# TLDR Review: Paper Mate InkJoy 100ST Pens

*Published: 2026-01-12 | Updated: 2026-01-12 | Source: https://shopsavvy.com/reviews-tldr/paper-mate-inkjoy-100st-pens*

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## Product: Paper Mate InkJoy 100ST Pens
**Brand:** Paper Mate

## Pros
- Writes very smoothly with an incredibly fluid, fast-starting ink flow that makes writing a joy rather than a chore.
- Comfortable to hold and use for extended periods without hand fatigue.
- High-quality ink that dries quickly, does not smear, and provides deep, dark, professional-looking results.
- Durable construction with caps that stay firmly on and pens that resist breaking even when carried in pockets.
- Pens glide smoothly with no scratchy or gritty feeling, which is unusual for many ballpoint pens.
- Comes in a vibrant assortment of colors, adding fun and variety to note-taking, drawing, or everyday writing.
- Performs well consistently, even after storage upside down for short periods, showing reliable ink flow.
- Considered a great value given the quantity (18 pens) and the quality compared to more expensive brands.
- Popular and trusted by a range of users, including high school students, for everyday school and work needs.
- Pens have a satisfying thickness (1.0mm medium point) that suits most writing styles comfortably.

## Cons
- Occasionally, the pen may skip after extended use, though this can usually be remedied by scratching the tip lightly on paper.
- Some users noticed a strong odor when first opening the package, which dissipates quickly but can be off-putting initially.
- The ink can sometimes be less consistent under heavy or very fast writing, but this is not a widespread concern.

## Bottom Line

If you want a smooth-writing, colorful pen set that feels comfortable and looks professional on every page, Paper Mate InkJoy 100ST delivers excellent performance and value. It’s perfect for students, artists, and everyday users who appreciate a pen that glides effortlessly without the common ballpoint grit. Just be ready to give the tip a quick scratch if you hit the rare skip. For those who want even more premium feel or luxury pen options, consider exploring gel pens or rollerballs, but for everyday joy with ballpoints, this set is hard to beat.

## Pros vs Cons at a Glance

| Pros | Cons |
|------|------|
| Writes very smoothly with an incredibly fluid, fast-starting ink flow that makes writing a joy rather than a chore. | Occasionally, the pen may skip after extended use, though this can usually be remedied by scratching the tip lightly on paper. |
| Comfortable to hold and use for extended periods without hand fatigue. | Some users noticed a strong odor when first opening the package, which dissipates quickly but can be off-putting initially. |
| High-quality ink that dries quickly, does not smear, and provides deep, dark, professional-looking results. | The ink can sometimes be less consistent under heavy or very fast writing, but this is not a widespread concern. |
| Durable construction with caps that stay firmly on and pens that resist breaking even when carried in pockets. |  |
| Pens glide smoothly with no scratchy or gritty feeling, which is unusual for many ballpoint pens. |  |
| Comes in a vibrant assortment of colors, adding fun and variety to note-taking, drawing, or everyday writing. |  |
| Performs well consistently, even after storage upside down for short periods, showing reliable ink flow. |  |
| Considered a great value given the quantity (18 pens) and the quality compared to more expensive brands. |  |
| Popular and trusted by a range of users, including high school students, for everyday school and work needs. |  |
| Pens have a satisfying thickness (1.0mm medium point) that suits most writing styles comfortably. |  |

## Current Prices

| Retailer | Price | Availability |
|----------|-------|-------------|
| Walmart | $2.97  | Check |
| Instacart | $3.27  | Check |
| Opens in a new window | $3.27  | Check |
| Shipt | $4.59  | Check |
| Amazon | $6.54  | Check |
| The Shoppe Depot | $9.99  | Check |

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*About this review: We pulled together findings from professional and user reviews, and cross-referenced them with ShopSavvy's pricing data from thousands of retailers to give you the short version.*