Refilliable Rollerballs

[Phil1-6]

OK, trying to use a fountain pen at work is...well...not working. But I have 3 bottles of ink! What to do?

I was thinking of a refillable rollerball. I know that Noodlers has one. How good is it? Do you have to change the tip? If so what is the average lifespan?

Any other reasonably priced refillable rollerball options?

Thanks for the information.

 

[RichieRich3902]

There are a few out there

J. Herbin
Noodler's
Platinum Preppy
Franklin-Christoph

 

[syngent]

monteverde also makes them, I believe they were the ones to begin the whole chibang, Id grab one of those or a Franklin Christoph for sure If I couldnt use a FP at work

btw why isnt the FP working at work ?

 

[Eeyore]

I've tried them (Visconti), but they start to perform poorly once the tip wears out (which can be pretty soon on bad paper).

I'd save the bottles for using at home, if you cannot use FP's at work.

 

[Legion]

I tried one of these in a pen shop a little while ago. It seemed good. Really good.

http://www.monteverdepens.com/onetouch_engage.html

 

[Mr5x5]

I have the Herbin. It is small unposted but posted it works fine.

 

[Slivovitz]

I've tried them (Visconti), but they start to perform poorly once the tip wears out (which can be pretty soon on bad paper).

I'd save the bottles for using at home, if you cannot use FP's at work.

I've got a Kaweco Classic Sport rollerball, the same barrel as their fountain pens, but a rollerball section instead of an FP. It uses short cartridges, which can be refilled with a syringe using ink from a bottle. For that matter, I suspect that it could be eyedroppered, just as the FP versions can although I haven't done this. It writes well enough, but it's nothing special; there are gel rollerballs which are nicer to write with. And I wonder if the rollerball would wear out on this if used for long enough.

The Monteverde One Touch Engage has replacement rollerball inserts available, so there is less worry about what you would do if you damaged or wore out the original. It's quite an expensive pen, however, for a non FP that is.

If you (the OP) just want to use up the ink that you've got, why not write with your fountain pen at home only until it's gone as johant1968 says, and get a nice gel rollerball for work? The Retro 1951 Tornado is very good. If it's a matter of ink color selection, and you're going to continue buying bottled ink, the Monteverde might be worth it.

 

[Phil1-6]

monteverde also makes them, I believe they were the ones to begin the whole chibang, Id grab one of those or a Franklin Christoph for sure If I couldnt use a FP at work

btw why isnt the FP working at work ?

Besides the usual complaints of bad paper my days involve not so much writing as scribbling. I'm in IT and provide support as well as program. I scribble notes when on the phone. I mark up source code printouts and scribble variable values when debugging. It would be easier if I could leave my FP uncapped all day without drying out, but that is not the case. Occasionally I need to sit through webinars where I'm feverishly writing notes and am move interested in just getting stuff down than style or technique. I won't say I never use my FP, but more often than not I'm reaching for my Bic Stick or roller ball than my FP. I'm just seeing what's available and what people think.

 

[RichieRich3902]

Oh so what you're really saying is something like a Pilot Vanishing Point would be more convenient for everyday use.

 

[syngent]

I can understand that, was curious a VP may work but yoir probably best with one of the rollars listed above or carrying two pens... a FP and a BP for the days workload

 

[LouieGrandie]

I like the Viconti Rembrandi Eco Roller Pen. Refills nicely with any ink. Smoooooth writing pen. Note that the point will wear out and you will need to replace when performance drops.

 

[Lexbomb]

I love my CF rollerball. I also had/have a noodlers rollerball but it leaked like mad, I got in contact with Goulet who sent me out a replacement roller ball (to Australia at no cost) and it still leaked. I offered to return it but Goulets turned me down and refunded my money. Amazing service from the other side of the world!