BIC Intensity Clic Black Gel Pens, Medium Point (0.7mm), 12-
✅ PROS
- Smooth, dark gel ink that dries fast enough for lefties without smearing across the page
- Retractable click design means no lost caps and no dried-out tips when you forget to recap
- Tactile rubberized grip that stays comfortable through long note-taking sessions
❌ CONS
- Ink runs out faster than ballpoints — expect to replace these more often with heavy daily use
- The click mechanism feels slightly plasticky and can soften over months of aggressive clicking
The Verdict
Let’s be honest about gel pens: the good ones write like butter but bleed through cheap paper, and the bad ones dry out before you finish the first page. The BIC Intensity Clic sits somewhere in that sweet middle — a workhorse that won’t embarrass you in a meeting but isn’t going to make you feel like a stationery connoisseur either. Here’s the real breakdown.
What’s in the box
You get 12 black gel pens, each with a 0.7mm medium point and a retractable click mechanism. No caps to lose, no separate refills to buy (these are disposable), and no fuss. Each pen has a rubberized grip section that runs about an inch up from the tip, plus a metal-free plastic body that keeps weight down. The ink is dye-based gel, not pigment-based, which matters — more on that below.
How it actually performs
The 0.7mm tip lays down a line that’s noticeably bolder than your standard 0.5mm office pen. It’s dark, consistent, and doesn’t require pressure — you’re gliding, not digging. On standard copy paper, dry time is around 2-3 seconds, which is reasonable. Lefties will still want to be careful, but this is less smudge-prone than many gel pens I’ve tested.
The grip is the quiet hero here. It’s not squishy like a Pilot Dr. Grip, but it’s tactile enough to prevent finger fatigue during a three-hour exam or back-to-back meetings. The clip is sturdy and clips cleanly to notebooks and shirt pockets without bending.
What buyers consistently praise
Looking through the 240 ratings at 4.8 stars, the pattern is clear. One reviewer put it simply: “These are the only pens I buy now. Smooth writing, no smudging, and the click mechanism hasn’t failed me once.” Another noted the value angle: “Twelve pens for this price is a steal. I keep them everywhere — desk, car, bag.” The consistency of the ink line across all 12 pens in a pack also gets mentioned — no duds, no skipping on the first stroke.
Where it falls short
Every product has tradeoffs, and this one has two worth flagging.
First, the ink runs out faster than a ballpoint. If you’re writing several pages a day, expect a pen to last maybe 2-3 weeks. That’s normal for gel, but it means the “value” of a 12-pack is partly offset by replacement frequency. Second, the click mechanism isn’t built for compulsive clickers. A few reviewers reported the click softening or getting mushy after a few months of fidgeting. It still works, but the tactile snap diminishes.
Also worth noting: the ink is water-soluble. If you spill coffee on a page, your notes run. For archival work, look elsewhere. For daily scribbling, it’s fine.
Who should buy this
- Students: The grip and smooth flow make marathon note-taking easier. The 12-pack covers a semester.
- Office workers: Reliable, professional-looking black ink that doesn’t scream “cheap promotional pen.” The click mechanism means one-handed operation while you’re on the phone.
- Lefties who write fast: Not perfect, but the quick dry time is better than most gel pens in this price range.
Skip it if: You need archival, waterproof ink for legal documents, or if you prefer a finer 0.5mm line for small handwriting. Also skip if you’re a heavy clicker who’ll be annoyed when the mechanism loses its snap.
FAQ
Do these bleed through standard notebook paper?
On cheap 20-lb copy paper, there’s ghosting — you can see the writing from the other side — but actual bleed-through is minimal. On 24-lb or better paper, no issue at all.
Are these refillable?
No. They’re disposable, which is typical at this price point. You toss the whole pen when the ink runs out.
How long does one pen last?
Roughly 1,200 meters of writing, or about 2-3 weeks of daily use. Individual results vary with handwriting pressure and how much you write.
The Verdict
Buy it if you want a smooth-writing, no-fuss gel pen that won’t break the bank and performs consistently across a 12-pack. Skip it if you need waterproof ink or prefer a finer point.
Rating: 4.6/5 — The BIC Intensity Clic isn’t a luxury pen, but it doesn’t pretend to be. It’s a dependable daily driver that delivers exactly what the box promises: 12 smooth, dark-writing gel pens that last long enough to justify the price. The minor complaints about ink longevity and click durability are fair, but at this price per pen, you can afford to replace them without guilt. For most people, this is the right call for everyday writing.
Where to Buy
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Last updated: 2026-08-06. Ratings and prices current as of review date. Verify on Amazon before purchasing.