Compiled from 5 sources; we haven't tested this product ourselves yet. How we research
Quick answer
The Pentel Fude brush pen XFL2L is the medium version of Pentel's refillable Japanese brush pen, sold since 1976. Its nylon hairs mimic a real calligraphy brush, and it takes XFR-AD black dye-ink cartridges. A Japanese retailer lists it at 175 mm long and 15 g; Pentel lists it at ¥638 (about US$4) in Japan.
On this page11 sections
The Pentel Fude brush pen XFL2L, 175 mm long per a Japanese retailer (drawn at 1 mm = 4 px).
Recycled PP front and cap, recycled PE rear, nylon brush tip (Wafuu); water-based dye ink
Released
1976*
Price range
$$$5–20 per pen (multi-packs divided by the count)
Ink
Black, XFR-AD cartridge
Rate it
No ratings yet. Be the first to rate this product.
Notes on these facts
Made by ASTRUM Corporation (Tokyo), called Pentel Co., Ltd. until April 1, 2026; Pentel remains the brand. Country of manufacture not stated: Pentel's Japanese product page doesn't state a country for the XFL2L, and the US Amazon listing (an import of the Japanese pack) doesn't either (checked October 22, 2026). Pentel of America lists Japan as the origin of its own Color Brush family, which doesn't include the XFL2L. Price: example listing. Released: Pentel Japan says the Pentel Fude has been sold since 1976; it doesn't date the medium XFL2L separately.
Colors: names per Pentel Japan, checked October 24, 2026. Pentel Japan lists one ink color, black (黒), for the Pentel Fude and its XFR-AD cartridge. The tint is the color-chip value on Pentel Japan's page. Tints are representative, not measured. Shops stock different colors.
Price bands are typical US retail, checked October 2026. Conversions to US dollars are approximate, at October 2026 rates (US$1 = ¥158 = ₩1,330 = NT$32.5 = CN¥6.7 = SEK 9.9 = DKK 6.7 = ₺49.6 = C$1.41 = A$1.43 = CZK 21.7; €1 = US$1.12; £1 = US$1.32; CHF 1 = US$1.21).
Key takeaways
Pentel Japan says the Pentel Fude has been sold since 1976 and uses finely treated nylon hairs instead of natural animal hair.
Pentel lists the XFL2L at ¥638 (about US$4) with tax and the XFR-AD refill cartridge at ¥198 (about US$1.30).
Japanese retailer Wafuu lists it at 175 mm (6.9 in) long, 13 mm across and 15 g.
Pentel Japan sells 6 tip types: bold, washi-paper, medium, firm (つみ穂), soft (すき穂) and extra-fine.
On October 22, 2026 the XFL2L ranked #12 in Amazon US Calligraphy Pens, with about 5,800 ratings averaging 4.5 stars.
What is the Pentel Fude brush pen XFL2L?
It’s the medium version of the Pentel Fude (sold in Japan as ぺんてる筆), Pentel’s refillable brush pen with a tip of nylon hairs that behaves like a real calligraphy brush. Pentel Japan says the line has sold since 1976 and is still its standard brush pen.
In Japan it’s used for envelopes, greeting cards and New Year’s cards. In the US, artists also use it for inking comics and brush lettering, where the long hairs give a very fine point and a broad stroke from one pen.
How popular is it in the US?
On October 22, 2026, the XFL2L was #12 in Amazon US Calligraphy Pens, with about 5,800 ratings averaging 4.5 stars. Amazon showed 500+ bought in the past month, and it also appeared in the Drawing Pens best-seller list.
The US listing is the Japanese blister pack, with Pentel’s Japanese barcode.
Pentel Fude XFL2L specs
Spec
Value
Maker
ASTRUM Corporation (Pentel brand), Tokyo
Type
Brush pen, refillable, capped
Tip
Nylon hairs, medium (中字)
Ink
Water-based dye, black
Refill
XFR-AD cartridge
Size
175 mm (6.9 in) long, 13 mm across, 15 g (Wafuu)
Code
XFL2L, JAN 4902506141002
Japanese price
¥638 (about US$4) with tax
Codes, ink and prices come from Pentel’s Japanese product page; the size and weight come from Japanese retailer Wafuu.
The XFL2L at 1 mm = 2.8 px; the barrel holds one XFR-AD cartridge.
What makes the brush different?
Pentel treats each nylon hair to make it fine, so the tip writes like a natural-hair brush but is springier and lasts longer. Pentel Japan says the pen uses no natural hair such as weasel, and that the same technology is used in makeup brushes and fine painting brushes.
The ink is a dye, like inkjet ink, which Pentel says lets it write smoothly even on coated paper that repels a ballpoint. The trade-off is that it isn’t waterproof.
Which Pentel Fude tip should you choose?
The medium XFL2L is the all-rounder; Pentel sells five other tips for specific jobs.
Code
Tip
Pentel’s use
XFL2B
Bold (太字)
Big, thick characters without fading
XFL2W
Washi (和紙用)
More ink for absorbent Japanese paper
XFL2L
Medium (中字)
Everyday brush writing
XFL2U
Firm (つみ穂)
Easier control for beginners
XFL2V
Soft (すき穂)
Flowing script
XFL2F
Extra-fine (極細)
Small characters, addresses
In Japan the bold pen lists at ¥1,320 (about US$8.40) and the washi pen at ¥748 (about US$4.70); the other four, including the XFL2L, are ¥638 (about US$4).
How do you refill it?
Unscrew the barrel and swap in an XFR-AD cartridge, ¥198 (about US$1.30) in Japan. Pentel’s FAQ warns that the barrel has a reverse thread, so turn it the opposite way from usual.
Pentel also notes that ink in a long-stored pen can dry out, so a pen left for months may need a fresh cartridge.
How does it compare with other brush pens?
Choose the XFL2L for a real-brush feel and cheap refills, the Pocket Brush for waterproof black, and a felt tip for easy lettering.
Pentel doesn’t say on the pages we read. Its Japanese product page lists no country for the XFL2L, and the US Amazon listing of the Japanese pack doesn’t either. Pentel of America lists Japan for its own Color Brush range.
Frequently asked questions
Is the Pentel Fude brush pen refillable?
Yes. It takes the XFR-AD black ink cartridge, which Pentel Japan lists at ¥198 (about US$1.30). The barrel unscrews to swap it; Pentel warns the thread is reversed.
Is the Pentel brush pen ink waterproof?
No. Pentel Japan lists water-based dye ink for the Pentel Fude, chosen so it writes smoothly even on inkjet paper. For waterproof black, Pentel's Pocket Brush uses pigment ink.
What does XFL2L mean?
It's Pentel's product code for the medium (中字) Pentel Fude. Its siblings are XFL2B (bold), XFL2W (for washi), XFL2U (firm tip), XFL2V (soft tip) and XFL2F (extra-fine).
Is the Pentel Fude pen good for beginners?
It's a real brush with soft nylon hairs, so it takes practice. Pentel's firmer つみ穂 (XFL2U) version is made for people new to brushes; a felt-tip pen such as the Tombow Fudenosuke is easier still.
How long is the Pentel Fude brush pen?
Japanese retailer Wafuu lists it at 175 mm (6.9 in) long and 13 mm across, weighing 15 g.
Is the Pentel Fude brush pen made in Japan?
Pentel's Japanese page doesn't say, and neither does the US Amazon listing. Pentel is a Japanese brand, and the pen is sold in its Japanese blister pack.
