If you use a Franklin Planner, you already know this truth: the right pen matters. A lot. Franklin paper has its own personality, and not every pen behaves well on it.
Recently, I asked a simple question in the Franklin Covey Planners PLUS Facebook group:
“Do you have a recommendation for a good black pen?”
What followed was a goldmine of real-world experience. No marketing fluff—just planners sharing what actually works in daily use. This list comes directly from that conversation.
Gel Pens (Smooth Writers with Strong Color)
Gel pens are popular for their smooth feel and rich black ink. Dry time matters here—especially if you highlight.
- Zebra Sarasa Dry 0.5
- Pentel EnerGel 0.38
- Pentel EnerGel Needle Tip 0.7
- Pentel EnerGel Clena 0.5 Needle Point
- Sharpie S-Gel 0.38 (noted for not smearing when highlighted)
- Pilot G2
- Pilot Juice 0.5
- Pilot Gel Ink Pen
Ballpoint Pens (Reliable, Clean, Minimal Smear)
Ballpoints are dependable, especially if you want zero fuss and minimal bleed-through.
- Bic Cristal (a true classic)
- Levenger Ballpoint Pen with Easy Flow refill
- TUL Ballpoint Pens
Hybrid / Low-Viscosity Ballpoint Pens
These combine the smoothness of gel with the reliability of ballpoint—great for lefties and highlighters.
- Uni Jetstream 0.38
- Uni Jetstream (standard)
Multi-Pen Systems (Compact & Customizable)
Perfect for planner users who want multiple inks without carrying multiple pens.
- Pilot Coleto (0.4 and 0.7 mentioned)
- Jetstream Multi-Point Pen
Everyday / Budget-Friendly Options
Affordable, easy to find, and surprisingly planner-safe.
- Zebra Z-Grip
- Paper Mate InkJoy
Why the Franklin Covey Planners PLUS Group Matters
I want to take a moment to say how grateful I am for the Franklin Covey Planners PLUS Facebook group.
It’s one of those rare online spaces where people genuinely help each other. Whether you’re brand new to the Franklin Planner System or revisiting it after years away, the group is full of people who are happy to answer questions, share tips, and talk through what actually works in real life.
This pen list is a perfect example. One simple question turned into a thoughtful, experience-backed resource—and now you get to benefit from it too.
Final Thoughts
The “best” black pen really depends on how you plan: tiny boxes, heavy highlighting, fast note-taking, or detailed journaling. But every pen listed here has been tested and recommended by real Franklin Planner users.
If you’ve been frustrated by smearing, bleed-through, or scratchy writing, try one from this list—you’ll likely find a new favorite.
And if you’re not already in the Franklin Covey Planners PLUS group, it’s absolutely worth joining.
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