Whether ballpoints or rollerballs it the pen is just a shell for the refills, so they seem like they're much of a muchness. And the refills only come in a few colours.
I'm just trying a Jinhao fountain pen, bought from Amazon. It's really smooth, glides across the paper and cartridges - so no mess.
All positive so far 👍
I like writing with a fountain pen, but it's the choices in inks that really keeps me with them. There are many inexpensive excellent bottled inks, too.
Diamine Writers Blood and Blue Velvet are almost always in a pen, and Wild Strawberry pretty frequently.
Pilot Iroshizuku inks are a little more expensive, still pretty reasonable, and Yana Budo is one of my favorites.
De Atramentis, Herbin, Sailor, KWZ, and Birmingham are all in use.
I was gifted a Lamy Safari fountain pen. Entry level, cheap refills, little mess. I hadn’t used a fountain (Parker, probably) since school, but I’m really getting on with it.
Lamy user here. While they are justly famous for their fountain pens they also make 'matching' ballpoints and rollerballs for many of their ranges/colours/Special Editions. I have many of each. Have a look at Cult Pens https://cultpens.com/collections/lamy?productListPgNo=1. Link to Lamy here but they have so much more.
It seems you are pretty discerning and pay close attention to design. There are so many variables and a ball point is a ball point until you get the right one. I like this site for research. They have excellent guides. https://www.jetpens.com/Ballpoint-Pens/ct/240
Yeah, the design comes from the original fountain pen which makes a bit more sense and is considered one of the best clip designs. It’s quite a workhorse but doesn’t translate well to the ballpoint.
I’ve got some expensive pens but always turn to grab one of the cheaper ones when I have an idea.
I’m a big fan of Kaweco Sport AL metal pens, small enough to carry around in trouser pockets. My gel pen Kaweco is never not with me. Can recommend Cult Pens for whatever you end up getting though: https://cultpens.com
You have attracted the attention of the fountain pen feed so that'll be covered, but if you want a refillable roller ball, these are sturdy and refillable. You can get a style that holds whatever refills you like best. https://tactileturn.com/
Comments
All positive so far 👍
Pilot Iroshizuku inks are a little more expensive, still pretty reasonable, and Yana Budo is one of my favorites.
De Atramentis, Herbin, Sailor, KWZ, and Birmingham are all in use.
N+1
I’ve got some expensive pens but always turn to grab one of the cheaper ones when I have an idea.
Writes beautifully, solid constriction, feels comfortable and refills are standard prices.