Any Cross enthusiasts?

[WriteAway]

Hello,

I happen to be a big fan of American-made Cross pens, both fountain and ballpoint.

With a collection of close to 40 Century I, II, 2000, Townsend, ATX, Solo, Radiance and Metropolis models, I appreciate that they are all well-constructed, and nice writers. And the few made in China Cross pens I use are not noticeably different in build or writing quality. In general, Cross makes solid, not terribly glamorous, working pens that never let me down, which is what I need.

Does anyone else have a real appreciation for Cross? Which are your favorites? And why do you appreciate them?

WriteAway

[fountainpenkid]

I own two cross pens-an ATX and a Aventura. The ATX is a piece of bad design in my opinion ( see THIS: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=owYOI...3&feature=plcp), but the aventura is actually quite cool for the money--a smooth nib and a cool cap. My grandpa has a lot of cross FP's ( the nice ones like the Townsend, century..) , and I've tried them and really like their designs, but they are all C/C pens! I don't have a huge thing against cartridge pens, but for a $500+ pen like the gold Townsends, I don't think a little piece of plastic for ink is fitting. I still do like cross pens though--especially the aventura.

Just my rant,

Will

[WriteAway]

C/C is my preferred feed system. Say the piston feed breaks on your pen... you're basically out of luck until it's fixed. With a cart/converter, just pop in a new one and get back to writing. I don't buy my pens to fiddle with, just to work and get my thoughts on paper (or computer screen). That is what any Cross pen does well. Their classic models are a bit bland, but that's why they are "classic".

On build quality, the majority of my Cross pens are USA-made models. No ATX clip issues with my 2 BPs, (or with any of my Cross) but it's good to know the clip is a potential trouble spot to watch for. Cross changed construction materials and techniques to save costs when production left the US, at the expense of long term reliability/durability, IMO.

[manoeuver]

hmm. I have an ion somewhere. I quit using it though, the ink was always skippy. haven't used any of their fountain pens. I guess I find them kinda bland too.

[WriteAway]

Just picked up a NOS Ruby Townsend rollerball to convert to FP once I order a suitable nib. I've also added 3 Century I's, and a Century II, all NOS BP, for my work use.

[gordyt]

I have a Cross Verve Selenium that is pretty interesting. Now that I think about it, it's been a while since that has been in my daily rotation.