In Search Of: The Perfect Ballpoint

[Deirdre]

Just got a new Fahrney's catalog: the Liaison BP is on clearance for around $114. Checked the website, and it seems to be available.

Yep, I just ordered one because it seemed like a good deal to me, too. That said, I don't have to limit myself to one ballpoint.

[artaddict]

Visconti Van Gogh. Visconti's gel refills are wonderful, and the Van Goghs meet your other criteria -- not black or brown, not metal, white metals, make their own refills, and under $200.

This is actually one of my top contenders -- and I might also pick up one of these. They are very beautiful, much more so in person than in photos. DH thought the pens were hideously priced until I showed him really good photos of them, then he thought they were stunning.

 

Deirdre,

The metal section of the Visconti Van Gogh might bother you.

Pep

[Deirdre]

Duofold BPs are nice, how about a Pelikan 600 or 800. All will take Parker Gel refills (or standard international refills).

 

Sheaffers are also nice, the Legacy is a nice size as is the Balance II version.

Pelikan is one I hadn't really thought of. Their fountain pens are nice.

[Deirdre]

If you want something very very pretty, check out Aurora Optima Burgundy (or Blue) with silver-colored trim. It takes Aurora BP refills as well as Parker-style refills, which means you can use Visconti gels if you need a fine point. The pen is expensive but can be found under $200 if you hunt around.

This one is also on my list, so I'm going to see if I can go see one in person in the area.

[Deirdre]

The Caran D'Ache Metal Collection might be for you: http://www.goldspot.com/Caran_D'ache_p.../CA-849001.html

 

It's metal but it's painted white so you don't have that cold metallic feel on your fingers. It's very sturdy and not that expensive. It takes its own refill, and it also takes Parker's.

 

PS. It does not have that "cheap" feel or look to it.

Caran D'Ache has some very nice pens, but for a pen at this price point, I'd definitely want to see it first.

[Deirdre]

Visconti Van Gogh. Visconti's gel refills are wonderful, and the Van Goghs meet your other criteria -- not black or brown, not metal, white metals, make their own refills, and under $200.

This is actually one of my top contenders -- and I might also pick up one of these. They are very beautiful, much more so in person than in photos. DH thought the pens were hideously priced until I showed him really good photos of them, then he thought they were stunning.

The metal section of the Visconti Van Gogh might bother you.

The point around the end is something I'd expect to be metal, but I'm planning to check one out next time I'm in Berkeley.

[gregoron]

It's very solid and has no section breaks as it is made of die-cast metal and painted with enamel. The advancing mechanism is the entire button, which is pretty ingenious. It's rather slim though, like a regular pencil.

 

Another one is the Aurora Ipsilon in resin or metal. Here's the photo: http://www.goldspot.com/Aurora_pens/Ipsilo...in/AU-B31Y.html

 

This is thicker and I believe that it has a cap-activated advancing mechanism.

 

I'm not endorsing the seller, just using it as a basis of reference.

 

 

The Caran D'Ache Metal Collection might be for you: http://www.goldspot.com/Caran_D'ache_p.../CA-849001.html

 

It's metal but it's painted white so you don't have that cold metallic feel on your fingers. It's very sturdy and not that expensive. It takes its own refill, and it also takes Parker's.

 

PS. It does not have that "cheap" feel or look to it.

Caran D'Ache has some very nice pens, but for a pen at this price point, I'd definitely want to see it first.

 

[Deirdre]

It's very solid and has no section breaks as it is made of die-cast metal and painted with enamel. The advancing mechanism is the entire button, which is pretty ingenious. It's rather slim though, like a regular pencil.

 

Hey, that does sound cool. It also sounds like a ballpoint I might like in rotation.

 

Another one is the Aurora Ipsilon in resin or metal. Here's the photo: http://www.goldspot.com/Aurora_pens/Ipsilo...in/AU-B31Y.html

 

This is thicker and I believe that it has a cap-activated advancing mechanism.

 

I'm not endorsing the seller, just using it as a basis of reference.

I have the Ipsilon in a fountain pen, and I'd gladly get a ballpoint if I could get a matching one -- but I have it in a discontinued color (teal). Besides, it's a good opportunity to get more auroloide if I go up to the Optima instead.

[Deirdre]

Summary of recommendations, ordered by mfr:

 

Ones I'll look at:

Aurora Ipsilon (gregoron)

Aurora Optima (Sharkle)

Caran D'Ache Metal (gregoron)

Cross Townsend (CharlieB)

Parker Duofold (FrankB, CharlieB, andyk, ipse dixit)

Pelikan 600 or 800 (andyk)

Sheaffer Balance II (ipse dixit)

Sheaffer Legacy Heritage (CharlieB)

Visconti Van Gogh (Mike S)

Waterman Liaison (CharlieB) -- ordered an ebonite one

 

Ones I've ruled out:

Fisher Space Pen

Rotring Skynn

Monteverde (haven't had much luck with them)

[lovemy51]

i use MB Meisterstuck with the yafa capless gel refill and writes...

 

http://yafaoutlet.com/yacagelretof.html

 

of course, it sounds like deirdre is looking for something different.

Edited January 4, 2008 by lovemy51

[Deirdre]

i use MB Meisterstuck with the yafa capless gel refill and writes...

 

http://yafaoutlet.com/yacagelretof.html

 

of course, it sounds like deirdre is looking for something different.

Given that none of the MB offerings are either in the $200 range nor a color other than black at that price, yes, something different.

[lovemy51]

i use MB Meisterstuck with the yafa capless gel refill and writes...

 

http://yafaoutlet.com/yacagelretof.html

 

of course, it sounds like deirdre is looking for something different.

Given that none of the MB offerings are either in the $200 range nor a color other than black at that price, yes, something different.

 

http://www.pensandgifts.net/mobobapopen.html

 

not black, but over the $200 mark

 

do you suppose this are genuine???

 

[Deirdre]

http://www.pensandgifts.net/mobobapopen.html

 

not black, but over the $200 mark

 

do you suppose this are genuine???

I'd found that site before and wondered the same thing. They seem to have mostly discontinued merchandise, though, which might mean it's legit.

[Opus104]

I am a huge fan of the Shaeffer Blue Ballpoint Refill. It is what I use to address envelopes or other things a ball pen are good for. For casual and good size: the Javelin is great. The Prelude in Black or Gunmetal make a nice looking formal pen. Neither sets you back much at all.

 

Good luck.

[Deirdre]

I am a huge fan of the Shaeffer Blue Ballpoint Refill. It is what I use to address envelopes or other things a ball pen are good for. For casual and good size: the Javelin is great. The Prelude in Black or Gunmetal make a nice looking formal pen. Neither sets you back much at all.

Actually, I wasn't looking for inexpensive necessarily, and I definitely wasn't looking for black- or metal-bodied pens. After looking everything up, though, I see that the Sheaffer Valor line in red or blue really is the closest thing a modern Sheaffer pen makes to something I'd buy, so thank you for helping me find that option.

[Rufus]

Sorry Deirdre, but from my experience "perfect" and "ballpoint" just don't go together; it's a contadiction in terms. Accordingly, the only ballpoint I'll lay out my hard earned cash on is one of those clear plastic Bics.

Edited January 4, 2008 by Rufus

[PenMaster]

Before you commit, you may wish to add a Delta Dolce Vita ballpoint pen to your list of contenders. This pen is spectacular in design and can be had for around the $200 mark. You have a variety of colors from which to choose, especially the brilliant orange. A gorgeous pen in every way.

[Deirdre]

Oooh, orange. Nice suggestion I wouldn't have thought of!

[maj]

Oooh, orange. Nice suggestion I wouldn't have thought of!

 

My favorite BP is my MB Hemingway which was purchased fairly inexpensively years back when it seemed they couldn't be given away. Color, overall design and size are all good for me. I like the sort of orange color of the barrel.

 

I use a number of Sonnet BPs and find that they aren't bad size-wise for my hand. I also have a number of Parker Insignia with the Cisele design, but I find the barrel size a little slim for ease of writing on a protracted basis.

 

MAJ

[jd50ae]