Some pen makers claim their ballpoints are tougher than ordinary pens, able to write while upside down, cold or even underwater. So we put three models through a three-part test. The question: Do the self-proclaimed tough guys really beat the competition?How We Tested We began by lying on our backs and transcribing the nearest press release. Then, after storing the pens in a freezer for 5 hours at 17 degrees Fahrenheit, we attempted to continue transcribing. Finally, we submerged a new batch of pens for 1 minute and kept them underwater while trying to write on paper, as well as on cardboard.The Smudge FactorAs a side test, we tried to determine which pen tended to smear the least. Not the best idea – ballpoints only smudge when the page is wet or when you rub very hard. But for the record, the Bic’s scribbling was nearly impossible to muss. cellspacing=“0” cellpadding=“0” border=“0”> UPSIDE DOWN IN EXTREME COLD UNDERWATERBic SoftFeel Stic Ball Pen Price: $6 per dozen Bottom Line We love an underdog, and the modest Bic – the least trash-talking of the bunch – proved it could do everything but write upside down (which isn’t worth the grief anyway). The Trekker lived up to its NASA legacy, but for $25 it needed to trounce the other pens. In terms of value and performance, the Uni-ball was the clear winner.
