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Are you looking for the best weighted pens for tremors to manage shaky hands?
As you’re going to learn, the right pen can make all the difference by improving your handwriting and relieving hand stress.
So, keep reading to discover the 10 best pens for shaky hands.
Let’s start with a quick look at our top picks, then keep reading for all the glorious details.
Check: Best Spoon for Parkinson’s
Table of Contents
Weighted Pen for Tremors Top Picks at a Glance
- Winner: Smootherpro Heavy Duty Stainless Steel Bolt Action Pen for Tremors
- Best Heavy-Duty: Heavyweight Pen with The Grip
- Best Portable: Thixotropic HEAVY Super Big Fat Weighted Pen for Tremors and Parkinson’s
- Best Budget-Friendly: Galagee Wide Body Ballpoint Pens
- Best Stylish: SenseAid Parkinsons Pens for Arthritic Hands
Best 8 Weighted Pens for Tremors with Reviews
As Camilla Kilbane, MD, explains, “The two most common reasons for a change in handwriting are essential tremor and Parkinson’s disease.” (1)
That’s because essential tremors and Parkinson’s disease cause involuntary shaking. It can affect the whole body, but it usually occurs in the hands, making it difficult to perform daily tasks.
And while writing isn’t very popular these days, you never know when you will have to sign or write something.
Unfortunately, there’s no cure for these neurological diseases, but weighted writing utensils can help you rediscover the joy of writing.
1. Winner: Smootherpro Heavy Duty Stainless Steel Bolt Action Pen for Tremors
Smootherpro has the best weighted pens for Parkinson’s patients, thanks to their unique design, sturdy construction, and extra weight.
Features & Attributes
- A black/white pen with black ink
- Made from heavy-duty metal
- It comes with two refills and a gift box
Measurements
- Measures 5.16 inches in length and 0.53″ inches in depth
- Weighs 2.8 ounces
- Compatible with most standard refills
Benefits & Drawbacks of Smootherpro Pen
| Benefits | Drawbacks |
|---|---|
| It’s heavy enough to counteract tremors but not heavy enough to make writing difficult or tire your hand muscles. | Not the cheapest option for a single pen. |
| The pen features an anti-skid surface to ensure a light grip and is well-buffed to avoid injuries to your fingers. | Too heavy if you want to carry it around your neck. |
| The bolt action retracts the refill so that you don’t have to worry about making a mess in your pockets or bags. | |
| The design and size are perfect for people with carpal tunnel syndrome, Parkinson’s, and essential tremors. | |
| It is stylish and easy to use, especially for children and elderly people, and it writes smoothly. | |
| The pen comes with two refills so that you won’t run out of ink soon, and it comes in a beautiful box, making it a great gift for a person with Parkinson’s. | |
| Smootherpro’s weighted pens for tremors have great customer reviews, with buyers praising the pens’ quality, balance, and weight. |
How it Compares to Others
Compared to other weighted pens for Parkinson’s patients that I’ve reviewed, this one impresses with its solid metal body, unique bolt action, and stylish appearance.
Moreover, Smootherpro’s pens are built to last, and you won’t be throwing them away in a couple of months, unlike plastic ones.
How it’s Evolved Over Time
Smootherpro is constantly developing its product line and has similar pens made from stainless steel, titanium, and bronze.
Expert Tips
- Parker refills work well with this weighted pen, according to customer reviews.
- If you want refills from Smootherpro, you should search for ASIN B0936P1YBH.
Check: Are Weighted Eating Utensils for Tremors Helpful?
2. Best Heavy-Duty: Heavyweight Pen with The Grip
If you’re having trouble writing due to arthritis, essential tremors, or Parkinson’s, this heavyweight pen is the ideal writing device for you.
Features & Attributes
- A retractable black pen with black ink
Measurements
- Measures 1 x 0.75 x 6 inches
- 4.3 ounces oz of weight
- Compatible with Schmidt Parker refill
Benefits & Drawbacks of Heavyweight Pen with the Grip
| Benefits | Drawbacks |
|---|---|
| It’s heavy enough to stabilize the hand and increase control to prevent sloppy writing, but it’s not too large to take extra space in your bag. | Not the cheapest option |
| The pen has an ergonomic grip to reduce finger stress, improve legibility, and increase the writer’s comfort, making the pen suitable for everyday use. | It may be too heavy for some users. |
| Doctors have designed it to assist people with tremors and encourage natural hand positioning. | |
| The pen grip is suitable for left or right-handed users. | |
| It’s perfect for shaky hands since you don’t have to apply downward pressure to write. | |
| It’s easy to find refills in almost every local office supply store. |
How it Compares to Others
- It features a unique pen grip to reduce hand cramping and fatigue.
- It doesn’t come with additional refills.
- Available as a pencil
Expert Tips
- You need approximately 3 7/8-inch refills for these weighted pens.
- Check Pencil Grip’s product page for textured grips, which you can use on your favorite writing utensils.
3. Best Portable: Thixotropic HEAVY Super Big Fat Weighted Pen for Tremors and Parkinson’s
Thixotropic has excellent weighted pens for tremors and people with arthritis, which will improve your cramped handwriting before you know it.
Features & Attributes
- A red/white pen with black ballpoint ink and a detachable lanyard
- Hexagonal grip
- Made from silicone
- Two per pack
Measurements
- Measures 5.25 inches in length
- Weights of 3.5 oz (99 grams of weight)
- Compatible with Parker-style’s refills
Benefits & Drawbacks of Thixotropic
| Benefits | Drawbacks |
|---|---|
| The extra weight inside the pen counteracts involuntary motion and improves handwriting’s legibility. | Easy to break if you drop the pens |
| It has a big hexagonal grip, which prevents the pen from rolling away when you leave it on the table. | Too uncomfortable to hold for some users |
| It has metal cartilage instead of plastic for durability and a mess-free writing experience. | |
| You can carry the weighted pen around on a detachable lanyard. | |
| Stylish red color |
How it Compares to Others
- Premium ink for a smooth writing experience
- Long-lasting metal ink cartridges instead of plastic ones
- Unique fat barrel shape
How it’s evolved over time
- Improved weighted design to reduce hand tremors, compared to other writing devices from Thixotropic
Expert Tips
- You can purchase black or blue ink refills from Throxitropic, suitable for the weighted models.
4. Best Budget-Friendly: Galagee Wide Body Ballpoint Pens
These super big fat pens by Galagee are great if you’re looking for something cheap to help you complete your everyday tasks.
Features & Attributes
- Five orange pens with black ink cartilage
- An orange detachable lanyard
- Rubber grip
Measurements
- Measures 5 inches in length and one inch in diameter
Benefits & Drawbacks of Galagee Pens
| Benefits | Drawbacks |
|---|---|
| The extra-wide non-slip grip ensures better hand control and improves one’s handwriting. | Too large and uncomfortable for some users |
| The bright orange color makes it easy to spot the pens. | Ink isn’t long-lasting |
| These heavy ballpoint pens are suitable for left or right-handed people. | |
| It comes with five extra black ink refills, so you’re not going to run out of ink soon. | |
| It’s well-balanced to reduce hand fatigue and improve muscle strength. |
How it Compares to Others
- Plastic ink cartilage instead of metal ones, when compared to Thrixotropic’s products
- Not as heavy as other weighted pens for shaky hands I’ve reviewed
- Relatively cheaper than other weighted pens since it comes in a pack of five
How it’s evolved over time
- Available in a heavily weighted model with two replaceable black ink cartilages.
Expert Tips
- According to the manufacturer, Parker-style refills would fit inside the pen.
5. Best Stylish: SenseAid Parkinson’s Pens for Arthritic Hands
Features & Attributes
- A black & silver pen with black ink
- Rollerball
Measurements
- It measures 5.5 inches in length
- Weighs 2.5 ounces
- Compatible with standard 100mm refills
Benefits & Drawbacks of SenseAid Parkinsons Pens
| Benefits | Drawbacks |
|---|---|
| It’s easy to use for people with tremors because rollerball pens require less pressure, so you don’t need to grip them tightly. | Not very well-balanced since most of the extra weight is in the pen’s cap. |
| The fine tip ensures a smooth writing experience, making it easy to write legible letters. | Some customers don’t like how the ink flows. |
| You can purchase refills from any office supply store. | The pen nib retracts too much. |
| Happy customers say that the pens are well-made and durable. | |
| Long-lasting, water-based ink, which is dark and saturated for better visibility |
How it Compares to Others
- Rollerblade instead of a ballpoint for sharper writing
- Similar in size to other weighted writing utensils
- Classical stylish design, so no one will guess these pens are weighted
Expert Tips
- Customers share they balance the front of the pen by wrapping lead soldering wire to the ink cartilage.
6. Best for Weak Hands: PenAgain 3 Pack Pens
These ergonomic pens are perfect for people with weak hands who can’t handle heavy writing devices or get tired quickly.
Features & Attributes
- A black pen with a tripod grip
- A medium point with black ink
Measurements
- Measures 7.63 x 5.25 x 0.75 inches
- A pack of three – red, neon, and blue
Benefits & Drawbacks of PenAgain 3 Pack Pens
| Benefits | Drawbacks |
|---|---|
| The tripod design encourages you to keep your finger in a natural position and relieves cramps and fatigue. | Too light for some users |
| Very positive customer reviews when it comes to dealing with tremors | Ink runs out quickly, and refills aren’t the cheapest |
| Suitable for right or left-handed users | Too small for people with larger hands |
| Great ergonomic grip for counteracting the effects of tremor and improving one’s handwriting | |
| It’s retractable, so you don’t have to worry about spills. |
How it Compares to Others
- Unique ergonomic shape to reduce hand stress and correct handwriting posture
- Very affordable
How it’s evolved over time
- Available in an upgraded version with a soft grip for improved comfort.
Expert Tips
- Get PenAgain refill #00028 when you want to change the cartilage.
7. Best Retractable: Big Weighted Fat Pens for Parkinson’s Patients
If you’re looking for pens for Parkinson’s patients, Wentur won’t disappoint with their affordable weighted pens.
Features & Attributes
- Blue body pen with black ink
- Wide grip design
- Detachable lanyard
Measurements
- 3.5 oz of weight
- Measures 5.2 inches in length and 1.18 inches in diameter
- A pack of two
Benefits & Drawbacks of Big Weighted Fat Pens
| Benefits | Drawbacks |
|---|---|
| Well-designed and heavy enough to counteract involuntary movements and reduce tremors | It’s too heavy for some users. |
| The wide grip design improves handwriting legibility and reduces hand fatigue. | Some buyers complain their pens arrived in pieces without any assembly instructions. |
| Easy to hold, thanks to the non-slip grip | |
| Long-lasting ink | |
| It comes with six refills, so you’re not going to run out of ink soon | |
| It doesn’t roll easily off the table |
How it Compares to Others
- Bonus ink
- Similar in shape and size to other fat pens
- Fancy gift box
How it’s evolved over time
Available in package of one (one pen plus three black refills and two blue refills)
Expert Tips
- According to customers’ experience, the pen is compatible with Parker refills.
8. Best for Elderly Patients: Heavy Weighted Wide Grip Pen – Parkinson’s & Essential Tremors – M.D. Recommended
These fat heavy weighted pens are an excellent choice for elderly people with frail hands struggling to hold heavy-weight objects.
Features & Attributes
- A black pen with black ink
Measurements
- Weights of 2.9 oz
- It measures 5.5 inches in length and one inch in diameter
Benefits & Drawbacks of Heavy Weighted Wide Grip Pen
| Benefits | Drawbacks |
|---|---|
| Comfortable grip for smooth writing experience | Not the cheapest weighted pens for shaky hands |
| Friendly customer support | |
| It doesn’t require much strength to use | |
| Well-balanced to provide the necessary weight to reduce tremors |
How it Compares to Others
- Only one refill
- Slightly lighter and longer than similar models
Expert Tips
- You can get refills from Amazon.
How to Choose the Best Weighted Pens for Tremors?
There are so many weighted utensils for writing on the market it’s easy to get overwhelmed. So, let’s talk about how to choose the best heavy weighted pen for you. (2)
1. Rollerballs vs. Ballpoint
Most weighted pens for tremors are ballpoints. They’re relatively affordable, and the ink dries quickly, making them suitable for everyday use.
However, as pen experts explain, “They tend to take a bit more effort to write with.” (3) So, if your hands cramp when writing, a weighted rollerball pen is the better choice.
2. Grip
Look for weighted pens for tremors with textured or ergonomic grips. If you’re not struggling to hold the pen in your fingers, you’ll have an easy time writing.
3. Weight
The best-weighted pens for tremors should be heavy enough to counteract shaking but not too heavy. Otherwise, your hand will get tired too quickly.
Best Weighted Pens for Tremors: FAQs
What are Weighted Pens For?
Weighted pens are designed to decrease hand tremors, improve handwriting legibility, and reduce muscle cramps. They’ve got an ergonomic grip to make them easy to use for people with shaky hands.
How Can I Improve My Handwriting With Tremors?
You can improve your handwriting by using weighted pens/pencils or writing with the hand that shakes the less.
There are also smartpens available for people with severe tremors or you can try weighted gloves for tremors to improve your handwriting.
Conclusion
Weighted utensils can make all the difference when you’re dealing with essential tremors, arthritis, or other neurological conditions.
Most weighted pens for tremors on the market work well, but it can take you time to find the pen that feels right in your hands.
Resources
- 1. What Your Handwriting May Say About Your Health [Internet]. www.uhhospitals.org. Available from: https://www.uhhospitals.org/Healthy-at-UH/articles/2018/05/what-your-handwriting-may-say-about-your-health
- 2. Best Weighted Pens and Pencils For Tremors: Let’s Get You Writing Again! [Internet]. Healthy Minded | Guide To Psychological Health. 2018 [cited 2022 Jan 11]. Available from: https://healthyminded.co/find-the-best-weighted-pen-for-tremors-for-you/
- 3. Ballpoint vs Rollerball – What’s the difference between a ballpoint pen and a rollerball? [Internet]. Milligram. [cited 2022 Jan 11]. Available from: https://milligram.com/blogs/all/ballpoint-vs-rollerball-pens
What are your favorite weighted pens for tremors? Let us know below!
