In a recent article regarding the things I realized after a few years using fountain pens, I noted that they are not the most efficient writing tools out there - and there are reasons why ballpoints and rollerballs were invented: they can write for longer with a single cartridge, they get ready to write in a flick of an eye, and they can become really good fidgety toys. In this article I’ll be showing you a few ballpoints I’ve used and even though they are not my preferred writing instruments, these are still useful things to have in the back of your bag or your shirt pocket.

Zebra F-301

The most affordable out of the four noted in this article and they serve their purpose well - the metal body and plastic grip make it easier to put down quick words. The only downside is that the cartridge dries out rather quickly compared to other ballpoints. The clicky mechanism gives out this “meh” feeling of an average ballpoint, it gets the job done and sometimes that’s all you need.

Parker Vector

This one and the Parker Jotter are definitely ones of the most classic image we think about when the word “ballpoints” are mentioned. The designs are timeless and even though they are usually overlooked in terms of personality, but these are always nice to have and you know you can depend on them. It makes a better click with 2 springs connected to the cartridge and the click button, which make the writing experience a lot better than most of the ballpoints you can find out there.

Caran d’Ache 849

If you just want to have one nice ballpoint to use for the next decade, I’d say this is the pen to go for: Swiss made - machined body - few moving parts - and the best thing of all is that they are compatible with Parker’s cartridges.

Montblanc Meisterstuck 161

If the Caran d’Ache is the margin between good-value-for-money and overpriced, this 161 Meisterstuck ballpoint is a bit overkill, in a good way. The twist mechanism is smooth and quiet enough just to be heard by the user. Out of all the types of ballpoint cartridges I think this is only second after Fischer’s Space Pen ballpoint refill.

Overall, the invention of ballpoints was for practical reasons: to be operated with one hand, to write on most surfaces while having water-proof property, plus a more durable tipping to withstand drops and collisions better than a fountain pen. I hope these recommendations are to your liking and they can be a lovely gift or a backup pen to take the place of our fountain pens during times of need or for a change sometimes.