Which rollerball to choose

[wee40811]

Hi everyone,
I have a quick survey here.
I am looking to get a rollerball as a backup pen that writes when needed.
I am struggling between the Montblanc 163 (the classique) and Pelikan R400 white tortoise.
Which one will you guys choose? And how much are you willing to pay for your particular choice? Also what are people's opinion in general regarding to the rollerball pens?

Cheers,
Wade


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[datainadequate]

My rule with rollerball pens is that I'll use anything so long as it takes an OHTO ceramic rollerball refill. Since Pelikan 338 ceramic rollerball refills are in fact made for them by OHTO, and the white tortoise finish is beautiful, I'd happily go for the R400. However, I haven't tried a Montblanc rollerball refill, so I may be missing out.

[dfo]

pelikan for sure.

[Sandy Fry]

Neither. I use a rollerball for signing in at work so no point in spending a lot on one. I use a Parafernalia Kabrio. Simple. Inexpensive.

David

[FredRydr]

I need only one rollerball, and a rollerball is really only as good as its refill. I wanted one that looks vintage, so I searched for and found one of these:

Hard rubber would have been nice, but this is close enough.

Fred

[datainadequate]

Interesting looking pen Fred, which model is that?

[FredRydr]

It's Montblanc's 100 Year Anniversary Edition, issued 2006. I've had mine for about ten years. When capped, it mimics a vintage Montblanc safety pen.

A quick look at eBay indicates that prices for used examples are all over the map. I wasn't able to find one today at a price I'd be willing to pay for an everyday user rollerball, but have patience. Go for ones without box and papers to save money; the warranty is long over, anyway (unless you decide to buy new from an authorised retailer).

As with many Montblanc ballpoints and rollerballs, watch out for counterfeits.

Fred

[Bisquitlips]

I have the Montblanc 163 but if faced with your choice I would acquire the Pelikan.

The MB refills leave much to be desired.

Outside of that both are a good choice from a company perspective.

It has been a number of years since I tried to put a refill in my MB rollerball. I will research to see if I can get one of the ceramic refills spoken of in this thread. Good information!

[Scooby921]

My rollerball is a Retro 51 Tornado. Affordable, plenty of unique design options, writes well, and it can accept quite a few different refills. It was actually a funny trip to the local Paradise Pen shop. Sammyo, naimitsu, and I went on a field trip to look at pens and we each walked out having bought a Retro 51 .

[fountainpenkid]

People use rollerballs?
scampers away

[wee40811]

People use rollerballs?
scampers away

I normally don't, however when I grade I try not to use fountain pen just in case. Some paper feathers/bleeds so bad. I don't want people complaining about my writing bleeding through the back.


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[wee40811]

I have the Montblanc 163 but if faced with your choice I would acquire the Pelikan.

The MB refills leave much to be desired.

Outside of that both are a good choice.

If I go with Montblanc, I'll just buy refills from Monteverde. They make some really nice refills for Montblanc with really affordable price. Including capless gel refill for ballpoints.


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[FredRydr]

If I go with Montblanc, I'll just buy refills from Monteverde.

+1

Fred