The New Parker Urban: A Lesson In Disappointment

[Valkyrii]

This isn't a traditional review as much as it is sharing my experience with this pen. First let me say I like the overall design. I purchased the roller ball because first I like Parker roller ball refills for daily use. Everyone has their own opinion on roller refills, some would even shun anything but fountain pens. That simply is not an option for me for daily use. Secondly it was my grand plan to add an Urban FP to my collection.

 

This pen has a decent weight, is fairly comfortable to hold; although the grip section could use being a few millimeters longer. But, overall for me it is a decent choice. It posts nicely and provides a balanced experience in regards to how it is held. It does not feel cheep at all. I figured this roller would be a good segway into getting one of their fountain pens.

 

Unfortunately the pen fails significantly in one area that affects the main purpose which is - to write.

 

Beneath the clip their is a gaping hole, which on it's own would merely be cosmetic. However the lack of a cap seal makes this a rather noticeable design flaw. This pen cannot sit overnight without the tip drying up. I don't know if the Urban Fountain pen has a cap liner or not, but at this point I won't gamble to find out.

 

http://i21.photobucket.com/albums/b251/scotkane/IMG_7775_zpsblzqsoeg.jpg

 

[bearcat1]

That is too bad that you are unhappy with it.

[Valkyrii]

That is too bad that you are unhappy with it.

Sad part is I like the pen from a comfort/writing perspective, but the lack of a cap seal forces you to scratch a few lines every time the pen sits for even short periods, say overnight. If not for that I would be looking at adding one of their FPs to my collection.

 

What good is a pen that doesn't write though.

[Zookie]

I'd call their customer service department. Maybe they'll exchange it.

[RMN]

This isn't a traditional review as much as it is sharing my experience with this pen. First let me say I like the overall design. I purchased the roller ball because first I like Parker roller ball refills for daily use. Everyone has their own opinion on roller refills, some would even shun anything but fountain pens. That simply is not an option for me for daily use. Secondly it was my grand plan to add an Urban FP to my collection.

 

This pen has a decent weight, is fairly comfortable to hold; although the grip section could use being a few millimeters longer. But, overall for me it is a decent choice. It posts nicely and provides a balanced experience in regards to how it is held. It does not feel cheep at all. I figured this roller would be a good segway into getting one of their fountain pens.

 

Unfortunately the pen fails significantly in one area that affects the main purpose which is - to write.

 

Beneath the clip their is a gaping hole, which on it's own would merely be cosmetic. However the lack of a cap seal makes this a rather noticeable design flaw. This pen cannot sit overnight without the tip drying up. I don't know if the Urban Fountain pen has a cap liner or not, but at this point I won't gamble to find out.

 

http://i21.photobucket.com/albums/b251/scotkane/IMG_7775_zpsblzqsoeg.jpg

 

 

 

Could you do a little experiment?

 

Make sure the refill is writing well. Now put a piece of tape over the hole and let the pen rest overnight.

 

Now see how it writes, compared to with the hole open.

 

Reason is that I wonder how such a small hole could result in so much evaporation.

 

 

D.ick

[Mike 59]

Hi, I have the fountain pen version, where there is no vent under the clip.

Have always likes the style of the Urban, and although it shares the same nib design with several other pens, the extra weight makes it a good pen to use. Mine's from 2010 (Q).

[dadbar]

I've had a lot of trouble with Parker rollerball cartridges lately, so I would be willing to bet that the hole is just a red herring.

 

Two of my Parker 75 pens now have been retrofitted to take either standard Parker gel ballpoint or Schmidt rollerball cartridges which work a whole lot better than the Parker rollerballs.

[Valkyrii]

I've had a lot of trouble with Parker rollerball cartridges lately, so I would be willing to bet that the hole is just a red herring.

 

Two of my Parker 75 pens now have been retrofitted to take either standard Parker gel ballpoint or Schmidt rollerball cartridges which work a whole lot better than the Parker rollerballs.

I may concede your point. I taped off the hole and the first night the pen wrote perfectly first start, suggesting the hole was in fact affecting the ink flow. However the refill started acting up later in the day. So I'm going to try another refill and see. I've typically had very good luck with their refills so we will see. I'm a glutton for punishment though and saw the medium FP on Amazon for $39 (=/- change) and ordered one. Day one was pretty smooth out of the box.

 

Thanks for the heads up on recent refill issues.