The Jotted Line

I used to think that I hated fountain pens. When I came across my first one as a wee lass, I thought it was the coolest pen I had ever seen aside from my footlong pink flamingo pen complete with feathers coming out of the top. Then I wrote with said fountain pen… My letters fused together into one amorphous blob, I smeared constantly, and when I did flip over the page to write on the back I couldn’t because all the letters had bled through to the other side. Years later, I started working for a pen company and, once again, became enamored with fountain pens. But this time, I learned what was truly at fault for my disastrous early encounter…it was the PAPER. Hence, this article. I will explain which fountain pen paper brands are the best, why fountain pens need special paper, and give you some tips to enjoy writing with your fountain pen. Now onto the main question of the day, what is the best paper for fountain pens?   SEE THE DIFFERENCE OF QUALITY PAPER   What are the Top Brands of Fountain Pen Friendly Papers? There are numerous brands offering fountain pen friendly papers, and choosing the high quality paper that matches your needs and budget can be challenging. In this section, I’ll go through some of the best brands of paper for fountain pens to help make your selection process easier. Tomoe River Paper Rhodia Clairefontaine Dayspring Pens Midori Maruman Mnemosyne Leuchtturm1917 Tomoe River Paper A favorite among fountain pen users, Tomoe River Paper (called TRP for short) is the best fountain pen-friendly paper brand. It is thin and lightweight paper. Notebooks made of TRP have a low profile, even with hundreds of pages. This makes TRP notebooks incredibly lighter than other notebooks with similar page counts. Despite its weight, TRP is highly resistant to bleeding. Thanks to a special smooth coating on both sides of the paper, ink sits on the surface instead of being quickly absorbed into the page. This means TRP has a slow drying time, but that’s a small price to pay for the beautiful results once the ink dries. Tomoe River Paper is especially great for shading inks because it brings out the subtle color gradations as you lay down the ink on paper. Sheening inks also take well to TRP, since pools of color will sit on the surface of the paper, creating the reflective effect favored by many fountain pen users when the ink dries. As long as you remember to let the ink fully dry on the page, you won’t experience any smudging. Old Vs New Tomoe River Paper There are two kinds of Tomoe River Paper: the ‘old’ and the ‘new’ Sanzen paper. Here’s a bit of background about how this came to be. In late 2020, Tomoegawa, the company that makes TRP, announced that it was about to cease production of Tomoe River Paper by shutting down machine #7. ‘New’ TRP would be made through machine #9 until the end of October 2021, after which there would be no more paper. This brought uncertainty in the fountain pen world. Sanzen Paper company soon took over by buying the rights to Tomoe River, and continues to produce the new TRP to this day. You might be wondering whether there are any differences between the two Tomoe River Paper versions apart from being made by different companies. Yes, the old and new varieties are significantly different. Let’s look at how they vary: New TRP dries faster than the old, meaning reduced smudging. New TRP runs slightly thicker than the old when stacked up. Some inks show up slightly differently in color on the old vs the new. Old TRP has crispier edges compared to the new. The increased thickness of the new TRP results in less ghosting. New TRP has more ‘tooth’ (texture) than the old. Some users have reported their fountain pen inks with a vivid amount of sheen appearing ‘flat’ on the new TRP. Old TRP is more crinkly than the new. Whether you choose the old or new TRP, it still gives superior results compared to non-fountain pen-friendly paper. If you’ve tried both versions of TRP, I’d love to hear about your experiences in the comments. Rhodia Rhodia is actually my go-to daily writing paper. Rhodia paper is smooth in texture, making it ideal for fountain pens since the nib won’t snag on the fibers. Despite being smooth, it balances drying time with being bleed-through and show-through resistant. Rhodia paper handles ink well no matter the nib/ink combination you use. Being acid free and pH neutral, this paper remains stable for years when exposed to light or heat. This means your fountain pen colors retain their true hues without fading quickly. Highlight: Rhodia and its parent company Clairefontaine are sustainably produced. They have a certification from the Programme for the Endorsement of Forest Certification (PEFC), a non-governmental organization which promotes sustainable forest management. Rhodia provides different sheet styles to suit various uses: blank, lined, graph, and dot grid. If you find the page ruling of your paper is a brown or dark gray color instead of the typical pale violet color, don’t be alarmed. The color of the ruling varies depending on the product line. If you need fountain pen-friendly paper readily accessible without having to lug around a notebook, then you’ll love Rhodia’s notepads. They allow you to remove individual sheets easily without damaging the pads. These notepads come in several styles: Rhodia Notepads Rhodia DotPad Notepads Rhodia R Premium Notepads Rhodia Ice Pads Rhodia ColoR Premium Pads Rhodia notepads vary in weight, cover color, and ruling color to accommodate different preferences. Clairefontaine Clairefontaine’s top selling point is its ability to handle liquid ink exceptionally well. This more absorbent paper holds up to wet pens and inks without warping, feathering, or bleeding through. Also, fountain pen ink color appears vibrant and true to color on Clairefontaine paper. The smooth, satin surface finish of this paper reduces friction on the nib and provides a controlled ink flow, offering a comfortable writing experience. Despite being smooth on the surface, Clairefontaine allows ink to dry relatively quickly compared to other smooth papers such as Tomoe River. This means you’re far less likely to smudge or accidentally transfer ink when you close your notebook or turn the page. If you are doing some sketching or drawing, this fountain pen paper is excellent. The acid-free and archival quality of this paper is great for preserving your notes and sketches in true color for years, as the paper doesn't fade quickly when exposed to light. Clairefontaine paper is available in a variety of formats such as notebooks, notepads, loose leaf papers, and journals. This makes it easy for you to find the perfect paper format for your needs whether it is good paper for journaling or letter writing paper. If you’re just getting started with fountain pen writing, you might be concerned about the cost of using Clairefontaine since this hobby isn’t necessarily cheap. Clairefontaine is one of the more reasonably priced fountain pen-friendly paper available on the market, allowing you to get the hang of using fountain pens without worrying about emptying your wallet. Dayspring Pens The 40-page notepad that comes with the Dayspring Pens Leather Padfolio is great for fountain pens. It features heavy 100 GSM dot paper that handles liquid ink incredibly well with no feathering, bleed-through, or ghosting. This is actually one of my favorite papers. Its perforations enable easy tearing and make the notepad suitable for any writing modality, be it to-do lists, notes, or reminders. If you use fountain pens on work documents, the Dayspring Pens padfolio is a great choice. It’s perfect for organizing your documents in one place, keeping them secured with two brass snaps. There’s also enough space for a tablet and a cutout to hold your fountain pen to keep it from getting misplaced. What’s more, you can personalize the padfolio with your name or a special quote and make it truly unique to your taste. Midori When shopping for Midori paper, you’ll come across two types: Midori Cotton Midori MD Midori Cotton causes a lot of feathering with wet nibs, so it’s best to skip this variety. On the other hand, Midori MD is highly rated among fountain pen enthusiasts for several reasons relating to how it handles fountain pen ink excellently. With Midori MD, there’s no bleeding or feathering, which allows you to use a variety of nibs and write on both sides of the page. Ghosting/show-through is average, nothing crazy that could ruin your writing experience. When it comes to sheening, Midori MD sheens well though not as much as Tomoe River Paper. Smudging isn’t an issue with this paper due to its decent dry time and left-handed people will find it particularly helpful. Midori MD also doesn’t absorb much oil from your hand as you move it across the page, meaning that both the paper and the inks retain the appearance of their colors. If you prefer a little feedback while writing, Midori MD is right up your alley. It provides the perfect balance between smoothness and a little resistance, giving it a tactile writing experience. The cream color of the paper does affect the appearance of inks a little. If this is something you’re sensitive about, Midori MD might not be the choice for you. Midori MD is available in notebook, journal, and diary formats with different ruling styles. So whatever you want to use this paper for, you’ll find something that matches your needs. Below is a table comparing the features of the top 5 fountain pen-friendly papers: Paper Brand Tomoe River Paper Rhodia Clairefontaine Midori Dayspring Pens Paper Weight (GSM) 52, 68 80-90 90-120 80 100 Texture Ultra-smooth Smooth Smooth Soft Smooth Bleed-resistance Good Excellent Excellent Good Good Feathering-resistance Excellent Excellent Excellent Good Excellent Absorption Rate Slow Minimal Minimal Moderate Minimal Opacity Low High High Moderate Moderate Page Styles Lined, Dot Grid, Blank Lined, Dot Grid, Graph, Blank Lined, Dot Grid, Blank Lined, Blank Dot   FIND YOUR FOUNTAIN PEN TODAY   Maruman Mnemosyne Maruman Mnemosyne paper is beautifully smooth, making writing on it with fountain pens easy and enjoyable. It’s also bleeding and feathering resistant, though you might experience a bit of show-through especially with wet nibs. The paper has good dry time and its gentle off-white color is easy on the eyes. It’s available in different notebook formats from three product lines: Basic Style - For everyday regular note taking Creative Style - Landscape format notebooks best suited for designers and other creative professionals who do lots of sketching Speedy Style - Ideal for quick notes at your desk or on the go Maruman Mnemosyne is a fantastic option for those looking for affordable pen-friendly papers. Leuchtturm1917 Among fountain pen users, Leuchtturm1917 is well loved as an affordable alternative to premium fountain pen-friendly papers. Leuchtturm1917 notebooks have impressive build and paper quality, considering that they’re significantly less expensive than similar notebooks. They also feature other cool details such as: Numbered pages A table of contents Back pockets Stickers for labeling the binding The Notebook Classic in particular is designed to be fountain pen-friendly. Its 80 GSM paper is archival-safe and acid-free, keeping fountain pen ink looking great for years. It’s also smooth, but not super smooth like Rhodia, and lacks a coating that would slow down ink absorption. Why It Matters: Coatings that slow down ink absorptions are critical when using wetter inks as they prevent feathering and bleedthrough. It means slower try times, but less problems with a wetter ink or a fountain pen that releases more ink when writing (like broad tips or italics). These qualities plus its good bleed-through resistance make the Notebook Classic a popular choice among fountain pen enthusiasts. Do fountain pens need special paper? At the end of the day, fountain pens will work on any regular paper that is not glossy, so you technically do not need special paper to use a fountain pen. Will using special paper drastically change your experience using a fountain pen? Yes. For you to get the best experience while using fountain pens, it’s important to use top-notch paper specially designed for fountain pens. It’s like pairing comfy shocks with your shoes. Necessary? Maybe not. Incredibly impactful to your day? Definitely. Carefully selecting the paper you use with your fountain pen gives you a pleasant writing experience that ordinary paper won’t. Problems you will experience when using paper that’s not suitable for fountain pens include: Feathering This occurs when ink gets absorbed by the fibers of the paper and spreads outwards like a feather from where it’s laid down, resulting in uneven, ragged edges. Ghosting/Show-through Ghosting refers to when a shadow is visible on the other side of the page of what you’ve written. The level of show-through depends on the thickness of the paper, with thicker paper giving less show-through. Bleed-through When a paper is too thin or highly absorbent, ink seeps through the paper to the other side of the page, sometimes all the way through to another page. Dry Time Papers with less absorbency allow the ink to sit on the surface for long before it dries, meaning they have a slow dry time. While such paper resists bleeding and feathering, the ink is highly prone to smudging. Do fountain pens work on notebook paper? Technically, yes. Notebook paper gets the job done, but with mediocre results. Like wearing sandals in a snowstorm, it’s uncomfortable and likely to leave you with the mess I mentioned in my epic saga above. For all the issues that can arise using notebook paper, see the above both in story and in technical details. What makes fountain pen friendly paper? Fountain pen-friendly paper is specially designed to eliminate the problems we looked at earlier like feathering and ghosting. Let’s take a look at paper characteristics that affect the quality of writing when using fountain pens. Paper weight - Measured in grams per square meter (GSM), this determines the thickness and sturdiness of the paper. Heavier paper (80GSM and above) is resistant to ink bleed-through and feathering (more on that in the next section). Texture/smoothness - For fountain pens, a paper with smooth or satin finish works best since it minimizes friction between the paper and the nib. It also enables smooth writing because it enhances ink flow. Opacity - This refers to how much light passes through the paper. High opacity paper prevents ink from showing through from the other side of the page. Color/shade - White and soft off-white paper allows fountain pen inks to show their true colors. Absorbency - Highly absorbent paper enables fountain pen ink to dry quickly. However, such paper tends to cause feathering as the ink seeps into the paper fibers and spreads out. Fountain pen-friendly paper balances absorption rate with dry time. Acid-Free - Normal paper is made of unrefined wood pulp which is naturally acidic and causes the paper to turn yellow and become brittle. Acid-free paper (also known as archival paper) can last more than 1,000 years while retaining its structure and color, and maintaining the true hues of fountain pen inks. Binding and Layout - Fountain pen paper comes in various forms like notebooks, loose sheets, and notepads. The layouts also vary from blank, line to grid, graph, and dot lined. These formats allow you to match the paper to appropriate applications, such as a blank sheet for sketching or dot lined paper for artistic lettering. What is the best paper thickness for a fountain pen? Paper thickness refers to the measure of the weight and sturdiness of paper. In general, thicker paper gives good results when using fountain pens because it handles liquid ink without causing bleeding or feathering. What is the best paper weight for fountain pens? Paper weight is synonymous with thickness, and it’s measured in GSM (grams per square meter). Medium to high GSM paper starting from 60 GSM up to 90 GSM guarantees you excellent results when using fountain pens since it is thick enough to resist bleeding and feathering. Fine nibs produce less ink since they have incredibly thin writing lines and so work great with lower GSM paper, while broad nibs need higher GSM paper because they lay down more ink.  Learn More: What Are the Different Types of Fountain Pen Nibs?   Tips for Choosing the Right Paper for Fountain Pen Users If you are having trouble with any of the major pitfalls of low-quality paper, here is a breakdown of how to avoid these problems. How To Stop Feathering To reduce feathering, you can use nibs with finer points or dryer flow. Such nibs produce less ink so you’ll have fewer chances of it spreading through the paper. Writing with dryer inks like Pelikan 4001, R&K Salix Scabiosa or feather-resisting inks like Waterman Mysterious Blue, or Noodler's X-Feather will also help. How To Stop Bleedthrough Use a thick paper which doesn’t allow ink to soak through. This means a paper with higher GSM.   If you do not want to use a thicker paper, try spraying your paper with a permanent matte fixative. The fixative creates a non-absorbent layer on the paper’s surface, ensuring the ink stays in place when you write. This will impact dry-time though so be aware. How To Avoid Dry Time The key to dry-time is absorbency. The faster the paper absorbs the less smudging. In my opinion the best papers balance dry times and bleedthrough. If you’re left-handed, paper with fast dry time will prevent smudging as your hand moves across the page. Great options for fast-drying paper include Kokuyo KB Paper, ClaireFontaine My Essential journals, and Maruman Mnemosyne paper. Tip for Lefties: When you need fast dry times, the type of ink you use is critical. Look for fast-drying inks like Noodler’s Brevity and Polar lines or Pilot’s Iroshizuku.   Paper Format Fountain pen-friendly paper comes in different formats such as dot grid, ruled, or blank. If you do lots of note-taking, letter writing, or calligraphy, you might want to go for ruled paper, whereas bullet journaling does better with dot grid paper. Blank paper is ideal for doing pen drawing. Nib Size Not all papers will work well with all fountain pens, despite being designed specifically for that purpose. For instance, if you use broad-nibbed fountain pens that lay down a lot of ink, a low absorbency fountain pen paper will leave the ink sitting on the surface for long before it dries. A fine nib, on the other hand, may not lay down enough ink on more absorbent papers, resulting in a scratchy or dry writing experience. Adjusting the fountain pen nib size to match the paper enables you to achieve optimal ink flow and line width for a consistent writing experience. Reputable Brands Brands with a long history of producing high quality paper will give you the best value for money. Tomoe River, Leuchtturm1917, Rhodia, and Clairefontaine are some reliable brands to consider when purchasing paper to use with your fountain pens. Ultimately, the choice of fountain pen paper boils down to personal preference. Your friend favorite papers may not work for you. It’s important to sample different papers until you find those that match your taste. Once you come across the perfect fit, your fountain pen writing experience will become even more enjoyable. Bonus: Some companies like Goulet Pens sell sample packs of small notebooks from different paper brands. This is the easiest way to try different types of paper without buying large scale paper or notebooks. Conclusion When it comes to fountain pens, not any type of paper will give you visually appealing results. And even with fountain pen-friendly paper, you need to pair it with the correct nib and ink for the best writing experience. Like selecting an outfit that perfectly suits an event you’ve been invited to, finding papers that meet your needs for fountain pen writing can take some time. It’s okay to experiment until you find those that match your taste. What’s your favorite fountain pen paper? Please share in the comment section below or tag us on Instagram or Facebook. Sam Di Nardo is an author for Dayspring Pens, where she has honed her expertise in ballpoint, rollerball, gel and fountain pens since joining the team in 2018. From her initial role as an Engraver to becoming the Production Manager, Sam's journey has been marked by her passion for the history, manufacturing, and the unique value of gifted writing instruments. A graduate of Regent University with a degree in English Literature and a special interest in Old Norse literature, dive deeper into Sam's world and discover why she's your trusted guide in the realm of gift pens. Follow Sam on LinkedIn.

You aren't alone if you have ever wondered what fountain pen lingo such as filling systems or nibs mean. Even if you know what a filling system is, the variety can boggle the mind. In this article, I'll break down each ink filling system and what the different nibs are. To start, here is a list of all the different types of fountain pens by filling systems and nib: Cartridge Converter Piston The Mystery Filler Fountain Pen Magnetic Filler Vacuum Fountain Pen Pump/Vacumatic Bladder Sac/Rubber Sac Fountain Pen Lever Aerometric Crescent Pneumatic/Touchdown Snorkel Eyedropper Style Fountain Pen Japanese Eyedropper Safety Fountain Pen Bulkfiller Fountain Pen Pen Nib Material Stainless Steel Gold Titanium Palladium Iridium Pen Nib Style Round Tip Nib Italic Nib Stub Nib Flex Nib Pen Nib Size Fine Medium Broad   Starting with the filling system: This refers to the way that ink is put into the fountain pen.  Let's start at the top and work down the list of the different types of fountain pens. What Is A Cartridge Fountain Pen? This type of pen uses a prefilled plastic ink cartridge to hold the ink. For users, this means they must install a cartridge to fill a pen with ink. When the pen runs out of ink, they discard the cartridge and insert a new one. Different brands require different, specific ink cartridges. Some brands have proprietary ink cartridge sizes, while others use the standard international ink cartridge sizing. For a full list of what brands take which ink cartridges, check out this PDF. How to Fill a Cartridge Pen Unscrew the barrel from the section (grip) of the pen and locate the opening in the top of the section. Place the tapered end of the ink cartridge into the opening. Then, push firmly until you feel the cartridge puncture and lock into place. This will most likely feel like a snap. It's pivotal to puncture and secure so that the ink flows through the pen and doesn't leak into the barrel. Best Cartridge Fountain Pen The best entry level cartridge pen is the Pilot Metropolitan. Affordable, easy to use, and heralded by beginner fountain pen users and enthusiasts alike, the Metropolitan is one of the best go-to pens out there. Luckily, a large majority of fountain pens take cartridges. As a result,  your options are near endless to find a cartridge pen that you like at any price point.  Truly any...like from $4 on to $4000... What Is A Converter Fountain Pen? You can refill this type of pen with an ink converter, which you insert into the same slot as a cartridge. However, this lets you draw ink into the converter, turning it into an ink reservoir. Cartridge pens and converter pens are more often than not the same pens. Converter pens allow the user to fill directly from an ink bottle instead of simply using a disposable ink cartridge. Converters themselves can come with many different types of ink filling systems such as: Piston converters use a threaded twist action mechanism to depress a plunger that draws ink into the ink chamber. Squeeze converters work by using fingers to squeeze the air out of the rubber ink chamber. When fingers are released ink is draws into the reservoir. Plunger Converters are a form of piston converter, where the plunger is physically pushed down and pulled up to draw in ink. Push Button Converters create pressure inside the converter when the button is pushed. As a result, liquid ink is drawn into the converter when the button is released. How to Fill a Converter Pen The converter should be snugly inserted in the pen and the entire nib submerged up to the section in an ink bottle. Activate the converter with whichever method it requires until the ink reservoir is full.     Best Converter Fountain Pen The best converter pen is the Waterman Expert. Finding the best converter fountain pen comes down to taste and preference within the fountain pen world. However, it is hard to come across a company with the history of Waterman. Waterman’s Expert offers the same portability, elegance, and precision that made Waterman's Ideal a household pen. Here is a quick list of other converter pen brands that will not disappoint: Pilot Kaweco Lamy Franklin-Cristoph Platinum Visconti What Is A Piston Fountain Pen? This type of pen has a piston filling system built into the pen barrel itself. When you engage the piston mechanism (the mechanism will be proprietary to the brand), the piston plunger lowers in the pen and pushes out all the air. Then you re-engage the piston and pull it back up in the pen's barrel. Piston pens, as well as all the following filling systems, use the entire barrel of the pen to store ink instead of storing it in a separate attachment. One benefit is that the barrel holds a greater volume of ink than a cartridge or converter. How to Fill a Piston Fountain Pen To fill a piston fountain pen, submerge the entire nib in bottled ink and turn the knob at the back of the pen until the plunger descends and the knob stops turning. Turn the knob to pull the fountain pen ink back into the pen until the knob locks in place. Use a paper towel to dry any excess ink off the top side of the nib and around the grip. Best Piston Fountain Pen The best piston fountain pen is the TWSBI Eco. It is exceedingly affordable at around $32 and is a precision writing instrument. I love the TWSBI Eco pretty intensely for a couple of key reasons. TWSBI uses a lot of redundancy in this pen like a double layered cap that seals the nib to prevent dry out and two rubber gaskets around the plunger to prevent any leaking. The demonstrator body (meaning you can see the ink inside the pen) tells you just how much ink you have left. A springy, reliable nib in a variety of sizes. The Mystery Filler Fountain Pen These pens use a push button at the top of the pen to unlock the piston filler. Press the button, unlock the piston, and twist the top of the pen to send the plunger down.This expels air, and retracts to draw ink into the pen. Press the push button again to lock the piston into place. The Pineider Mystery Filler Fountain Pen currently has the unique Mystery Filler system. What is a Magnetic Filler Fountain Pen? These pens use a powerful magnet in the cap of the pen to manually lower and raise a plunger with a magnet inside the barrel of the pen. The magnet pushes out air as it descends. As it ascends, it draws up ink into the barrel. How to Fill a Magnetic Filler Fountain Pen Unscrew the cap from the top of the pen Place the magnet at the top of the cap against the magnet inside the barrel of the pen to engage. Slowly drag the cap down towards the nib of the pen, pulling the magnet inside the pen (and depressing the plunger) to the section end of the pen. Insert the nib in ink up to the section and slowly move the cap back up to the top of the pen. This will draw fountain pen ink into the reservoir. Once the magnet inside the pen reaches the top of the barrel, disengage the magnet in the cap, and the pen is ready to write. PenBBS Magnet Filler in action (please excuse the inky fingers!)by u/cursiveandcaffeine in fountainpens Best Magnetic Filler Fountain Pen The best magnetic filler fountain pen is the PENBBS 487 Fountain Pen. To be honest...I think it is the only magnetic filler fountain pen available. What is a Vacuum Fountain Pen? Vacuum filler fountain pens create an airless vacuum inside the ink chamber of the pen that, when released, draws ink into the chamber. How this happens looks a little different and explaining how it works also explains how to fill vacuum fountain pens. A vacuum fountain pen has a steel rod inside the pen attached to a plunger. Unscrew the blind cap at the end of the barrel to unlock the rod. Pull the rod out of the barrel as far as it goes. Insert the nib into the liquid up to a section, and then depress the rod back into the pen. When the plunger rod reaches the bottom of the barrel, ink fills into the space around the rod, and the pen is ready to write.     Now, the inside of the barrel where the rod and plunger are located is not uniform. Most of the barrel is a tight, sealing fit around the plunger. But close to where the ink chamber and the section come together on the pen, the diameter of the internal barrel widens. When the plunger hits the wider part of the barrel, the vacuum seal is broken. What does that have to do with getting ink into the pen? If the plunger stays tight inside the barrel the entire time, the pen works like a piston fountain pen, simply removing air from the chamber and drawing it back in as you twist the piston up. Instead, the vacuum filler breaks the air vacuum inside the pen. The plunger entering the wider area of the barrel draws the liquid into the barrel, behind the plunger (around the rod), thus creating equilibrium inside the pen. Best Vacuum Filler Fountain Pen Two great options exist for vacuum fillers: The TWSBI VAC700r at under $100 and the Pilot Custom 823 at over $100. Pump Filler/Vacumatic Filler Underneath the category of vacuum fillers are pump and vacumatic fillers. Pump fillers and vacumatic fillers use a rubber diaphragm instead of a plunger to create the vacuum pressure that sucks ink into the chamber. How this works: The top of the barrel attaches a spring-loaded plunger to a rubber sac diaphragm. (They generally store the plunger behind a blind-cap). When you depress the plunger, it stretches the diaphragm, pushing air out of the ink chamber and creating a vacuum. The spring releases and relaxes the diaphragm, and this action sucks ink into the barrel. A small breather hole here prevents each depression from pushing the ink back out of the barrel.     Multiple depressions or pumps are necessary to fill the barrel. Best Pump and Vacumatic Filler For around $17 the Wing Sung 601 is a modern pump filler that has created a lot of buzz for being a really decent pump filler fountain pen. The name "vacumatic" actually comes from the pen that uses it the Parker Vacumatic, which you can only find as a vintage fountain pen. What Is A Bladder/Rubber Sac Fountain Pen? Technically, bladder sac fountain pens are fountain pens that store the ink in a rubber sac inside the barrel of the pen. Now, the question “what is a bladder sac fountain pen” is a little confusing because if you google bladder sac fountain pen...you will not get any useful information. Any fountain pen that uses a permanent rubber bladder as the ink chamber is a bladder sac fountain pen. But, no fountain pen that uses a bladder sac uses that name. Why? Fountain pens get their names from how you fill them, not how they store the ink. As a result, there are a ton of different ways to fill a rubber sac. Engineers have designed beautiful mechanisms to fill fountain pens with a bladder sac. Bladder sac fill systems include: Lever Aerometric Crescent Pneumatic/Touchdown Snorkel What is a Lever Fountain Pen? A lever fountain pen uses a lever on the outside of the pen to push a pressure bar inside the pen. The pressure bar depresses the rubber sac in the barrel, pushing all air out of the sac. When the lever is released, the bar disengages from the sac, and the sac reinflates with ink. Modern lever fountain pens do not exist, but a large majority of vintage fountain pens used some sort of lever bar system like Swan Fountain Pens. What is an Aerometric Fountain Pen? An aerometric fountain pen uses a metal pressure bar around the rubber sac like a pair of tongs. Manually pinch the metal bar with fingers to depress the sac. When you release the pinch, the pen draws in the ink. The aerometric system is essentially a built in version of the CONB squeeze converter that Pilot uses. The Parker 51 was famously an aerometric pen. The modern iteration of the Parker 51 is a standard cartridge/converter pen.      What Is A Crescent Fountain Pen? The crescent fountain pen is an earlier model of the lever fountain pen but it has a crescent shaped metal bar protruding from the side of the barrel. The pen attaches the crescent to the pressure bar inside, and when you push the crescent, it depresses the sac inside, deflating it. When you release the crescent, the sac refills with liquid. Since the crescent always sticks out from the pen, the manufacturers placed a dial lock mechanism under the crescent to stop accidental depressions. To fill the pen, you must twist the dial lock to align a slot opening for the crescent lever. Conklin  invented the crescent filling mechanism and remains the only seller of crescent pens to this day. You can find crescent fountain pens in the vintage market or newly manufactured by Conklin. What is a Pneumatic/Touchdown Filler Fountain Pen? Pneumatic/Touchdown fountain pens work by creating air pressure around the rubber sac to compress it. Breaking the pressure vacuum around the sac causes the sac to expand and fill with fountain pen ink.     Most often, the pressure is created by using a finger to close the breather hole at the top of the blind cap and pulling the metal cylinder around the sac up to create an air vacuum that compresses the sac.  When the finger is released from the breather hole, air flows back into the barrel, releasing the pressure and reinflating the sac with ink.  Once the sac reinflates, the cylinder can be slid down around the sac, and the blind cap twisted closed. The pen is ready to write. The most notable modern pneumatic fountain pens are Edison Pen Company's Beaumont Pneumatic Fillers. What is a Snorkel Fountain Pen? A snorkel fountain pen is a touchdown fountain pen with a filler tube that descends out of the feed of the pen when the blind cap is unscrewed. This means that instead of submerging the entire fountain pen nib up to the section in fountain pen ink, just the filler tube (aka snorkel) needs to be submerged in ink to fill the pen.     Snorkel fountain pens are no longer in production, but are still a mainstay for vintage fountain pens. To snag one, look for a Sheaffer Snorkel or a Sheaffer PFM. The pen may need to be refurbished before use. What Is An Eyedropper Fountain Pen? Eyedropper fountain pens are fountain pens that use the entire barrel as the ink reservoir and are filled by unscrewing the barrel, using an eyedropper to fill the barrel with fountain pen ink, and then screwing the barrel back onto the section. Eyedropper fountain pens are incredibly straightforward and generally offer the largest volume of ink since there is no space taken up in the barrel by the filling system. Some pens are specifically made to be eyedropper style fountain pens, but almost any converter/cartridge fountain pen can be turned into an eyedropper fountain pen. All that is needed to convert cartridge fountain pens into these types of fountain pens is some sort of sealant like silicon grease and/or an o-ring rubber gasket. For example, the Platinum Preppy is often turned into an eyedropper pen by removing the fountain pen ink cartridge, sliding an O-ring to the base of the threads, filling the entire barrel with ink using an eyedropper or syringe, applying a thin layer of silicon grease to the threads of the section, and screwing the barrel and section carefully back together. Eyedropper pens do have a flaw that can deter users. The downside of the eyedropper pen...it burps. What is burping and how does it happen? Burping refers to a fountain pen expelling a glob of ink out of the nib. This can happen when a fountain pen experiences a change in atmospheric pressure. Since converted eyedroppers are a sealed system, they can leak ink into the cap when atmospheric pressure changes like a change in altitudes or drastic temperature variation occurs (think of flying in a plane or going from a hot car in the middle of summer to a chilly air conditioned room). When you write with an eyedropper (any pen actually), you use the ink and air replaces the space created by ink leaving the chamber. When the air inside the ink chamber experiences atmospheric changes, such as the heat from a hand warming the air inside the pen, that air creates pressure that pushes on the liquid ink causing it to burp out of the pen (like popping a bubble). The air wants to equalize, the ink is in the way of it equalizing, the air pushes the ink to move it out of the way so it can equalize…out comes an ink blob. This issue by no means deters all users, but some pen designers wanted to figure out a solution. Japanese Eyedropper Fountain Pen Japanese eyedropper fountain pens are exactly the same as standard eyedropper pens with the exception of an additional valve system that prevents the pen from leaking (burping) when not in use. This valve system essentially creates two ink chambers, one small one around the section of the pen and one large one around the barrel. When the valve is unscrewed and opened, ink flows from the large chamber into the smaller, supplying the pen with continuous fountain pen ink. When the valve is closed, the large chamber is sealed. Only the ink around the section can flow out of the pen. With the valve closed, the writer has a short term amount of ink for writing until the small chamber needs to be refilled. This matters when storing the pen. Since the large ink chamber can be sealed off from the pen, it cannot leak with atmospheric changes. No burping can happen. Best Japanese Style Eyedropper Fountain Pen With a demonstrator body, a large barrel that holds 3.5ml of ink, and a JoWo nib, the Opus 88 Omar Fountain Pen offers a great user experience in a pen that will take you a lot of writing before you even begin to think about refilling it. Safety Fountain Pens These pens are eyedropper style fountain pens with a nib that retracts into the barrel of the pen. Safety fountain pens are actually a very old style of fountain pen that is regaining popularity with Noodler's Boston Safety Pen. How does it work? Safety pens were designed to combat that same problem of ink leaking when the pen is not in use. Instead of dividing the pen into two chambers like the Japanese eyedropper pen, the safety pen makes the entire pen one single ink chamber. To do this, the entire nib retracts into the inkwell (submerging it in ink) and caps the pen at the reservoir so it is a single, sealed tube. To write with the pen, uncapped the pen with the nib pointed up. Push and slowly twist the back of the pen until the nib emerges from the ink chamber and locks into place. Once the nib is locked in, the pen is ready to write.     Since the nib sits in the ink before writing, there is no start up time necessary to get the ink flowing. The nib is wet from the start. How to Fill a Safety Pen Uncap the pen vertically, nib pointing upward and retracted. Fill the barrel of the pen with an eye dropper or syringe of ink (about 1ml). Extend the pen nib and write. Special note with Safety Pens: You must ensure the nib end of the pen points upward when you remove the cap. Because the nib is submerged, removing the cap eliminates the the ink's seal. If you uncap the pen horizontally or upside down, all the ink will spill out. To snag your own, get a Noddler’s Boston Safety Pen. Bulkfiller Fountain Pen Bulkfiller fountain pens use a hybrid filling system that is part piston filler part vacuum filler to maximize the amount of ink drawn into the pen by the filling system. Like a vacuum filler, a metal rod sits in the reservoir. When the knob on the blind cap is twisted, the rod unlocks and is pulled out of the pen. Keep twisting the knob with the rod pulled out to lock it into the piston plunger at the top of the barrel. Push the rod/plunger down ( just like piston fountain pens) to expel the air from the chamber and pull it back up to draw fountain pen ink into the pen. Then, turn the knob in the opposite direction to detach the rod from the plunger. Push the rod back into the pen, and the knob until you tighten the blind cap. What is great about a bulkfiller is it leaves almost no wasted space in the barrel (like an eyedropper style fountain pen). Currently only one company makes the bulkfiller system, Conid. To try one of these out, you will need to get your hands on a Conid pen like the Minimalistica. That brings me to the end of the different types of fountain pen ink filling systems, let's talk about the different types of fountain pen nibs. What Are the Different Types of Fountain Pen Nibs? The fountain pen nib is the other distinguishing factor of the fountain pen. Nibs ultimately have three distinctive features: their material, their style, and their size. Nib Material Stainless Steel Nib Stainless steel nibs are the most common form of nib material due to its resilience, its durability, and its affordability. Until the modern fountain pen, the nib material was a major source of trouble for fountain pens due to the corrosive nature of early fountain pen inks. Fountain pen inks had a history of eating away most metals (like the iron nib pen) with the exception of gold. Modern stainless steel has by and large solved the corrosive issue. Stainless steel nibs are incredibly resilient. I'll discuss this more when we talk about gold nibs, but steel is generally less flexible.  This means you will see less distinctive line variation in fountain pens, but they withstand the wear and tear of daily writing. Lastly, stainless steel is the most common of the types of fountain pen nibs...because it is much cheaper than precious metals. Gold used to be the standard for fountain pen nibs, but when the cost of gold went up, stainless steel became an affordable alternative.  Developers created different alloys to address historic steel problems, and by adjusting the thinness of the nib, they added some springiness to the steel nib giving it more writing character. Gold Nib People still consider gold nibs as premium nib material because of the cost of gold, its anti-corrosive nature, and the flexibility it provides. As previously mentioned, gold nibs were the historic solution to the corrosive nature of fountain pen ink. On top of that, gold is a soft metal which means it bends and flexes as the user writes. This gave the fountain pen nib a unique line variation that is a defining feature of the writing instrument. The nib's flexibility increases with the karat of gold used to make it. 14k nibs are relatively "stiff" compared to 18k or 23k nibs. One common practice is to have a gold-plated nib instead of just a solid gold nib pen. In this case the fountain pen nib will be stainless steel plated with gold. Titanium Nib Titanium nibs seek to find a middle ground between gold and steel. They are not particularly common, but titanium is cheaper than gold and resilient like steel, while offering a surprisingly tactile writing experience. Palladium Nib These are currently only used by Visconti on their high end pens. Palladium offers a similar user experience to gold with a springiness and flexibility that offers a little line variation, but with a particularly wet writing line. A wetter writing line means more ink is transferred to the page, leaving a darker, more defined line. Iridium You must mention this material when discussing nib material because many fountain pens commonly have an iridium tip, specifically the small ball you see at the end of round fountain pen nibs. Iridium is a very hard, anti-corrosive metal. The tip uses it to extend the nib's writing life while still maintaining the flexibility and springiness of the metal forming the nibs body. Nib Style The nib style is the shape of the nib and the nib point. Round Nib Round tip nibs are the most common nib style on fountain pens today. They are distinguished by the small round ball on the end that splits with the nib tines. Most people use round tips for everyday writing because they provide a more uniform writing line, and the extra metal(usually iridium) on the tip resists wear and tear.     How a user holds the pen, the orientation of the paper, angle of the nib...all these things have a much smaller impact on a round nib, meaning anyone can pick one up and use it. They are also a smoother writing experience since the tip mirrors a ball (like a ballpoint pen or a rollerball pen), and  allows the writer to write quickly without scratching the paper. Italic Nib These have a square nib point that is flat across the top with square edges. Italic nibs are famous for giving a huge amount of line variation all by changing the angle of the pen.  When you are thinking of how great your handwriting will look when you start using a fountain pen...you are probably imagining yourself with an italic nib. Italic nibs have a stiffer writing experience because of the squared edges. Using the pen nib at the wrong angle can tear into the paper or bend the tines because it puts stress on the wrong part of the nib. Time and practice are needed to build the technique of writing with an italic nib. Italic nibs also use more ink since they release more ink in each stroke. Stub Nib They have a square nib point that is flat across the top with rounded edges. Stub nibs are in between a round nib and an italic nib and have a popular following because they offer greater line variation with their flat tip, but do not require as much special attention to writing angle and hand position due to the rounded edges. (Neil deGrasse Tyson is a big stub nib fan). Stub nibs use ink more quickly than round nibs because they are wetter.  Flex Nib Flex nibs spread the tines easily when you apply pressure. This is done to create line variation like the italic nib. Where the italic nib is highly dependent on the size of the nib for the width of the variation, the flex nib is primarily dependent on the pressure of the strokes. Flex nibs are wetter since the amount of ink they release varies, and they do require some time to acquire the knack for using them. Flex along with italic and stub are often used in calligraphy writing. Shawn Buckles of the One Pen Show has an even more intricate breakdown of different nib shapes so for more information, check out his article. Nib Sizes Nib sizes are pretty straight forward. The smaller the nib size, the smaller the writing line. Nib sizes get very technical very quickly, grading up and down by millimeters, but as a general rule fine, medium, and broad are the go-to sizes. Fine These nibs are around 0.6mm in width and are ideal for quick writing, small font writing, and fine-line drawing. Fine nibs are more about precision than variation. If a person writes with their letters close together or very small, a fine point is the best option. Medium Medium point nibs have average width of 0.8mm in width and most users consider them the standard writing point. Standard handwriting size, daily writing...these are the kind of tasks where a medium nib is ideal. Broad Broad point nibs are around 1.0mm in width. This will have the best results for larger writing and signatures. The larger the point, the more ink it releases, and thus, i produces a wetter line. So if a writer tries to use a broad nib but has to write in a small window, the ink can run together and look like a blob. Whatever nib style and size you choose, remember to use the best ink for fountain pens to avoid issues such as a clogged nib. Conclusion That ends this article on the types of fountain pens available from different types of fountain pen filling systems to the different types of fountain pen nibs. What's your favorite fountain pen to use? Leave a comment below! And if I didn't mention your favorite filling system or nib type, let me know, and I will add it to the list. For more informative articles on pens, check out some of the Jotted Lines other articles: Who Invented the Ballpoint Pen: A Brief History How to Choose the Right Fountain Pen Ink The Top 11 Everyday Carry Pens: #1 Is James Bond's Pen Sam Di Nardo is an author for Dayspring Pens, where she has honed her expertise in ballpoint, rollerball, gel and fountain pens since joining the team in 2018. From her initial role as an Engraver to becoming the Production Manager, Sam's journey has been marked by her passion for the history, manufacturing, and the unique value of gifted writing instruments. A graduate of Regent University with a degree in English Literature and a special interest in Old Norse literature, dive deeper into Sam's world and discover why she's your trusted guide in the realm of gift pens. Follow Sam on LinkedIn.

In this article, I'm simply going to list our 13 best-selling personalized pens and offer short overviews of each one. You'll get a look at the best features of each personalized pen, variations within each pen line, writing styles, and reasons why people choose each one over the others. Personalized pens are some of the best kinds of customized gifts available on the internet, especially for business gifts. We hope this list is representative of some of the best pens for writing out there and can help you find the right one for you! 1.) Cross Calais The Calais from A.T. Cross pens is our #1 best-selling personalized pen and our Best Cross Pen at Dayspring Pens, and it's easy to see why.  The Calais is easily the most affordable (starting from $28.34), best designed, and reliable luxury pens on the market. The most popular versions of the Calais are: The Cross Calais Chrome Ballpoint (pictured above) The Cross Calais Blue Lacquer Ballpoint The Cross Calais Chrome and Blue Double Pen Set (A Dayspring Pens Exclusive) and the Cross Calais Chrome Graduation Emblem Ballpoint The engraving on these personalized pens looks really clear, so it makes a really great base for a meaningful gift pen. It's got a mid-sized barrel; that means it's great for logo engraving for promotional gifts and merchandise. 2.) Parker Jotter The Jotter from Parker pens is one of the best personalized pens out there with the most bang per buck. Starting at only $23.09, the Jotter has a minimal design and construction but the maximum in solid durability. It comes standard as a smooth-writing gel pen. The most popular models of the Jotter are: The Parker Jotter Chrome Gel Pen with Gold Trim (pictured above) The Parker Jotter Chrome Gel Pen and the Parker Jotter Gel Pen in Waterloo Blue The engraving comes out similar to the Classic Century from Cross Pens. This one is sure to please; it's my preferred pen. And you don't need to just take my word for it. Bryan Collins author of Yes, You Can Write points out the strength of the Parker Jotter in his informative article on the Best Pens for Writing in 2022. Plus, it's got the best click feeling ever. 3.) Dayspring Pens Monroe Pen and Pencil Set The Monroe Pen and Pencil Set is one of the best pen sets available on our website, and it's one of the most affordable gold pens on the internet. A solid construction, rubber grip, and high-quality ballpoint cartridge make this pen as reliable and easy-to-use as a Cross pen, but for an even lower price point. The best value deal for the Monroe is definitely the personalized pen and pencil set which includes a click pen and mechanical pencil. The other Monroe models include: The Monroe Black Pen and Pencil Set The Monroe Single Black Pen Ballpoint The Monroe Blue Pen and Pencil Set The Monroe Red Pen and Pencil Set Any length of engraving looks great on Monroe personalized pens. It's taller barrel means that it can accommodate longer engravings without looking overpacked. 4.) Cross Classic Century This slender, professional Cross Pen is just as reliable as the Calais, but marks a step up in stand-out design, luxury, and elegance. These personalized pens have historically been given to graduates with many peoples keeping (and using) the Classic Century for over 40 years. The most popular models of the Classic Century are: The Cross Classic Century Chrome Ballpoint The Cross Classic Century 23kt Gold Pen Ballpoint The Cross Classic Century Chrome Pen and Pencil Set (Pictured Above) The Cross Classic Century Medalist Ballpoint and The Cross Classic Century Black and Gold Pen Ballpoint The engraving texture on the Classic Century is a little more subtle than the Calais, especially on the chrome and gold pen versions—but it really pops in bright gold on the black models—making it the perfect graduation gift pen. 5.) Waterman Hemisphere The Hemisphere is one of the best Waterman pens available. It's a favorite personalized pen with both our customers and our staff. With the Hemisphere, Waterman have crafted an incredibly smooth pen in each of its pen writing styles, and it stands in a much higher pedigree of luxury than its Cross pens counterparts. The Hemisphere has a slimmer barrel; however, it does not lose anything in solidity. It's even got a nice weight to it—not too heavy, but enough weight to give it a nice sense of purpose. These personalized pens just take the cake as far as writing experience. The best selling Hemispheres styles available from Dayspring Pens are: The Waterman Hemisphere Black and Gold Ballpoint Pen (pictured above) The Waterman Hemisphere Stainless Steel and Gold Ballpoint Pen The Waterman Hemisphere Black and Gold Rollerball Pen The Waterman Hemisphere Stainless and Gold Rollerball Pen There are also some Waterman pen sets available exclusively from Dayspring pens. 6.) Cross Coventry       The entry level Cross pen, the Coventry is a ballpoint pen that maintains all the classical elements of a luxury pen, all metal construction, fine lacquer finishes, precision mechanisms, in a pen that starts in the low $30s. What is great about this pen is that it is a thoughtful, uniquely customizable pen that can be given out without the need for a big occasion or a high ticket buy. I see them most commonly given as gifts for coworkers, corporate gifts, and friends who want to share a nice present. The color options available for the Coventry are: Black Coventry Ballpoint Blue Coventry Ballpoint (Pictured above) Red Coventry Ballpoint Chrome Coventry Ballpoint Chrome Coventry Ballpoint and Pencil Set The Coventry is a no stress gift option when looking for a gift for things like the office Secret Santa or a team present at the start of a project. 7.) Waterman Expert The Waterman Expert Black and Gold Pen Ballpoint (pictured above) is one of our best professional pens. The cigar-shaped medium barrel design makes it a comfortable options for both men and women. The accents give it a classic look perfect for the professional world. Its larger cap and solid construction have made it the luxury pen of choice for logo engraved gifts to executives and for career milestones. Aside from the ballpoint, here's our Waterman Expert selection: The Waterman Expert Stainless Gold Trim Ballpoint The Waterman Expert Black and Chrome Trim Ballpoint The Waterman Expert Stainless Chrome Ballpoint Pen The Waterman Expert Black Fountain and Ballpoint Pen Set Each style has the Waterman guarantee for excellent, smooth writing, which makes finding the best Expert a matter of preference over objectivity.     8.) Dayspring Pens Alexandria The Alexandria Blue Fountain Pen seen above is a best seller for two reasons: 1.) because it is a great entry level fountain pen and 2.) because of its wide barrel. We constantly hear from beginners and fountain pen buffs how solid the nib of the Alexandria Fountain pen is and starting at $31.49 it can be a great option for trying out different kinds of fountain pen ink without worrying about mucking up a more expensive pen. The wide barrel on these personalized pens is also perfect for larger hands. The popular Alexandria options include:  Alexandria Red Fountain Pen Alexandria Blue Fountain Pen and Rollerball Set Alexandria Black Ballpoint Alexandria Blue Rollerball Each Alexandria Fountain Pen includes an ink converter and two free black universal ink cartridges. 9.) Cross Bailey The Cross Bailey line is the perfect example of the professional line of AT Cross pens. Recognizably Cross, the Bailey features a medium barrel, etched banding, and an incredible clip that is large enough for an easy slide in and out of pockets and portfolios. A step up from the Cross Calais, the Bailey is a business pen. The ballpoint is great for constant note-taking, the fountain pen for signing, and the rollerball for just about everything else. The best selling Baileys and colors are: Bailey Medalist Ballpoint (pictured above) Bailey Black Lacquer Fountain Pen Bailey Medalist Ballpoint and Rollerball Set (Exclusive to Dayspring Pens) Bailey Blue Lacquer Rollerball Bailey Red Lacquer Ballpoint Plenty of space on the cap for engraving makes this a popular pen for logo and two line engravings. 10.) Parker IM Glossy black lacquer and the icon Parker arrow clip with polished gold accessories highlight the Parker IM Rollerball seen above. Designed to be modern, comfortable, and professional, the Parker IM is a go-to gift for graduations and celebratory office gifts. The Parker IM offers the only click-action ballpoint pens in the professional lines of our luxury pens starting at $33.59. Available in black or blue lacquer with gold or silver appointments, the best of the Parker IMs are as follows: Parker IM Black Gold Trim Ballpoint Parker IM Blue Silver Trim Rollerball Parker IM Blue Silver Trim Ballpoint The perfect barrel size for logos and signature engravings, the Parker IM engravings match the trims for a stand out personalization. If you are a Parker Pen fan, the IM is a must try. 11.) Cross Century II The ideal blend of the Cross Classic Century and the Cross Townsend, the Century II shows the best that Cross has to offer. Where some of the more premium Cross pen lines can become self-indulgent or unwieldy, the Century II nails the classic elegance and functional design that has made Cross a household name. It's a sharp-looking pen with quality construction. Even the twist of the ballpoint and the snap of the capped models feel expensive. What are the top Century II contenders? Century II Black Lacquer with Gold Trim Ballpoint Century II Black lacquer with Gold Trim Rollerball Pen Century II Medalist Ballpoint Pen 12.) Dayspring Pens Abingdon Pen A staff favorite, the Abingdon gives a luxury writing experience in a pen designed to highlight a custom engraving. This affordable pen is one of the smoothest sets from both the ballpoint to the rollerball available at Dayspring. A twist-action ballpoint and capped rollerball, the Abingdon writes so well I regularly dig through our test pen bucket for any extras. The Abingdon has a lustrous chrome barrel with a wide cap that can handle longer names and messages like a champ. The pen options available for the Abingdon are: Abingdon Chrome Ballpoint Pen Abingdon Chrome Rollerball Pen (Pictured Above) Abingdon Blue Ballpoint Pen Abingdon Blue Rollerball Pen The Abingdon pens are hands down one of Dayspring Pens greatest deals and best kept secrets. 13.) Dayspring Pens Woodmark Pen and Pencil Set Our only selection that is entirely wood except for the mechanical elements and appointments, the Woodmark pen and pencil sets are one of a kind since no two pieces of wood are the same. Showing off the natural grains of rosewood, the warm finish of these personalized pens make them an excellent accessory to a desk. An affordable option for promotional gifting, the case offers a large medium for both logo and text engravings. There is also versatility in how the custom pens sets are customized with the option to engrave the case and the writing instruments differently. The most popular of the Woodmark line ranks: The Deluxe Woodmark Rosewood Pen and Pencil Case Woodmark Rosewood Pen and Case Medical Themed Doctor Gift Pen and Case Graduation Themed Rosewood Gift Pen and Case Each rosewood ballpoint is also compatible with Cross brand ink refills making it a convenient for refilling. What's included with a Dayspring Pen? Every Dayspring pen comes with a free single line of custom engraving and free standard shipping in the US. Each one includes ink and comes gift-ready in a gift box with a personal gift note available. All personalized pens also come with a varying warranty against mechanical issues from the manufacturers. People Also Ask... How do you put your name on a pen? Easy! Get your pen laser engraved. Engraving usually costs about $5-$15, but it's free from Dayspring Pens. How much do personalized pens cost? Personalized pens cost about as much as any other kind of luxury pen: they can range in price from $5 to $1,500 or more, depending on the quality of the pen. How long does it take to get personalized pens? Dayspring Pens ships your personalized pen in one business day! That means that, depending where you live, you can get it in 3-6 business days. What is the smoothest pen? There's a lot of high-quality pens out there that claim to write the smoothest. Not to mention, what one means by "smoothest" differs between writers. However, fountain pens are arguably the smoothest writing pens available on the market.  Have a look at the Waterman Hemisphere fountain pen or our very own Alexandria fountain pen. These high-quality pens write incredibly smoothly. Conclusion I hope this list helps you find the right pen for you from the Dayspring Pens Best Sellers. We pride ourselves on giving maximum help in navigating the big world of luxury pens to every customer. If you want to stay up to date with our best sellers, new products, and special discounts, consider subscribing to our Dayspring Pens newsletter at the bottom of this page. Let us know which of these fine writing instruments is your favorite in the comments below! Sam Di Nardo is an author for Dayspring Pens, where she has honed her expertise in ballpoint, rollerball, gel and fountain pens since joining the team in 2018. From her initial role as an Engraver to becoming the Production Manager, Sam's journey has been marked by her passion for the history, manufacturing, and the unique value of gifted writing instruments. A graduate of Regent University with a degree in English Literature and a special interest in Old Norse literature, dive deeper into Sam's world and discover why she's your trusted guide in the realm of gift pens. Follow Sam on LinkedIn.

When it comes to shopping for a luxury gold pen, there are a lot of options out there. That doesn't mean all the options are good. Additionally, finding a great gold pen doesn't just mean the pen is loaded with 23k gold. In the search for the best gold pen, the key is finding a pen that writes as sharp as it looks.  Also, it is surprisingly difficult to find gold-plated pens. Not brass pens that look gold. Actual gold pens.  This article is going to talk about the top best gold pens that deliver quality writing as well as quality style in a variety of prices to help you shop for the pen that works best for you. 10.) Dayspring Pens Monroe Gold Pen Set 9.) Cross Townsend 8.) Pilot Metropolitan 7.) Dayspring Pen Braxton Set 6.) Cross Century II 5.) Caran d'Ache Madison Cisele  4.) Cross Tech3+ 3.) Parker Jotter XL 2.) Santos de Cartier Ballpoint Pen 1.) Cross Classic Century   So here we go! 10.) Dayspring Pens Monroe Gold Pen Set The Dayspring Pens Monroe gold set is an 18k gold plated ballpoint and mechanical pencil set that comes with a free line of custom engraving.     Both writing instruments are click action with an ergonomic rubber grip, medium black ink, and 0.7mm lead. Priced around $31.00, the Monroe is a great entry level gold set that is all about functionality and simplicity. 9.) The Cross Townsend Gold Pen The Townsend "Pen of Presidents" is famous for its role as the official pen of multiple American president administrations. Medium barreled, nicely weighted, and perfectly balanced, the Townsends is now available in 10k rolled gold finish as a ballpoint, rollerball, or fountain pen. Indeed this pen is known for being the mark of the professional so its great for making impressions in the business world. 8.) Pilot Metropolitan On the opposite end of the spectrum from the Peerless, the Pilot Metropolitan in gold is a whopping $28.31 fountain pen. The level and quality of gold in this pen is significantly lower. However, I have this pen on the list because it is hands down the best entry level fountain pen on the market and which just so happens to come in gold too! It is an incredible fountain pen for the price. Not only great for quick signatures but also long writing stints. Additionally, it comes with a fine point nib and is super easy to fill with ink, making it a no brainer for trying out different color inks and styles. 7.) Dayspring Pens Braxton Set 18k gold plated barrels and appointments are marked by colored lacquer caps in either red, blue, or green in this ballpoint and rollerball set. A Dayspring Pens staff favorite, the Braxton may be the smoothest writing combination on this list. 6.) Cross Century II Golden Pen The Cross Century II takes the storied Classic Century (we'll get to this pen) and adds a little more body and modern design to it. It is a lustrous 10k gold pen that can be found as a ballpoint, rollerball, and fountain pen. The Century II is a slimmer medium barrel pen that I recommend as a rollerball for the easy glide of the gel ink as well as the snap of the cap which speaks to the craftsmanship of design.  Further Reading: Fountain Pen Review: The Cross Century II 5.) Caran d'Ache Madison Cisele 18k gold with the writing perfection of a pen company that is known for delivering Swiss quality to writing and art materials.  A slender, round barrel, the Madison Cisele has a jointed clip and fine barrel etching.  It is a pen that exemplifies gold with its elegant simplicity that does not need elaborate embellishments. 4.) Cross Tech3+ This 23k gold pen is a black ink ballpoint, a red ballpoint, and a 0.7 mm lead pencil complete with a stylus for electronic devices and an eraser under the cap.     I personally think this twist-action pen is one of the best pens made by the Cross brand. The fine tip gives a particularly nice writing line and has little to no skipping. As multifunction pens go, this is the best a customer can find, especially in gold. 3.) Parker Jotter XL Ballpoint Gold Pen I love the Jotter. It's been around for over 60 years for a reason - mainly the durable construction, slim portable design, and the satisfying click. The fact that Parker decided to make a gold finish is a sweet bonus. This affordable offering has Parker's famous Quink that is quite an admirable ballpoint, but for an extra great experience swap the ballpoint refill for the Quink gel pen refill. You will not regret it.  Related Reading: The Parker Jotter: The Pen You See in Every Movie 2.) Santos de Cartier Golden Ballpoint Pen The Santos de Cartier ballpoint pen is a gold plated ballpoint pen that carries all the high fashion designer distinction that has made Cartier famous. Luxury that is unquestionable, the ballpoint pen has a gadroon motif etched into the barrel of the pen. This pen is perfect for name brand luxury aficionados, both as a writing instrument and as a collector's item.  1.) Cross Classic Century The old tried and true Cross Classic Century comes in at number one. Cross has manufactured its slim, iconic design since 1940s, emphasizing the Classic Century's consistency. Subtle, incise patterning in the gold gives added elegance to the best gold pen Cross has to offer. The Classic Century has durability on top of great presentation, which makes it a great writing tool for any task. A traditional graduation gift, the Classic Century comes both in 23k gold and is available as a pen and pencil set as well as a ballpoint, rollerball, and fountain pen. The 10 Best Gold Pens Today That's it for the latest results on the top 10 gold pens by the leading brands. I hope this will help as you do your shopping! If you are looking for more help or are curious about other luxury pens, check out some of my other articles on the best pens currently on the market. What is your favorite pen? Let me know in the comments below and if it's not on my list I'd be happy to give it a try! Sam Di Nardo is an author for Dayspring Pens, where she has honed her expertise in ballpoint, rollerball, gel and fountain pens since joining the team in 2018. From her initial role as an Engraver to becoming the Production Manager, Sam's journey has been marked by her passion for the history, manufacturing, and the unique value of gifted writing instruments. A graduate of Regent University with a degree in English Literature and a special interest in Old Norse literature, dive deeper into Sam's world and discover why she's your trusted guide in the realm of gift pens. Follow Sam on LinkedIn.

The world of fountain pens is vast and full of tons of boutique makers who make some truly excellent pens. But navigating which brands will give you a great writing experience and the aesthetic you want can be a little tricky. This especially true when entry level pen price points start around $20. Today, I'll familiarize you with the fountain pen brands you need to know. Additionally, I'll give you the best cheap and luxury options. Let's start with what to look for when buying a fountain pen. What to Look for When Buying Fountain Pens  The ideal fountain pen: Is quick to write a smooth line Has no scratching or skipping Feels comfortable to hold and use Has an enjoyable look Leaking ink, a scratchy nib that skips, and a pen that is difficult to maintain can kill any joy at using a fountain pen. It is always good to ask yourself these questions when you are shopping for a fountain pen. What kind of writing am I looking to do? Am I doing daily notetaking and letter writing? Am I drawing? What level of work am I interested in? Do I want something quick and easy, low maintenance? Do I want something hands-on and customizable? What kind of nib do I need? Am I writing for aesthetics or practicality? Does how it looks match my tastes? With those questions in mind, I am going to start by listing some brands that are a must know. Firstly, I will break down the brands. Then, I will talk about the best , beginner fountain pens all in the $30 or under category. These can easily be found online or through a local stationary shop. Lastly, I will talk about a good place to start for a luxury brand. Pen Brands You Need to Know Waterman Easily the most historic brand on the list, Waterman is responsible for (sort of) inventing the fountain pen. And unlike other historic brands, the Waterman name still holds true to creating a great fountain pen. They also excel at luxury. Each Waterman pen will come with fine finishes and precious metals. TWSBI Known for their demonstrator pens (meaning the barrel is clear so you can see the ink inside the pen), TWSBI is the new kid on the block, but do not let that fool you. After working in the manufacturing process for 50 years, TaShin Precision decided to make its own brand of fountain pens. Interestingly, the brand they created has quickly become one of the most impressive writing brands on the market. With entry level pens like the ECO, TWSBI pens offer a hands on fountain pen experience. This you can't find without going to a real boutique brand or attending a Pen Show. Pilot A powerhouse on my Best Ballpoint Pens Brands list, what Pilot makes, Pilot dominates. A staple of Japanese pen making, Pilot originally began as a fountain pen company under the name Namiki Manufacturing Company. Despite expanding to include ballpoint pens and rollerballs (all hail the G-2), they have never ceased to produce remarkable fountain pens in every tier. They have beginner pens like the Metropolitan as well as luxury pens like the Custom (a favorite of Neil Gaiman). LAMY You'll be hard pressed to find a list of top fountain pens (or top pens in general) without finding at least one LAMY fountain pen on there. A German brand, LAMY pens are known for their resin based, lightweight bodies and their special tripod grip. The LAMY Safari is constantly tussling with the likes of the Pilot Metropolitan and the Preppy Platinum for best beginner pen on the market. Kaweco Another German brand, Kaweco fountain pens thrive on melding nostalgic designs with modern technology. Kaweco fountain pens have lightweight, collapsible bodies that require you to post the cap to get a full sized writing pen. So if you are looking for a fountain pen to stick in your pocket or travel with, start here. Visconti Italian luxury at its finest, Visconti fountain pens are the best of Italian craftsmanship. With no entry level pens in sight, Visconti are made for someone who is looking for an excellent fountain pen and knows how to use them. Visconti pens are works of art and worth every penny. Sailor One of the historic Japanese pen brands, Sailor Pens' big claim to fame is their use of solid gold nibs (caveat: not all their pens automatically come with gold nibs nowadays). Sailor nibs are so popular that other brands will order Sailor nibs for their premium pens. A household name in Japan, Sailor has made quite a name for itself in the US and the Pro Gear regularly pops up as a must try high end fountain pen. With the brand introductions out of the way, let's talk about what writing instruments are best. Cheap Best Fountain Pens There are a lot of great affordable fountain pens for beginners out there. Notably, some of these pens are good enough that you can use them your whole fountain pen life and be an incredibly happy writer. What brand of pen is the best? The best brand of fountain pen is Pilot. Pilot takes the cake for quite a few reasons but in particular for their ability to create an excellent fountain pen at every price point from disposable and entry level to high end luxury. Whether manufacturing in bulk or handcrafting individual pens, Pilot delivers an exquisite nib that feels adaptive and responsive when writing. I tried multiple Pilot fountain pens (the Varsity, Metropolitan, and Vanishing Point to be precise) and found each one to offer a comfortable, easy grip on a reasonably sized pen. The ink flowed consistently with no trailing or skipping and the refillable pens were easy to refill. Speaking specifically to the cheaper Pilot Pens, the Pilot Metropolitan is remarkable at its under $20 price range. Beginners and fountain pen enthusiasts have long heralded as a favorite pen.   FIND YOUR PILOT PEN TODAY   Related Topic: How to Clean a Fountain Pen The fountain pen best for daily use When it comes to pens for daily fountain pen users, the TWSBI Eco offers a high quality writing experience in a solid barrel that holds quite a bit of ink. The Eco is a demonstrator pen which means it does not take cartridges. Instead, the entire barrel of the pen acts as a converter in this piston filling fountain pen. The TWSBI Eco has a double cap (a cap inside the cap) that ensures a tighter seal when the pen is stored, meaning the nib is still wet and ready to write even after days or weeks of not using the pen. (I once spent my entire maternity leave not using my Eco Twist. Uncapped it, and it started writing immediately). Full disclosure, the TWSBI Eco is my daily writer and is a personal favorite for all the reasons I listed. This is my most recommended pen. The most ergonomic fountain pen The most ergonomic fountain pen is the LAMY Safari. Light weight and larger barreled, the LAMY Safari was designed to offer the easy, near pressureless writing that comes with a weighted pen without the strain needed to hold a heavier pen. However, the Safari also offers the well known LAMY triangular or tripod grip that means less strain on your fingers as you hold the pen. The LAMY 2000 is also a good option for an ergonomic pen at a more luxury price point.  Discover: How to Refill a Fountain Pen: The Beginner's Guide What is the best fountain pen to draw with? The best entry level pen to draw with is the Pilot Kakuno fine nib and for high quality pens the Pelikan M200. This is a tough category to talk about without veering into calligraphy pens, which are a beautiful breed of their own. (Calligraphy pens are also more often than not dip pens which are not technically fountain pens). What makes a fountain pen good for drawing or sketching is a flexible nib, large ink supply, and generally a precision nib size (fine or extra fine). Both the Kakuno and the M200 offer a ready ink supply and the flexible nib that give the writing line some variation depending on the pressure applied while writing. The Kakuno starts around $10 and is worth getting to try out drawing with a fountain pen. The Pelikan M200 boasts a gold nib which can offer greater flexibility while maintaining its point, but it starts in the $200 price range. Which brand of pen lasts the longest? The fountain pen that lasts the longest will be the pen with a high ink capacity; ie: generally fountain pens that use the eyedropper filling system. Eyedropper fountain pens use the entire barrel of the fountain pen as the ink reservoir. This means no wasted space in the reservoir. The larger the barrel of the fountain pen, the larger the ink capacity and the longer it will last. Pens like the Opus 88 Omar are particularly known for holding up to 3.5ml of ink. Honorable Mention for Cheap Fountain Pens: Platinum Preppy I did not include Platinum in my list of brands, but the Platinum Preppy is a wonder of a fountain pen at under $10. A touch scratchy, but a great fountain pen to keep on your desk or bag that is ready to write even after prolonged periods unused. Learn More: How To Store a Fountain Pen Properly   Best Luxury Brand Fountain Pens Also taking the prize for the best luxury fountain pens is Pilot Pens. The higher end Pilot fountain pens amplify the smooth lines and steady flow writing experience of the entry level Pilots, while offering premium finishes, precious metals, and innovations to the writing instruments. The Vanishing Point is known as the world's first capless fountain pen. (That's right. It's a retractable fountain pen.) It's a really cool great pen. And also, the Pilot E95 and the Custom are vintage inspired, beautiful, and truly excellent in the fountain pen world. Namiki Pens I could not place Pilot as the best of the luxury brand fountain pens without mentioning Namiki Pens. Owned by Pilot, Namiki Pens are handmade in Japan with maki-e and urushi lacquer finishes that are one of a kind. Each pen is an individual work of art and delivers the same exquisite quality writing as the craftsmanship. Namiki pens start around $750 and go into the $1000s easily, so they are ultra luxury fountain pens. Best Affordable Fountain Pens The best affordable luxury fountain pens are the Conklin All American and the Kaweco AL Sport. Conklin The Conklin All American is a large barrel pen that is surprisingly delightful to use. The steady flow of the pen feels buttery against paper and it handles really well for being such a big pen. Each pen has vintage inspired resin bodies and is lightweight so there is very little strain on the hand while using. Kaweco The Kaweco AL Sport is a pocket pen meaning it collapses into a short pen when the cap is not posted on the end. Lightweight but exceedingly durable with its aluminum body, the AL Sport fine point nib releases an ample amount of ink, making the pen feel very wet without compromising the thin fine line of the fountain pen nib size. Capped the pen is a whopping 4.25 inches and feels like a new take on a retro pen. You can find the Kaweco AL Sport in a variety of different finishes and bright colors, and the Kaweco packaging is an experience. Best Luxury Fountain Pen The best high end luxury fountain pen brand is the Florence based Visconti Pens. Visconti Using a Visconti pen feels about as great as walking down the streets of Florence on crisp fall day. From the weight to the quality of the finishes to the spring loaded clip and the magnetic cap, every piece of the pen exudes the robust beauty and technical excellence of the country it was made in.   The Visconti Van Gogh fine point nib is springy and super responsive, leaving a unique variation to the writing line that gives a unique character to every handwriting. Visconti makes a writing instrument to be proud of and I would be remiss if I did not say that the depth of movement and color they achieve in their resin finishes is a testament to the fountain pen industry. Honorable Mention for Best Luxury Pen: The Franklin-Christoph Model 20 (Marietta) A completely new brand to me, I was quite frankly blown away by the Franklin-Christoph Marietta. The hand ground, italic stub nib is the most remarkable nib I have ever used. The design of the pen is very vintage and may not make a statement in how it looks compared to the fine finishes of brands like Visconti and Waterman, but the writing of this pen was so exquisite I had to include it. Best Fountain Pen for Gifts Waterman and Dayspring Pens rank as the best brands to give as gifts.  Waterman As said in the Ballpoint Pen Brands article, Waterman pens are just downright excellent pens. Every element of a Waterman Pen feels intentional and well made. And as the "inventor" (sort of) of the fountain pen, the popular models the Hemisphere and the Carene both feature a gold nib and the pride of being one of the oldest brands of fountain pen. Craftsmen still make Waterman pens in France and, the personal touch of custom engraving makes them a perfect high end gift. And don't sleep on Waterman's entry level fountain pen, the Allure. I was delightfully surprised at what a good beginner fountain pen it was at a price comparable to a Metropolitan or a Safari.  Further Reading: The Story of How Waterman Came to Define Fountain Pen Elegance Dayspring Pens A new company to manufacturing pens, Dayspring Pens has long been a company that focused on gifting pens and custom engravings. Designers created the Alexandria fountain pen to be a great gift pen. Affordable, large barreled, and finished with 23k gold, the pen has a classic understated aesthetic that draws the eye to the custom engraving on the cap. With a responsive, medium point nib and a free line of custom engraving with the pen, the Alexandria is an easy gift to give at around $30. Are Sailor Pens Worth It? In researching for this article, I knew that Sailor is considered one of the top fountain pen brands regularly compared to Pilot or Waterman. Also a Japanese brand Sailor Pens are often cited as better in the community, largely commented on for the quality of their fountain pen nib. The Sailor gold nib is even sold to other pen companies like AT Cross who include them as a selling point for their top of the line pens like the Peerless. I ordered a Sailor Pro Gear to try the brand and ultimately I have to agree with some of the critiques I have seen online about Sailor. The pen felt overpriced for the quality of the writing experience. The gold nib was very stiff with very little flex and in regards to the construction of the pen, the resin barrel felt like a less durable plastic than a sturdy resin. The Pro Gear was by no means a bad pen, but I was ultimately underwhelmed, especially when tested against the price comparable Visconti or some Pilot pens. As an aside on the price point: In Japan, Sailor pens have a mid-range price point, but their import status in the West increases it. I want to now touch on some questions I see a lot in regards to finding a good fountain pen. Best Fountain Pens for Beginners I agree with experts who say the perfect first pen is the Pilot Metropolitan or the Platinum Preppy. Both these pens are under $20s, come with an ink cartridge, and allow you to choose your nib size. As a rule of thumb: Fine or Extra Fine Nib if your writing style is small letters and close together Medium Nib for a larger handwriting Broad Nib for signing and hand lettering Make sure to snag some higher quality writing paper like Dayspring Pens or Rhodia while you are at it. If you start with your first fountain pen and some regular notebook paper or printer paper, you might get a negative writing experience. This is because the low grade paper can rip when the wet nib writes against it. It will also feather quite a bit and can make your letters bleed together, which is a pretty big letdown. If you are looking to start off with one that is a more of a hands on writing instrument, start out with a TWSBI Eco. You will need to purchase an ink bottle since it does not take cartridges, but that is part of the fun of a fountain pen. Some of the brands that make the best ink for fountain pens include: Noodlers : all about making good quality affordable ink Diamine : Give the Sheening Inks a try for something really fun Jacques Herbes : Fancy Ink...some are scented How do I know which style of fountain pen is best for me? The best style for you is the one that: Feels the most comfortable when you hold it Writes easily without undue hand strain You enjoy writing with the most. Nib size will affect your writing pretty drastically so take a look at the descriptor above when choosing your nib. I always recommend starting with the entry level writing instrument that matches your personal preference stylistically. Try different ink in the pen and using it for a few days to get a feel for it. If you like using fountain pens from that experience, try one of the more medium price point pens. However, always consider if you like a heavier or lightweight one or the barrel size of thick or thin pens. Do you want a daily writer that is a workhorse or a status symbol to impress in a meeting? Use this guide to browse around and ultimately go with the pen that you like looking at the most. Aesthetics matter. How much does a good fountain pen cost? Ultimately, a good fountain pen will cost anywhere between $30-$60 with an exceptional nod to the $20 Pilot Metropolitan. This price range will give you: a quality instrument with a solid nib that offers an admirable writing performance a pen that can either be cartridge filled or converter filled Conclusion In conclusion, each brand offers something unique to the world of fountain pens. Which brands and fountain pens do you like to use the most? Leave a comment below! And check out my other articles to learn more about the world of writing instruments. How to Store a Fountain Pen Properly How do Ballpoint Pens Work 20 Best Rollerballs to Give as Gifts Sam Di Nardo is an author for Dayspring Pens, where she has honed her expertise in ballpoint, rollerball, gel and fountain pens since joining the team in 2018. From her initial role as an Engraver to becoming the Production Manager, Sam's journey has been marked by her passion for the history, manufacturing, and the unique value of gifted writing instruments. A graduate of Regent University with a degree in English Literature and a special interest in Old Norse literature, dive deeper into Sam's world and discover why she's your trusted guide in the realm of gift pens. Follow Sam on LinkedIn.

At Dayspring Pens, we're here to help you decide which pen is the best cheap go-to, or the best ballpoint luxury pen money can buy. My name is Sam Di Nardo, and I have been researching and investigating pens for years. I am going to break this down into three sections. Feel free to jump to the one best for you.  Section 1: The Best Ballpoint Brands You Need to Know Section 2: Best Cheap Ballpoint Pens Section 3: Best Luxury Ballpoint Pens Winner for 2024: Waterman Expert Black Gold Trim Ballpoint A stunning writing instrument that combines the brilliance of high gloss black lacquer with 23k gold-plated accents. It's well-balanced, comfortable, and striking, making it a perfect gift for the wordsmith in your life. Check Price What to Look for When Buying Ballpoint Pens? When looking for a ballpoint pen, the ideal ballpoint writes instantly. Additionally, it does not skip or leave ink blots, and is comfortable to use. Really, you want to avoid classic ballpoint pen problems...leaking ink...the pen drying out and having to draw circles on the back of your receipt for forever to get it going again...the writing line skipping...leaving little clots on the page. A great ballpoint will avoid all of these standard ballpoint problems. But to find the perfect pen for you, you will want to ask yourself a few questions: What level of comfort do I want? Ergonomic rubber grip for long periods of use? Something well-balanced but not catered to grip? How will I use the ballpoint pen? Do I need a durable pen that can survive the bottom of a backpack? Is the pen sitting on a desk making a statement when not in use? How much do I want to pay for my perfect ballpoint pen? Am I looking for the best pens to buy in bulk? Am I looking for my favorite pens to give as gifts? With those in mind, I have a list of the best ballpoint pens by brand in all the categories you need to find your perfect pen. Related Reading: How to Get a Ballpoint Pen to Start Writing Again   Browse All Ballpoint Pens 6 Ballpoint Brands You Need to Know Parker One of the first manufacturers of the ballpoint, Parker hit it big in the movies with the Jotter and has made it ever since. People are brand loyal to Parker ballpoints for the sturdy design of the pens themselves (which are "luxury" with all-metal builds and precious metal materials), and the Parker Quink that is durable and paste-y. Parker Pens are all refillable so no tossing the pen when the ink runs out, just get some refills. Waterman Luxury, Parisian, and smooth, if you have never touched a luxury ballpoint pen before, a Waterman will make it hard to go back to anything else. BIC This brand is the reason the ballpoint is the most used writing utensil in history. BIC took the original patent for the ballpoint and created the most recognizable ballpoint in the world: the BIC Cristal. If you haven't used a BIC in your life (whether the Cristal, Round Stic, 4-Color, etc.), you either grew up in a hippie commune that makes their own quills or you are from a wealthy Russian oligarch's family that only touches things made of 23k gold. Indeed, BIC is the bread and butter of ballpoints, and not surprisingly, they are incredibly good at making a decent ballpoint. Fun Fact: The BIC ballpoint pen was invented by Marcel Bich in 1950. Pilot Most known for their rollerballs like the G-2 and their fountain pens (which are incredible), Pilot rocks a real solid ballpoint in the cheap category. Their ink tends towards a low viscosity, which makes it silky smooth for a more rollerball ink feel. Uni Ball Ultimately, you can't think of Uni Ball as a brand without thinking of the Uni Ball Jetstream Ballpoint. We will talk about it more later, but as a whole, Uni Ball delivers low viscosity ballpoint ink that dries almost instantly and bonds to the paper so it won't smear. Caran D'Ache Swiss craftsmanship that is a tier below Montblanc. Their designs range from fresh and modern to artistic and subtle. Caran D'Ache tops lists of ballpoints for their seamless designs (the 849 literally has no seams) and the ink is dark, dependable, and smooth.   Cheap Pens Under $35 Cheap Best Ballpoint Pens The best cheap brand for a ballpoint pen is the Uni Ball Pens. In particular, the Uni Ball Jetstream is the best of the ballpoint pens. Pen enthusiasts and casual users all agree, and it really is impossible to compare ballpoint pens with this one. It's not just a good pen. Its fluid ink flow is entirely dedicated to the jetstream ink which has a low viscosity for a really fluid flow, yet somehow manages to still dry almost instantly and has a special patent that bonds the ink to the paper. They have to remain the best of the cheap ballpoints since there is nothing luxury about this pen except the smooth lines. Except! The Uni Jetstream Prime. All the joy of the Jetstream in a durable, refillable, metal body that honestly looks great. It is my absolute favorite ballpoint of all time. Consider this little hack:  Uni Ball makes the Jetstream ink refill in a special size: SXR-600-07. The SXR-600-07 Uni Ball Jetstream refill is comparable in size to the Parker-style G2 refill which fits in anything from Parker, Caran d'Ache 849 Ballograf, Zebra, etc...it is actually what is installed in the Jetstream Prime. So you can always find a more luxury bodied pen that the refill fits in and turn them into the best ballpoint pens. Best Everyday Ballpoint Pen Brand The best everyday carry ballpoint pen is the Parker Jotter. I guarantee you will not come across any pen aficionados who do not have at least one Parker Jotter in their collection. It has been a staple in writing households since Parker released it in the 1950s and revolutionized the ballpoint world. What makes it such a good everyday pen? The slim-barrel pen body is portable and constructed of stainless steel, making it an incredibly durable pen. The click is snappy and efficient. The ink inside (Parker's patented Quink) dries fast and is ready to write. (The Parker IM Ballpoint isn't too shabby either...) There are no everyday writing tasks the Jotter can't handle. It's why it's a staple of pen lovers. Most Ergonomic Ballpoint Pen Brand The best ergonomic ballpoint pen is the Pilot Dr. Grip Ballpoint pen. Ergonomic pens are focused on alleviating stress and pain in the hand while writing and gripping a pen. That pain can be from a medical condition such as carpal tunnel or arthritis, or it can be from a bad grip. And how ergonomic pens alleviate that stress is through altering how you grip the pen. That can be by making sure the weight, grip, and ink are adaptable to different hand holds, or by changing the shape of the pen entirely. The Pilot Dr. Grip Ballpoint falls into the first category resulting in a ballpoint that is not only a great pen for anyone with a medical condition, but also for anyone who happens to use one. The grip has a special double layer of a firmer overcoat with a soft rubber underneath that allows for an easy hold without tension. The pen is weighted towards the tip so less pressure is required to write. The ink is low viscosity, which means it will flow more like a liquid ink than an oily one. It also is the ink inside the ballpoint versions of the Pilot Metropolitan. The Pilot Dr. Grip is also the recommended pen for ease of use by the Arthritis Foundation. TRY A PILOT BALLPOINT TODAY Best Ballpoint Pen to Draw With The best ballpoint pen to draw with is the Bic 4-Color. Ballpoint artists have long favored Bic as their writing utensil of choice due to its accessibility, the fineness of the point, and the oiliness of the ink. The Bic 4-Color delivers not only the pasty, oily ink of BIC, it also has four refills of different colors (black, blue, red, and green) perfect for any ballpoint artwork. Pen Brand that Lasts the Longest The brands of pen that last the longest are Uni Ball, Pilot, and BIC. Really, this one is a hard one to gauge since how much you write is the major factor. Ultimately, how long a pen lasts will vary. Best Luxury Brand Ballpoint Pens The best all around luxury brand of ballpoint pen is Waterman.  One of the perks of the job is that I have tried Waterman pens on every level from their most basic to their most expense (I swoon over the Exception). With that I can say, I have yet to encounter a luxury pen brand that delivers as beautifully on all levels for ballpoints.  The intentionality behind the internal mechanism, the quality of the finishes, the durability of the barrels, and, lastly, the tacky, oily consistency of the ink all add together to take the cake on best luxury brand.  Try Your Own Waterman Ballpoint   Shop Now: Custom Luxury Ballpoints From Dayspring Pens Best Ballpoint Pen for Gifts The best ballpoint brands to give as gifts are Dayspring Pens, Waterman, and AT Cross. Dayspring Pens Dayspring Pens kicks off my list of best giftable ballpoint brands because it is truly the intersection of everything you want in gifting: beautiful writing, intentional design, personalized touch.     As a company that started in the business custom engraving luxury pens, Dayspring Pens took their time translating everything they learned customizing, writing with, and selling top brands into designing their own products.  This means that every pen designed by Dayspring is meant to highlight the customization as well as be a pen they user is actually happy to write with first and foremost. (We have all been in the awful situation of having a pen that looks really cool and writes like a contestant on the Amazing Race who didn't learn to drive a stick shift before they went on the show.) Each pen comes with a three year warranty and the customer service to answer any questions and help through any part of the pen user's needs. With a variety of finishes and ballpoint styles, Dayspring Pens offers an ample selection that all come down to pleasant, easy writing. For an addictive click button and a budget conscious pen, go with the Monroe.  To showcase a larger engraving, try the Abingdon. Explore Dayspring Pens Here  Waterman Waterman pens are just downright excellent. Often compared to Montblanc, Waterman highlights Parisian excellence and design where Montblanc hallmarks Swiss. The Waterman Hemisphere in particular is the best gift pen for its attention to detail and refinement. It also engraves beautifully, making it ideal for personalization. With the trademark Mysterious Blue ink, the Hemisphere is one of the best pens for any writer. See All Waterman Pens Offers AT Cross Synonymous with American pen design, Cross pens offer the perfect range of price point for gifting a luxury ballpoint pen.     From the art deco Calais to the Presidential Townsend, each Cross pen comes with a Lifetime Guarantee and free custom engraving, which means security in your gifting. Find Your Next Cross Pen Today Best Affordable Ballpoint Pens The best affordable ballpoint pens are the Caran D'Ache, Ohto Horizon Needlepoint Ballpoint pen and the LAMY Safari. Caran D'Ache 849 Ballpoint Pen Caran D’Ache is the great for a couple of reasons. First and foremost, the quality of the refill inside offers smooth lines and consistent ink flow that will always win out. The other reason is that Caran D’Ache offers a luxury ballpoint from as entry level and affordable as the 849 at under $25 to something as refined as Varius. You always feel like you get your money's worth...or better. Ohto Horizon Needlepoint Ballpoint Pen Credited as inventing the "rollerball", Ohto's Horizon Ballpoint writes deceptively like a gel pen. The hexagonal body makes it easy to grip, and the click feels cool and modern. It's a unique ballpoint with a very fine point (hence the needlepoint title) so if you prefer a fine-point pen, it's hard to beat. LAMY Safari Ballpoint Pen LAMY, like Caran D’Ache, pops up across the board as an excellent high end ballpoint at its entry level and most expensive. The Safari is sleek with the signature LAMY clip and tripod grip. The accordion style click is interactive and fun to use and the plastic body feels surprisingly substantial. It also has a wide variety of finishes and clip colors with limited editions always being released for a unique take on this new classic. Best Gold Ballpoint Pen The best gold ballpoint pen is the Cartier's Santos de Cartier Ballpoint Pen. Masters of fine jewelry and watches, it shouldn't be a surprise that Cartier also puts its time and attention into making a sublime, Swiss-crafted gold ballpoint. Best Luxury Ballpoint Pen Montegrappa has been handcrafting pens since 1912 in a small mountain town in Italy. All the romance you can conjure up in your imagination in that small story pretty much captures the beauty and excellence of these pens. A Montegrappa ballpoint pen is an heirloom piece that writes exquisitely. My recommendation is the Elmo. The table below compares some common ballpoint pen brands: Brand Price Range Budget-Friendly Options Premium Collections Parker $20-$320 Jotter, IM Sonnet, Duofold Pilot $2.24-$10 EasyTouch, Acroball Dr. Grip Caran D'Ache $20-$1,000 849 Varius Cross $19.99-$135 Bailey, Calais ATX, Century II LAMY $20-$125 Safari Accent Montegrappa $180-$867.64 Armonia, Elmo Fifa Classics, Barbie Are Montblanc Pens Worth It? When I originally wrote this article, I had every intention of using Montblanc in my list of high end luxury ballpoints. All my research told me they are one of the greatest luxury brands in the world. Montblanc pens have long been heralded as a status symbol of prestige and professionalism. I purchased a Montblanc Meisterstuck for the article, and I have to say I was really disappointed in what I received. I'll start with what I liked about the pen first. It does write well. The ink glides smoothly with a moderate amount of pressure and leaves a fine, but very dark line on the page. The design is classic. I will always be a sucker for black glossy lacquer against a soft yellow gold. Sadly, that is where my likes end. I want to be fair, and I am very open to a new experience with Montblanc and changing my opinion. However, I would like to point out a few details that I found unpleasant in a pen with this pedigree. I also should comment that I know Montblanc is one of the most knocked off brands in the world and I did my best to verify that my pen was not a fake. The pen itself was much lighter than expected and the mechanism for the twist-action did not glide smoothly open and closed. Montblanc's signature resin barrel seemed to be brittle, and I do have a concern about the durability of the pen and how much usage it will be able to withstand. For these reasons, I have left Montblanc off my list of best brands, opting for brands like Montegrappa and Waterman as alternatives. How do I know which style of pen is best for me? The best style of ballpoint pen for you will be the one that: Feels the most comfortable when you hold it Writes easily with your grip You enjoy writing with the most Start by trying the cheap brands of ballpoint pens. Which one has smooth writing? Could you use it for everyday writing tasks? Does it feel like a durable pen? Once you have a favorite cheap ballpoint, try some of the more affordable, entry-level luxury pens. I would gravitate towards whichever brand best fits your personal style. And remember, many ballpoint pens have interchangeable refills. Therefore, if you find a fluid ink flow you love, match it with the barrel of your favorite pens. Conclusion That's all for the best brands of ballpoint pens. From the cheap easy users to the high end luxury ballpoint pens. What are your favorite ballpoint pens to use? Leave a comment below! Sam Di Nardo is an author for Dayspring Pens, where she has honed her expertise in ballpoint, rollerball, gel and fountain pens since joining the team in 2018. From her initial role as an Engraver to becoming the Production Manager, Sam's journey has been marked by her passion for the history, manufacturing, and the unique value of gifted writing instruments. A graduate of Regent University with a degree in English Literature and a special interest in Old Norse literature, dive deeper into Sam's world and discover why she's your trusted guide in the realm of gift pens. Follow Sam on LinkedIn.

Our staff tested 20 top-rated rollerball pens. We threw some of our own pens into the mix and ranked them according to which rollerball pens we thought made the best gifts. Here at Dayspring Pens, our focus is on giving personalized pens as gifts. We’re intent on helping you give good gifts (especially personalized pens) in a way that helps you communicate how much you care about the people in your life. So we’ve ranked these pens to show which one we think will make the best gifts.   20 Best Rollerball Pens To Give as Gifts (Ranked): Rank #1 Parker JotterRank #2 Waterman HemisphereRank #3 LAMY SafariRank #4 Retro 51 TornadoRank #5 Parker IMRank #6 Cross BaileyRank #7 Ohto DudeRank #8 Waterman ExpertRank #9 Dayspring Pens AbingdonRank #10 Dayspring Pens AlexandriaRank #11 Tombow Zoom 505Rank #12 Kaweco SportRank #13 Faber-Castell HexoRank #14 PILOT G2Rank #15 Fiover Gel PensRank #16 Uniball Vision EliteRank #17 PILOT Precise V5Rank #18 Papermate INKJOY*Rank #19 Muji PremiumRank #20 Pentel Rolling Writer For a complete breakdown of our best rollerball pen rankings, you can download our chart in the form of a PNG or PDF. How We Ranked Our Top Rollerball Pens We had 9 staff members who know a thing or two about pens test and rate each pen on a scale of 1.0 - 5.0 according to 5 categories: Rating Categories Writing: how smooth the pen wrote without feathering or bleeding through the page Feel: how comfortable the pen felt in the writing hand Quality: the quality of the pen’s materials and construction Looks: how well the pen was aesthetically designed Giftability: how good of a gift the pen might be for the widest possible range of people The ratings for each category were averaged out and ranked according to their overall point rating. With the overview of rollerball pens out of the way, let’s get to our ranked list! Best Rollerball (or Gel Pen) for a Gift: Parker Jotter The Parker Jotter (61 reviews ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐) is one of our favorites here at Dayspring Pens, and we’re glad it’s up at the top of the list. The objection can be raised, however, depending on which side of the argument you tend to take, that the Jotter is technically a gel pen. Granted, we still think it’s the best all-around pen on the list. Our staff noted how affordable it is along with its classy design, satisfying click, and smooth writing. Best Rollerball for the Lowest Price: Uni-Ball Vision Elite We were really impressed with a lot of the cheap, plastic pens in the list, but the best one was the Uni-Ball Vision Elite. It’s rated really highly from other review lists as well, and now we know why. The Vision Elite is well worth getting for those who prefer disposable pens. Our staff preferred how smooth it writes over and against a lot of the nicer pens, and those of us who preferred a darker, bolder line found ourselves sneaking away from the test with a few in our pockets. Best Luxury Rollerball: Waterman Hemisphere Long may it reign, the Waterman Hemisphere Rollerball offers everything you want from a luxury pen (premium finishes, intentional design, perfect balance) with everything you want from a rollerball refill (liquid smoothness, rich color, easy refill process).  It is an impeccable pen that none of us were surprised topped our charts when we tested it.  Whether as a gift or using it yourself, the Waterman Hemisphere would have ranked number one on our list if the price didn't make it a little less accessible.  Best Rollerball at Any Price: LAMY Safari The LAMY Safari is known for being a really incredible, affordable fountain pen, but we decided to get the rollerball version and see how that stacked up. Our team loved the grip, the non-nonsense resin construction, and how smoothly it wrote. It also only costs around $18. A Closer Look at the Best Rollerball Pens: Rank #1 Parker Jotter We really thought the Jotter would be dethroned in our staff-wide adoration with all the different, notable rollerballs we tried out, but honestly... All hail king Jotter. The Jotter (most popular with 61 USA customer reviews) is incredibly well designed with a beautiful, tapered barrel and iconic arrow clip. It’s also very sturdy and air-tight, so there’s very little rattle except from the very minimal interior components. It’s a very light pen, and the click is incredibly satisfying for fidgeters. It's the perfect every-day-carry pen with its durability, smooth fine point writing line, and portability. It also is both budget-friendly for a luxury pen brand without sacrificing the little things that make it feel intentional, rich, and well designed. The Jotter wins out. BUY OUR TOP PICK, THE JOTTER, HERE! Rank #2 Waterman Hemisphere The Waterman Hemisphere is a slim-barreled, capped pen with pristine high gloss finish and precious metal appointments. Waterman manufactures all their pens in France and has been revolutionary in fountain pen construction for over 100 years. This pen really exemplifies that level of craftsmanship and reputation. What we found to be really remarkable about this pen was how intentional each part of the pen felt. Staff feedback consistently commented on how great the construction of the pen was, from how it felt in the hand and its thoughtful balance and weight to a great smooth ink flow to how classy the pen looks. One person simply said “Stellar.” As a gift, this is a standout for a personalized luxury gift pen. GET FANCY WITH A WATERMAN HEMISPHERE HERE! Rank #3 LAMY Safari Number 3 is the LAMY Safari Rollerball and, as Jet Pens put it, the best rollerball for lefties. This pen had slight controversy around it due to our different grip styles. Those with tripod grips (the more common grip) loved and swore by the triangular grip section. The quadropod grip users found it difficult to hold over long periods of writing, so keep that in mind as you shop. The unique design is sleek, minimal, but still assertive. Despite being light-weight and made of resin (a type of plastic), the pen still feels chic and trendy. The pen to paper experience is smooth and fluid, leaving a thick, dark line that didn’t cut in and out or leave splotchy ink globs. Finding the right styling and coloring for this pen will be the defining factor of giving it as a gift. A basic finish will be pretty underwhelming, but one of the limited edition finishes could be quite the impressive gift. If you are a fan of the LAMY Safari’s famous fountain pen iteration, you will probably find the rollerball a great alternative for writing on the go. TRY THE LAMY SAFARI ROLLERBALL NOW! Rank #4 Tornado Retro 51 Landing at #8 on The Strategist’s master list, the Tornado from Retro 51 is a very special pen. The Retro 51 Tornado is a capless rollerball with a classy aesthetic and numerous color options. It has a tapered form with an etched twist-action mechanism at the top. We ordered this pen to test, and, sadly, the first pen we got worked for the first day, but then it completely dried up. We were really disappointed because it wrote really well (in the ranking category alone, it's in the top 5) on the first day. So, we got in contact with Retro 51, and in a flash they sent us a new pen and bunch of refills just in case. Their customer service is simply fantastic. The pen has a unique profile and a sense of fun while remaining professional. One of the only points of criticism we have is about balance: because of the taper, the pen weighs heavier towards the back. But that's really the only consistently noted issue with this pen. We love the Retro, and we hope you'll give it a shot. GET YOUR RETRO 51 HERE! Rank #5 Parker IM Complete with all the right finishes, the name, and decent writing experience, the Parker IM delivers. Most of the staff said a solid pen with nice ink flow and good build, but others found the general aesthetic somewhat lacking. They were disappointed by small details like the snap of the cap and a weak clip. We see why it ranked #39 on the Strategist list. Because it really does have a nice ink flow for the price, it’s hard to find a more affordable luxury brand pen. The Parker IM also ranked high on our list because it is just so giftable. If you get it from us, the IM comes with free engraving, and it has a notable brand name that means this pen can easily be the star present in a bundle. GET A PARKER IM HERE! Rank #6 Cross Bailey Rollerball Coming in at #6 is the Cross Bailey Rollerball. The ballpoint version is #43 on Strategist list and this pen has long been considered a staple of the modern professional. Honestly, we were all a bit surprised by how much we liked this pen. It had quality ink flow and construction, and its classy look made it a consistent pick across the board. The Cross Bailey has a medium barrel and a lustrous finish. The clip was sturdy, and the double banding at the cap gives it a distinct silhouette. All in all, it makes sense why Cross has dominated as the “American Pen Company” when you see this pen. What we are wary of with this pen is how slippery the grip is, so don’t let your hands get too sweaty. Also, we noticed some bleeding and feathering with the ink. Is this pen giftable? Infinitely. Especially if you are looking for a gift for a professional, graduate, or a career milestone like a promotion. We’d also recommend opting for personalized engraving for this pen because an engraved name fits perfectly between the two banding lines on the cap. ADD YOUR ENGRAVING TO A CROSS BAILEY HERE! Rank #7 Ohto Dude The Ohto Dude is the most unconventional design to rank high in our list, and it's a real testament to Japanese craftsmanship and deliberation. The pen has a unique look with a hexagonal shape and medium barrel that seems to hit all the missing points of the also hexagonal Faber-Castell Hexo. The futuristic design was compared to a rocket ship and a trash can…but in a good way. It has just the right weight and an ergonomic grip, and the pen’s fine point tip leaves a great writing line. There is a slight scratchiness to the pen on the paper, but even that feels more haptic and responsive than grating and obnoxious. For all the great features of this pen the cap feels a little weak and, although it posts well, it scrapes along the barrel when posted in a way that’s a bit like nails on a chalkboard. With its innovative design and fantastic construction, we thought this would make a great gift for someone who is tactile-focused. There this something akin to a fountain pen in how the pen writes and how the shape of the grip leads into the writing tip. If you are looking for a gift for someone who likes the fountain pen experience but less care-intensive, this would be a fantastic alternative. SEE WHY WE RANKED THE OHTO DUDE #6 HERE!   Rank #8 Waterman Expert The Waterman Expert rollerball is the kind of pen you can drop some good money on. Waterman is one of those luxury pen brands that gets thrown around with Monteblanc, so there was no question from our staff that this pen would make a stellar gift, especially for something big like a huge promotion or retirement. It has a classic look with precious metal finishes, and it has a really great weight and balance that make this pen particularly easy to write with. The cap does feel a little “eh” when snapping onto the pen, and its medium to large barrel size might not be the most pleasant user experience if large pens aren’t your thing. The general sentiment of the staff was that we liked this pen much more than we thought we would with its smooth, inky writing line. This is certainly not a budget-friendly gift pen, but it's luxurious and comes personalized for free. All that makes it a thoughtful gift. CHECK OUT A PERSONALIZED EXPERT HERE! Rank #9 Dayspring Pens Abingdon The Dayspring Pens Abingdon is professional pen with a surprising heft. The pros for us: the look of the pen, the nice weight, and the barrel size. Filled with German-made rollerball ink, its smooth like a Schmidt. This pen ranks especially high for gifting since it was designed to showcase personalization on the cap. The Abingdon is simple while still seeming refined, so it ranked high in the gift category. It's the kind of pen you can give as a congratulations, especially to an acquaintance or work colleague. GIFT AN ABINGDON ROLLERBALL TODAY! Rank #10 Dayspring Pens Alexandria The Dayspring Pens Alexandria is a classic, big, fancy-looking pen. Some of us felt like it was maybe too thick, but if you like a wide barrel it will fit the bill. It has a nice weight, a solid feel, and a great snap to the cap. It looks like the pen you would give out as a gift, especially as an award or for a bulk gift order since, as luxury pens go, the Alexandria is pretty budget friendly. The pen has an uneven balance when the cap is posted on the back and the ink is occasionally splotchy. All in all, the Alexandria is a noble, middle-of-the-road gift pen. PERSONALIZE AN ALEXANDRIA HERE! Rank #11 Tombow Zoom 505 The Tombow Zoom 505 is a wide-barreled rollerball pen with a rubber grip section. Jet Pens named it their “Top Ergonomic Pen” and Unsharpened put it at #1. Tombow is primarily known for their brush pens and the quality of the ink-to-page experience definitely shows that they know how to manufacture a rollerball pen with a great ink flow. The pen itself is well built and has a unique look that plays between really soft rounded edges and sharp straight lines. The biggest issue we had with this pen was the cap. It is very lightweight and feels like its scraping when snapped into place. It makes the spine tingle a bit. Some liked the unique design features; others felt it was a bit garish. As a gift, the Tomboy Zoom will deliver a fantastic signature and looks presentable enough to stand alone. We would recommend this as a specific gift to a person whose tastes and preferences you are familiar with. As a general gift, it might not be everyone’s cup of tea. TRY A TOMBOW ZOOM 505 TODAY! Rank #12 Kaweco Sport When we started doing our research for this article, we were surprised and excited to see a rollerball version of the Kaweco Sport since some of our staff are big fans of the fountain pen iteration of this pen. A near perfect pen for travel, this unique pen doubles in size when the cap is posted and offers a light-weight, portable pen that’s still luxurious. The Kaweco Sport clip is removable, but still sturdy and dependable and adds to just how fantastic the details are in the design of this pen. The general consensus was that the pen was a novelty, but in a good way. What kept this pen from ranking higher on our list was how light it was, concerns about the plastic barrel, and how small the pen feels without the cap posted. The all plastic construction is a double-edged sword. In the fountain pen version, the light weight body still has a good balance due to the weight of the internal mechanism. Unfortunately, with the rollerball, the single cartridge just doesn’t give the pen enough heft for sustained long-term writing. This problem could easily be fixed by getting the metal barrel version of the Kaweco like the Brass Edition. It would also make the pen much more durable. Ultimately, we thought the Kaweco Sport would easily make a fun, thoughtful gift pen for anyone who does a lot of travelling or note-taking on the go. GET A KAWECO SPORT HERE! Rank #13 Faber-Castell Hexo Bringing us into our “middle of the road” pens is the Faber-Castell Hexo, a light-weight plastic barrel pen with a unique hexagonal design. Faber-Castell is probably one of the biggest pen manufacturers you might not have heard of since they specialize in art supplies. This means when it comes down to how the ink hits the paper, this pen is a winner.  One of the great things about this pen is that the thicker barrel with the hexagonal design means this pen isn’t going to go rolling off the table to get lost under a chair. As I mentioned before, we loved how the ink rolled out of the pen onto paper, but the difficulties with this pen are in the design and construction. The hexagonal shape is really neat, but it's a little clunky and difficult to grip. It also makes it difficult to post the cap on the back of the pen without it grating in a spine-tingly way. It’s very light-weight, which makes it feel a little cheaper than you’d want for the price. We think the Faber-Castell Hexo would make a great gift pen as a part of an art supply bundle with some drawing paper and pastels. DRAW WITH A FABER-CASTELL HEXO HERE! Rank #14 PILOT G2 Retractable 0.7 mm. Fine The PILOT G2 is one of the most popular pens out there. Whether you know it or not, there’s little doubt you’ve written with one of these before. They’re just… everywhere. A click-action, rubber-gripped “gel roller” pen, G2 takes the cake as far as quick, affordable, everyday-carry, throw-it-in-your-purse/backpack style pens. It also writes like a dream. Don’t be too quick to think that it’s just a throw-away pen for uninspired cheapos either: Grey’s Anatomy creator, Shonda Rhimes, swears by the G2. Part of the problem, however, is that, because they’re so ubiquitous, their gifting appeal is very low. So, again, we’re seeing a trend in the disposable pens on our list: they’re throwaway pens, so if you get them, make sure your recipient really wants/needs them, or else tack them on as an addition to a bundle of gifts. GIVE A PILOT G2 TODAY! Rank #15 Fiover Gel Pens Wow. The Fiover Gel Pens were a wild card draw to update our list and what a game changer it is.  The silicon coating on the outside is soft and incredibly comfortable to hold. It has a lovely click mechanism. There are very cute colors and varieties available. But what really stands out in the Fiover is how it writes. Fine tip, no skipping in sight, it is a delight to use.  One of our workers liked it so much, she bought her own set. EXPERIENCE YOUR OWN FIOVER GEL Rank #16 Uni-Ball Vision Elite The Uni-Ball Vision Elite is a surprisingly smooth writing pen that outshines most of the pens in its category (and a few others outside of it) It was ranked as the top rollerball by Jetpens.com whose testing of the pens’ writing capabilities is incredibly thorough. Likewise, Unsharpen crowned it with the title “Best Mainstream Rollerball.” The difference between the Vision Elite and other pens in the same price range is almost shocking. For all that, it’s still a cheap pen without a wider gift appeal. It might be a great gift, as the Precise V5 is, for students or people who take a lot of notes, but it’s probably not the best stand-alone gift. Precious few people want cheap pens for their birthday, and it doesn’t matter how smoothly they write. Still, you might find someone in a given situation where these pens come in handy as a quick gift. On the other hand, if you’re looking for cheap pens for yourself, we highly recommend these. GET THE UNI-BALL VISION ELITE NOW! Rank #17 PILOT Precise V5 The PILOT Precise V5 is an extremely popular, super affordable, plastic rollerball pen with a top-quality writing feel. If you’re a student or chronic note-taker, chances are you’ve used a Precise V5 and enjoyed it. It writes well, and it makes a finer, bleed-resistant line. It feels really good on the page, too: a tiny bit of scratchiness, but it’s kind of tactile and haptic rather than crunchy and grating. This pen also doesn’t rank highly as far as gifting goes: however, it might make a good addition to a bundle of gifts for high school or college students. It might also make an even better gift for someone who is constantly in need of good, cheap pens. GET YOUR PRECISE V5 TODAY! Rank #18 Paper Mate INKJOY* The Paper Mate INKJOY is a really decent, cheap, note-taking click-action, gel pen with a comfortable rubber grip. It’s not designed to be groundbreaking or stand-out, but it’s one that gets the job (any job) done easily. We thought this pen made a great note-taker, but it just doesn’t really speak the language of gifts, so it’s low on the list. TRY THE INKJOY TODAY! Rank #19 Muji Premium A household brand in Japan, Muji has long been a store of everyday household items made with excellence.  It is no surprise the Muji Gel Rollerball pen is just as excellent to use.  A simple silhouette of opaque plastic, a seamless barrel, and a delightful array of colors, these pens are meant to be ready for any drawing, editing, or journal writing that might be needed.  When it comes to how these pens write, there were no complaints.  Smooth and vibrant with no fading, skipping, or pooling, the Muji Premium is a disposable rollerball that writes like silk. ENJOY THE MUJI GEL PEN TODAY! Rank #20 Pentel Rolling Writer The most affordable pen on the list, the Pentel Rolling Writer aims to do a lot with very little. There’s no single aspect of this little disposable pen that stands out with utter excellence. However, if you pick it up and write with it, there’s a good chance you’ll find the pen rather… endearing. It doesn’t pretend to be the best; I mean, it even has an entirely plastic writing tip. The design is uninspiring and made of the cheapest plastic in the multiverse, but it’s honestly really comfortable, and it feels pretty smooth on the page. It does, however, draw a pretty thick line that is a little more in danger of bleeding through paper than other rollerball pens. It ranked low on our list because it’s so cheap and economically constructed that it just doesn’t have the right stuff to make a meaningful gift. In short: a quintessential bank teller pen. TRY THE PENTEL ROLLING WRITER! A Brief Overview of Rollerball Pens What is a rollerball pen? A rollerball pen is a pen that uses a small ball in the writing tip to cycle water-based ink from the cartridge to the page. Now, you might be thinking, “well, then there’s no difference between a rollerball and a ballpoint pen.” What’s the difference between rollerball pens and ballpoint pens? The difference is in the ink: Ballpoints have oil-based ink that dries really quickly and doesn’t smudge; rollerballs have water-based ink that dries a little slower, but it leaves a darker, bolder line. What’s the difference between rollerball pens and gel pens? The difference is in the water-pigment ratio of the ink: Gel pens have a significantly higher pigment level than rollerball pens do. Other than that, however, rollerball pens aren’t all that different from gel pens. DISCLAIMER: Because the difference is so small, there’s currently a heated debate in our office as to whether rollerballs and gel pens are really all that different. Our ranking of these rollerball pens, takes our little office debate into account and includes a few pens that are technically considered gel pens. Why do rollerball pens make good gifts? Simply put, we think rollerball pens make good gifts because they’re great pens for everyday writing. They offer a more tactile writing experience than a ballpoint, but don't have the hassle of a fountain pen. One of the things we learned while testing these pens is that rollerball pens of a higher-than-office-pen quality make better gifts. While I’m sure some people love getting cheap, disposable pens, you’ll likely want to get a pen constructed out of quality material, especially with the option to personalize your pen with engraving. How should I store rollerball pens? You should always make sure that the cap is securely fastened on your rollerball pens when you’re not using them; if left exposed, the ink can dry out a bit faster than ballpoints. Where can I get rollerball ink refills? We have a selection of rollerball inks. What’s the best pen for a quadrupod grip style? If you have a quadrupod grip instead of the more common tripod grip, it’s possible that a pen that everyone else likes isn’t going to be your favorite. People with a standard tripod grip feel really comfortable with triangular shaped grip sections, but people with a quadrupod grip might find it unbearable. A safe bet for quadrupod grips in a wider, circular grip section so that there’s more space for all four fingers to make contact with the pen without straining your hand. We hope you've enjoyed our list of the 20 best rollerball pens to give as gifts. Be sure to take a look at our complete collection of gift pens to find the right one for your loved ones. And be sure to leave a comment with any questions, praises, or objections about the pens in this list. For more pen reviews and gifting advice, subscribe to our YouTube Channel. Finally, if you're looking for other options, check out our full collection great rollerball pens to give as gifts. Sam Di Nardo is an author for Dayspring Pens, where she has honed her expertise in ballpoint, rollerball, gel and fountain pens since joining the team in 2018. From her initial role as an Engraver to becoming the Production Manager, Sam's journey has been marked by her passion for the history, manufacturing, and the unique value of gifted writing instruments. A graduate of Regent University with a degree in English Literature and a special interest in Old Norse literature, dive deeper into Sam's world and discover why she's your trusted guide in the realm of gift pens. Follow Sam on LinkedIn.  

What’s the best Cross fountain pen? That’s the question I’m going to try and answer in this article. The A.T. Cross company is one of the most popular pen brands in the world, but while they’re one of the more fancy fountain pen brands, they’re still often in very high demand because of their affordability and reliability.  This list is primarily for those not familiar with the Rhode Island-based pen company, for those who want a wider picture of Cross pens. The way I’ve ranked my list of the best Cross fountains is quite loose given the fact that they all tend to write fairly similarly. The writing experience for each is quite similar; almost all of them have stainless steel nibs. However, the gold-plated ones tend to feel a bit more smooth, less harsh on paper.  The major differences come in the design of these Cross brand luxury pens themselves, their weight, solidity, and comfort in the hand, so I’ve ranked them primarily by which ones I find the most elegant and the comfortable. In this list, I’ve done something a bit out of character and not really considered the price as I usually do. You’ll see that I’ve ranked some of the pricier Cross pens at the top. The reason behind this is that usually people looking for a fountain pen have a bit of a more flexible budget. But, without further ado... My Top 5 Cross Fountain Pens Here’s the shortlist: 5.) The Calais 4.) The Classic Century 3.) The Bailey 2.) The Townsend 1.) The Century II Here’s a deeper look at each of these high-quality pens 5.) Cross Calais Fountain Pen The Cross Calais is one of our best-selling pens at Dayspring pens because it represents a sort of standard in entry-level metal pens. Its Art Deco design gives it a kind of simplicity without looking cheap, but it is super affordable. In addition, a lot of people order them with personalized engraving because it really stands out on the wider barrel.  The Calais is solid with zero plastic-y clickiness. The nib isn’t super high-quality; it’s made of stainless steel, so it's unlikely to break. That being said, it just doesn’t flex a whole lot. But I haven’t ever had a problem with the ink flow or anything else to do with nib functionality.  Overall, the Calais fountain pen is a great starter pen and makes an even better gift pen.  Related Reading: How To Store a Fountain Pen Properly 4.) Cross Classic Century Fountain Pen The Classic Century is a crowd favorite.  This slim, jet-liner style pen is one of the staple Cross pen designs.  One of the things you’ll notice on a lot of Cross pens, especially on the more professional-looking pens, is two gold ribs ringing around the bottom of the cap. You’ll see it on the close cousins of the Classic Century: the Century II, the Townsend, and even the Peerless 125.  While the Classic Century fountain pen has a great deal in common with all these pen designs, it doesn’t have the rings, instead taking certain cues from the other Art Deco-style Cross pens like the Calais and the Aventura.  The lack of rings makes it slimmer and simpler. For the chrome-based Classic Century pens, there are instead some etched ribs that run the length of the barrel, reducing slippage. It sort of looks like the fuselage of a small Boeing airplane. I prefer the black and gold fountain pen design because it looks more subdued (the black and gold Cross pens, just look better), and chrome tends to make me feel like I’m holding something that fell off a bicycle.  Learn More: How to Clean a Fountain Pen 3.) Cross Bailey Fountain Pen  The Cross Bailey was actually my first ever fountain pen; it was a great gift from a friend. I had some brown ink for it, too, which made me feel like I was in 1915, writing a love letter from a muddy trench to a girl back home… or something.  Anyway, the Bailey fountain pen is a step up in design from the Calais. The major differences are in the ring around the top of the cap attached to the clip and the etched cuff around the bottom. It also has a barrel that tapers more towards the back. The Bailey Medalist fountain pen mixes chrome with gold appointments, and it’s one of the most popular models. I recommend this pen especially for first time fountain pen users. Further Reading: How To Write With a Fountain Pen: The 3 Simple Steps 2.) Cross Townsend Fountain Pen The Townsend is the most expensive pen in our list. Preferred by a number of U.S. Presidents, it stands out as one of the best luxury pens in the Cross company line. The Townsend features a medium-sized barrel which I think is best in black lacquer with 23k gold appointments.  The nib features gold plating too, just to add that little bit of extra fancy pen energy.  What I really like about the Townsend fountain pen is the substantial feel in the hand. Compared to a lot of the other Cross fountain pens, it’s just got that oomph that says, “I know what I’ve got, and I know what I’m doing.” It makes a great gift pen for special occasions and big shows of gratitude. Discover More: How to Refill a Fountain Pen: The Beginner's Guide 1.) Cross Century II Fountain Pen  The Century II is my favorite in the Cross fountain pen line. I’ve actually written a more in-depth review of the Century II elsewhere. In design terms, the Century II is situated between the Classic Century and the Townsend—a bit slimmer than the Townsend, a bit more stylish than the Classic Century. In my opinion, it’s got the best writing experience and the best design out of any of the other pens in our list. That’s it for the list of best Cross fountain pens. But before we go, let’s answer some Cross fountain pen FAQs... People Also Ask… How do I use a Cross Fountain Pen? Writing with fountain pen nibs might seem like it requires some secret, special skill. However, it’s really not all that different from writing with any other pen.  You simply write with the nib-side up, feed-side down, and at a slight angle from the page.  For more, check out my Guide to Writing with a Fountain Pen. How do I find the right Cross pen converter? Cross pens have their own sized blue and black ink cartridges, but they also have their own particular size for converters.  Check out Cross’s own website for their fountain pen converters. How do I load a Cross fountain pen? Every Cross pen design has at least two major pieces which unscrew apart between the section (the part where you grip the pen when you write) and the barrel.  When you unscrew it, there will be an ink cartridge or a converter connected to the section. Simply take the cartridge/converter out carefully (so as not to get ink everywhere), maybe clean your fountain pen if it’s been a while, and replace the cartridge/converter with a fresh one. For more, read our guide on How to Load and Use a Fountain Pen. Pro tip: I’ve found that the Cross fountain pen ink is kind of gloopy, so get yourself a converter and load it with an ink that doesn’t leave little spider web strings between strokes. Conclusion This has been The Dayspring Pens list of the best Cross fountain pens; I hope it’s been helpful for you to get acquainted with the options available to you. Some final tips for moving forward:  To save money on buying more than one pen, consider getting a gift set of Cross pens. At Dayspring, we offer exclusive double pen sets which combine two types of pens in one. Combine a fountain pen with a Cross rollerball pen or a ballpoint. If you’re looking for pens in order to give them as a gift, aiming for something more affordable will still make a decent gift if it’s got a personalized engraving on it. The best personalized pens aren’t always the most pricey; just put some thought into the words you want engraved on the pen.  Also, be sure to check out more in-depth pen reviews on Cross products to find out what you’re really getting with your pen choices. Goldspot and Goulet Pens offer great reviews. That’s all! If this article has helped you, let us know which Cross pens you’re interested in or which ones you prefer. Leave a comment! Daniel Whitehouse is the President and CEO of Dayspring Pens. He uses his expertise with premium writing utensils to create exceptional, intentional products and craft easy-to-understand articles that help both new and experienced users learn more about their writing tools. He lives in Virginia where he and his wife are raising their four children. To learn more about him and his insights about custom engraved gift pens, follow Daniel on LinkedIn.

Parker Pens is one of those storied brands that's been around for over a hundred years. In particular, Parker rollerball pens are popular collectors items. People tend to be pretty brand loyal to Parker. But! If you are new to Parker or are thinking about branching out from your favorite writing style, then this article is for you. 5.) The IM 4.) The Sonnet 3.) The Premier 2.) The Urban 1.) The Jotter I am going to break down the top 5 best Parker rollerball pens to get you started on your new lifelong obsession. Our list of the best Parker rollerballs are as follows: And away we go! Let's take a deeper look at each pen on our list.  The Top 5 Rollerball Pens by Parker 5.) The Parker IM  Let's starts off with the Parker IM product line which is all about being professional and affordable. It's a welcome entry level luxury pen. The Parker IM is a medium bodied pen with simple design lines and comfort in mind. This pen isn't trying to rock the boat or win any awards. It is here to do the work and not stand out. This anonymity may sound like an odd call out for a name brand pen, but professionalism is not about making a big statement. It is about consistency, politeness, and reliability, and that's what you get in an IM. Notable features of the Parker IM: A capped rollerball with a black Quink medium point refill The iconic Parker arrow clip A selection of color lacquer finishes and precious metal appointments Is available as a set with a matching ballpoint or fountain pen Price around $42 4.) The Parker Sonnet Rollerball The Parker Sonnet is one of the classic Parker rollerball pen designs that says "I'm all 1960s elegance and class". This capped rollerball looks like it could be pulled right out of Jackie O's handbag. Its chiseled finishes and engraved patterns make the Parker Sonnet equal parts sturdy writing pen and stylish accessory.   A personal recommendation goes to the Ciselé finish and the Sonnet Silver Mistral finish.   What you get with a Parker Sonnet:   Medium point black Quink refill High gloss color lacquers and precious metal accents Capped rollerball Assembled by hand and individually checked  Related Reading: What Is a Rollerball Pen? 3.) The Parker Premier Rollerball The Parker Premier is one of the most premium of the Parker Pen lines. It not only looks prestigious and iconic, it also has the weight and precision balance that are the hallmarks of a pen made to be an heirloom. Each Parker Premier is a hand crafted item meant to make an impression in the corporate boardroom with the etched banding, high gloss finish and tapered barrel. The Premier is a fancy pen that make no excuses for being a luxury item. It's the kind of pen you expect to see pulled out of an impeccably tailored suit. Here's the rundown on the Premier Rollerball: Cap screws on Iconic Parker arrow clip Medium point black ink refill Comes in a premium Parker gift box Price starts around $315 2.) The Parker Urban Rollerball The Parker Urban is a massively popular pen design; it features a slight undulating curve, widening at the section (the place you grip your pen for writing). This makes it a bit more ergonomic and comfortable than most of the other Parker pens. I like the Urban because of this design feature: it's a user-focused pen rather than a mere status symbol. And yet, it doesn't go overboard with its unique style. A lot of ergonomic pens can go a bit too far with ergonomics and suffer for it. They're eyesores.  The Urban blends functional design sense with formal taste. Here's the rundown: Iconic Parker arrow clip Medium point black ink refill Postable cap Price starts around $30 1.) The Parker Jotter Gel Pen  It won't take a big search to find the greatest rollerball pen from Parker since the Parker Jotter is the most recognizable, affordable Parker pen available. The Parker Jotter is a durable, bullet shaped, all-metal construction pen. With a slimmer barrel size, this Parker rollerball is the most portable of our list. What's so great about the Jotter? First off, the click on this pen is ridiculously satisfying. Next, this thing is a tank that will survive the deepest bowels of your purse or the bottom of a book bag. Lastly, it is a fine point rollerball that just won't quit. The Jotter is actually known for being Parker's go-to ballpoint. However, I prefer it as a gel ink rollerball and so does the staff at Dayspring Pens. The brief on the Parker Jotter Rollerball: Click-action rollerball, compatible with the Parker ballpoint refill Comes with a fine point black ink refill All metal construction with finishes in black, red, and blue available Price at a glorious $20 That's it for the list of best Parker rollerball pens, but stick around for some more helpful info on related topics... What makes a rollerball pen worth it?     Of the three most popular writing styles, the rollerball is a middle-ground between fountain pens and ballpoints. A ballpoint has oil-based ink and a small ball at the tip that spins when pressure is applied to release the ink. The ballpoint's strength is its convenience since the ink won't dry out. Its weakness is that the oil-based ink has a tendency to skip and require added pressure which means hand cramps. A fountain pen has a nib and feed that bring liquid ink from a reservoir in the fountain pen down to the point. The strength of the fountain pen is the experience and liquid smooth writing it provides. Its weakness is the labor involved in using and maintaining it. Now, settling in right in the sweet spot between the ballpoint and the fountain pen is the rollerball pen. It has the same ball mechanism as the ballpoint with the liquid ink of the fountain pen. You get the convenience of the ballpoint with easy writing like the fountain pen. It is a one stop shop if you are trying to explore the world of pens. Why choose a Parker pen? Now that we have glossed over rollerballs as a pen style, why should you choose to use a Parker product? Because of three things: The design, the reliability of the brand, and the Quink. We will talk more about the design as we break down the top 4 rollerballs. For now I am going to talk about the brand and the Quink. Parker Pen Brand  Parker Pens is a classic, storied business that has been responsible for innovations in fine pens in the turn of the 20th century. Two of their products (the Jotter and the Parker 51) have been manufactured since the 1940s because the pens just really are that good. When you buy a name brand like Parker, there is the reliability of a business that has worked out the kinks in their products. What's more, there's the relief of a two year warranty against any mechanical issues in the pen. Shop Now: Personalized Parker Rollerball Pens Quink When Quink (quick ink) was first developed in 1931, Parker wanted to solve the issues with fountain pen ink clogging up the fountain pen. Because of this problem in the history of the fountain pen, we reap the sweet benefits of its solution. Quink provides a steady, smooth flow, resisted water (less bleeding through the page), is non-corrosive, and dries fast. This ultimately means when you write with a Parker rollerball, you don't have to think about it. No worries. No stress. Ink Refills for the Parker Rollerball One of the great things about buying a name brand pen from Parker is that you get the body of a reliable, luxury crafted pen, but have the freedom to mix and match inks. If you find you want to experiment with other types of rollerball ink in your Parker pen body, here is an incredible in-depth list of refills that are compatible with Parker pens from the Well Appointed Desks. Conclusion There you have it for my list of the best Parker rollerball pens. I hope this has helped you with your shopping. If you are looking for a selection of Parker rollerball pens, check out what we have at Dayspring Pens site. We are a certified brand seller and are happy to offer a free line of personalized engraving and free domestic shipping to every customer. If you're looking for a Parker pen in a different writing style, be sure to check out our other list of Parker Fountain Pens. But now it's your turn: What is your favorite Parker rollerball? Let us know what it is and why you love it in the comments below! Sam Di Nardo is an author for Dayspring Pens, where she has honed her expertise in ballpoint, rollerball, gel and fountain pens since joining the team in 2018. From her initial role as an Engraver to becoming the Production Manager, Sam's journey has been marked by her passion for the history, manufacturing, and the unique value of gifted writing instruments. A graduate of Regent University with a degree in English Literature and a special interest in Old Norse literature, dive deeper into Sam's world and discover why she's your trusted guide in the realm of gift pens. Follow Sam on LinkedIn.

Cross fountain pens are often passed over by most highfalutin luxury pen enthusiasts, but that’s really unfair. I think the Cross Century II fountain pen is a great example of a luxury pen that does everything we need it to for a reasonable price—purists be hanged. And so many people agree with me; it’s one of our best sellers. So, here’s my Cross fountain pen review of the Century II.  The Best Things About the Cross Century II The best things about the Century II are its... Price Design Weight Texture & Grip Nib I’ll talk about each of these aspects individually. Price The price is so much more reasonable than, say, a Montblanc fountain pen. While a Montblanc is definitely a worthwhile investment, their cheapest fountain pens begin around the $500 mark and ascend well over a grand. The Century II price range begins just under $100 and will generally hang around the $143 mark. Design of the Cross Century II Fountain Pen The pen of choice for numerous recent presidents including Obama, Biden, and (briefly) Trump, the Century II's design features clean-cut, noble-looking lines. It sort of looks like the secret love-child of the slimmer Classic Century and the much more substantial Townsend Cross pens (pictured below). It’s just a really beautiful pen, and it looks good any way you look at it. Weight & Construction  It’s not what you’d call a heavy pen, but also it certainly doesn’t feel cheap. While it’s construction is mostly metal coated in a black lacquer, it’s not filled in.  Some luxury pens these days are built like a tire iron, and the space within the pen is filled up as much as possible. The mentality seems to be “the heavier the pen, the better the quality”, but that’s honestly not good design sense.  Weight does not equal quality, and luckily a lot of other reviewers of the Century II understand this. Waste of materials also does not equal quality.  I’d rather pen designers do more with less than try to convince me by any other means that the pen with which I’m writing is the best because it taxes my hand to write. If that macho man mentality is anywhere in the pen design world (which, luckily, I don’t think it is), then I’ll be very happy with a Bic Cristal, perhaps the best designed ballpoint pen of all time.  Texture & Grip Like I said, the black Century II fountain pen is coated in a smooth lacquer. Some people might find this plastic-y, but I honestly love it. It’s got a feel similar to fine bone suit buttons. And I like that. The grip has some ribbing that runs in line with the barrel. It just gives it the slightest bit of catch so you’re not having to crank down on it with your fingers and crap. I hate when I have to keep adjusting my fingers (I think everyone does), so the ribbing just helps to reduce that quite a bit. Nib Performance of the Cross Century II fountain pen Probably the most important aspect of writing with a fountain pen, however, is the nib. If the nib is crummy, it’s honestly not going to be worth your time. Luckily, the Century II fountain pen nib is surprisingly smooth (take that, naysayers!). Zero scratchiness, zero catching or spluttering. The flow is smooth and consistent.  Shop Now: Ink refills from Dayspring Pens The Only Thing I Didn’t Like... The only thing I didn’t enjoy about the Cross Century II was the ink—it’s kinda… gloopy. I used one of the Cross brand blue fountain pen cartridges. While the nib is on the page, the gloopy ink feels kind of magnetic and smooth, but when you lift up a little string of blue ink will hold on for dear life to both the page and the nib. This means that if you’re writing fast, you get these annoying little lines between letters. My recommendation here is to find a better ink brand to go in a decent convertor for the Century II. That’s my only bit of criticism. Conclusion  This has been my Cross fountain pen review of the Century II. I hope it’s helpful to those of you looking for an affordable fountain pen or a pen for professionals. Not everyone is a purist when it comes to luxury pens—in fact, most people aren’t. Most people are looking for a luxury pen that gets the job done, stands out distinctly from their Pilot G2, and just adds that extra something to their writing. We also don’t need to be spending $400 just to avoid an overly invested pen enthusiast’s nit-picky criticism: it’s got to be more or less affordable. That's why I think the Century II is a great option. If, however, you're interested in Cross ballpoints or gold Cross pens, be sure to check out what we've written on them. If you need a second take on the Century II, be sure to also read The Pen Addict's great in-depth review. But now it’s your turn: tell me what you love (or don’t love) about the Century II in the comments. Daniel Whitehouse is the President and CEO of Dayspring Pens. He uses his expertise with premium writing utensils to create exceptional, intentional products and craft easy-to-understand articles that help both new and experienced users learn more about their writing tools. He lives in Virginia where he and his wife are raising their four children. To learn more about him and his insights about custom engraved gift pens, follow Daniel on LinkedIn.

If you're in search of a Cross ballpoint pen, but don't know which one is best for you, we want to help! Cross is a popular, high-quality pen products brand with a number of classic pen designs. We, at the Dayspring Pens shop, are the largest vendor of Cross pens, and our service goal is to help every customer find the best ballpoint pen for them. Cross's ballpoints are a lot more popular than their pens with other writing tip models like fountain pens and rollerballs. So in order to assist each customer shopping for Cross ballpoints, we've compiled a list of the top 7 ballpoint pens based on popularity, price, and key design features. In addition, be sure to explore our other ranking lists for the overall best Cross pens and Cross gold pens. Here's the short version for the ballpoint pens: 7.) The Townsend 6.) The Bailey 5.) The Tech3+ 4.) The Coventry 3.) The Classic Century 2.) The Calais 1.) The Century II   Let's take a closer look; in this list, I'll offer some helpful information on each pen, one by one. 7.) The Townsend Cross Ballpoint in Black Lacquer and 23k Gold Appointments Number 7 in our list of the cross ballpoint pens is Townsend. The black Townsend is a fine Cross ballpoint pen. Despite its steep price tag, the high-quality construction materials and iconic design paired with the signature Cross ballpoint refill results in the pen-of-choice for numerous Presidents of the United States. It's the type of pen that says, "I've got the money; I've got the time." Here's a short list of the Townsend's main features: Twist-action ballpoint High gloss black lacquer barrel and 23 kt gold appointments with black ink Ships in a deluxe Cross gift box Personalization appears gold Lifetime Mechanical Warranty Perfect for career milestones, birthdays, anniversaries, and promotions 6.) The Bailey Medalist Number 6 in the list of Cross ballpoint pens is the Bailey Medalist ballpoint pen. The Bailey medalist is one of the more recognizable Cross pens in chrome and gold; you can probably even find one of these pens in Office Depot. A medium Cross ballpoint pen like this is one of the bang for your buck buys: it's got a lot of class for not too much cash. What's more, these pens not only make great personal daily writing pens, but also make fine promotional items. See if the Bailey is right for you with some information on its main features: Twist-action medium-sized pen barrel with ballpoint tip oil-based black ink Takes standard Cross ballpoint refills Polished chrome body and 23 kt gold-plated appointments with black ink Ships in a premium Cross black gift box Engraving shows brass Lifetime Mechanical Warranty Perfect for colleagues, corporate logos, birthdays, and congratulations Learn More: How to Get a Ballpoint Pen to Start Writing Again 5.) The Tech3+—Translucent Red Next, the 5th best Cross ballpoint pen is the Tech3+ in translucent red. The Tech3+ isn't strictly a ballpoint; it's a multi-functional pen featuring two different ballpoint tips—one black, one red—along with a 0.7mm mechanical pencil tip. With a twist of the barrel, the different writing tips retract in and out consecutively. Above all the other Cross ballpoint pens, the Tech3+ is the type of writing instrument crafted with innovators and progress-oriented thinkers in mind. Additionally, it's a staff favorite at Dayspring Pens and my personal pen of choice for my crossword puzzle, especially because of its fine tip ballpoint. I give this multi-functional pen 5 stars! Here's the breakdown: Black ink ballpoint, red ink editing pen, 0.5 mm pencil with eraser, and stylus tip all in one finely crafted design Twist-action, medium-sized barrel in translucent red finish Ships ready to give in a Cross pen gift box Laser engraving shows silver Lifetime Mechanical Warranty Also available in blue and chrome Gift for student, graduate, editor, educator, or crossword puzzle enthusiasts  4.) The Coventry Blue Ballpoint Pen     Coming in fourth in our list of Cross ballpoint pens is the Coventry ballpoint pen. Different from any other brand, Cross ballpoint pens span a wide price range from below $30 to well above $600. The Coventry ballpoint is at the lower extreme of that spectrum; it offers the most accessible entry point into the world of fine luxury pens. Only available as a ballpoint pen or a ballpoint and mechanical pencil set in Chrome, this item has the feel of a reliable, expensive pen without the sometimes ludicrous cost. It is best for corporate gifting to your professionals. The Coventry has: Medium sized twist-action Cross ballpoint pen Compatible with standard Cross ballpoint refills and 0.7mm lead Available in Black, Red, or Blue finishes with chrome appointments Comes in a basic two-piece Cross brand gift box  Lifetime Mechanical Warranty by Cross  Popular gift for women, men, graduation, administrative assistants, and corporate orders with a logo  Related Topic: Who Invented the Ballpoint Pen?: A Brief History 3.) The Classic Century in 23k Gold The number three Cross ballpoint pen is the exquisite Classic Century 23k Gold Ballpoint Pen. The most iconic of all the Cross ballpoint pens, the Classic Century offers a slim barrel, low profile, and textured ribbing along the barrel, all covered in the luxury of 23k gold. Its a small pen jam packed with some classic style. The feel of the medium point tip writes as delightfully smoothly as the twist mechanism slides into place. This pen offers a huge variety of color finishes and writing styles from which to select. See it with gold appointments, satin black finishes, translucent blue lacquer, shining shimmering chrome splendor...Heck, there is more variety than an episode of the Gong Show. In addition, Cross offers a Chrome Classic Century pen and pencil set. It comes with 0.7 mm lead and an eraser under the cap. The ballpoint pen is compatible with the standard Cross ink refill. Click here for more on Cross pen and pencil sets. What makes the Classic Century a classic: Twist-action ballpoint Lustrous chrome finish with black ink Ships in a premium Cross gift box Custom engraving shows light brass Lifetime Mechanical Warranty by Cross The traditional gift for graduations with styles and finishes from budget-friendly to highest of fancy pens 2.) The Calais in Chrome Next, the #2 Cross ballpoint pen is the chrome Calais ballpoint pen This is far and away the best selling pen we have at Dayspring. Why? Because this Cross ballpoint pen was made to be a perfect middle of the road pen - the perfect size for text and logo engraving, a perfect medium barrel to fit any hand, and medium point black ink refills for a perfect, consistent line. Different lacquer finishes from red to black are available at the same affordable price generally coming in the $30s range. Quantity discounts will get an even lower price. It can be a hard search to find ballpoint pens that are made for everyone, but the Calais has the best results. Here's some info on the main features of the Calais: Twist action ballpoint Lustrous chrome finish with black writing ink Comes in a Cross pen gift box Personalization appears as a light brass Lifetime Mechanical Warranty Great gift for men, women, graduation, business, and corporate orders with a logo 1.) The Century II in Black Lacquer and 23k Gold Appointments The #1 pen to close out our list of Cross ballpoint pens is the Cross Century II. This Cross ballpoint pen is about as delightful as you can get. Somewhere between the Classic Century and the Townsend, the Century II blends the low profile and elegant lines of one with the pronounced cap and professional finishes of the other. The oil-based ink tip of the ballpoint refill offers almost the same writing experience as the select tip rollerball so every signature and jotted note feels quality. The timeless, classy Century II has the perfect weight for comfort without feeling hollow or cheap and the finishes are chef's kiss. Honestly, this Cross ballpoint pen gets you exactly what you pay for...excellence. Key features of the Century II: Twist-action ballpoint Glossy black lacquer finish and 23 kt gold-plated appointments with black ink Ships in a premium Cross pen gift box Personalized engraving shows gold Lifetime Mechanical Warranty Great gift for men, women, career milestone, promotion, birthday, and anniversaries Conclusion That's our rankings for the best Cross ballpoint pens out there. We at Dayspring Pens spend quite a lot of time with Cross products and are excited to share the information we have learned. Cross craft historic pens whose classic style and consistent service make them well earn the title of professionalism they built their brand on. Now it's your turn! Let us know in the comments which Cross ballpoints you prefer! Daniel Whitehouse is the President and CEO of Dayspring Pens. He uses his expertise with premium writing utensils to create exceptional, intentional products and craft easy-to-understand articles that help both new and experienced users learn more about their writing tools. He lives in Virginia where he and his wife are raising their four children. To learn more about him and his insights about custom engraved gift pens, follow Daniel on LinkedIn.