Refill for Montblanc: Monteverde M132, original or something else?

[mr T.]

I use a Montblanc 380 bp with a Montblanc 721c 'Giant Refill' that needs to be replaced. I am not really impressed with the quality of the original Montblanc branded bp-refills. In my experience, these refills don't last long, tend to dry out, and are, compared to 'Parker Style' G2 refills overpriced. As far as I know, the only alternative refill for Montblanc bp's is the Monteverde M132. Is the Monteverde a good alternative to the original Montblanc refill? Is the Monteverde M132 a decent but affordable alternative? Where are Monteverde refills made? Do other alternative refills for Montblanc bp's exist?

[51ISH]

1 hour ago, mr T. said:

I use a Mont Blanc 380 bp with a Mont Blanc 721c 'Giant Refill' that needs to be replaced. I am not really impressed with the quality of the original Mont Blanc branded bp-refills. In my experience, these refills don't last long, tend to dry out, and are, compared to 'Parker Style' G2 refills overpriced. As far as I know, the only alternative refill for Mont Blanc bp's is the Monteverde M132. Is the Monteverde a good alternative to the original Mont Blanc refill? Is the Monteverde M132 a decent but affordable alternative? Where are Monteverde refills made? Do other alternative refills for Mont Blanc bp's exist?

 

I'm sorry I can't help, but I'll be interested to see how this thread developes. I have a Lamy 2000 BP and I'm not a 'fan' of their refill, the last time I looked, Monteverde were the only alternative refill I could find.

[mr T.]

On 3/19/2023 at 11:25 PM, 51ISH said:

 

I'm sorry I can't help, but I'll be interested to see how this thread developes. I have a Lamy 2000 BP and I'm not a 'fan' of their refill, the last time I looked, Monteverde were the only alternative refill I could find.

As far as I know, there are also no other alternative refills for Shaeffer bp's than the ones from Monteverde either. Not sure if decent alternative refills for Caran d' Ache are available.  Alternative refills for Cross exist (Schneider makes the Express 785 alternative). 

[RNHC]

Monteverde also makes gel version of Montblanc ballpoint refill - M432.  It's smooth and has deep color.  You need an adapter that will make current Montblanc refill compatible with older Montblanc ballpoint pens.  The adapter lengthens the current refill to "Giant Refill" length.  I heard Montblanc used to give out the adapters free but now you can only find them on eBay. 

 

Please be aware that Monteverde Montblanc-compatible refill is slightly different than Montblanc refill.  The opening in the back of Monteverde refill is smaller than Montblanc refill.  You have to widen the opening for the adapter to fit.  The adapter fits into Montblanc refill no problem.  It's a hassle but well worth the effort to be able to use the gel ink refill instead of mediocre Montblanc ballpoint ink refill.

[mr T.]

On 5/21/2023 at 4:35 AM, RNHC said:

Monteverde also makes gel version of Montblanc ballpoint refill - M432.  It's smooth and has deep color.  You need an adapter that will make current Montblanc refill compatible with older Montblanc ballpoint pens.  The adapter lengthens the current refill to "Giant Refill" length.  I heard Montblanc used to give out the adapters free but now you can only find them on eBay. 

 

Please be aware that Monteverde Montblanc-compatible refill is slightly different than Montblanc refill.  The opening in the back of Monteverde refill is smaller than Montblanc refill.  You have to widen the opening for the adapter to fit.  The adapter fits into Montblanc refill no problem.  It's a hassle but well worth the effort to be able to use the gel ink refill instead of mediocre Montblanc ballpoint ink refill.

Thank you for your reply. The M432 refill only seems available outside the EU and adapters are on eBay difficult to find but is available at an online shop in the Netherlands. That means that these refills are probably quite expensive to import into the EU. On the Yafa website there is also the M44 gel refill for Montblanc. According to Yafa it should also fit Sailor bp's. Not sure if a Sailor bp refill will fit an older Montblanc 380 bp. 

[mr T.]

Tried the Monteverde M132 and was pleasantly surprised how good this refill is. Much better value than the original Montblanc refill

[Ueno808]

I use the Monteverde refills and am satisfied with the write out and quality.  I have found the life expectancy of OEM Montblanc refills to be lengthy, at least the older ones - I'm still using several NOS Montblanc broad tip refills that I bought on the clearance rack in 1994 and they still perform like new...