Writing Instrument

**DavidMGunther** · 08-16-2009, 08:10 PM

I'm looking for a good writing instrument. Nothing too expensive as I just graduated college and most likely a rollerball. I'm thinking something that's all chrome, nothing too fancy.... more contemporary. Any ideas?

**Gruder** · 08-16-2009, 08:13 PM

Can you give us a price range David? I really enjoy the Pelikan Pura rollerball I recently purchased. The Pilot Knight is less expensive, but not so much chrome. Some of the Rotring rollerballs have a pretty modern look, as well -- but only if you like a heavier pen.

**TimmyBoston** · 08-17-2009, 12:20 AM

Make sure that you get a rollerball (if you end up going rollerball that is) that it takes Pilot G2 refills, they are by far the best and not too expensive either.

I've always liked Waterman and Aurora rollerballs.

**tsmba** · 08-17-2009, 07:56 AM

I love rollerballs and gel pens. I like a good, solid, yet inexpensive one for carrying around. For my personal use at my desk, I have a Waterman Expert and a nice Cross Century rollerball. For most of my desk writing, though, I prefer a fountain pen and a vivid, unique ink that sets my writing apart. While I have three nice Cross FP's, my preferred pen is my Pelikan M800. I leaned of that model from this forum.

**DavidMGunther** · 08-17-2009, 03:06 PM

I was hoping not to spend more than $80 but I'm new to buying pens so I don't know where that gets me.

I really appreciate the advice with the pilot G-2 refills, that's my fav disposable pen.

**pal** · 08-17-2009, 06:40 PM

I carry a fountain pen everyday. You might want to get a Lamy fountain pen to see if you like them. But look out, it's a AD like no other. I also agree on the Pilot refills.

**norman931** · 08-17-2009, 06:44 PM

Gel pens are convenient, but I join the chorus of fountain pen lovers.

I like the Parker 51 myself.

**tsmba** · 08-18-2009, 07:42 AM

Of course the pen is important....but the ink is what others see. I like opaque, vivid colors that set my writing apart. There are a bazillion shades of basic blue.....something for everyone.

**DS/B MCS** · 08-18-2009, 09:08 AM

Originally Posted by DavidMGunther

I was hoping not to spend more than $80 but I'm new to buying pens so I don't know where that gets me.

I really appreciate the advice with the pilot G-2 refills, that's my fav disposable pen.

There are lots of choices in your price range. Some of the penturners on this site could easily make you a Rollerball within your budget. Depending on the style pen you might even be able to buy a couple of pens inside your budget. Why buy something off the shelf...when you can have one custom made

**Bayamontate** · 08-18-2009, 09:13 AM

I'm a fountain pen person. Straight razors and fountain pens usually go together.

**cbird** · 08-19-2009, 01:22 AM

In that price range you should look at Waterman's. Their "low end" pens are great values, very durable and fine.

**Drubbing** · 08-19-2009, 01:58 AM

Originally Posted by norman931

Gel pens are convenient, but I join the chorus of fountain pen lovers.

I like the Parker 51 myself.

I have 2. One of the best ever made, a design classic, and still heaps around from the 50s onwards in terrific condition.

Not like most fountains, these write quite dry, so don't blot paper, and they run forever on a single fill.

I like rollers too, but in your price range OP, these can be picked online for about that, or just a bit more. A nicer commemoration, IMO.

I'd post a good link to an Aus site I've used for years, but haven't checked if that's an ok thing to do, or whether it's wanted...

**Parataxis** · 08-19-2009, 06:36 PM

At $80, you can get yourself a decent fountain, rather than a rollerball.

IMNAAHO, there's no real point to spending lots of money on a rollerball pen - it'll look nice, but they're not as expressive, and one rollerball is pretty similar to any other one.

Fountain pens express emotion, and each one is different - you can get a decent Parker or Schaffer for that price.