(Part 3) 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

I would recommend looking up Karas Kustoms. Their pens are very nice. For the price point you are looking for I would recommend either the Retrakt Aluminum or the Render K. Both of the them are made of durable yet light aluminum and take G2 style refills. This means it will take very popular and easily available cartridges in a variety of types.

For example if you are looking for a needle point roller ball that has smooth ink and writes on demand precise v5/v7 rt will fit.

If your looking for a fast drying gel ink Uniball 207 is a great choice.

If a fine point is what you want Hi-tec-c Cavalier is a popular and great choice as well.

So I would recommend either of those pens because of their versatility and durability.

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!

Keep in mind that gel doesn't last as long as regular ballpoint. But thankfully, there are many ballpoints now that use a 'hybrid' ink that flows smoother, almost like a rollerball.

Sadly I didn't know about the Parker Jotter until I was out of school, so I'd be very curious to see how much you can get out of a Parker quinkflow refill--it's enormous, and I'm pretty sure they are the same cartridges they put in those gimmicky "7-year pens" you see at museum gift shops. I'd recommend getting the real thing and also trying the Easy Flow 9000 or Jetstream SXR-600 refill. Parker is as close as you can get to a universal refill, and many companies make one, including gel, if that's your preference.

For college, I had been gifted a Cross ballpoint, and the refills for those would last a full semester.

Hope that helps!

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.

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.

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 say based on weight, grip-feel, and ink flow... the Uniball Signo RT is my favorite.

Not only does it write smoothly, but also produces a consistent line. It is definitely hard to find a pen with similar qualities.

My next favorite utility/all purpose-day-to-day pen (not pictured) may well be a BIC roller glide grip

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.

In that case. I bought one of these and I love using it. It is a solid chunk of metal with a solid metal tip and an eraser cover. Its .5 lead. I like how solid and sturdy it feels.

Pentel GraphGear 500 Automatic Drafting Pencil Black (PG525A) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0006HXQXA?ref=yo_pop_ma_swf

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.

I mean I wouldn't outright buy it, I'd try one out somewhere and see if I like it, if I do then I'd prefer to go for a proper pen rather than spend 50$ if I'll just buy another one later.

I'd like to own one pen for as long as possible basically.

--

I wouldn't buy those but something like these?

http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B00MPQXQ1M

http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B0035SJOCY

http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B001G6WZH8

http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B0036E8KVS

Sorry for how annoying the links are. I'd like a pen I buy to also look good rather than be plain, the full gold one looks rather stupid but the last one looks nice I think.

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 bought these Mont Blanc refills and these G2 pens. I then cut a bit of the plastic off the end of the Mont Blanc refill until it fit nicely into the G2 pen. It was much easier than I thought it would be.

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.

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.

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.

I don't think you can remove the refill from just any BIC Stic type ball point. They're not refillable. For the BIC Stic ball points it seems like the tip is jammed into end of the pen and the ink tube would come out without the ball point if you tried to remove it. You need a retractable pen that's specifically refillable. And are those going to be $4 for a pack of 60? This is the product page for the image you linked, and this is the pen that type of refill works with.

Otherwise, if you could find the right spring for that particular refill and a long enough metal pen, then maybe you'd have a lot of options to work with, but generally it seems like a pen refill and a non-refillable pen are not interchangeable.

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

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

Suggestions:
Ballpoint:
https://www.fahrneyspens.com/Item--i-37024

For a fountain pen:
Caran d'Ache 849 Fountain Pen White Nib F https://www.amazon.com/dp/B072K28JL9/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_fIsDAbETT4SBG

This one is a little over your budget, but still a special pen:
Faber-Castell Ambition Op Art Ballpoint Pen (Sand) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00NTV21TK/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_ZOsDAbY223VJ1

Cross Classic Century Classic Black Ballpoint Pen with 23KT Gold Plated Appointments (2502) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B000087HA0/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_CQsDAbTA033V4

Yeah, I asked over there too :) Thanks for the response. After some more research I have but one question left: My Parker Minxy is really short compared to normal pens. When buying a converter, should I be worried about the cartridge's length? Is there a chance it wouldn't fit into my pen despite the fact it claims to be "universal"? The converter I'm referring to

Oh, just see what all the options are. Is that like a 0.7mm pen, a 0.3mm fine pen, and a 0.5mm pencil? Some multi pens you can swap out the refills so it may not match the label. The contents don't matter too much, it's a decent pen you have there in the $30 range. It's not the cheap bics you see with elementary school teachers, heh.

Does it look like this http://www.amazon.com/Cross-Classic-Century-Ballpoint-Appointments/dp/B000087HA0/ref=cm_cr_pr_product_top

It looks like this:

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

I’m a fan of the Monteverde refills.

https://www.amazon.com/Monteverde-Ballpoint-Refill-Parker-P152BK/dp/B002IKK5DW

The Parker Sonnet line has a variety of choices fitting your criteria with prices ranging from ~50-~200 dollars. Personally, I like the [75 (Ciselè with golden trim)] (http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B001G6WZH8/ref=mp_s_a_1_1?qid=1412781804&sr=8-1&pi=SX200_QL40#), but it may not be minimalist enough for you, so you may take a look at the others in the line, possibly this [one] (http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B001H7VO0U/ref=mp_s_a_1_7?qid=1412782639&sr=8-7&pi=AC_SX110_SY165_QL70) or the [same with gold trim] (http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B001BY9HD0/ref=pd_aw_sims_10?pi=SS115&simLd=1)

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

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

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.

This Amazon page says that the Meisterstück uses it's own cartridges even if genuine.

Pilot Jetstream. It's very smooth, very fast writer, dries almost instantly. http://amzn.com/B002FSZP5A

I carry 2 in my bag at all times, for when my Lamy All-Star is not appropriate. :P

I have the same pen. It is a Mugi fountain pen. Takes standard international cartrages. You also can buy this international ink Converter and use your own fountain pen ink!

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.

Why I use this.

here you go

There's also this one...

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B001G6WZH8/ref=twister_B01IK46O8Y?_encoding=UTF8&th=1

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

Or just buy the actual Dr. Grip refills.

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

Dude. Refills.

(Also, I don't like G2s either. I'm not left-handed, I just don't think they're all that great.)

You'll want this refill to replace the empty one.