Lamy Ballpoint And Rollerballs...

[FlatCactus]

I have been wanting to get a nice Lamy Ballpoint roller ball or multipen for a while now but can't find all that much information on the quality of the refills.

I'm considering either the 2000 ballpoint/4 colour, the CP1 tripen or the Swift capless rollerball.

 

From what I can gather the capless rollerball refill seems very good but I am concerned about the prospect of feathering (making it no better than a fountain pen). Though one review pointed out that the ink dried almost instantly.

There seems to be mixed reviews on the quality of the standard full-size ballpoint refills. What I really want to know is how they compare to their respective colours in the Parker ballpoint range in terms of smoothness and line quality.

And last but not least, how to the multi-pen refills compare to other brands and the standard lamy ballpoint refill.

 

Any and all opinions are much appreciated.

 

-John

[IWantThat]

I have the Lamy Studio in fountain pen, rollerball, and ballpoint - love a matte finish I sometimes use them as backup in meetings where I'm writing a lot. I think the quality of the Lamy bp and rb refills are right up there with Parker. The ballpoint refills are decent - blue and black, no drying up that I've witnessed or mess. The rollerball refills are also decent. We're lucky to have an art supply store nearby with every style of Lamy you could wish for, and all the refills needed on their wall o' ink cartridges.

 

Edited to add: I've never seen feathering with the rollerball ink cartridges, so I doubt that would be a problem for you.

Edited August 6, 2011 by IWantThat

[bluejay]

There are some pages on Rollerballs. I asked a similar question not to long ago. Try the different thickness. Some rollerballs place thicker lines than others. As per refills if memory serves me correct Lamy, Pelikan and Cross were the ones I've had no problems with. Cross is readily available everywhere. I'm now leaning towards a safari rollerball. I love the feel of the rollerballs. Ball point is a ball point. I doubt any company can get it wrong at this stage.

[nicholasyeo]

The capless M66 refill is a nice one, it's quite dry for a rollerball though,

you'll find it writes very much like any ballpoint.... Love my Lamy Swift!

[OiRogers]

I have the Lamy 2000 rollerball, it has gotten almost no use at all due to my preference for fountain pens.... But, it is one of the nicest rollerball pens I've ever used.

The refill is very smooth and precise.

 

If I have to use a rollerball, I prefer the Lamy.

In a ballpoint, I've never used a Lamy BP... I have used, and tolerated, Parker Jotter and MontBlanc 164 (Broad refill) ... But neither is nearly smooth enough to rise to the level of "enjoyed it".

Edited August 7, 2011 by OiRogers

[FlatCactus]

I'd just like to thank you all so far for the replies.

 

Looks like if I'm going to get one I'll probably get the Swift.

[chadden42]

I'd just like to thank you all so far for the replies.

 

Looks like if I'm going to get one I'll probably get the Swift.

 

 

 

i love the swift!

[OrangeJuice]

I have the 2000 ballpoint/4 colour and i really recommend one. Okay, maybe not over my 2k fountain pen or my Lamy Dialog 2 RB, but it is a good piece of design for the following reasons:

 

1) 4 colors are enough for everyday needs

2) the selector is niffy (uses gravity and a small plastic mechanism to select the color)

3) 2000 shape and materials

4) smooth ball point in F/M width

 

Only draw back is it is a ball point and so the ink is not as enjoyable as say fountain pen ink.

 

Regards - Chris

[mstone]

I have the 2000 ballpoint/4 colour and i really recommend one.

 

I always keep one of these in my bag for emergencies, along with a 2k pencil and fp.