I Don't Like Montblanc Ballpoint Refills

[avalys]

I have a Starwalker ballpoint that is about 6 years old. I don't use it as much as I should, because I really dislike the Montblanc ballpoint refills. I have tried both blue and black - they feel rough, they write poorly, the lines are blotchy and not uniform, the ink is not true black and an uneven blue, etc. I mentioned this at a Montblanc store, and they suggested I try the broad refills. These felt better to write with, but I prefer a medium or narrow point for my handwriting.

 

Any suggestions? Is any other brand of refill compatible with Montblanc pens? I have always been annoyed that this expensive and otherwise attractive pen writes so poorly.

 

[orfew]

Try the Monteverde refills made for MB pens.

[torstar]

Most MB refills have been great through the years. If it sits there unused a long time it won't bounce back as if it were fresh and new.

[meiers]

I love them. Best ballpoints around.

[carlos.q]

I also find the Montblanc refills awful. There was a thread on using a Montblanc refill on a Pilot G-2 pen. Maybe it will work the other way around.

[a.zy.lee]

You could attempt to modify a Uni-Ball Jetstream refill to fit into the Montblanc.

The Jetstreams are ballpoints that write extremely smoothly with very few skips. They use a special hybrid ink that's also archival.

[BrandonA]

I agree with most other repliers that that MB refill is very good and delivered a nice consistent line.

 

What sort of paper do you use?

[I like mango cheesecake]

I switched from MB to Monteverde as the MB ones only lasted about six pages it so of writing.

[torstar]

I've gone through several B Black refills with absolutely great results over two decades, the blue not so great, and as noted earlier, setting it down for awhile can't bring it back.

[Lamb South]

I have used Montblanc refills for quite sometime without any issues. I am not sure where youa are getting your Montblanc refills but the ones that are available at office supply retailers is not of the same quality as those obtained through an auhtorized pen seller. I have purchased the office supply kind in the past and they are not as good. These cheaper refills do not last nearly as long nor does the ink seem to be of the same quality.

[Mister Mont Blanc]

I have used Montblanc refills for quite sometime without any issues. I am not sure where youa are getting your Montblanc refills but the ones that are available at office supply retailers is not of the same quality as those obtained through an auhtorized pen seller. I have purchased the office supply kind in the past and they are not as good. These cheaper refills do not last nearly as long nor does the ink seem to be of the same quality.

avalys, this is true. I have purchased both types of refills and had this experience. BUT, I have also purchased refills (RB) directly from the MB website and even had problems with those. So my understanding is just that there is inconsistency with their ink refills.

 

How many refills have you purchased thus far? Have any been from an A.D. or MB? As mentioned, Monteverde is a brand that makes refills specially for MB BP pens but from my experience, I prefer MB refills more.

[Dr. Eriko]

I switched from MB to Monteverde as the MB ones only lasted about six pages it so of writing.

Wow !!! I am impressed. You are lucky . My MB rollerball refills only lasted 3-4 pages, and fineliners refills only lasted from 2 to almost 2.5 pages. But then , I can fill them with Visconti black, and/or Waterman Florida Blue and then last almost twice than new.

Warms regards.

[Paul80]

Hi

 

As said above give the Monteverde ones a go, or try some of the Ones that sell as Montblanc refills on eBay, the vast majority if not all of those are counterfeit but the few I have tried write very well, just make sure you pay Counterfeit prices for them

 

Paul

[Pooch]

Hello,

 

I also tried both MB and Monteverde. Both work for me but I feel Monteverde is a bit smoother and has darker color(black, Medium point).

[torstar]

Hello,

 

I also tried both MB and Monteverde. Both work for me but I feel Monteverde is a bit smoother and has darker color(black, Medium point).

 

Move to the B point (for bold or broad or blinding) level.....

 

[Opooh]

The Montblanc refills are excellent, after five years the one in my LeGrand BP is still alive and kicking. I must admit it is only rarely used, but on those occasions it writes perfect.

[Keyless Works]

As a traditional style ballpoint refill Montblanc's are very good. I have had some nasty experiences with S.T. Dupont and Caran d'Ache ballpoint refills (maybe they were old but I have sampled more than one of each now).

 

My preference would be for a nicer writing hybrid/gel ballpoint ink like the Monteverde. To me it's a more enjoyable experience overall. The main downside is that you will have to replace you refills more often. Also a traditional ballpoint ink may have better archival qualities.

[Nokin]

+1 for the Monteverde option - the ones I've had have been excellent, smooth writers.

[meiers]

I switched from MB to Monteverde as the MB ones only lasted about six pages it so of writing.

Mine last years. We're talking about ballpoint pen refills, I presume.

Edited June 12, 2014 by meiers

[AJ50]

I love the smoothness of the MB broad ball pen refills, they are the best I have ever used.