When it comes to ballpoint pens, I think Cross is still the best! Back in 1946 Cross nailed the perfect mechanism with the screw in ball point cartridge and twist propel/repel mechansim in the Century. I can't stand the loose feeling ball point mechanism found in most ball point pens produced by others high end pen companies. Dont get me wrong, Montblanc, Parker, Sheaffer, Waterman etc may make great fountain pens, but when it comes to ball points, give me a Cross any day.