(Part 2) Top 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.

Okay, sweet. So, one of the cool things about fountain pens is their customization to how you want to write. Do you like writing small and precise? Get an EF or F nib. Do you like cursive-looking writing? Get an italic nub. Do you like sexy line variation? Get a flex nib.

My point is that I would get one of the two most recommended starter fountain pens so that you won't be stuck with an experience you don't like having spent $50 on a design or nib size that doesn't suit you: the Lamy Safari or the Pilot Metropolitan. After the first few pens, you'll have an idea of what you really like in a fountain pen. These pens are both inexpensive, relatively high build quality, and nice writers. I started with a Lamy Safari EF as my first pen and I still use is regularly because it is a nice pen, despite it being inexpensive. But I think you can look around Youtube or Google some reviews on the two and see which one looks more appealing to you. I personally recommend the Lamy Safari because it has a "tripod" grip that helps beginners position the pen so that the nib is in the right orientation. See the Safari here. The Metropolitan is also a nice pen. So again, whatever you think looks cooler.

Fountain pens can be refilled through disposable cartridges or through filling mechanisms that take up ink from a bottle.

My first bottle of ink was Noodler's Black.

And to refill the Safari, I had to buy a converter.

I started using fountain pens around 5 or so months ago, and my bottle of the same ink is still going strong. (Although I have bought tons more other colors. :D).

I wrote a slightly more extensive "beginner fountain pen guide and why you should use fountain pens" comment on another post, and I'll link that here if you want to read it.

1. Baron Fig Squire Click Ballpoint Pen (Charcoal) https://www.baronfig.com/products/squire-click
   
   • originally bought a Squire, but I didn't like the rollerball cartridge
     
2. Tactile Turn Stainless Steel Shaker https://www.tactileturn.com/store/stainless-steel-mover-shaker
   
   • hefty pen, feels very good in the hand
     
3. Tactile Turn Anodized Aluminum Shaker (Black) https://www.tactileturn.com/store/anodized-aluminum-mover-shaker
   
   • lightweight compared to the steel version
     
4. Pilot Axiom (Matte Black) http://pilotpen.us/brands/axiom/axiom/ (with Pilot Dr. Grip Center of Gravity Ballpoint Black Ink Refill http://pilotpen.us/categories/refills-ink/dr.-grip-center-of-gravity/)
   
   • the clickie button has a handy indicator on top to show when the pen is retracted or not
     
5. Fisher Zero Gravity Space Pen (Matte Black) https://www.spacepen.com/zerogravitypenmatteblack.aspx
   
   • my favorite space pen, very solid click, good clip, and the grip section has a slight 3 sided shape to it
     
6. Fisher Cap-O-Matic Space Pen (Matte Black) https://www.spacepen.com/M4Bnon-reflectivemilitarymatteblackcap-o-maticpen.aspx
   
   • my least favorite space pen, slim but hate the click action and the clip
     
7. Fisher Bullet Space Pen (Matte Black) https://www.spacepen.com/400B.aspx (with 1/4" rubber grommet for pocket friction https://www.amazon.com/dp/B000BO9DSA/)
   
   • perfect for EDC pocket carry, the rubber grommet keeps it from slipping out when sitting down
     
8. Makerset Field Pen Compact (Brass) https://makersetco.com/products/field-pen-compact?variant=5459314278431
   
   • mmm brass
     
9. Makerset Field Pen Compact (Stainless) https://makersetco.com/products/field-pen-compact?variant=5459642548255
   
   • these are cute little pens, very smooth click action
     
10. Makerset Field Pen Compact (Black DLC) https://makersetco.com/products/field-pen-compact?variant=5459642581023
    
    • if you see residue under the clip, it's the clip wearing off on the DLC (diamond like coating), not the other way around!
      
11. Sharpie Pen (Black) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B001B66DXU/
    
    • couldn't find these on Sharpie's site anymore?
      
12. Sharpie Pen Retractable (Black) https://www.sharpie.com/pens/retractable-pen?sku=SHRetractablePenBlackFine
    
    • very long click action, fat barrel with a rubber grip that catches on everything
      
13. Sharpie Ultra Fine Point Retractable Marker (Black) https://www.sharpie.com/markers/classic/retractable?sku=SHRetractableBlackUltraFine
    
    • I like these for using with Rite in the Rain notebooks, they write very smoothly on that paper and don't bleed (although they can't write while wet like space pens)
      
14. Pilot G2 07 Fine (Black) http://pilotpen.us/brands/g2/g2/
    
    • can't beat a classic G2, need to get the mini version

Great! Okay, let's see... Nice pens that fit the Pilot G-2...


--Machine Era Co. (solid brass): http://www.machine-era.com/collections/catalog/products/machine-era-pen-solid-brass (I have this one and love it.)

--Karas Kustoms G2 Bolt: http://karaskustoms.com/pens/the-bolt-449.html (also available in brass and copper)

--Pilot Cavalier Gel Pen: http://www.amazon.com/Pilot-Cavalier-Hi-Tec-C-Ballpoint-LCA-3SRC4-BL/dp/B001AX5URY/ref=sr_1_1

--Pilot Metropolitan Gel Pen: http://www.amazon.com/Pilot-Metropolitan-Collection-Classic-91207/dp/B009X9Z2DY/ref=sr_1_1

--Pilot G2 Limited: http://www.amazon.com/Pilot-Limited-Retractable-Roller-31536/dp/B00FACLJBM/ref=sr_1_18


In terms of handmade wood pens, here are some from Etsy that take standard rollerball refills and should take your refill!

--https://www.etsy.com/listing/192177602/pen-presimo-rollerball-ink-pen-exotic

--https://www.etsy.com/listing/160612352/rollerball-style-pen-with-chrome-accents


In terms of the thinnest of these... I think you'd like the Machine Era Co. and Pilot Cavaliers -- they are nice and slim, with a decent amount of heft -- both are well-made.

Have fun shopping!

MOQ 100 pens - IMO there are far better writing pens than this one for less than $2.35 each ($235.00 for 100) which would include shipping and laser set up.

Suggest Jetstream SXN-150 - $1.50 each, Jetstream SXN-250 - $2.80 each, Zebra Blen - $4.00 each, Pilot G2 $1.08 each - I am assuming you want hybrid ink which is like a cross between ballpoint and a gel and the Pilot G2 is probably the single most popular pen in the USA. IMO the jetstream is smoother and the ink is better but there a ton of people who would disagree with me. If you want to buy a pen that accepts refills, pick one that accepts Parker G2 refills and then you can get the Jetstream and the Schmidt Easyflow 9000 - two great refills.

I have a Retro51 Tornado and it's a great pen... I don't love it, though. The refill feathers on some paper (yes, I know I can change the refill!), and it sort of wiggles in the tip of the pen when I write which bothers me. I recently got a Rotring Rapid Pro ballpoint and am really enjoying it. It has a nice weight without being overly heavy, the refill is smooth and free of ballpoint boogers, and I personally love the knurling on the grip.

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.

I'd say look at Fisher Space Pens, I don't have one (cause I'm not into ballpoints) but these seem really nice:

[Fisher 400B Space Bullet Space Pen - Matte Black] (https://www.amazon.com/Fisher-400B-Space-Bullet-Pen/dp/B000WGD13U/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1466379244&sr=8-1&keywords=fisher+space+pen)

Fisher Space Pen Men's Cap-O-Matic Space Pen

The Lamy 2000 isn't flashy, but it definitly looks expensive, personally if you like that pen save up and get the fountain pen version, its more worth it than the ballpoint in my opinion...

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.

Uniball Jetstream 0.5, or even 0.38. The 0.5 writes extremely fine already (finer than a similar Pilot G2) and seems to dry instantaneously without smearing. It's also buttery-smooth writing, at many different angles. The barrel isn't as thin as you might want (for that, get a Cross Classic Century, but that's more of a permanent/refillable, and could be on the heavier side). The Jetstream is a hybrid, so there may be smearing with water, but I haven't had any issues with it myself.

https://www.amazon.com/Uni-ball-Jetstream-Retractable-0-5mm-black-Ink-value/dp/B00FB3NGN4

For waxy/plasticy paper, labels, your best bet would be to have an extra-thin click Sharpie available:
https://www.amazon.com/Sharpie-Retractable-Permanent-Markers-Ultra-Fine/dp/B0797DSLZJ

This means having two pens on you, but in my experience, different pens/instruments are good for different things. Between the Jetstream (easy writing in thin spaces) and the Sharpie (bold writing on labels for permanence), you should have everything covered.

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

OP thought they were getting this:
rOtring Rapid PRO Retractable Ballpoint Technical Drawing Pen, Medium Point, Matte Black, Blue Ink (1904292) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0055ZZQFY/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_9Cs8Ab1HWKF0H

But ordered the pencil version. They are pretty cool. My pen is on the way and I’m super excited for it.

Wow, this is such a perfect fit for OPs requests:

​

\> The ink had to dry within five seconds and be guaranteed not to smear or blot. Printed on paper, the ink had to withstand being submerged underwater for 48 hours and two doses of chemical bleach.

\> the pen’s unusually slight size — 5 and 1/8 inches long

Here's the amazon link for the fine point, for the lazy ones: https://www.amazon.com/Skilcraft-Government-Retractable-Point-7520-00-935-7135/dp/B0055KSNYK

A little higher on the price range you mentioned but I've enjoyed the Pilot Precise V5 line of pens. They come in a variety of colours, pack sizes, and they're fine pointed which I fine handy in my line of work where I have to take a lot of notes in a day.

Pilot Precise V5 RT Retractable Rolling Ball Pens, Extra Fine Point, Black Ink, Dozen Box -26062

The Karas edk is actually in the short list, along with the tactile turn Shaker. I like the design of both, however the clip is so far down from the top of the clicker I'm not sure I'd like them. With the f-701, only the moving portion of the click mechanism is above the pocket line.

The Copplus I found fits the bill perfectly, however it seems to be discontinued/unavailable. https://www.amazon.com/Copplus-Brass-Click-Ballpoint-Pen/dp/B01EEJD3J2

I had not seen the machine era. I wasn't really looking for a bolt action, but I think I kinda like that pen. I'll have to consider that one, thanks for the suggestion.

If you like Japanese pens you can't really go wrong with some Hi Tec C's. Popular super-fine pen, comes in a ton of colors.

Personally I really like writing with Sakura Pigma Microns. Keep in mind though that being felt-tipped pens, they'll write a bit differently than your standard ballpoint/gel pens.

If you refuse to step out of ballpoint land, Uniball Jetstreams are usually heralded as being better than most.

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.

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.

They're not Bic Clic's but they are awesome pens.
https://www.amazon.com/Skilcraft-Government-Retractable-Point-7520-00-935-7135/dp/B0055KSNYK/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1478350052&sr=8-1&keywords=skilcraft+pens

I recently stumbled upon/bought the Pentel Libretto and love it way more than any other iteration of the Energel or Sarasa I’ve ever found. Worth a shot! https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01B25B4AQ/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_ZgJCCbXZHTGRA

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.

Given your budget (and assuming you want to buy a ballpoint), I’d recommend the Cross Classic Century: it’s sleek and looks expensive. I was given this pen years ago and I still marvel at it every time I hold it. Link: Cross Classic Century Lustrous Chrome Ballpoint Pen https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00006IECI/

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

I saw this post yesterday and thought, "wow they make beautiful pens." Unfortunately this isn't that model as they've been discontinued (and are now VERY expensive on ebay), but I believe this to be it's successor.

These are amazing and have never failed to not write...

http://www.amazon.com/Skilcraft-Government-Retractable-Point-7520-00-935-7135/dp/B0055KSNYK/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1371921249&sr=8-1&keywords=skilcraft+pen

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

Also a lefty, been using these for several years. I've tried switching to various other pens (Pilot G2, Jetstream, Signo 207, Cross Century, V5/V7 Precise, etc.) and have yet to find one that writes as well for me. No feathering, no bleed-through, no skipping or clumping, and the ink dries fast enough that I don't get any smudging, even after extensive note-taking.

The only downside is that they don't make them in a "nicer" barrel, nor are they refillable. But they're cheap, they write great, and they look good if you appreciate minimalism.

Pilot Precise V5 RT is the best pen I've ever owned

Try a felt-tip pen, like the Papermate Flair. Or a plastic-tip pen like the Sharpie pen. Ballpoints can sometimes get clogged with paper, especially if you're left-handed.

Pretty much any office supply store. Target, Walmart, OfficeMax/Depot, staples etc.

Also on amazon here uni-ball 207 Retractable Gel Pens, Medium Point, Black, Box of 12 - 33950 https://www.amazon.com/dp/B000FDR47E/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_UXiMDbJDZB2D9

I too am a huge fan of the G2. Consider a refillable upgrade!

https://www.amazon.com/Pilot-Limited-Retractable-Roller-31536/dp/B00FACLJBM

Pens don't necessarily need to be expensive to be professional. If you want something that has metal construction and writes well, I'd suggest the Pentel Energel Alloy, it has an all-metal body that fits basically any refill you'd like. Other than that, I'd say the Parker Jotter. This is my favorite color, but you can find all variations/combinations of colors, and the refill is universal so anything with that shape can be used.

Get the Sharpie Stainless Steel pen. It feels more solid and substantial than the F701 and it's around the same look. It's only $5 on Amazon right now.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0067VHVNA/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_mGWTAbTM8JF6S

Stainless steel Parker Jotter:
http://www.amazon.com/Parker-Jotter-Stainless-Steel-Medium/dp/B001603YXI

It's refillable, so you can own just one or two and refill them -- minimal and good for the planet!

Hm, definitely noted for the future, also, is this the parker jotter? you were speaking of?

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

It looks like this:

https://www.amazon.com/uni-ball-Roller-Micro-Point-0-5mm/dp/B00006IE8P

I think it's the fisher cap-o-matic
http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B001E103CY/ref=mp_s_a_1_2?qid=1452817928&sr=8-2&pi=SY200_QL40&keywords=fisher+space+pen&dpPl=1&dpID=41AroqYEPJL&ref=plSrch

It's got the fisher space pen medium in it, I'm a fan of that refil

i was just coming on here to suggest this pen. i think it would be worth picking up one to see how it works with the carbon paper. dries fast and is dark! here's link for that dozen kipthunderslate mentioned~~ http://www.amazon.com/Uni-ball-Stick-Micro-Roller-60151/dp/B00006IE8P

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

How about a Rotring Rapid Pro ballpoint. It's slim and well built.

Unfortunately those are out of stock on the Karas Kustoms website, JetPens, and Amazon. I can't find the brass Retrakt available for sale anywhere else.

I did find two click brass pens on Amazon that take the same refill as the Jotter. They're both less than $20, and are Amazon Prime, so 2 day delivery:
https://smile.amazon.com/Copplus-Brass-Click-Ballpoint-Pen/dp/B01EEJD3J2/ref=sr_1_13?ie=UTF8&qid=1521995749&sr=8-13&keywords=brass+pen
https://smile.amazon.com/EKLOEN-Portable-Delicate-Signature-Ballpoint/dp/B07B6PZDMC/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1521995825&sr=8-2&keywords=brass+click+pen

Don’t think the tip is as fine as the razor but this is what I have found! I can’t find it locally and it is expensive online!

Sharpie Pen

http://www.amazon.com/Parker-Jotter-Stainless-Steel-Medium/dp/B001603YXI/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1381897013&sr=8-1&keywords=parker+jotter+pen

I got this. The pen writes flawlessly. However, the refill price is a bit pricey for a college student. I got a pack of 6 for 18$.

Wait? Do you mean these? http://www.amazon.com/Sharpie-Fine-Point-Black-1742663/dp/B001B66DXU I am not sure if they are considered felt tip or not. I have bought a few, and they did bleed a little bit. But, I buy cheap paper. I prefer the Pilot V5 for fine tip pens.

I live in the u.k so I just get them off amazon. It's not my main pen so I don't have to refill it often.

Link to pen

Link to refills

They're probably cheaper if you live in the U.S.

You can't go wrong with something by Cross, although I will warn that Cross refills tend to be pretty terrible - if you do go with a Cross, you'll probably want to pick up a Cross-style refill from either Schmidt or Monteverde.

I actually use the Stainless Steel Fine tip Sharpie pen. I got it a couple days ago and instantly couldnt believe how smooth it was. It also didnt bleed through my cheap notebook paper either at all. I dont know what they are doing to make the ink and tip this dark, smooth, and not bleed through. Now my daily pen for notes and work. Only thing is that after a full day of use, the tip has gotten less smooth feeling, but I still prefer it way over any rollerball pen ive used.

Also, the stainless steel and chrome is only $5.19

Link

​

Edit: Here is a link to other deals for today: Link

Parker Jotter Stainless Steel CT Ballpoint Pen https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B01DJBH2S4/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_0R3RDbJQ48PMK

Looks identical to the one I got on Amazon, under the brand "Copplus." Takes Parker refills.

Could it be the Lamy Safari? They also make rollerball and ballpoint versions, as they do with the Lamy Al-Star and newly-released LX, which have aluminum bodies instead of ABS plastic.

here you go

uh its cheaper to just buy a 12 pack of new signo 207s...

http://www.amazon.com/uni-ball-Retractable-Translucent-12-Pack-33950/dp/B000FDR47E/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1417287612&sr=8-1&keywords=signo+207

Fisher Telescoping Space Pen. It's retractable.

Pentel GraphGear 500 Drafting Pencil and Parker Jotter or Zebra F-7401.

This one, right? I've been thinking about getting one of those.

that reminds me a lot of the fisher space military pen

Skilcraft U.S. Government

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?