Caran d'Ache 849 Black Code XL Review: A Bigger, Bolder Take on a Classic

Introduction

When a brand known for a slim, pocketable classic suddenly releases an XL version, expectations are hard to calibrate. Photos online suggested only a modest size increase over the standard model. In the hand, the Caran d’Ache 849 Black Code XL is a completely different object: noticeably thicker, noticeably heavier, and surprisingly satisfying for anyone who found the original 849 too small and thin.

Released in March 2025 at a price of 13,200 yen, this pen belongs to a new Black Edition collection that also covers the 849 mechanical pencil, multi-pen, Fixpencil, and an all-black Ecridor. The XL body, however, is exclusive to the ballpoint.

Unboxing and First Impressions

The pen arrives in a glossy black case with a clever detail: the section that holds the pen is a raised, silicone-lined pen-shaped recess, so the body never touches hard plastic. The rest of the case thins out around it, keeping the package compact.

Opening it, the first reaction is simple: this thing is thick, and it is heavy. The length has grown as well. Anyone familiar with the standard 849 will feel the difference immediately.

For comparison, the standard 849 measures 127mm long, weighs 14.1g, and has a 9mm grip diameter. The XL stretches to 137mm, weighs 26.4g, and has an 11.5mm grip diameter. If you always found the regular 849 small and slim, these numbers are genuinely good news.

Build Quality and Design

The XL uses a full-metal aluminum body with the signature hexagonal barrel, finished in a slightly rough matte coating that makes it easy to grip without slipping. The construction runs seamlessly all the way to the nose cone, which speaks to the quality of the Swiss factory where the 849 series is designed and manufactured. The clip and knock button carry a matte black chrome finish.

The clip is on the soft side, and its mounting point sits only at the very tip of the clip. That means it wobbles rather than gripping firmly, which is fine for a shirt pocket but not ideal for clipping onto thin paper.

The knock action is a quiet, switch-like press with no clicky feel. It is lighter to press than the standard 849, and the larger contact area under the finger makes it easier to operate.

The Refill

The refill is retrieved by twisting the knock section. Out of the box, the pen ships with a Goliath Cartridge in black with a 1mm medium tip, an ink Caran d’Ache claims can write for 8km on a single cartridge. It is a highly viscous, slippery ink that glides across the page.

One important note: the refill resembles a G2 format but uses a proprietary Caran d’Ache specification, so standard G2 refills will not fit. Older 849 units sometimes accepted G2 due to a different internal structure, but recent models are designed to prevent it.

Writing Performance

On paper, the writing experience is smooth, with that slick, viscous ink character front and center. There is some rattle at the tip, a trait carried over from the standard 849, and the amount varies with writing angle. Rotating the barrel until you find a quiet position, or reseating the refill, helps settle it.

The balance is the standout. The weight sits high in the barrel, and paired with the generous thickness, the pen feels well balanced and easy to hold. A shorter, front-weighted pen of this size would pull the tip down and force a tighter grip over long sessions. This balance avoids that entirely.

Things to Consider Before Buying

The main caveat is the barrel shape. At 11.5mm, the hexagonal profile has pronounced edges, and some writers will find the corners dig into the fingers. A round barrel would arguably have been more comfortable at this diameter, though the hexagon is part of the brand’s identity.

It is also not built for long writing sessions if you are unused to thick or heavy pens. The combination of a 26.4g body and squared facets can tire the hand quickly.

Buying Advice

If the standard 849 always felt too small, the XL is likely the version you have been waiting for. It suits writers who prefer a substantial, full-bodied pen and appreciate a soft, high-viscosity ink. If you favor lightweight pens or write for hours at a stretch, handle one first if possible.

Also worth knowing: the Black Edition line includes a limited-quantity pencil and ballpoint set, a stationery set, and notebooks, and the all-black Ecridor launched alongside it at a considerably higher price point.

Conclusion

The 849 Black Code XL is a bold, all-black reinterpretation of a classic that finally gives larger hands a proper fit. The look is sharp, the knock feel is addictive, the balance is excellent, and the Goliath refill is a genuine pleasure to write with. The hexagonal edges and overall heft are the only real trade-offs. For anyone who found the original 849 too slim, this is an easy recommendation.