The Value Of Rollerballs

[mitto]

I dont use rollerballs. Any and all rollerballs that come my way are either converted to fountain pens or given away.

[shines_lover]

Here's my collection:

 

 

I work in the field of education (head of a department) with +200 educators under my supervision. Therefore, whatever clips to my pocket has to be a daily user. With tens of daily reports, forms, parents' conferences and evaluation sheets, I found fountain pens less practical. Of course, I could have achieved the same with a cheaper alternative, but I'm not gonna lie! I felt the need to portray my success with what I'm passionate about at the finest level while at the same time can be put to work. In such a case, I found rare practical application for fountain pens

And although many claims that MB rollerballs are nothing but a fancy body, I'd say get a good refill and you'll get a good end result. Ironically, I see many criticizing some MB editions mostly because they are not appealing and not because "they don't write as they wish". Thus I find personal preference + practical applications form the focal point of pen selection. I'd probably go the fountain pen way if it is intended for display only.

[shines_lover]

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.

Thank you for sharing your point of view

[shines_lover]

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.

Thank you. Straight to the point.

[shines_lover]

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.

I totally agree. Couldn't be explained any better.

[benrobert]

For many users, practicality and convenience are essential. Rollerballs are known for their ease of use, as they don't require the maintenance associated with fountain pens, like filling ink or cleaning nibs. This can be a significant consideration for everyday use.

[SLinkster]

On 6/9/2017 at 6:26 PM, shines_lover said:

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

 

Probably no objective measure. Maybe consumer reports or another organization has done some comparative testing. Otherwise everybody has an opinion, yeah? 😉

 

I think rollerballs, particularly the gel-ink ones for which refills are easily and cheaply purchased, admirably fill a need. Non-smeary ink with varying degrees of permanence, low price point, variety of colors, readily available, writes on pretty much anything.

 

But not my preferred writing utensil. 

 

I use a rollerball at work exclusively - it's the only type of pen I use at work due to the quantities of triplicate forms requiring my signature daily, and the only place I use a rollerball. For a number of years the only such pen I used was a Pilot G2. 

 

Now I've switched to a cheap Chinese piston filler I found on AliExpress. On my way to this $3 pen I tried Herbin, Noodler's, Monteverde, Schneider and even Mont Blanc. The MB (which was a gift) refills are expensive and dried out seemingly overnight. The others were all too juicy, too broad, or both.

 

I'm waiting for another AE delivery containing a dozen $3 "needle tip" piston fill rollerballs. I'll sacrifice one for the sake of learning how to service the things. The remainder should last through the end of my working career and beyond even if this isn't a user-serviceable model. 

Edited September 25, 2023 by SLinkster

[Estycollector]

What I love about an FP is the fine point. I find the Pilot Precise 7 or 5mm nice and for the same reason. I wish Pilot would produce a more attractive model RB like Lamy 

[gweimer1]

On a typical day, I will have a couple fountain pens, a pencil, and a rollerball in my pocket.  There are times when a rollerball is the best option.   I'm also starting a collection of Retro 51 pens, which are a lot of fun.