The Value Of Rollerballs

[shines_lover]

Hi everyone

I exclusively collect high end rollerballs from MB, ST Dupont and GvFC. And most of them are either SE or LE. I encountered many posts that tend to demote the value of rollerballs on the basis that they are as good as the refill can get. Others note that one's better off with a fountain pen for such money. Well, I started my collection with a fountain pen but quickly realized rollerballs are the way to go after trying a high end rollerball. From a subjective perspective, I prefer them because of practicality,convenience,aesthetic, prestige and above all they suite my writing style. And with a large collection, refills last for as long as 6 months each. So this has never been a problem to me.

But with a concensus on the defiant argument, particularly in this site, I began to wonder about the basis used here when valuing a writing instrument. My question: is there any OBJECTIVE perspective when it comes to this matter?

[OCArt]

My question: is there any OBJECTIVE perspective when it comes to this matter?

Of course not. If logic were to dictate we would all be using Bic stick pens. Beauty and value both reside in the eye of the beholder. I use what makes me happy and I don't necessarily expect others to agree with my choices.

[praxim]

It is well known that rollerballs are an abomination upon the earth whereas at night, while you are sleeping, fountain pens rise from their soft beds to dance in little fairy circles bringing happiness to the dreams of children and pets everywhere. Objectively speaking, of course.

 

I gather that you like rollerballs. I like fountain pens. Those are facts. I am happy to discuss why I hold my preference.

[shines_lover]

I am happy to discuss why I hold my preference.

Exactly my point, so there's something to be discussed!

[praxim]

I find writing with a fountain pen a more pleasant experience. It was after I took out my fountain pen once again several years after retirement that I swept aside all of my ballpoints except for two (Parker and Waterman) which were presents, and have not used the ballpoints more than briefly once or twice since. It was such a relief to find again superior writing pens.

 

I enjoy also that I have several fully functional pens from the 1920s, as useful today as ever. I am able to compare, enjoy and critique successful or tolerable engineering solutions over a hundred year period, in filling and in nibs. I can take pleasure in successful repair. Comparing that with ballpoints, I fixed a 1960 Aurora ballpoint (which came with a pen I wanted) by putting in a new modern refill; not quite so challenging nor exciting as repairing any sort of pen which does not use a converter.

 

I have no idea what is the range of inks available in ballpoint refills so I will let others comment on that. Although designs may be identical (Onoto will sell you the same pen as ballpoint or fountain), if prestige is a question then fountain pens will win on rarity and distinctiveness.

 

These are some observable things of different value to people.

[qvxb]

From a subjective perspective, I prefer them because of practicality,convenience,aesthetic, prestige and above all they suite my writing style.

With any type of high-end pen you are paying for the quality of materials, finish, and mechanism. The materials and finish are essentially the same for fountain pens and rollerballs.

 

Enjoy your rollerballs. If some FP enthusiasts disparage your preference, show them how you can change from black to blue ink in less than a minute!

[tamiya]

Enjoy your rollerballs. If some FP enthusiasts disparage your preference, show them how you can change from black to blue ink in less than a minute!

Bit harder if he's marooned on a desert island with a dry RB and only a bottle of Quink

[Studio97]

I have a mont blanc rollerball and i hate the thin lined scratchy refills and they dont last very long and too expensive. I would like to remain faithful to MB ink in my pen. I adapted a refill from Sarasa that writes really great. Otherwise i like all writing instruments even the burnt end of a stick.

[penmanila]

i value my fountain pens more for all the reasons (mostly romantic) expressed, but in my daily life, i find that i need rollerballs at least as much if not more--like for filling up forms (many on bad paper), or bearing down hard for duplicate copies. i always carry an FP and a rollerball--if only so i can lend out the rollerball in case someone suddenly asks for a pen and i can't possibly refuse.

 

i have two rollerballs in my daily rotation: a conway stewart dandy, and a montblanc 100th anniversary historical. they perform well and actually don't look so bad (the MB matches its FP cousin, whose nib pops out):

 

 

http://i291.photobucket.com/albums/ll296/penmanila/281817690347_1_zps4hgtojj3.jpg

Edited June 11, 2017 by penmanila

[Moonshae]

For me, a high-end pen is about the writing experience, and I like the nibs on my MB fountain pens as well as the way the pens fit in my hand (and/or pocket). One advantage to rollerballs is that if another company makes a refill you like better in the same size, you can use it in your MB pen if that feels best in your hand. Further, I know I am more careful with items that are expensive to replace; I was forever losing or breaking sunglasses until I bought ones on the expensive side; now they've paid for themselves because I haven't had to replace them several times over. Pens work the same way...I have a few Jinhaos that I've tossed in my work bag to be given away or used in a pinch, but I'd never do that with one of my MBs.

 

Once you go beyond the basics of practicality, it all comes down to personal preference and budget...no one needs $25, $50, $1000, $10,000 pens. If you're going to spend that kind of money on a pen, it may as well be something that suits you, particularly if you're going to write with it. Aesthetics are subjective, or there would be no need of art critics.

 

Strictly objectively, you made the one and only point yourself: a rollerball is only as good as the refill; by the same argument, a FP is then only as good as the nib. Are MB nibs on pens that cost $700 (and more) 100x better than a Jinhao mimic that only costs $7? Probably not. Although one may argue that a high end nib made of gold does actually add value to a pen that isn't present for a rollerball, that is reflected in the sale price.

[Drawing61]

Writing with a fountain pen is pleasurable and makes me want to write. Writing with a rollerball or fountain pen makes me want to hurry to the end of the multi-copy form in front of me. I choose pleasure.

[Bluey]

Well, I started my collection with a fountain pen but quickly realized rollerballs are the way to go after trying a high end rollerball.

 

You've mentioned in your post about "high end" rollerballs. if the writing performance is determined by the refill then what's the difference between a high end rollerball and a low end rollerball?

 

Personally I've nothing against rollerballs, and I use them when the situation calls for it. If I'm writing for pleasure, I will be highly unlikely to reach for the rollerball though.

Edited June 12, 2017 by Bluey

[Studio97]

I am presently using a Foray Rolle'med .7mm blue ink. It contains a lot of ink and it is a smooth wet writer yet dries quickly on most papers. For forms and quick notes they are great. As an experiment i thought about breaking one open and trying the ink in a fountain pen.

[KellyMcJ]

i value my fountain pens more for all the reasons (mostly romantic) expressed, but in my daily life, i find that i need rollerballs at least as much if not more--like for filling up forms (many on bad paper), or bearing down hard for duplicate copies. i always carry an FP and a rollerball--if only so i can lend out the rollerball in case someone suddenly asks for a pen and i can't possibly refuse.

 

i have two rollerballs in my daily rotation: a conway stewart dandy, and a montblanc 100th anniversary historical. they perform well and actually don't look so bad (the MB matches its FP cousin, whose nib pops out):

 

 

http://i291.photobucket.com/albums/ll296/penmanila/281817690347_1_zps4hgtojj3.jpg

 

 

Those look awesome, and I generally don't like MB.

 

I don't have any high end rollerballs, but I do use rollerballs for the official documentation at work. My preference is for Uniball Vision pens. They're cheap enough to lose, resistant to most solvents that we use in the shop all the time, and write really smoothly. The ink is even wet enough to leave a shine on the paper until it dries. Next best thing to a fountain pen (and as a bonus, they don't get the side eye from anyone when used on official documents, although the black ink in them behaves in every way like Noodler's HOD in a fine point fountain pen, right down to the feathering on cheap paper, which I find amusing.)

[pajaro]

I like my red Montblanc 163 rollerball, but do any of the RB refills last?

[penrivers]

Pilot Precise V7 fine. The best for me. Strange, I have never finish one, they last ten or more years.

[dadbar]

I love both fountain pens and rollerballs. I tend to use both on a daily basis.....especially if I have to loan a pen to a colleague to sign a document.

 

For air travel, I leave the fountain pens at home and only take rollerballs. One of the reasons that I love the Parker 75 (I have 12 of them) is that the cap and barrel are identical for the fountain pen and rollerball so it is very easy to mix and match the parts if I feel like using a particular barrel style. Of all the pen families I have, only the Parker 75 does this.

 

I had one of my Parker 75 rollerball sections to accept standard rollerballs such as the Schmidt, Montblanc, Cross, etc. Another rollerball section got modified to accept standard Parker ballpoint refills. These two pens are my ideal travel mates now. They will work in any of these Parker 75 pens. The standard Parker rollerball cartridges suck.....I prefer using the Schmidt.

[pajaro]

Very nice group. It's very logical to take the rollerballs for air travel and leave the fountain pens at home. That was what I always did when I was working.

[bayindirh]

Exactly my point, so there's something to be discussed!

 

I use mostly fountain pens, but I carry a rollerball or a gel disposable for the papers they are too thin or unsuitable for FP ink.

 

I like fountain pens more, because they live with you. Their nibs smooth to your style, they write with much less pressure, they feel much nicer for me, and most importantly the whole thing lives with me.

 

I share most people's view here. In a refillable rollerball, you exchange the nib and nib is the heart of the experience and in a rollerball it's not always at the same feel. Refills, like all manufactured things, have tolerances and this can change the feel of writing. It may not matter while signing something or taking a note, but long writing sessions become tiring.

 

Also, fountain pens become very personalized over time. Custom nibs, the ink you like, etc. Pen becomes one of a kind after some time.

 

On the other hand, at the end of the way the best pen is the pen you carry everyday. You may like rollerballs more, and that's not a problem or anomaly. I also like how a good gel or rollerball feels, but when I write with my daily fountain pen, I remember why I carry that pen everyday, clean meticulously, and like it. So, fountain pens are about writing experience for me, not the body or appearance. I carry Lamy safaris and Al-stars daily, albeit I have some much higher end and vintage pens.

 

If you have any questions, quote or mention me directly. I love these kind of discussions.

[bayindirh]

Very nice group. It's very logical to take the rollerballs for air travel and leave the fountain pens at home. That was what I always did when I was working.

 

I do the same thing. Since I don't use suits, I carry a Uni Vision Elite or Signo DX with me. Elite's blue black is not half bad and the ink is bulletproof. What would I want more?