cup unused. Then I DID notice a leaking issue. Surely a drawback.
I’m disappointed this time. I’ve stood behind Tul, Given to friends, bragged about how great they are but the last two times I’ve bought them the ink is full in the chamber but the ink won’t come out.
That’s lousy. I’d contact OfficeMax to let them know, and hope they’ll make it right.