Yet another recommendation request

[RPMJack]

I wish my next purchase to be a rollerball. My intention was the Townsend (black lacquer and gold), but now cannot decide between the Townsend and the Peerless. My everyday pen is a Cross Apogee ballpoint, in frosty steel. I like the heft of the Apogee, which is why I am now considering the Peerless. 

 

Any recommendations are appreciated. It seems kind of difficult to find solid reviews elsewhere. Thanks!

 

[langere]

Oh, just go for the fountain pen in the Peerless!  The rollerball is not worth it in comparison.  The Peerless fountain pen is one of the very best fountain pens on the market right now.

 

Erick

[RPMJack]

Much obliged. Thank you!

[1nkulus]

IMO, you should try it first. The girth and heft of the Peerless is substantial, so you may not enjoy the upgrade.

I own both.

 

If the Peerless does not work out, try and get the Apogee FP.

If you are happy with the Peerless, get the FP instead of a RB/BP.

[langere]

Exactly!  Thank you, 1nkulus, for providing the caveat and the recommendation that the OP go with a FP.

 

Erick

[RPMJack]

So I probably owe an update. In retrospect it now seems silly that I posted a rollerball pen question on a fountain pen forum. In my defense, my experience with fountain pens is slight. Meaning, I have used a Pilot Varsity, and years ago bought a Cross (Coventry, I think) from Staples ($20). I get that there is a great difference between dirt cheap and a high end pen.The suggestions here are very well taken. But, I have no business jumping into a $250+ pen. My Apogee ballpoint has been my everyday pen for years. I am in court practically every day. The practicality is hard to beat.

So, I am regrouping. I bought a Platinum Preppy and will see how it goes. Thanks.

[langere]

Good luck, RPMJack!  I think you will like it and get into dependable but not that expensive fountain pens.  You can wow the judge that way...

 

Erick

[sandy101]

I bought a Cross Century 14K rolled gold rollerball for £20 on e-bay. 

 

There is a large number of Cross rollerballs for sale there, and seeing that all you have to do is pop in a new refill (rather than worry about the condition of the nib and the feed) I'd go there and see if you can get a decent second hand/vintage one. Certainly you'll get more value out of it.

 

The Cross rollerball refills are very good (better than Parker anyway). The best thing about the Peerless is the Sailor nib.

 

The Townsend and Century 2 are both nice pens - the Townsend has slightly more girth that the Century 2. 

 

I'm not sure about the Townsend, but with the Century 2 you can get a steel nib unit and screw it into the body and have a fountain pen if you so desire.