Pilot has released a new Hi-Tec-C Coleto pen body! I don't know if this is news or not, but I just found out about it a few days ago. The big differences? The old Coleto, one of my favorite pens, held two ink cartridges while the new one holds three. Also the new model comes in four colors- clear, like the original, light blue, grey, and pink. Pilot has more information (in Japanese).

 

Both pen bodies hold the same cartridges which come in a variety of colors and in either 0.3mm or 0.4mm. The move to three cartridges make the Coleto more of a multipen, though no pencil or stylus option is available- a pencil is very unlikely given the style of the body, but a stylus is definitely possible.

Looking more closely we can see that their are a few other differences between the two models. The new body is actually a good deal thicker and no longer has that slim Hi-Tec-C feel to it. Also the grip area is slightly rubberized on the four curvy strand that come up from the bottom. These help improve grip and comfort, but the thickness of the pen still gives it a slightly awkward feel relative the original Coleto.

 

The strength of the Coleto was that it held two ink cartidges but was as slim and comfortable as a pen that held one, (it is barely thicker than the original Hi-Tec-C). The new model is comfortable, especially for people who like thicker pens and multipens, but loses the original's weightless feel. The added benefit of a third cartidge is not nearly as useful as that of a second one, but it is very useful option to have. As for the color options, I have only seen the grey in person, but they all look great in pictures.

All told, I would say the new Hi-Tec-C Coleto is a winner, but I will be sticking with the old model. More images: . .