The Best Rollerball Pens of 2021

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  • Опубліковано 16 лис 2024
  • I've been spending a lot of time figuring out the top rollerballs pens sold today. Here is my list! Full details here: unsharpen.com/...
    The Top Rollerball Pens...
    Lamy Vista: amzn.to/2LCq3yV
    Stabilo Worker+ (aka Bionic Worker): amzn.to/3ozmqIo
    Stabilo Bionic (Refillable): amzn.to/3ozmqIo
    Pilot Precise V7: amzn.to/3q2CyTa
    Ohto Dude: amzn.to/35tls94
    Uni-ball Air: amzn.to/3i0tECX
    Uni-ball Vision Elite: amzn.to/3bx9L50
    Tombow Zoom 505: amzn.to/3bpMLFi
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    / @unsharpen
    tags #best #rollerball #rollerballpen
    Want more videos like this? Please subscribe! / @unsharpen
    note: amazon links are affiliate links and I get commissions for purchases made through them. Any other affiliations or agreements will be noted in this space, if they exist.

КОМЕНТАРІ • 106

  • @unsharpen
    @unsharpen  3 роки тому +3

    Don't miss the written article! unsharpen.com/best-rollerball-pen/

  • @NightOwl701
    @NightOwl701 3 роки тому +12

    I love the Air pens. Only problem with them is that the ink goes fast. The Vision Elite pens are great, too.

    • @gtgodbear6320
      @gtgodbear6320 3 роки тому +4

      My first Vision Elite inspired me into my copy the Bible in cursive phase. That pen made me want to keep writing and the Bible was a good source for something to copy. That's my favorite pen that I've used so far.

  • @verveblack
    @verveblack 3 роки тому +6

    love rollerballs the best. fave pen type ever. the fact that you can write with no pressure/light touch means you can write super fast. in school i always finish taking notes way ahead of others. and no hand strain! never understood why it's not more popular. the uniball vision & elite are top tier.

    • @unsharpen
      @unsharpen  3 роки тому

      Glad to hear your top is on the list!

  • @carlliu6927
    @carlliu6927 3 роки тому +3

    I clicked into this video to see pens, but I just love your table!

    • @unsharpen
      @unsharpen  3 роки тому

      Thanks! It's a desk mat

  • @ajaxline
    @ajaxline 3 роки тому +6

    The Uni-ball Vision Elite is a good “commodity” pen that performs well. I have the Lamy Vista fountain pen and mechanical pencil, may pick up the rollerball version someday. I mostly use fountain pens for cursive writing these days.

  • @jb6027
    @jb6027 3 роки тому +14

    Thank You! Are you going to make a Best Gel Ink Pen 2021 video too? My personal preference is for pens you can work one handed.

    • @unsharpen
      @unsharpen  3 роки тому +6

      Yes, it’s in the works. These take a fair bit of effort (well at least a fair bit of organization)

    • @jb6027
      @jb6027 3 роки тому +1

      @@unsharpen I'll wait. I enjoy your pen videos a lot!

  • @rg3872
    @rg3872 3 роки тому +1

    I've used the Uniball Rollergrip for years. The ink dries faster than the Vision Elite and is also waterproof and fade resistant.

    • @unsharpen
      @unsharpen  3 роки тому

      Oh wow yeah, I haven't used a rollergrip in years

  • @Ali-in8xi
    @Ali-in8xi 3 роки тому +4

    I'm a fan of the Ohto and Lamy rollerballs and recommend them. I actually was introduced to the Dude via Unsharpen's "Ohto Dude Rollerball Review - Machined Pen Alternative" video. Of the two I prefer the Ohto refill, especially the blue-black, which is one I use in other rollerball pens. The line produced by Lamy's M63 is a bit wide and bold for my taste. Another excellent and inexpensive rollerball is the Uni-ball Onyx (the fine tip, not the micro). I used these pens for years; they were very reliable writers and a step-up from the very ordinary BIC and Paper Mate ballpoints. If I had never been introduced to gel and fountain pen ink, the Onyx would be the pen I would use. Thanks for the video!

    • @unsharpen
      @unsharpen  3 роки тому

      Yes, to be fair I tend tends bolder, broader rollerballs.

    • @Ali-in8xi
      @Ali-in8xi 3 роки тому

      I know; I've noticed that. 👧🏽

  • @tompov227
    @tompov227 3 роки тому +5

    the precise and precise rt is really nice but i absolutely go wild over the uniball vision in all varieties but especially the vision elite. specifically the 0.5 mm size. i find the 0.8mm too bleedy. plus they have nice colors in the “eye” line and the BLX versions are awesome. the refill mechanism is a bit odd tho

  • @zacharygallegos973
    @zacharygallegos973 2 роки тому +6

    I LOVE pens!@! I cannot stop thinking about them no matter what I do. I'm very avid in this community and I'm glad to see someone that loves these suckers as much as I do. But one thing that I'll add is that you didn't rank the Pilot G-2 as the best pen in the entire galaxy. Kinda unfortunate on that note :/

  • @avadakedavra6587
    @avadakedavra6587 2 роки тому +1

    I've been using Uniball AIR Micro for a while. It's amazing!

  • @stuka3332
    @stuka3332 3 роки тому +15

    what is your favorite pen if you had to choose just one from your entire collection
    ?

    • @HollywoodColt
      @HollywoodColt 3 роки тому

      Space pen clutch. It's a freaking beast

    • @derekquinones8614
      @derekquinones8614 3 роки тому +1

      @@HollywoodColt uni ball power tank

    • @HollywoodColt
      @HollywoodColt 3 роки тому +1

      @@derekquinones8614 I'll have to check that out

    • @stadart949
      @stadart949 3 роки тому +1

      @@HollywoodColt but what rollerball refill fits it??

    • @HollywoodColt
      @HollywoodColt 3 роки тому +1

      @@stadart949 The space pen? You have to use their refills.

  • @contentconsumer487
    @contentconsumer487 3 роки тому

    I do want to note that a lot of pens that are not “refillable” are in fact refillable. Such as the pilot precise and even though we aren’t talking about fountain pens the pilot varsity. The uni ball air as well. Simple tools you have in your home, syringe plier fountain pen ink. There quite a few videos on the tube about this.

    • @unsharpen
      @unsharpen  3 роки тому

      Technically refillable but not that easy to do so. I’ve refilled my Varsity pen multiple times but it’s a pain

  • @HollywoodColt
    @HollywoodColt 3 роки тому

    The "worker" is a nice smooth writing pen!

  • @wybuchowyukomendant
    @wybuchowyukomendant Рік тому

    I did a little 3d printed mod for my vision air so I can keep refilling it, going strong 4 years and counting lol

    • @unsharpen
      @unsharpen  Рік тому

      Cool idea. What did you print?

  • @wolf7379
    @wolf7379 3 роки тому +1

    Here's the issue I have with pens and I still have not found the perfect pen.
    Several years ago I went into buying fountain pens. The main reason I like fountain pens is because there are so many beautiful shapes and elegant designs that make the pen look unique, refined, elegant and expensive. You feel you are holding something in your hand that has "quality". I want my ink to be waterproof and fade proof. So I use DeAtramentis Document Ink. Only one big problem - the nib. Fountain pen nibs are elegant and attractive but they are delicate. I don't like the idea when I am outside or if I am in an office and I have to "whip out" my pen to write something down that I have to be careful that I don't knock it against something or accidently knock the nib against the desk so that I have now ruined the nib. I don't like that feeling I have to be extra careful with the nib every time I take out my fountain pen, especially if you are sitting at a cafe table.
    Then you have all these inexpensive pens like Pilot, Uniball etc. and gel pens that are both waterproof and fade proof. That is what I want an ink that is waterproof and fade proof and all these "plasticky" pens have great solid inks. But one major problem. They look and feel cheap!
    I want a pen that has a ball point or roller ball at the nib so that it is practical and I can wave it about without having the fear that it is so delicate it is going to break. I want the ink to be waterproof and fade proof. And I want that pen to look and feel "quality"!
    And yet there seems to be NO pen in the market that fulfills these needs!
    When I pick up the Uni-ball Eye rollerball pen or a Pilot G2 pen I love it because I don't have to be extra careful with the nib. I don't have to worry about knocking the nib against any surface and ruining it. If you "whip-out" a founatain pen at a table in a cafe, it looks as if it doesn't belong there and is not very practical because you can easily knock the nib. You always have to be on guard in protecting the nib.
    The Uni-ball Eye rollerball pen or a Pilot G2 pen are highly practical pens. You can take it anywhere. But... they look and feel cheap! The irony is it is the very cheap pens massively produced like Uni-ball Eye rollerball pens that have waterproof and fade proof inks.
    Fountain pens are great in that they look and feel expensive. You feel you are holding on to something that has quality. The downside is the nib. It is not really a practical pen that you can "whip out" anywhere. You always feel you have to be protective to the nib. The fountain pen is really more for being used behind a desk in an office where you are going to write long essays. Not really for quick note taking.
    Hence, why I thought I would look at the Rollerball market because there you can find quality looking roller ball pens that have the look and feel of an expensive fountain pen. But again, there is one major downside to all these Rollerball pens like Parker, Waterman, Visconti etc. None of their inks are Waterproof or fade proof! WTF! Waterman produces an ink that literally washes off in seconds when wet! And yet cheap pens like Uni-ball Eye rollerball pen have great inks that are both waterproof and fade proof! The downside is they all look and feel cheap in the hand.
    Hence, I look at Refillable Rollerball pens you can refill with fountain pen inks. My hope was to use my De Atramentis Document Ink that is waterproof and fade proof and put it into Refillable Rollerball pen that looks elegant. I was hoping to find a Refillable Rollerball pen that looks elegant and has the look of quality to it. Instead, I find all these Refillable Rollerball pens look like another cheap and "plasticky" Uni-ball Eye rollerball pen!
    Why should I bother using a Refillable Rollerball pen like the Pilot V7 Hi-Tecpoint to fill it with fade proof and waterproof ink when it looks as cheap as the Uni-ball Eye rollerball pen that already uses fade proof and waterproof ink? I feel like I am walking around with running shoes with these pens. If I'm in an office, it would be nice to hold an elegant pen that looks solid. The downside is these elegant looking pens have inks that are not waterproof.
    There was the Monteverde Engage. I was going to purchase that pen because at least it looked better than most pens but... I discovered it has writing issues.
    It comes down to this. You have great quality inks both waterproof and fade proof coming from cheap "plasticky" pens but they look cheap and feel cheap! But if you want to hold a pen in your hand that is practical and looks expensive, unique and has the feeling of quality in your hands you go for the more expensive Rollerball pens but the inks are NOT waterproof and fade proof like the cheap pens! I give up!

    • @unsharpen
      @unsharpen  3 роки тому +1

      Maybe get a pigmented (permanent) gel refill and put it in a nice pen body? Find the body you like the best and you can surely find a good refill to match it. If you specifically want to use fountain pen ink then you be more limited as rollerballs that use fountain pen ink tend not to be great. I think you'd be better served with a rollerball body with something like the Pentel EnerGel Pro or a Uni-ball Signo 207+ refill

    • @wolf7379
      @wolf7379 3 роки тому

      @@unsharpen Many thanks for the reply. Apologies for the far-too-long rant I made above. I was spending hours on the internet looking at so many pens trying to find the right one and I was up till about 2:30 in the morning. By that time I was tired and frustrated, and I kept repeating myself in the above comment.
      You're absolutely right. Looking through a whole load of pens I purchased many years ago, I came across a beautiful Waterman Expert rollerball in red lacquer. I took out a Pilot G2 refill and put it into the Waterman rollerball. It fits!
      I will purchase some time in the future the refills for Pentel EnerGel Pro or Uni-ball Signo 207 and see if they fit into the Waterman rollerball.
      Many thanks for your reply and suggestion.

  • @gab194bbece7
    @gab194bbece7 3 роки тому +2

    You always interview cool pens😉

  • @michaeljacobs7995
    @michaeljacobs7995 2 роки тому

    I like the Skilcracft Liquid Magnus, but it's one of those pens that isn't sold unless in bulk from office suppliers. The 0.5mm is my preferred thickness, the 0.7mm is an ink hose that tends to bleed through most paper I've come across pretty fast. The 0.5 mm is more miserly and neat on paper for me.

  • @AJ-iu6nw
    @AJ-iu6nw 3 роки тому +1

    Hi i'm new to the hobby - can you fully explain to me everything about interchangable pen bodies and refills for rollerballs?

    • @unsharpen
      @unsharpen  3 роки тому

      Check this out unsharpen.com/pen-refill-guide/

  • @humanfirst11
    @humanfirst11 3 роки тому

    So what are your thoughts on the Lamy Swift rollerball? And do you feel that the newer M66 refills are actually good compared to older ones? The schmidt 8126/8127/8120 are so difficult to find that I am willing to work with the M66 instead.
    On the other hand there are the Schmidt 888 and the 5888, which I have no idea whether better or worse than the M66.
    Good review as always.

  • @MaskedInsaneMan
    @MaskedInsaneMan 3 роки тому +1

    My I first found your videos about 9 months ago and started using ohto ceramic rollerball c-310 cartridges. It is the most smooth writing experience I ever had. Previously I was using standard space pens and buying my pens from Staples. Love your videos and the reviews help me find neat pens.

    • @humanfirst11
      @humanfirst11 3 роки тому

      Are you still able to find the c-310 refills?

  • @Aco747lyte
    @Aco747lyte 3 роки тому

    For information only, the OHTO Dude Rollerball Pen CB-10DD is available in either 'electric ' blue or violet for just £14.95 is you guys shop around. 😉

  • @ashsmall8103
    @ashsmall8103 3 роки тому +1

    i know its a promotional pen but the bic grip rollerball is amazing. please review it 2 let more know about this cheap diamond in the rough

  • @JayMannStuff
    @JayMannStuff 3 роки тому

    Just bought my 3rd Ohto Dude, arrives yesterday
    Very good pen, a bit heavy for prolonged use.

    • @unsharpen
      @unsharpen  3 роки тому +2

      Yea it’s a bit bulky but a great deal

    • @JayMannStuff
      @JayMannStuff 3 роки тому

      @@unsharpen Oh yeah, for sure. Very ergonomic for me. Very smooth. Great refill, one of the best. Feels of quality. Love the enamel/paint on the outside. Design is also a bit of an acquired taste.

  • @penjamin15franklin24
    @penjamin15franklin24 3 роки тому +1

    The Ohto Dude looks great. I am going to pick that one up.

  • @tonayo27
    @tonayo27 9 місяців тому

    does ink smears or not?

  • @balajigayanu6563
    @balajigayanu6563 3 роки тому

    Attractive pen but how many cost

  • @amandastead125
    @amandastead125 2 роки тому

    Hi, I’m looking for a really nice refillable pen for my husband for Christmas. He really likes fountain pens but is heavy handed and breaks the nibs. So he has been using a Uniball Air. I’ve looked at lots of rollerballs - Lamy 2000, Graf Von Faber Castell, even the cheaper Mont Blanc, Parker, many more. He’s not bothered if it’s expensive, he just wants it to be right but I do want a nice pen for him to keep and I’m stuck for a gift so happy to spend more. Do you have any suggestions? Thank you

  • @gregorywoodbridge7590
    @gregorywoodbridge7590 3 роки тому +1

    Can you refill any of the ‘refillables ’ with fountain pen ink?

    • @adobotachibana732
      @adobotachibana732 3 роки тому +1

      yes, but you may want to stick to lubricated or flowy inks

  • @dashsunil
    @dashsunil 3 роки тому +1

    Very nice video. The ohto looks great. 😁

    • @unsharpen
      @unsharpen  3 роки тому

      Yea it’s a cool pen and a good deal

  • @ronan8485
    @ronan8485 3 роки тому

    What’s the best smudge free pen you know? Blue ink preferably

    • @unsharpen
      @unsharpen  3 роки тому

      I prefer quick drying gel pens, like the energel

  • @YoksnaParaDesign
    @YoksnaParaDesign 3 роки тому

    Any chance of making any of these pen tips swap with the Herbin metal roller ball pen cause you mentioned it was scratchy or tips on making it less scratchy

  • @criscavi19
    @criscavi19 2 роки тому

    What about pelikan pura?

  • @JaredWilliams0109
    @JaredWilliams0109 3 роки тому

    How about the Schneider Ray Cartridge Rollerball Pen? Do you like that rollerball still?

    • @unsharpen
      @unsharpen  3 роки тому

      I like it a lot but didn’t include it here because the reliability isn’t in keeping with these top performers

  • @contentconsumer487
    @contentconsumer487 3 роки тому

    Yes, the Tombow zoom great but heavy and doesn’t post well. I want them to bring back the Object. Have had an object for 22 years.

  • @rajmahtani4944
    @rajmahtani4944 3 роки тому +1

    You should try the waterman Phileas family of pens

    • @unsharpen
      @unsharpen  3 роки тому +1

      Waterman rollerball refills are excellent. I will likely need to do another article on the best rollerball *refills*

  • @HollywoodColt
    @HollywoodColt 3 роки тому

    Can you do a ballpoint pen list? Please and thanks

  • @visaeryon
    @visaeryon 2 роки тому

    Is there any metal body for pilot V7 ?

    • @unsharpen
      @unsharpen  2 роки тому +1

      No not that I know of

  • @cb7560
    @cb7560 3 роки тому

    Thanks for a really useful video. What I like about all of the Lamy rollerball range is you can get so many refills into their bodies. They can even take the Montblanc rollerball and finaliser refills (both of which are great writers). There is a Lamy pen to suit everyone, from the Vista to the 2000 rollerball.

    • @unsharpen
      @unsharpen  3 роки тому

      Yeah, Lamy rollerballs are surprisingly versatile. Great pickup, and I like how you can see what you are using with the Vista.

  • @drizzle1482
    @drizzle1482 3 роки тому

    is it possible to eye dropper the vision elite or the hi techpoint?

    • @unsharpen
      @unsharpen  3 роки тому

      Hm, possibly. I haven't tried. I'll check into it.

  • @timyoungnc
    @timyoungnc 3 роки тому

    What’s the best Parker gel refill for their ballpoint pens?

    • @cmoorhead1
      @cmoorhead1 3 роки тому +2

      Schneider Gelion 39 hands down. 2nd best is Schmidt EasyFlow 9000

    • @unsharpen
      @unsharpen  3 роки тому

      Yea the gelion is very good. Parker gel isn’t terrible either but Schneider is the best

  • @russellziebell9895
    @russellziebell9895 3 роки тому

    Why no BIC rollerball pens in review like the needle point Pro Glide?

    • @unsharpen
      @unsharpen  3 роки тому

      No reason, just didn’t make the cut

  • @andrewjune5051
    @andrewjune5051 3 роки тому

    Great video. Love being introduced to new stationary. Definitely gonna have to check out those Stabilo pens. On a side note, did you get a new microphone for audio? Notice your W’s are kinda breathy and you’re popping on the P’s. Other than that it seems clearer and louder than your older vids.

    • @unsharpen
      @unsharpen  3 роки тому

      Yes, testing a new setup. Good ears. Lighting is ok. One day I’ll figure out audio.

  • @abd91fat
    @abd91fat 3 роки тому

    bic pen 730r 0.7
    You should try it sal

    • @unsharpen
      @unsharpen  3 роки тому

      I believe this is no longer made. or maybe it's just no longer sold in the US, but I'll investigate. Thank you.

  • @SteelBlueVision
    @SteelBlueVision 3 роки тому +1

    0:22 What are the pros/cons of gel vs rollerballs. They are both water based and produce such similar lines, but clearly each has advantages/disadvantages.

    • @unsharpen
      @unsharpen  3 роки тому

      unsharpen.com/gel-vs-rollerball/

  • @justicekagun9632
    @justicekagun9632 3 роки тому

    Pilot is always pilot best 👍👍

  • @thomaskrawchuk4940
    @thomaskrawchuk4940 3 роки тому

    Can you do a video on Handwriting?

    • @unsharpen
      @unsharpen  3 роки тому +1

      Ha. Unsharpen Scribbles 101 coming soon

  • @Shmengeroonie
    @Shmengeroonie 3 роки тому +1

    I’m a pen nut too!

    • @unsharpen
      @unsharpen  3 роки тому

      You came to the right channel

  • @Rahul-wj6tk
    @Rahul-wj6tk 3 роки тому +25

    Are you a doctor? You should be a doctor, your handwriting is already there.

    • @benzpinto
      @benzpinto 3 роки тому

      haha. thats both a compliment and an insult at the same time

  • @TheNegoneco
    @TheNegoneco 3 роки тому

    You forgot to write with the Tombow! 😥

  • @sabinehofberger5112
    @sabinehofberger5112 3 роки тому +1

    I prefer pencils. Cause rollerball refills produce soooooo many waste!!

  • @HollywoodColt
    @HollywoodColt 3 роки тому

    I'm more of a ballpoint pen kinda guy!

  • @mrstofu2
    @mrstofu2 3 роки тому

    How many times can he say rollerball

    • @unsharpen
      @unsharpen  3 роки тому

      Ha the video is about rollerballs

  • @no.7711
    @no.7711 3 роки тому

    What kind of monster would dislike a video about pens?

  • @machi_dev
    @machi_dev Рік тому

    please, a pop filter 🥲

    • @unsharpen
      @unsharpen  Рік тому

      Newer videos have one in use! Thanks for the note.

    • @machi_dev
      @machi_dev Рік тому

      @@unsharpen I had a feeling because of how old the video is that might be the case. Just doing some shopping and came across this video :D

  • @57125
    @57125 3 роки тому

    Dude is pronounced "u da"

    • @unsharpen
      @unsharpen  3 роки тому

      really? any reference or link to explain? Thanks