(Part 2) Best products from r/pens

The thing with rollerballs is that for the most part, the better ones you're going to find will be refill-based. If you're looking for budget pens, though, there are some decent options:

Bic Grip Roller: I normally don't care much for Bic pens. They are very much about the lowest-end of ballpoints for purely utilitarian purposes (and that's OK, just not for me) but I went to a conference earlier this year and got a Grip Roller from the Drexel University booth. It's comfortable to write with and has nice liquid ink. The plastic feels a little cheap and it's very light, but the rubber grip is pretty nice. And it's only $9/12 pack.

rOtring Tikky Rollerpoint: I love the Tikky rollerpoint. Read more here.

Stabilo Bionic Worker: This is a nice wet and inky rollerball with a super comfortable grip. Could be a little... ostentatious if you're using it for business meetings, but would be great for giving you nice bold lines for school or office work.

Pilot G2/Montblanc mod: This gets you a nice rollerball refill inside a cheap pen. I've been warned that this dries out quickly, but I've had it a few weeks and still writes pretty nice.

Refills:

Schneider Topball 850: I first got this in an Adler Stratas which I'd highly recommend because it's super comfortably to grip and write with, but you have to buy them in minimum lots of 50 since they're promotional. But they come with the 850 loaded in them, and it writes really nice. I'd imagine most rollerball pen bodies would fit this, and you can get them really cheap online.

Schmidt 888 Safety Ceramic Roller: I got this one loaded in a souvenir pen my father brought me back from London, and it writes really nice. I just checked and it's the same size as the Schneider, so it will also probably fit most refillable rollerball pens.

> Care to tell me the advantages? I'm open to new things, I might change my mind if the pros outweigh the cons.

Sure can! Here's why I use a fountain pen for most of my daily writing:

• Fountain pens require much less pressure with which to write. A few years ago, I started using rollerballs for this very reason. Most ballpoints require you to press down so god damn hard. This strains the hand. Good luck writing for a long period of time with a ballpoint. That shit sucks. I started using fountain pens just a few months ago because I found that they required even less pressure than liquid ink rollerballs and gels.
  
• If you pick the right fountain pen, it's going to be a pleasurable, buttery experience. I'm not kidding. The nib of a fountain pen glides across the paper. Nowadays, I look forward to when I have to write something down. It's not a chore anymore, and for me, it gives me just another slight motivation to do schoolwork (college student). Hey, nothing hurts, right?
  
• A single fountain pen can last you a lifetime, and even more. I find that there's something admirable and even romantic about carrying a single writing instrument that you can refill again and again. You get to know the nuances of the pen; you get attached it the pen. I think that's freaking cool in our current "use and dipose" culture of shitty Bics. Don't get me wrong. I'm not anti-tech or anything. I just find it super cool to always have on me my trusty fountain pen that's been with me through a lot! It's neat. I recently bought a vintage pen from the 1950s. It still works like a charm!
  
• Speaking of refilling, the ink choices of fountain pens are a big plus! There are literally thousands of ink choices of all shades and colors. One of my favorite aspects of writing with certain inks is that it shades! It makes it look so pretty on paper. Check it out: http://wonderpens.files.wordpress.com/2013/05/img_2772.jpg https://colewardell.files.wordpress.com/2010/10/autumn-inks.jpg
  Fountain pens can be refilled through disposable cartridges or through filling mechanisms that take up ink from a bottle (cartridge-converter, piston filler, etc.)
  
• And speaking of shading inks, the nib options for fountain pens are awesome too! EF, F, M, B, BB, etc. And even flex! Flex nibs are nibs that allow you to get some line variation depending on the pressure you apply. http://i22.photobucket.com/albums/b325/azavalia/flex1.jpg That's sexy, lol. Oh yeah, and even italic, stub, oblique nibs, and a bunch more.
  
• Fountain pens are usually much manufactured with a much high quality than most other types of pens. It's the niche it fills. It has to be higher quality because it's meant to last hopefully forever. Besides the high quality, they look really cool, with the nib and big barrel and whatnot. Here's one of my favorite pens: http://img-2013.tapatalk.com/d/13/03/31/thumbnail/3e8e7yga.jpg
  
  So yeah, that's why I use fountain pens. My first fountain pen still works perfectly. It was a Lamy Safari EF: http://www.jetpens.com/Lamy-Safari-Fountain-Pen-Extra-Fine-Nib-Charcoal-Black-Body/pd/1937
  
  My first bottle of ink was Noodler's Black: http://www.amazon.com/Noodlers-Black-Waterproof-Fountain-Pen/dp/B000MVZ2E6
  
  And to refill the Safari, I had to buy a converter: http://www.jetpens.com/Lamy-Fountain-Pen-Z-24-Converter/pd/1941
  
  And that's it. After 6 months, I still have the pen (although I've bought a bunch more :D), the converter, and the same bottle of ink is still going strong. I call that a good investment. If only I hadn't gotten addicted and bought a bunch more fountain pens and inks. But, it's a cool hobby that I enjoy. Check out some videos on Youtube and let me know if you want writing samples or anything!
  
  So, tl;dr Fountain pens are cool. Get one.
  
  > I love them. The smaller the better. I like the precision they provide. I usually don't buy anything more than 0.5, as a matter of fact, I didn't even know there was 0.38, I'll definitely look into that.
  
  Along with your Safari that you should definitely get, you could toss on a Mach III and the Pentel Energel that I linked. ;) Orders of $25 from Jetpens have free shipping. :D
  
  > I've been looking for the Pilot Precise since I read this testimonial on LifeHacker but I just can't find it in Canada. I might have to order it online. Never looked for pens in Walmart though, I'll definitely have to give that a shot.
  
  Yeah, if you enjoy needlepoint pens, you should definitely start off with the Pilot Precise V5. That was my first good pen that started my pen addiction 4 years ago.
  
  Wow, I'm too obsessed with pens, lol.
  
  

IMO the best ballpoint refill for the Parker G2 type pens is the Uni SXR-600 Jetstream Ballpoint Pen Refill. It comes in 0.5mm and 0.7mm only. It is excellent proprietary ink and is expensive at $7.25 but by far it is the best writing refill for the Parker G2 type pens. A second option is the Schmidt Easy Flow 9000 at $5.00 which comes in F, M, and Broad points. If you want a gel refill, then the best out there is the Moleskin Rollerball Refill which comes in various colors, fits the Parker G2 and is available in 0.5 and 0.7mm at $2.90 each. The Itoya Acquaroller gel refill is a needle point and will fit. Smooth writing however it is a needlepoint I have a couple of G2's with this refill. - https://www.amazon.com/Itoya-Aquaroller-Refill-0-7mm-AQR-7BPBK/dp/B000GP02MA/ref=sr_1_2?keywords=itoya%2Bpen%2Brefill&qid=1568848476&s=office-products&sr=1-2&th=1

I have some of those myself and I agree they are really nice. I was lucky to have my work put me up for a meeting at the RC and well lets just say I kept "losing" the pens each day, so I am good for a while. :)

Personally I hate the cross refill though. Some pens I have that are close would be:

https://www.amazon.com/Pentel-EnerGel-Style-Medium-Barrel/dp/B0776M8VY1

not quite as thin but a nice feel and comes in black. Gel is a bonus for me.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07K7YJFZK/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&th=1

again not quite as thin but it is a jet stream refill so it is super smooth and not gel if you don't like that.

I think either is a really close runner up to the RC ones and in my mind better because they aren't cross refills.

I'm going to guess that this refill (what you're calling a cartridge) is a standard rollerball refill -- but it would be great if you could take the pen apart and post a picture of just the refill. If it is, it will likely fit in most nice rollerball pens (most capped, but a few retractable options out there).


An example of a standard rollerball refill (which is basically the same size as a Pilot G2, Pentel Energel RT, etc.): http://www.amazon.com/Schmidt-Safety-Ceramic-Rollerball-Refills/dp/B0037U3KH0/ref=sr_1_10?ie=UTF8&qid=1451872520&sr=8-10&keywords=rollerball+refill


Also, just so you know, what you're calling the "shell" is the pen body. :)

In my experience as long as you use it at least semi-frequently maintenance is minimal. Plus when you do clean it it’s a breeze. I’m new to fountain pens and cleaned my pen for the first time two days ago. All you do is take apart four pieces and let them soak in water for a while. Put it back together which is extremely simple and boom your done. I heard great things about pens like the pilot metropolitan or Lamy Safari , which only run you about $15! They even make Disposable fountain pens that come in packs of 5! So if I were you I’d give one of those cost effective options a shot and if you like it go from there.

The pilot limited is a great pen and the grip offers a lot of cushion. I have one myself and use it in conjunction with my Rotring 600 for most daily things. I often end up using the limited for
note-taking because, like you, I write with a death grip and apply a lot of pressure. I very rarely get pain when writing with it. I have used fountain pens and as much as I love them, I don't think they're the best for note-taking. These are the opinions of a CS/Math student too. Good luck finding your pen! It took me a while to find the right one for me. PM if you have any other questions!

https://www.amazon.com/Pilot-Limited-Retractable-Roller-31535/dp/B00FACLJEE

Fisher Space Pen looks like it could be a winner minus the twist cap.

If she's dead-set on the twist mechanism, the classic Cross Century and Cross Tech 2 sound like winners. The Century is selling for $26 on Amazon US though you could search for a Made in USA version on eBay.

If you don't mind splurging, you can take a chance on the Rotring 800. Good weight, brass construction, takes G2 refills, and has a twist-open mechanism. Should set you back ~$60 with shipping from Amazon Japan, though you can wait for it to drop - I bought mine at around the 5200 yen ($47) mark.

Let me add to your indecision with one additional suggestion: Grey Pinstripe

https://www.amazon.com/Parker-Premium-Carlisle-Pinstripe-Ballpoint/dp/B01DJBHJW8/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1541870249&sr=8-1&keywords=parker%2Bjotter%2Bpin%2Bstripe&th=1

You almost have to look at the magnified version to see it properly, but it has a sophisticated formal look. I bought one for my father and he carries it all the time.

My recommendation for a purple cartridge is the Monteverde Soft Roll:

https://www.amazon.com/Monteverde-Ballpoint-Refill-Parker-P132PL/dp/B002IKK5CI/ref=sr_1_6?s=office-products&ie=UTF8&qid=1541870852&sr=1-6&keywords=monteverde+soft+roll+purple

The good news is that you can't go wrong. Parker Jotters are classics for a reason.

A friend gifted me a Parker IM he didn't use, and for $12, I'm having a hard time finding something better.

I've heard mixed reviews of how well Parker refills write, but with so many Parker-style refills to choose from (I've heard the Schmidt easyFLOW 9000 is great), you should be able to put together something you like pretty cheap. And it's metal and clicky.

They will not work with the G2s, but these are pretty awesome refills that WILL work.

6 Pack - Schmidt easyFLOW 9000 - Black Ink https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0025ZX11S/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_LiFVCbJV6GC1R

I would recommend the Fisher Telescoping Pen. All metal body, no disconnecting components, compact size that expands to fit your hand, minimalistic. Not to mention the ink would be best suited for a factory setting, not that you'd have to write on oily paper or something... But you never know!

http://www.amazon.com/Fisher-Space-Telescoping-Pen-TLP/dp/B000VC3FBS/ref=sr_1_1?s=office-products&ie=UTF8&qid=1464006900&sr=1-1&keywords=fisher+telescoping+pen

Fisher Space Pen refills come with an adapter that fits on the back so that they can fit into any pen that takes Parker-style refills. So you have lots of options if you'd like to go that route.

Or, if you'd like pens that are designed for the Fisher Space Pen refill specifically, here are some options:

Original Astronaut Pen: https://www.amazon.com/Fisher-Space-AG7-Original-Astronaut/dp/B0015ZP2AC/

Fisher Space Pen Bullet: https://www.amazon.com/Fisher-Space-Pen-Bullet-Clip/dp/B0002ZQB4M/

Fisher Space Pen Bullet - Brass: https://www.amazon.com/Fisher-Space-Brass-Bullet-400-RAW/dp/B00KQSMAYU/

Machine Era Field Pen - Original: https://www.machine-era.com/collections/pens/products/field-pen-stainless

Schon Design Classic Machined Pen: https://www.schondsgn.com/collections/pens/products/classic-machined-pen?variant=7245842087982

I would get the Pure Malt Jetstream 4&1 if you are looking for a multi pen: https://www.amazon.com/Uni-ball-Jetstream-Ballpoint-Pencil-MSXE520050724/dp/B004G5N8S6/ref=sr_1_1?keywords=pure+malt+jetstream&qid=1556143094&s=gateway&sr=8-1

It is unique because the grip is made from recycled oak wood from whiskey barrels (which is apparently over 100 years old). The pure malt feels very solid. Jetstream ink itself is a good ink (a hybrid ballpoint and gel ink).

​

Here is a good description of the wood if interested: https://www.jetpens.com/Uni-Pure-Malt-Wood-Grip-2-Color-0.7-mm-Ballpoint-Multi-Pen-0.5-mm-Pencil-Navy-Body-Limited-Edition/pd/6527

I would definitely recommend the Rite in the Rain pen or the Fisher Space NonReflective Military cap-o-matic

https://www.amazon.com/Rite-Rain-Weatherproof-Black-Clicker/dp/B000QBPZKS/ref=sr_1_1_sspa?crid=23G1I5MLT9K23&keywords=rite+in+the+rain+pen&qid=1554850746&s=office-products&sprefix=rite+in%2Coffice-products%2C177&sr=1-1-spons&psc=1

https://www.amazon.com/Fisher-NonReflective-Military-Matic-SM4B/dp/B001NXDFC8/ref=sr_1_4?crid=23G1I5MLT9K23&keywords=rite+in+the+rain+pen&qid=1554850746&s=office-products&sprefix=rite+in%2Coffice-products%2C177&sr=1-4

They're very similar and I have the rite in the rain and it's a great all-metal retractable pen.

The Pentel Philography might be a good option: https://smile.amazon.com/Pentel-Philography-Pen-Turquoise-Blue/dp/B01LRWIJXO

I have one and like if.

The Libretto looks a little classier in pictures but I haven’t ever owned one: https://smile.amazon.com/Pentel-Libretto-Roller-Black-K600PG/dp/B01B25B4AQ

I mention these because I love the EnerGel refills.

I like the Rotring that u/Traphauss mentioned, and I'll add the Retro51 Hexomatic (https://www.amazon.com/dp/B003QIMPV0/) which I like "slightly" more than the Rotring 600. It just seems to be ever so slightly built better (my opinion only). Or a Zebra F-701 is also a good choice. I have all three with Fisher refills in them all. I decided I didn't like the black versions of the Rotring/Retro51 just because the coating can wear off.

Honestly as a civil engineer he may just appreciate a Fisher Space Pen. Get him one with a clip. $20 on Amazon right now. He'll appreciate the versatility and the history.

What exactly do you mean by super clean looking? Like, just a plain black body with no logos or other designs? Or just something without a lot of bling?

A couple of suggestions I thought of immediately were:

Rotring 600

Parker Jotter

Fisher Cap-o-Matic

Lamy Aion

Faber-Castell Essentio

I use a set of these for drawing, sometimes writing. They are great. (Sakura Pigma Micron Pens)

https://www.amazon.com/Sakura-Pigma-30062-Micron-Blister/dp/B0008G8G8Y

​

Also, this video is a good watch for you:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iAYPDxrTryA

My roommate had an Apollo with the same problem. If you want the same pen design with a more sturdy and durable shell, I'd recommend the matte black, which is made of full brass instead of having a bunch of plastic parts (it therefore has the weight of a good pen). It's served me pretty well.

Man, do I have a pen for you.

Parker Jotter with a rollerball refill is THE SHIT. I keep two, a black one and a blue one, with matching ink inside them. It's a clicker, a good one.

Here's the pen

Here's the refill

Retro 51 makes some very good pens, and their liquid ink rollerball refills are excellent. Their Hex-o-matic is quite similar in shape to the rotring.

I'm partial to the Ohto Flash Dry, but I'm really liking the Kaco G2 in 0.5mm as well. Their "dark blue" is really blue-black, a long-time preferred color for me.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07JPYGXFN/

CamelCamelCamel indicates this is the best price they've ever been at too (at least this particular listing):

 

https://camelcamelcamel.com/rOtring-Retractable-Ballpoint-Medium-Point/product/B077GQDPYM

 

For those that want the Amazon link:
https://www.amazon.com/ROTRING-800-Ballpoint-Pen-Black/dp/B077GQDPYM/

https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B01B25B4AQ/ref=mp_s_a_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1473195744&sr=8-1&pi=SY200_QL40&keywords=pentel+libretto&dpPl=1&dpID=41qZESqGiiL&ref=plSrch

Will fit in a Pentel Libretto. They also come in black, cream, and silver. Fabulous pen body. Classic looking too.

For the parker jotter, they sell parker quink GEL refills. These things are the bomb.com. They are amazing. You can find them at your local staples or office depo in the refills section, if not, you can get them on amazon.

Here's the link. http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B001AFB6YI?pc_redir=1407137863&robot_redir=1

Try this refill? It's a gel refill in a Parker-style size that should fit in your Rotring. For me, it writes like a Pilot G2, and it's not expensive.

Also, the fisher telescoping pen is super handy, and you don't need to mess with caps.
Fisher Space Telescoping Space Pen (TLP) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B000VC3FBS/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_awd_NQBRwbAMY4HCG

http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B001NXDFC8/ref=mp_s_a_1_3?qid=1421798773&sr=8-3&dpPl=1&dpID=21C-EtcsKvL&ref=plSrch&pi=AC_SX200_QL40

Just bought one of these, love it so far

The Schmidt Easy Flow 9000 is a refill that is a ballpoint/rollerball hybrid, but I find it writes just like a rollerball. Here's a review.

Monteverde Capless Gel Ballpoint Refill to Fit Parker Ballpoint Pens, Bold Point https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0741FT55T/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_Mw-PDbNMJPAKV

I use Schmidt Easyflow 9000s. https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01M8FUE2X/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_awdb_YIUtzbDQC0185 They are great.

Certainly in the grand scheme of things it's a small price. It's just a bit more than others, and it's actually more than I paid for the pen itself, heh.

Do check out the Sakura Pigma Micron, they are archival pens with long lasting inks and come in a variety of pin tips starting from as small as 0.1 tips.

If you want a multi pack for things like sketching you can pick up one of these -> http://www.amazon.com/Sakura-30062-6-Piece-Pigma-Micron/dp/B0008G8G8Y

I've heard these are nice for thin lines: http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0008G8G8Y/ref=ox_sc_act_title_5?ie=UTF8&psc=1&smid=ATVPDKIKX0DER

If you don't mind the whole pressurized ink feature, the Fisher Telescoping Space Pen is a nifty option, $25:

https://www.amazon.com/Fisher-Space-Telescoping-Pen-TLP/dp/B000VC3FBS

I would assume that if your pen takes one Parker style refill then any would fit. Parker makes Gel refills but they run about $3 each. You could also try a Schmidt Easyflow 9000 which is an Emulsion/Hybrid ink refill. They cost less and are very smooth.

https://www.amazon.com/Pack-Schmidt-easyFLOW-9000-Black/dp/B0025ZX11S/ref=sr_1_1?s=office-products&ie=UTF8&qid=1492488655&sr=1-1&keywords=schmidt+refill+easyflow+9000+m

https://www.amazon.com/PARKER-QUINK-Ballpoint-Refills-Medium/dp/B001AFB6YI/ref=sr_1_1?s=office-products&ie=UTF8&qid=1492488838&sr=1-1-spons&keywords=parker+gel+pen+refills&psc=1

Someone else mentioned it too, but give the Schmidt easyflow 9000 refill a shot.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0025ZX11S/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_4ACbBb8ZANSC2

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B077GQDPYM/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_WTbQCbFHDZKKT

Fisher Telescoping Space Pen. It's retractable.

here you go

I can't imagine switching from schmidt easyflow 9000 refills, myself.

I got you This is what I put in my cartier's after their ink died flows somewhere between a ballpoint and a gel. Also Cartier makes excellent pen refills, they are just expensive and hard to come by.

That makes a lot of sense. I definitely don't want a pen that will ruin my clothes.

Edit: Do you happen to know if they will work with the Schmidt 888 ceramic ball refill?