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While I use my smartphone for many things, I still manage tasks the old fashioned way -- on paper in a notebook. I find that the physical act of writing with a pen keeps things in my head better than typing them into a digital task manager. I mostly use my fountain pens for this (various colors for different purposes), but I like to have a rollerball or two on hand for back-up in case a pen has dried a bit or is acting finicky. I've been attempting to use Cross rollerballs for this -- in part because they offer purple and red as well as blue and black. However, lately I have found that these refills are beyond dreadful. Dreadful -- as in they won't write consistently within five minutes of opening the package and installing the refill in the pen. I know there are a lot of other rollerball options out there (indeed, I use many others). But I can't believe how bad these refills have become. Cross really ought to be ashamed to have these things on the market -- at least in my view. Anyone else seeing the same thing?

I am not a lefty but have a friend who is, and is intrigued, I'm not sure if by fountain pens or just worried about my sanity with (only) 25 inks and pens. I have read and watched videos about lefties and writing, pushing vs pulling, my sincere commiserations, I didn't know it could be such an ordeal. I have some specific questions, in particular for lefty overwriters: What is your favorite pen (fountain or other)? Why? I've read about the advantages of quicker drying inks; do you prefer rollerballs? Gel pens? Are there more comfortable pens for lefty overwriters? What aspects to look for? Cushioned sections? More expensive pens seem to be fountain pen variants: do these make sense ergonomically for lefties? For instance a Pelikan Souverain or Parker Sonnet rollerball. Any lefties using Sheaffer Triumhps or Pilots with WA nibs ("upturned"or "Waverly type" nibs)? Do these work for you? Strictly stick to quickly drying paper? No Clairefontaine for you? Is it worth the hassle? Just get a cheap gel pen and forget about it? Any other aspects I should look into? I am doing this as if it were an analysis of consumer experiences, following specific goals (design, comfort, practicality, statement pen). Budget is $100 USD. Thanks!

Hi all, I've got a weird problem with my Waterman Expert Rollerball pen (https://jet.com/product/Waterman-Expert-Black-with-Gold-Trim-Fine-Point-Rollerball-Pen-S0951680/1aa4b5be1b6a417e863fa54fe31332d5) and Pilot G2 refills (https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B004P3LW0U/). According to everything I've read on here and other places, the refills should fit just fine. However, the refill is loose inside the barrel. The nib (is that what it's called?) drops down about an eighth of an inch when I lift it off the page. Are there two different sizes I'm not aware of? Has a piece fallen out of the pen that reinforces the refill? Am I just that dumb? Thanks for any and all help!

I've posted this on another forum, but I think you all would be interested in it as well. This is a test of how waterproof certain ballpoint and gel inks are (also included are two fountain pen inks at the bottom). I've categorized them as follows: Waterproof: Uniball SignoPilot JuiceBic CristalRite in the Rain (Fisher Space fine)Semi-waterproof: Pilot G2Schmidt easyFlowFisher SpacePilot PreciseNot waterproof: Parker Quink Gel

Hi all, I'm a newbie here and also a broke one. I use different colors for different classes when taking notes, so I need colored gel pens that ( a ) write well and ( b ) have cheapo refills. I love gel and prefer 0.5mm and below (definitely not 1.0mm), so does anyone have any suggestions? Unfortunately, I'll need at least 6 colors excluding red and black, and it seems like many of the options only come in 0.7mm. Am I asking for the impossible?

Hi, I have started a new poll on Massdrop for three rollerball/gel pens that take commodity gel refills (such as Pilot, Pentel, etc.) in addition to their custom refills. Please vote/comment if you are interested at (LINK removed bij moderator) Cheers - svp

Does anyone know where I can purchase D1 size ballpoint pen refills with gel ink, preferably in North America (I am in Canada)? They seem to be extremely rare. The only place I've found that offers a reasonable selection that I've found is jetpens.com. Thanks for your help!

Hi, I already own a Lamy 2000 fountain pen, which I love. However, a fountain pen isn't always practical, and I'm considering getting a Lamy 2000 ballpoint pen (not a rollerball). I am a big fan of gel ink pens (including the refills made by Parker), and I would like to use gel ink in the 2000 if possible. I have seen that Monteverde has a ballpoint refill option, but as far as I can tell, the Monteverde ink is not gel. Does anyone know if it is possible to purchase gel ink refills for Lamy 2000 Ballpoint pens? Or is there a way to modify a popular gel ink refill to work with the Lamy 2000 ballpoints?

Hi all, I am hoping you can help me out. I am looking for a fine point (0.5mm) point blue gel/rollerball refill that will fit in a Parker Jotter. So far, I can only find black Parker fine point and they generally have poor reviews (short lasting). Any suggestions? It would be nice if it didn't cost as much as a whole new Jotter pen... Thanks.