The Ultimate Parker Rollerball Pen Guide
The Parker rollerball is the quintessential pen for the smoothest writing experience because of its consistent, pressure-less, liquid ink that provides a smooth handwriting flow. Popularised in the 1970s, a classic Parker rollerball pen is designed for graciousness, precision and convenience with its firm, comfortable grip and instantaneous ink flow. Just like Parker ballpoints, Parker rollerball pens get their name from a small rotating ball at its top that dispenses ink, however, rather than oil-based ink, Parker rollerballs use thin water or gel-based ink.
What makes a Parker rollerball pen unique?
Unlike traditional Parker ballpoint pens which use oil-based ink, Parker rollerball pens are built to suit liquid/gel-based ink which have a thinner viscosity, flowing faster and therefore provide a smoother, vivid writing experience. As a result, Parker rollerball pens require little-to-no pressure when pressed on paper. The tip of a Parker rollerball pen is a small ball that rolls as you write, immediately spreading the ink as soon as it touches paper. Considering the quicker inflow of ink, writing with a Parker rollerball pen is completely seamless and soft.
Unlike other utensils because of their fluidity, Parker rollerball inks are clear and bold, typically available in a wide variety of colours like red, blue, purple, black etc.
Should I get a Parker ballpoint, fountain or rollerball pen?
While Parker rollerball pens are precise and convenient - great for faster handwriting, they do have a few limitations. Unlike Parker ballpoint refills which are designed with a longer life span, Parker rollerball refills have a shorter life cycle and require more periodic refills - you may need to carry spare refills to ensure you have enough ink for your writing.
In addition, unlike Parker ballpoint pens which use oil-based ink that drys on paper instantaneously, Parker rollerball pens use water/gel-based ink that can smudge fairly easily in the moments after writing. This can be especially difficult for left-handed writers when their hand may slightly pass over, smudging the ink. You may have to wait for the ink to dry before you can resume.
Moreover, considering that Parker rollerball pens produce more vivid and bold lines if pressed down with an excessive amount of pressure, the ink may bleed through the pages, disturbing your writing.
Types of Parker rollerball pens:
Executive Pens Direct provides many sleek, reliable Parker rollerball pens, each contributing to a smooth, fluid writing experience. For that ultimate, timeless aesthetic, we recommend the iconic Parker Jotter which uses specially formulated ‘Quinkflow’ ink to give a smooth and clear line. If you’re looking for the perfect executive rollerball with a personalised engraving, we recommend the luxurious Parker Sonnet. Each Parker rollerball is available in a variety of bold colours and magnificent materials.
Some of the finest Parker rollerball pens are available from our store, including the stylish and contemporary Parker IM collection which can be customised in a range of colours from classical gold finishes to modern brushed chrome barrels. We also provide many Parker rollerball gift sets, the perfect present for the executive in your life.
How do I choose the right Parker rollerball pen?
Among our ample range of quality, premium Parker rollerball pens to choose between, there are many factors to consider to suit your specific utensil needs, whether that be size, weight, colour, material, barrel, comfort, ink etc. Finding the right rollerball is a completely personal experience, below is a collection of rollerball pens that are top sellers on our market.
Parker Jotter Rollerball
Highly professional and polished, the Parker Jotter rollerball is an ideal partner, utilised with a smooth writing tip and a Parker Quink ink.The Parker Jotter has a tapered silhouette for ergonomic writing, finished with classic brushed metal and gleaming gold trims. The Parker Jotter rollerball is complete with a luxury, redesigned Parker gift box and writes in black Parker Rollerball Quink ink.
Parker Urban Rollerball
Redesigned for 2017, the Parker Urban collection is cooler and more modern than ever. Not only does the Parker Urban look vibrant with its lustrous silver trims, it’s also practical with an ergonomic silhouette body that ensures a strain-free, enjoyable writing session. This Parker Urban rollerball writes and writes in black Parker Rollerball Quink ink, complete with a luxury Parker gift box.
Parker IM Rollerball
Redesigned and restyled in 2017, the Parker Instant Message is a smart, polished, and classic Parker rollerball with a modern twist. Finished with an attractive lacquer and lustrous gold trims, the Parker IM’s tip ensures smooth, neat writing while the ink is dependably quick-drying and consistent. The Parker IM rollerball writes in blue Parker Rollerball Quink ink.
Parker Jotter Originals Rollerball
Iconic and brightly coloured since 1954, the Parker Jotter Originals is a staple range that has built up a profound reputation among both writers and doodlers alike. The Parker Jotter Originals rollerball has a stainless steel cap that is paired with a glossy, colourful barrel. The revamped Parker Jotter is perfect for using every day or for giving as a gift on those special moments and occasions. Perfectly pocket-sized, this Parker Jotter can also be engraved for a truly personalised gift. The Parker Jotter Originals rollerball writes in blue Parker Rollerball Quink ink.
How do I refill my Parker rollerball pen?
In general, rollerball pens have a shorter life span than other utensils, henceforth, you will be refilling your rollerball frequently. Parker rollerball pens can only use Parker rollerball ink that comes in multiple sizes to suit their extensive range of pens - Fine, Medium and Broad.
Once you have the right Parker refill that suits your Parker rollerball, hold your pen horizontally, unscrew the body from the holding section, remove the plastic cap from the refill. Insert the refill into the holding section and push through so you can see the tip. Screw the body back to the holding section.
Parker IM Premium Rollerball
Parker Sonnet Rollerball
Designed with elegance and style in mind, the Parker Sonnet rollerball is a superior writing instrument at an affordable price, perfect for any pen devotee. The rollerball is refined with an array of materials, the utensil has a stainless steel barrel, finished with a brushed light-textured high polish, topped off with 23-carat gold plated trims and a Parker stamp. The Parker Sonnet rollerball is complete with a luxury, redesigned Parker gift box and writes in black Parker Rollerball Quink ink.
Parker Special Edition Rollerballs
Parker have developed a number of unique, limited collection over the years. Inspired by ambition and unbounded dreams, the Parker Sonnet Special Edition Collection provides timeless Parker Sonnet ballpoint and rollerball pens, each with an iconic stainless steel and gold trim. The Parker IM Premium Collection oozes sophistication as well as being practical and reliable, providing elegant Parker IM fountain and rollerball pens.
Executive Pens Direct offers a bountiful range of luxurious ballpoint, fountain, rollerball and Parker pens, each varied in their size, colour, comfort, shape, and utility. If you’re looking for a more precise, timeless feel that improves your writing flow, we recommend our Parker rollerball collection. If you’d like a more classic, iconic utensil that captures its era, we recommend our fountain collection from many leading brands. If you’re interested in a comprehensive article on the differences between ballpoint and rollerball pens, then check out Pens.com piece here.