Are They Worth It for Planners?
By Anissasp | The Creative Planner
What Are TUL GL Series Gel Pens?
The TUL GL Series Retractable Gel Pens are a staple in office and planning supply sold primarily at Office Depot and OfficeMax. With a 0.7mm medium point and smooth gel ink, these pens promise clean, consistent writing — but do they actually deliver for creative planners? Here is everything you need to know before you buy.
First Impressions
Out of the box the TUL GL Series pens have a sleek, professional look. The ink barrel is clean and minimal which actually makes them a great fit for aesthetically minded planners who prefer a uniform look in their supply collection. The retractable design means no cap to lose & a small glue ball on ink tip to stop any bleeding in transport while being a clear sign the pens have never been used.
Writing Experience
This is where the TUL GL Series really shines. The 0.7mm medium point is fine enough to write neatly but not so thin that it feels scratchy or delicate. The gel ink flows smoothly from the first stroke without the skipping or blobbing that cheaper gel pens are known for.
For everyday writing tasks like:
- Filling in your weekly layout
- Writing habit tracker entries
- Journaling alongside your spread
- Labeling sections and categories
The TUL GL Series performs consistently and reliably every single time.
Ink Quality
The ink is rich, deep, and dries quickly which is a huge plus for anyone who writes with their left hand or moves quickly through their planner pages. Smearing is minimal and the ink does not bleed through standard planner paper — including Happy Planner inserts and most mid-weight dot grid pages.
One thing worth noting is that because this is a medium point pen it may not be the best choice for ultra fine detail work or tiny handwriting. If you write very small or love micro lettering in your spreads you may prefer a 0.5mm option. For everyday planning use though the 0.7mm is perfectly comfortable.
Durability
The retractable mechanism on the TUL GL Series is sturdy and does not feel cheap. After extended daily use the click remains satisfying and consistent without becoming loose or unreliable. The barrel holds up well in a pen pouch or planner pocket without cracking or showing wear quickly.
Each pack comes with 12 pens which gives you excellent value — you can keep one in your planner, one at your desk, one in your bag, and still have plenty as backups.
How It Compares
If you are used to Staedtler, Pilot G2, or Pentel EnerGel pens the TUL GL Series holds its own comfortably. It is not quite as smooth as the Pentel EnerGel but it outperforms the standard Pilot G2 in terms of ink consistency and dry time. For the price point — especially buying a 12 pack — it offers exceptional value compared to premium gel pen brands.
Pros
- Smooth consistent gel ink
- Fast drying — minimal smearing
- Retractable design — no cap to lose
- Sleek minimal black barrel aesthetic
- Great value at 12 pens per pack
- Durable retractable mechanism
- Works beautifully on most planner paper
Cons
- Medium point may be too wide for micro lettering
- Black ink only available in packs like these
- Not as widely available as Pilot or Pentel in all stores
Where to Buy
The TUL GL Series Retractable Gel Pens are available at Office Depot, OfficeMax, and online through Amazon.
👉 Shop TUL GL Series Pens on Amazon at https://amzn.to/3S7qza5