Pentel Art Color Brush Pen vs Hero 359B Dazzle Fountain Pen Review: The UK's Best Expressive Writing Instruments 2026
Jun 30, 2026
Pentel Art Color Brush Pen vs Hero 359B Dazzle Fountain Pen Review: The UK's Best Expressive Writing Instruments 2026
Some writing instruments are designed not just to put words on paper, but to make the act of writing a creative, expressive experience. In this review, we compare two instruments that excel at expressive writing: the Pentel Art Color Brush Pen, a refillable brush pen with a genuine nylon brush tip that delivers the most authentic brush writing experience available in a pen format, and the Hero 359B Dazzle Fountain Pen, a beautifully designed fountain pen with a distinctive iridescent finish that makes writing a visual pleasure. Both are available from TTPEN UK.
Pentel Art Color Brush Pen — The Most Authentic Brush Experience in a Pen
The Pentel Art Color Brush Pen with Ink Refill is the most authentic brush pen experience available in a convenient, refillable format. At £14.00 including an ink refill, it features a genuine nylon brush tip that behaves like a real artist’s brush, delivering the full range of expressive marks that traditional brush painting and calligraphy require.
The Nylon Brush Tip
The Art Color Brush’s nylon brush tip is what sets it apart from conventional brush pens. Unlike felt or fibre tips that merely approximate brush behaviour, the nylon tip is a genuine brush — it has individual fibres that flex, splay, and respond to pressure exactly like a traditional artist’s brush. This means you can achieve the full range of brush marks: fine lines with the tip, broad strokes with the side, and everything in between.
The nylon tip is also more durable than a traditional brush — it maintains its shape and responsiveness through extended use without the fraying and loss of point that affects natural hair brushes. This makes the Art Color Brush a reliable tool for regular use, combining the expressive qualities of a traditional brush with the convenience and durability of a pen.
Refillable Design and Ink
The Art Color Brush is refillable — when the ink runs out, you simply replace the ink cartridge rather than buying a new pen. This makes it a sustainable and economical choice for regular users. The pen comes with an ink refill included, providing excellent value. The ink is water-based and available in a range of colours, allowing you to build a collection of Art Color Brushes in different colours for multi-colour work.
The ink flows smoothly and consistently from the nylon tip, producing rich, saturated colour that is ideal for illustration, calligraphy, and expressive writing. The water-based formulation means the ink can be blended with water for watercolour-like effects.
Who Is the Pentel Art Color Brush For?
The Art Color Brush is for artists, calligraphers, and illustrators who want the most authentic brush writing experience in a convenient, refillable pen format. It’s also an excellent choice for anyone who wants to explore brush painting and calligraphy without the mess and maintenance of traditional brushes and ink pots.
Price: £14.00 (with refill) — Buy the Pentel Art Color Brush at TTPEN UK
Hero 359B Dazzle Fountain Pen — Iridescent Beauty Meets Everyday Writing
The Hero 359B Dazzle Fountain Pen is a fountain pen that makes a visual statement. At £10.00, it features Hero’s distinctive “Dazzle” iridescent finish that shifts colour in the light, creating a pen that is as beautiful to look at as it is to write with. The 359B is the upgraded version of Hero’s popular 359, with enhanced finishing and a refined writing experience.
The Dazzle Finish
The “Dazzle” in the pen’s name refers to its iridescent barrel finish, which catches and reflects light in shifting colours — blues, purples, and greens that change as the pen moves. This finish is achieved through a special coating process that creates a holographic-like effect on the pen’s surface. The result is a pen that looks extraordinary on a desk and draws admiring glances from anyone who sees it.
The iridescent finish is not merely cosmetic — it reflects Hero’s attention to detail and their commitment to producing pens that are beautiful as well as functional. The 359B is a pen that you will want to display on your desk, not hide in a drawer.
Writing Performance
Beneath its striking exterior, the Hero 359B is a capable everyday fountain pen. The steel nib writes smoothly and consistently, with good ink flow and no hard starts. The pen accepts standard international cartridges or a converter, giving you access to the full range of fountain pen inks. The writing experience is smooth and enjoyable — a significant step up from ballpoints and gel pens for those who appreciate the pleasure of fountain pen writing.
The 359B is an excellent introduction to fountain pen writing for those who are new to the format. Its accessible price makes it a low-risk entry point, and its beautiful finish makes it a pen that new fountain pen users will be proud to use and show off.
Who Is the Hero 359B For?
The 359B is for anyone who wants a beautiful, eye-catching fountain pen at an accessible price. It’s an excellent gift for fountain pen beginners, a fun addition to any pen collection, and a daily writer for those who appreciate both aesthetics and writing performance. At £10.00, it’s one of the most visually striking pens available at this price point.
Price: £10.00 — Buy the Hero 359B Dazzle at TTPEN UK
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Feature | Pentel Art Color Brush | Hero 359B Dazzle |
|---|---|---|
| Price | £14.00 (with refill) | £10.00 |
| Type | Refillable nylon brush pen | Fountain pen |
| Tip/Nib | Genuine nylon brush tip | Steel fountain pen nib |
| Standout Feature | Authentic brush expression | Iridescent Dazzle finish |
| Best For | Artists, calligraphers, illustration | Fountain pen beginners, gift, everyday writing |
Which Expressive Writing Instrument Is Right for You?
The Pentel Art Color Brush and Hero 359B Dazzle both make writing a more expressive, enjoyable experience, but they do so in very different ways. The Pentel Art Color Brush is for those who want the most authentic brush writing experience — its genuine nylon tip and refillable design make it the ideal tool for calligraphy, illustration, and expressive brush work.
The Hero 359B Dazzle is for those who want a beautiful, eye-catching fountain pen that makes everyday writing a visual pleasure — its iridescent finish and smooth steel nib make it one of the most attractive and enjoyable pens at this price point.
Both are available from TTPEN UK with fast UK delivery. Visit www.ttpen.co.uk to browse our full range of expressive writing instruments, brush pens, and fountain pens.
Final Verdict
The Pentel Art Color Brush and Hero 359B Dazzle are two of the most expressive and enjoyable writing instruments available in the UK market. The Art Color Brush wins on authentic brush expression and refillable sustainability; the Hero 359B wins on visual impact and fountain pen accessibility. Both earn our highest recommendation. Visit TTPEN UK today.
