Parker Sonnet Ballpoint Falls Apart?

[Flippy]

Hi FPN

 

If you've answered or seen some of my posts, you know I love Sonnets. However, I have been afraid to buy a ballpoint because of complaints of the ballpoint falling apart! Apparently, the tip is a push on type of tip. Can anyone claim this true or not?

[Tasmith]

My wife has been using her Parker Sonnet ballpoint for over two years without any problems. It's her favorite pen.

[Writing Uphill]

It's happened to me.

[pajaro]

I have several Sonnet ballpoints. The only one that comes apart is the Laque Ambre. The works comes out from time to time, but it pops back in and usually doesn't happen for quite a while after.

[KBeezie]

Aren't sonnets one of the most counterfeited pens? (reason I mention it is because some of those complaints may be due to the counterfeits).

[elysee]

Aren't sonnets one of the most counterfeited pens? (reason I mention it is because some of those complaints may be due to the counterfeits).

Not all of them. I have a Parker Sonnet Moonbeam set for which the top of the ballpoint pen will not unscrew but rather lifts off and then the inner cap must be screwed off. This is not the case with my other red Chinese lacquer Parker Sonnets. The Parker Sonnet ballpoint in question was purchased new from an authorized dealer and it is authentic. The problem is that the quality of Parker pens decreased after Parker was purchased by Gillette. Parker pens have not been the same since then. Try comparing Parker Duofolds made in the early 1990's with the various Duofolds made over the years since then. The newer Duofolds do not have the same solid feel as those made in the early 1990's; I own several (too many) of each, and I can feel the difference. In fact, one way in which to compare the difference is by examining the crown-twist mechanism for Duofold ballpoint pens over the years. The most solidly made of the Duofolds made over the last twenty-six years are those made in the early 1990's -- the twist mechanism is the most solid and the top crown does not twist off the mechanism. The same cannot be said for the Dufold ballpoint pens made in the late 1990's - 2016 as the crown top twists too easily on the mechanism and the inside mechanism is made more cheaply, some involving plastic. So, although I enjoy my newer Duofolds such as my chocolate brown with pinstripes, amber checks, and my burgundy, they do not have the same solid feel and construction as my maroon swirl/marble, green swirl/marble, blue swirl/marble, black, orange, or pearl and black Duofolds.

Edited August 20, 2016 by elysee

[rminj]

Yes,

 

My black matte Sonnet ballpoint does not have this problem.

 

But my stainless steel Sonnet the nose was loose and when I attempted to wiggle it I found it would turn and I could pull it right out.

I returned it for repair to Parker. The replacement they sent has the same problem..one can actually feel the tip wiggling. But I dare not touch it. I have not written with the replacement as the refill tip does not extend all the way..

 

I suppose I could return it again but I've just given up on Parker. Its sad because I really liked my Sonnets but problem and the repair experience has me thinking that Parker is "too big to fail" and simply doesn't care.

Edited August 22, 2016 by rminj